Our trip back from Tumbes, Peru to Cuenca, Ecuador was a sequence of wonderful timing.
We arrived at the CIFA bus terminal in Tumbes, Peru at 7:45am and caught the 8:00am bus to Machala, Ecuador. The bus stops at both the Peruvian and Ecuadorian immigration offices. They are approx 1/2 mile apart and cost $1.50 for a taxi.
When we arrived at the Ecuadorian immigration, we were told we could only obtain a 2 day transit visa, but when I showed the new 3 month Ecuadorian visa to the same immigration officer as we had last Thursday, he had little choice but to stamp our passports with the date and time of entry into Ecuador. (Photo is of Ecuadorian Immigration Office.)
We arrived in Machala, Ecuador at 3:30pm, pulled our luggage several blocks to the Azuay bus terminal where we were able to catch the 4:00pm bus to Cuenca. At the terminal, we had air-con and cold water – first time for both since leaving Ecuador for Peru. We arrived in Cuenca at 8:30pm and had to find somewhere to stay.
Where we had stayed before leaving for Peru, ‘Partamentos Torongo’, was full due to Carnaval. So were several other monthly, furnished apartments.
Luckily, we were able to stay just over a week with Joe and Marie Marchkii in their six-bedroom house. We all got along well and Joe really enjoyed Mai’s cooking. Joe has an extensive selection of movies which we watched each evening.
Meanwhile, our friend, Jose, kept looking for an apartment and we finally found one.
We finally succeeded in obtaining new three month multi-entry Ecuadorian visa in Tumbes.
We have adapted somewhat to the vicissitudes of South America.
