One night in Pasto got me ready for my border crossing heading to Quito, Ecuador. I left for Quito before first light, and I would reach the border crossing by around 8 am, for hopefully a fast border crossing.
I only had 216 miles(348 kilometres) to travel, as I always do shorter trips for border crossing days, so I thought I would arrive in Quito by just after midday.
The trip started beautifully, minimal traffic, beautiful mountains, and valleys and I were making a good time on my bike getting to the border. I stopped off a few times for a little break to admire some views.
Colombia was always going to be sad for me, after spending over a month here, the people, beautiful, the food, especially the soups, amazing and the riding, spectacular.
However, it was not to be, leaving Colombia took only 10 minutes, but entering Ecuador was over 3 hours. This was a mix of it being around Christmas and the fact they had only two people manning the booths and over 500 people in line. I expected it to be busier, but I arrived at 9 am and the ass on the front door, nearly ended my trip.
Leaving Colombia
- As you approach the border follow the signs and you will see two buildings on the left. Park between them (one is Aduana and one immigration)
- First go to the bigger one, around the front and through a gate, a military official will check your passport before you enter up the stairs.
- Next, go to immigration building (the first one where you parked your bike) it is a little door on the right and hand in your import paper, I took a copy (that wasn’t needed).
- Total Time was 10 minutes and $0
Entering Ecuador
- As you approach there will be a small military checkpoint.Show passport. Continue on.
- Then there will be one big building. Immigration is main part with a large entrance way. When I arrived there was a line of around 500 people, unbelievable, but as it was getting close to Christmas, bad timing, even though it was very early!
- It took me two and a half hours to get to the front door of immigration building, waiting in line.
- The guy manning the front door was checking passports and controlling the line. He was an arsehole, taking bribes and shaking hands with “helpers” with obvious money changing hands.
- He then stopped me and told me because of my small tear in the passport which was done by a border official in El Salvador, my passport was invalid. I told him I have been waiting 2 hours and would take my chances and just walked passed him into the building.
- Then I waited another 30 minutes, Noticing only two booths being manned. The lady who stamped me in did not even comment on my passport. I walked passed front door again, and “accidently” bumped into the man at door. Big smile and a sorry 🙂
- Next, I went around to the front right side of the building (facing Ecuador) and got my import permit.
- Now to get to Quito, Mexico!
- Total Time was 3 Hours and $0
Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador’s capital, sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2,850m. Constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, it’s known for its well-preserved colonial centre, rich with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. These include the cathedral, in the Plaza Grande square, and ultra-ornate Compañia de Jesús Jesuit church. From Wikipedia
JW Marriott Hotel Quito, Ecuador
Top notch hotel, just a little far away from city center, Wi-Fi is quite slow for a place of this quality and be careful as they are one of the few remaining hotels that still want to charge extra (which I wasn’t) for what they call “enhanced” hi- speed internet (which is still too slow at 10mps). Room (Junior Suite with Balcony) was great and roomy and great views
My Room (Junior Suite with Balcony) was great and roomy and great views, comfortable bedding and great service.
The manager was fantastic and continually tried to help my stay better.
Facilities are top notch but they Wi-Fi and location (considering how hard it is to get to historical places because of traffic) take the stars away.
Freedom Bike Rentals and Tours, Quito Ecuador
Freedom Bike Rental and Tours in Quito, Ecuador was a place a previous rider told me about. These guys had my bike for 2 days and fixed the leak in my front tire by sealing it correctly.
The guys at Ecuador Freedom Tours are fantastic and really know their stuff, everything you could want from a multi-day tour on really great bikes is there for you at very reasonable prices. They are only too happy to help out a fellow Adventure seeker.
- I have a USA Registered Motorcycle
- 100% Owned by Myself (No Loan)
- 3 Copies Australian Passport (+Original)
- 3 Copies Title (+Original – If you do not own, get letter from owner)
- 3 Copies Registration (+Original)
- 3 Copies Drivers Licence (+Original)
- Vehicle Import Permit + Copy
Leaving Colombia
- As you approach the border follow the signs and you will see two buildings on the left. Park between them (one is Aduana and one immigration)
- First go to the bigger one, around the front and through a gate, a military official will check your passport before you enter up the stairs.
- Next, go to immigration building (the first one where you parked your bike) it is a little door on the right and hand in your import paper, I took a copy (that wasn’t needed).
- Total Time was 10 minutes and $0
Entering Ecuador
- As you approach there will be a small military checkpoint.Show passport. Continue on.
- Then there will be one big building. Immigration is main part with a large entrance way. When I arrived there was a line of around 500 people, unbelievable, but as it was getting close to Christmas, bad timing, even though it was very early!
- It took me two and a half hours to get to the front door of immigration building, waiting in line.
- The guy manning the front door was checking passports and controlling the line. He was an arsehole, taking bribes and shaking hands with “helpers” with obvious money changing hands.
- He then stopped me and told me because of my small tear in the passport which was done by a border official in El Salvador, my passport was invalid. I told him I have been waiting 2 hours and would take my chances and just walked passed him into the building.
- Then I waited another 30 minutes, Noticing only two booths being manned. The lady who stamped me in did not even comment on my passport. I walked passed front door again, and “accidently” bumped into the man at door. Big smile and a sorry 🙂
- Next, I went around to the front right side of the building (facing Ecuador) and got my import permit.
- Now to get to Quito, Mexico!
- Total Time was 3 Hours and $0
Notes:
Make sure you have multiple copies of all documents for all border crossings. Also, keep USD with you and try to change money with money exchanges at the border if you do not have local currency for the country you are entering.
Just get enough local currency for fees, fuel, and food!
Know the total cost You and bike both sides before you enter any border. Helpers in many cases will try to scam you.
Total Cost Both Borders: $0 USD