How To Travel Between Puerto Lopez And Ayampe Or Olón In Ecuador
After four beautiful months in Cuenca, leaving really wasn’t easy. We had gotten comfortable there and built a wonderful community of friends. Part of us wanted to stay longer, but another part was excited to move on to the next chapter of our Ecuador adventure: the coast.
Puerto Lopez became our base for a month. We wanted a place where we could slow down, go diving, work online, and still have practical things (and most important things for us) nearby like a gym and local markets (mercados).
We had heard of amazing things about the nearby towns of Ayampe and Olón. Everyone described them as more peaceful and beautiful with a nice vibe so we had to go check them out. We didn’t find much details about how to travel between these coastal towns and so after figuring it all out ourselves, we wanted to share it with you.
Understanding The Geography
Puerto Lopez, Ayampe, and Olón sit along the same stretch of Ecuador’s Pacific coast in the province of Manabí. Ayampe and Olón are further south from Puerto Lopez. Ayampe is about 20 minutes away, while Olón is around 50 minutes away. They’re close enough that you can easily visit all three, even in one day, but each town has a very different personality.
Puerto Lopez is the practical, lively hub. It has big markets, tour operators, gyms, and lots of affordable places to stay. It also has a very local vibe to it.
Ayampe is peaceful and dreamy. You’ll find yoga retreats, surfers, and quiet mornings. It has some amazing restaurants, though they are a bit pricier than Puerto Lopez.
Olón is a slightly bigger town than Ayampe with access to everything you would need. It is also a surfer town. The beach is big and beautiful, and the town feels more touristy, with many restaurants right along the beach.
You can easily travel between these towns through buses or taxis.
Taking the Local Bus (The Simplest Way to Get Around)
If you want an affordable, hassle-free way to move between these towns, the local green bus is your best friend.
This is exactly how it works.
Where to Catch the Bus in Puerto Lopez
In Puerto Lopez, the bus stop is super easy to find.
You don’t need to go to a terminal or a ticket office. The bus picks people up right on the main street. There is an official bus stop right next to a mechanic shop. Everyone in the town knows it.
Just stand there, keep an eye on the road, and wait for a green bus heading south. That’s the one you want. Before hopping on you can always ask “¿Va a Ayampe?” (Are you going to Ayampe)?
How to Use the Bus (It’s Really Simple)
You just get on. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Wait at the stop on the main street.
- When the green bus approaches, wave it down.
- Get on and tell the conductor where you’re going.
- Pay in cash.
- Enjoy the ride!
That’s it. The conductor walks around collecting money after the bus starts moving. Super straightforward.
Bus Prices and Travel Times
This was one of our favorite parts about traveling here that how affordable and easy it all was. Here are the exact details:
- Puerto Lopez → Ayampe
- Cost: $1 USD cash per person
- Travel time: about 20 minutes
- Puerto Lopez → Olón
- Cost: $2.50 USD cash per person
- Travel time: about 50 minutes
Yes, you read that right. For just a couple of dollars, you can explore an entirely different town. Make sure you carry small bills or coins because change isn’t always guaranteed.
How Often Do the Buses Run?
One of the best things about this route is the frequency. The buses run roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day (until 7 PM or 8 PM).
There isn’t an official posted timetable, and schedules are more “Ecuador time” but we never waited very long.
Getting Off the Bus
The bus will drop you right in the center of each town.
- In Ayampe, it stops along the main road near the entrance to town.
- In Olón, it lets you off at the main road which is a few minutes walk to the main beach area.
What the Bus Is Like
Isn’t is cool when you get more than you expected? We weren’t sure what to expect as this was a local bus running between towns. And we were surprised!
The buses were actually much nicer than we imagined:
- Comfortable seats
- Functioning air conditioning
- Plenty of space
Every time we took the bus, it felt completely safe and relaxed. Like anywhere in the world, it’s smart to be mindful of your belongings. Keep your bag close and don’t flash valuables.
Taking The Bus Back To Puerto Lopez
Coming back is just as easy. When you’re ready to return, look for the same green buses heading north toward Puerto Lopez.
Each town has its own main stop and it is the one opposite to where you were dropped off. One of the things we loved is how flexible it was. Even if you’re not at the exact stop, you can usually just stand along the main road, wave your hand, and the driver will pull over for you.
Tell the conductor “Puerto Lopez,” pay your fare, and you’re on your way.
READ MORE: Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Cuenca, Ecuador (2026 Guide)
Alternative Transport Options
Some people are not comfortable with public transport and that is totally fine. If you don’t want to take the bus you can take a taxi. Taxis are available in all three towns and can take you directly from door to door.
Just know that:
- The price will be significantly higher than the bus
- You’ll need to negotiate the fare in advance
- It’s a good option late at night or if you’re carrying lots of luggage
For travelers who value convenience over budget, taxis are a perfectly good alternative.
FAQs
Are the buses safe?
Yes. We took them many times and always felt safe. Just be mindful of your belongings like you would on any public transport.
Do buses run on weekends?
Yes, they run every day. We went on a weekend and didn’t have to wait long.
Can I bring luggage on the bus?
Absolutely. Locals do it all the time. They will keep your luggage under the bus.
Is there Uber here?
There is no Uber. Buses and taxis are the main options.
Where To Stay In Ayampe And Olón
Both Ayampe and Olón are beautiful beach towns. If you want a more quieter vibe, I would suggest Ayampe and if you would like a busier beach, more options for food and shopping then Olón is your place. Here are some best accommodations for each option:
Accommodations in Ayampe
Vistamar Guest House: One of the best finds in Ayampe that was recommended to us by many people. It is a beautiful budget friendly option with air-conditioning, private bathroom and garden views. With an additional cost you can take yoga classes as well! But the best part? The beach is only 2 min walk away!
The cost per night for two people is $55 USD.
Cabañas La Tortuga: On the beachfront, this hotel is also another beautiful and budget friendly option. It offers a private beach area and a swimming pool as well. You can purchase breakfast for an additional of $5 USD.
The cost per night for two people is $57 USD.
Accommodations in Olón
La Casa Naranja B&B: A really nice hotel close to the beach and restaurants. It offers private bathroom, nice views, and air-conditioning. If you are a scuba diver, there are scuba diving shops nearby as well.
The cost per night for two people is $64 USD.
Final Thoughts
Traveling between Puerto Lopez, Ayampe, and Olón turned out to be far easier than we expected. What felt confusing at first became one of the simplest routines of our time on the Ecuadorian coast.
For just a few dollars and a short bus ride, you can experience three completely different beach towns each with its own vibe and charm.
So if you’re staying in Puerto Lopez and wondering whether Ayampe or Olón are worth visiting, the answer is a big YES.
And now you know exactly how to get there hassle free!
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