FAQs
Question
how do i get to Ayampe from the USA
Answer
Fly into Guayaquil Int. (GYE). Ask Matteo to have a driver waiting for you at the airport. The trip is about 3 hours (and $100 each way) for which your driver will be happy to stop for snacks, beer, food, and cold coconuts. If you arrive at night we recommend staying in a hotel in Guayaquil because it makes for a long day to travel internationally and then ride a taxi at night. That being said, it's plenty safe to travel and we'll be happy to send a driver if you prefer. If you have a much more convenient flight that arrives at Quito (UIO) then you can get a connecting flight to the city of Manta. Manta is about an hour and a half from Ayampe and is a scenic drive down the coast. The only reason I do not recommend this from the outset is because often the layover times (between quito and Manta) can be long to the point that it's not worth it.
Question
Is there a gift registry?
Answer
Your presence is mandatory, a gift is optional. In case you want to give a gift please remember you will have to fly it to Ecuador because we only have the classic Amazon jungle (amazon will not ship here) so please feel free to make a gift via venmo with a tag 'matteo and nataly,' to this account: @Vistamar_Ayampe If you do not have Venmo and would like to make a gift please contact Matteo, or Jenni or Bob. Thanks!
Question
What will the weather be like?
Answer
Fly into Guayaquil Int. (GYE). Ask Matteo to have a driver waiting for you at the airport. The trip is about 3 hours for which your driver will be happy to stop for snacks, beer, food, cold coconuts. If you arrive at night we reccomend staying in a hotel in Guayaquil becuase it makes for a long day to travel internationally and then ride a taxi at night. If you have a much more convient flight that arrives to Quito (UIO) then you can get a connecting flight to the city of Manta. Manta is about an hour and a half from Ayampe and is a scenic drive down the coast. The only reason I do not reccomend this from the outset is because often the layover times (between quito and Manta) can be long to the point that its not worth it.
Question
Passport, currency/atm, time zone, covid
Answer
****MAKE SURE YOUR PASSPORT HAS AT LEAST 7 MONTHS VALIDITY OR YOU WILL NOT BE LET IN THE COUNTRY***** *Ecuador is on the US dollar. Bring cash; small bills are better. There is an atm in the nearby town (20 min drive) of Puerto Lopez. If your lodging is already paid for, bring $500 to $1000 to be safe for a week. This will cover your taxi ride to and from, all the food, drinks, tours and any other miscellaneous purchases. *Ecuador is on US central time zone. *There are zero covid restrictions or requirements at the moment.
Question
How long should I stay for?
Answer
If you are wondering how long to stay, I highly recommend arriving in Ayampe by Tuesday (or earlier if you can), and Thursday at the latest so you will be fresh for the good times. Also, while we are only a 4 hour flight from Miami, and a 3 hour drive from the airport, it feels very draining to make the trip back and forth if you only spend a few days in Ayampe.