Mompiche's charm lies in its remoteness. Surrounded by lush jungle and winding coastal roads, getting here is part of the adventure. If you are starting your journey in the capital, here is everything you need to know about how to get to Mompiche from Quito.
Option 1: The Direct Bus (Most Popular Backpacking Route)
The most cost-effective way to reach the coast from Quito is by taking one of the overnight or early-morning public buses. This journey takes you from the high-altitude Andes down into the humid coastal plains.
- The Route: Go to the Terminal Terrestre Carcelén (the northern bus terminal in Quito).
- The Company: Look for the Trans Esmeraldas or Aerotaxi bus companies. You want a bus heading towards the city of Esmeraldas.
- Duration & Cost: The trip to Esmeraldas takes about 6–8 hours and costs roughly $10-$15 USD.
- The Transfer: Once you arrive at the Esmeraldas bus terminal, you must catch a secondary, local bus heading south towards Muisne or Chamanga. Tell the driver you are going to El Desvío de Mompiche (the Mompiche turnoff). This takes another 2-3 hours.
- The Final Leg: Get dropped off at the Mompiche turnoff. From there, it's a 10-minute
ride into town via a local truck taxi (camioneta) or a mototaxi for
Mompiche's charm lies in its remoteness. Surrounded by lush jungle and winding coastal roads, getting here is part of the adventure. If you are starting your journey in the capital, here is everything you need to know about how to get to Mompiche from Quito.
Option 1: The Direct Bus (Most Popular Backpacking Route)
The most cost-effective way to reach the coast from Quito is by taking one of the overnight or early-morning public buses. This journey takes you from the high-altitude Andes down into the humid coastal plains.
- The Route: Go to the Terminal Terrestre Carcelén (the northern bus terminal in Quito).
- The Company: Look for the Trans Esmeraldas or Aerotaxi bus companies. You want a bus heading towards the city of Esmeraldas.
- Duration & Cost: The trip to Esmeraldas takes about 6–8 hours and costs roughly $10-$15 USD.
- The Transfer: Once you arrive at the Esmeraldas bus terminal, you must catch a secondary, local bus heading south towards Muisne or Chamanga. Tell the driver you are going to El Desvío de Mompiche (the Mompiche turnoff). This takes another 2-3 hours.
- The Final Leg: Get dropped off at the Mompiche turnoff. From there, it's a 10-minute
ride into town via a local truck taxi (camioneta) or a mototaxi for
- Mompiche's charm lies in its remoteness. Surrounded by lush jungle and winding coastal roads, getting here is part of the adventure. If you are starting your journey in the capital, here is everything you need to know about how to get to Mompiche from Quito.
Option 1: The Direct Bus (Most Popular Backpacking Route)
The most cost-effective way to reach the coast from Quito is by taking one of the overnight or early-morning public buses. This journey takes you from the high-altitude Andes down into the humid coastal plains.
- The Route: Go to the Terminal Terrestre Carcelén (the northern bus terminal in Quito).
- The Company: Look for the Trans Esmeraldas or Aerotaxi bus companies. You want a bus heading towards the city of Esmeraldas.
- Duration & Cost: The trip to Esmeraldas takes about 6–8 hours and costs roughly $10-$15 USD.
- The Transfer: Once you arrive at the Esmeraldas bus terminal, you must catch a secondary, local bus heading south towards Muisne or Chamanga. Tell the driver you are going to El Desvío de Mompiche (the Mompiche turnoff). This takes another 2-3 hours.
- The Final Leg: Get dropped off at the Mompiche turnoff. From there, it's a 10-minute
ride into town via a local truck taxi (camioneta) or a mototaxi for
Mompiche's charm lies in its remoteness. Surrounded by lush jungle and winding coastal roads, getting here is part of the adventure. If you are starting your journey in the capital, here is everything you need to know about how to get to Mompiche from Quito.
Option 1: The Direct Bus (Most Popular Backpacking Route)
The most cost-effective way to reach the coast from Quito is by taking one of the overnight or early-morning public buses. This journey takes you from the high-altitude Andes down into the humid coastal plains.
- The Route: Go to the Terminal Terrestre Carcelén (the northern bus terminal in Quito).
- The Company: Look for the Trans Esmeraldas or Aerotaxi bus companies. You want a bus heading towards the city of Esmeraldas.
- Duration & Cost: The trip to Esmeraldas takes about 6–8 hours and costs roughly $10-$15 USD.
- The Transfer: Once you arrive at the Esmeraldas bus terminal, you must catch a secondary, local bus heading south towards Muisne or Chamanga. Tell the driver you are going to El Desvío de Mompiche (the Mompiche turnoff). This takes another 2-3 hours.
- The Final Leg: Get dropped off at the Mompiche turnoff. From there, it's a 10-minute ride into town via a local truck taxi (camioneta) or a mototaxi for $1-$2.
Option 2: Shared Shuttle or Private Taxi
If you have the budget, or if you are traveling with a group and multiple surfboards, moving overland via a private driver is vastly more comfortable and faster.
- Direct Transfer: A private taxi from Quito directly to Mompiche takes about 6-7 hours. The driver will take the scenic route down the mountains and drop you directly at your hostel door.
- Cost: Usually around $150-$200 USD total. If split between 4 people, it becomes highly logical.
- Tip: Always negotiate the price confirming that tolls and gas are included before getting in. The Mudhouse Hostel staff can happily arrange a trusted driver for you.
Option 3: Driving a Rental Car
Driving in Ecuador is an incredible way to see the drastically shifting landscapes, but it's not for the faint of heart due to mountain fog and winding roads.
The best and most scenic route from Quito is via Santo Domingo and then heading straight west toward the coast, turning north up the scenic coastal highway once you hit Pedernales.
Continue Reading
-$2.Arrive and Unwind at The Mudhouse Hostel
After a long journey from the Andes to the ocean, there is no better place to drop your bags. At The Mudhouse Hostel, we'll have a cold beer waiting for you at the Goodvibes Lounge. Settle into a hammock, connect to our fiber Wi-Fi, and let the jungle rhythms take over.
Message Us on WhatsApp for Taxi Assistance
Option 2: Shared Shuttle or Private Taxi
If you have the budget, or if you are traveling with a group and multiple surfboards, moving overland via a private driver is vastly more comfortable and faster.
- Direct Transfer: A private taxi from Quito directly to Mompiche takes about 6-7 hours. The driver will take the scenic route down the mountains and drop you directly at your hostel door.
- Cost: Usually around $150-$200 USD total. If split between 4 people, it becomes highly logical.
- Tip: Always negotiate the price confirming that tolls and gas are included before getting in. The Mudhouse Hostel staff can happily arrange a trusted driver for you.
Option 3: Driving a Rental Car
Driving in Ecuador is an incredible way to see the drastically shifting landscapes, but it's not for the faint of heart due to mountain fog and winding roads.
The best and most scenic route from Quito is via Santo Domingo and then heading straight west toward the coast, turning north up the scenic coastal highway once you hit Pedernales.
Continue Reading
.Arrive and Unwind at The Mudhouse Hostel
After a long journey from the Andes to the ocean, there is no better place to drop your bags. At The Mudhouse Hostel, we'll have a cold beer waiting for you at the Goodvibes Lounge. Settle into a hammock, connect to our fiber Wi-Fi, and let the jungle rhythms take over.
Message Us on WhatsApp for Taxi Assistance
Option 2: Shared Shuttle or Private Taxi
If you have the budget, or if you are traveling with a group and multiple surfboards, moving overland via a private driver is vastly more comfortable and faster.
- Direct Transfer: A private taxi from Quito directly to Mompiche takes about 6-7 hours. The driver will take the scenic route down the mountains and drop you directly at your hostel door.
- Cost: Usually around $150-$200 USD total. If split between 4 people, it becomes highly logical.
- Tip: Always negotiate the price confirming that tolls and gas are included before getting in. The Mudhouse Hostel staff can happily arrange a trusted driver for you.
Option 3: Driving a Rental Car
Driving in Ecuador is an incredible way to see the drastically shifting landscapes, but it's not for the faint of heart due to mountain fog and winding roads.
The best and most scenic route from Quito is via Santo Domingo and then heading straight west toward the coast, turning north up the scenic coastal highway once you hit Pedernales.
Continue Reading
-Arrive and Unwind at The Mudhouse Hostel
After a long journey from the Andes to the ocean, there is no better place to drop your bags. At The Mudhouse Hostel, we'll have a cold beer waiting for you at the Goodvibes Lounge. Settle into a hammock, connect to our fiber Wi-Fi, and let the jungle rhythms take over.
Message Us on WhatsApp for Taxi AssistanceMompiche's charm lies in its remoteness. Surrounded by lush jungle and winding coastal roads, getting here is part of the adventure. If you are starting your journey in the capital, here is everything you need to know about how to get to Mompiche from Quito.
Option 1: The Direct Bus (Most Popular Backpacking Route)
The most cost-effective way to reach the coast from Quito is by taking one of the overnight or early-morning public buses. This journey takes you from the high-altitude Andes down into the humid coastal plains.
- The Route: Go to the Terminal Terrestre Carcelén (the northern bus terminal in Quito).
- The Company: Look for the Trans Esmeraldas or Aerotaxi bus companies. You want a bus heading towards the city of Esmeraldas.
- Duration & Cost: The trip to Esmeraldas takes about 6–8 hours and costs roughly $10-$15 USD.
- The Transfer: Once you arrive at the Esmeraldas bus terminal, you must catch a secondary, local bus heading south towards Muisne or Chamanga. Tell the driver you are going to El Desvío de Mompiche (the Mompiche turnoff). This takes another 2-3 hours.
- The Final Leg: Get dropped off at the Mompiche turnoff. From there, it's a 10-minute
ride into town via a local truck taxi (camioneta) or a mototaxi for
Mompiche's charm lies in its remoteness. Surrounded by lush jungle and winding coastal roads, getting here is part of the adventure. If you are starting your journey in the capital, here is everything you need to know about how to get to Mompiche from Quito.
Option 1: The Direct Bus (Most Popular Backpacking Route)
The most cost-effective way to reach the coast from Quito is by taking one of the overnight or early-morning public buses. This journey takes you from the high-altitude Andes down into the humid coastal plains.
- The Route: Go to the Terminal Terrestre Carcelén (the northern bus terminal in Quito).
- The Company: Look for the Trans Esmeraldas or Aerotaxi bus companies. You want a bus heading towards the city of Esmeraldas.
- Duration & Cost: The trip to Esmeraldas takes about 6–8 hours and costs roughly $10-$15 USD.
- The Transfer: Once you arrive at the Esmeraldas bus terminal, you must catch a secondary, local bus heading south towards Muisne or Chamanga. Tell the driver you are going to El Desvío de Mompiche (the Mompiche turnoff). This takes another 2-3 hours.
- The Final Leg: Get dropped off at the Mompiche turnoff. From there, it's a 10-minute ride into town via a local truck taxi (camioneta) or a mototaxi for $1-$2.
Option 2: Shared Shuttle or Private Taxi
If you have the budget, or if you are traveling with a group and multiple surfboards, moving overland via a private driver is vastly more comfortable and faster.
- Direct Transfer: A private taxi from Quito directly to Mompiche takes about 6-7 hours. The driver will take the scenic route down the mountains and drop you directly at your hostel door.
- Cost: Usually around $150-$200 USD total. If split between 4 people, it becomes highly logical.
- Tip: Always negotiate the price confirming that tolls and gas are included before getting in. The Mudhouse Hostel staff can happily arrange a trusted driver for you.
Option 3: Driving a Rental Car
Driving in Ecuador is an incredible way to see the drastically shifting landscapes, but it's not for the faint of heart due to mountain fog and winding roads.
The best and most scenic route from Quito is via Santo Domingo and then heading straight west toward the coast, turning north up the scenic coastal highway once you hit Pedernales.
Continue Reading
-$2.Arrive and Unwind at The Mudhouse Hostel
After a long journey from the Andes to the ocean, there is no better place to drop your bags. At The Mudhouse Hostel, we'll have a cold beer waiting for you at the Goodvibes Lounge. Settle into a hammock, connect to our fiber Wi-Fi, and let the jungle rhythms take over.
Message Us on WhatsApp for Taxi Assistance
Option 2: Shared Shuttle or Private Taxi
If you have the budget, or if you are traveling with a group and multiple surfboards, moving overland via a private driver is vastly more comfortable and faster.
- Direct Transfer: A private taxi from Quito directly to Mompiche takes about 6-7 hours. The driver will take the scenic route down the mountains and drop you directly at your hostel door.
- Cost: Usually around $150-$200 USD total. If split between 4 people, it becomes highly logical.
- Tip: Always negotiate the price confirming that tolls and gas are included before getting in. The Mudhouse Hostel staff can happily arrange a trusted driver for you.
Option 3: Driving a Rental Car
Driving in Ecuador is an incredible way to see the drastically shifting landscapes, but it's not for the faint of heart due to mountain fog and winding roads.
The best and most scenic route from Quito is via Santo Domingo and then heading straight west toward the coast, turning north up the scenic coastal highway once you hit Pedernales.
Continue Reading
.Arrive and Unwind at The Mudhouse Hostel
After a long journey from the Andes to the ocean, there is no better place to drop your bags. At The Mudhouse Hostel, we'll have a cold beer waiting for you at the Goodvibes Lounge. Settle into a hammock, connect to our fiber Wi-Fi, and let the jungle rhythms take over.
Message Us on WhatsApp for Taxi Assistance
Option 2: Shared Shuttle or Private Taxi
If you have the budget, or if you are traveling with a group and multiple surfboards, moving overland via a private driver is vastly more comfortable and faster.
- Direct Transfer: A private taxi from Quito directly to Mompiche takes about 6-7 hours. The driver will take the scenic route down the mountains and drop you directly at your hostel door.
- Cost: Usually around $150-$200 USD total. If split between 4 people, it becomes highly logical.
- Tip: Always negotiate the price confirming that tolls and gas are included before getting in. The Mudhouse Hostel staff can happily arrange a trusted driver for you.
Option 3: Driving a Rental Car
Driving in Ecuador is an incredible way to see the drastically shifting landscapes, but it's not for the faint of heart due to mountain fog and winding roads.
The best and most scenic route from Quito is via Santo Domingo and then heading straight west toward the coast, turning north up the scenic coastal highway once you hit Pedernales.
Continue Reading
Arrive and Unwind at The Mudhouse Hostel
After a long journey from the Andes to the ocean, there is no better place to drop your bags. At The Mudhouse Hostel, we'll have a cold beer waiting for you at the Goodvibes Lounge. Settle into a hammock, connect to our fiber Wi-Fi, and let the jungle rhythms take over.
Message Us on WhatsApp for Taxi Assistance