[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Much about the airport’s opening tomorrow is up in the air (sorry for the unintended pun). I can’t find any information about your question but I’ll keep looking. From your other question it appears you’re going to Otavalo. Your best source of info will be the bus station there.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

You can go to Terminal Norte (also called terminal Carcelen). All taxi drivers know where this is.

(There is only one direct bus to Cotacachi, I am told — I can’t verify its existence as I’ve never taken it. It leaves some time around 5 am in the morning.) The buses to Otavalo run every 20 minutes or so. Buy a ticket for $2 at the window and they will also charge you 15 cents for a terminal fee.  If you take luggage, watch them stow it and be sure you keep an eye when passengers depart that they don’t claim your luggage.  Not to worry, the likelihood of this happening is small. But it pays to be vigilant. If the bus is full, don’t put your stuff on the floor or overhead, but hold it on your lap.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I shipped our TV’s from the US, hooked them up with DirectTV in Cuenca, and they work just the same as before. I think you’ll be fine.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I couldn’t agree more. Beyond exaggeration, I’d call this total fabrication. In Cuenca I’ve never personally experienced, or even heard of such a thing. Hogwash!

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

I’d love to be of assistance, Daniel, but I’m not a dog owner and know nothing about your questions. Sorry.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

San Bartolome is the main village. Perhaps the artisans there can direct you to other spots.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Exotic pets are extremely rare in Ecuador so I think not, but you can check with a customs agent to verify.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

You’ll be flying into either Quito or Guayaquil, and both airports have international brand name rental companies with which you are familiar. Check their websites for information on rates.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Your time frame is too far out for her to have any idea regarding availability. I’d suggest checking back closer to the time of your arrival.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Don’t think for another minute about traveler’s checks. They would cause nothing but complications here. Bringing some cash is fine (nothing above 20’s though), but most ATM’s at least in Cuenca charge no fee at all. I don’t even have a local checking account, choosing instead to maintain my banking relationship in the US and pull cash from ATM’s as needed. If you stick your card in a machine and it requires a fee, just reject the transaction and go to one from a different bank. I normally use Bank of Pichincha.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Indeed I can. Contact Dra. Maria Eugenia Almeida in Quito. Her email is mealmeida@puntonet.ec. She is extremely well-organized and totally professional. She also speaks excellent English. From personal experience I recommend her to you without hesitation.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Our other cell phone service provider is Movistar.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Yes.

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

When you say “moving people” I’m not sure if you’re referring to the guys loading your container or the folks handling your shipment. Don’t worry about the moving guys–they’re used to picking up heavy stuff. Regarding the inventory, you need to make it as detailed as possible without getting crazy. Like the kitchen box I mentioned earlier, if you list every single doodad in the drawers you’ll be miserable. For example, of our 162 boxes (Yikes!), #117 said “set of kitchen dishes, 2 plastic containers,” & #118 said “electric mixer, garlic holder, plastic cups, plates, & utensils.”

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Bicycles are not used for transportation here anywhere near SE Asia. They are primarily for recreation. We have several nice bike shops in Cuenca, and there are numerous biking clubs that ride together each week. Riding bikes in the historic district is hazardous, but the suburbs and outlying areas are excellent for riding.

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