Distance 254 km (158.8 miles) | |
Price range US$566-US$1,032 | |
Ride Duration 6h 50m | |
Earliest Departure 17:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
This is the start of a journey that will stay with you for the rest of your life. You're going to be crossing borders in South America as you head along the Pan-American Highway in search of white sand beaches, surfable swells and some of the best ceviche Peru has to offer.
Before you find out how to get from Guayaquil to Mancora, you’ll need to know how to cross the border from Ecuador to Peru. Now, don’t freak out. This is a tried and tested route. Many, many travelers, families and workers have headed this way in the past
It’s a good chance to compare the cultures of the two countries as well as ticking off the sights on a South American road trip that you’ll never forget.
The best way to get from Guayaquil to Mancora is by tourist bus—it drives right through the border control without any hassle. You can also take a minivan or private car, but these may stop at the border. Tourist buses are good fun (read: noisy) and a great way to meet other travelers.
All buses are air-conditioned and have English-speaking staff on board. Seats recline to practically horizontal on some buses and semi-recline on others. There's also a washroom and personal televisions, USB charge points and a blanket to get cozy during the day or night.
The bus from Guayaquil to Mancora has seat prices starting from US$26. It’s very affordable and, if you're traveling through the night, it saves you money on having to book accommodation. Snacks and drinks are sold onboard. WiFi is accessible in places.
Want more privacy? Private cars or minivans are your best transport options. Both are more expensive than buses, although minivans can actually work out to be quite reasonable if traveling in a small group.
Private cars can comfortably accommodate three people and are great for small families. Most private hire cars in the region are well-maintained. Air conditioning will always be on, and most drivers will speak English. Don’t worry about the long ride. Comfort breaks will be taken along the way.
Small groups (7 – 9 travelers) might choose to travel from Guayaquil to Mancora by minivan. It's a more flexible option than a tourist bus as you can decide when to leave and where to be picked up. In addition, there’s usually more space to stretch your legs in a minivan.
If you're not a fan of overland travel, you're going to be out of luck. At the time of writing, no airlines fly this route. The only flight that comes close has a change at Talara Airport before requiring a bus to take you the rest of the ten-hour journey. So, it’s not worth it.
Driving over the border from Ecuador to Peru is very straightforward if you're traveling by bus. The Guayaquil to Mancora bus schedule incorporates the border crossing.
Most tourist buses will cross at Aguas Verdes. They navigate border controls easily as the visa is paid for, and you show your passport when you board the bus.
If you opt for a private hire car or minivan, you may need to leave the vehicle to show your documents at the border control center. Then you’ll need to walk across the border bridge and pick up another vehicle in Peru. It can be time-consuming and may involve lengthy queues, so be prepared.
The Guayaquil to Mancora bus starts off in the Ecuadorian countryside and ends alongside Peru's stunning coastline. Along the way, you'll pass by farmer's fields, small towns and villages before hitting the main highway south.
There will be plenty to see along the 8-hour journey. On the highway, you're bound to pass all types of vehicles and several more built-up urban areas.
If you're traveling at night, you're not likely to see much at all. Service stations and border controls will be the brightest highlight of the trip when the sun's down. Best advice is to use the still of the night wisely and get some rest—make the most of those 160 reclining bus seats.
If you're traveling by private hire car or minivan, you'll take the same coastal highway route as you do by bus. As a result, you’ll get to witness the very same scenes, just closer to the ground. You'll also have the option to stop where you like for a scenic rest stop.
No matter which way you slice it, the distance from Guayaquil to Mancora is 369 kilometers (229 miles) so prepare for a long ride.
Taking a bus
It's a fairly long journey, but it can be comfortable if you choose the right transport from Guayaquil to Mancora. The 160° reclining seat bus organized by Cruz del Sur is the most popular option for travelers.
Traveling by bus with reclining seats is the most efficient and affordable option for this route. There are two service providers for this type of transport: Cruz del Sur and Civa. Both are reputable companies and provide a total of four daily departures. Bus tickets start from as little as US$26 per passenger.
Crossing the border from Ecuador to Peru is very easy by bus. You basically drive straight through since travel documents are checked at the time of departure.
Taking a private car
If you prefer the privacy and peace of mind of traveling with people you know, take a private hire car or minivan to get from Guayaquil to Mancora. Even though it’s more money, it’s more flexible, and the journey is a bit shorter than by bus.
It usually takes about six hours, door to door. However, it may not be quite as comfortable as getting some sleep on a 160 reclining seat on a bus.
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