Taking The Bus From Cuenca To Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
After spending a long time in Cuenca, we were ready to continue with our travels. The coast was our next step in our Ecuador journey because Zohaib wanted to do some diving. We also couldn’t make it to the Galápagos, so the closest alternative was Isla de la Plata, often called the “poor man’s Galápagos.” Because of that, we decided to make Puerto Lopez our base.
When you hear about Puerto Lopez or the coast of Ecuador, maybe the first thing that comes to your mind is safety. And honestly, that’s fair. When we told people in Cuenca that we were heading to Puerto Lopez next, we got very mixed reactions. Some said it was totally fine, others told us to be careful. Since safety is always our top priority, we decided the best thing to do was to experience it for ourselves. We went with a plan B ready in case Puerto Lopez didn’t feel right for us.
When we did some research we did not find clear information online about how to actually get from Cuenca to Puerto Lopez. So after doing the trip ourselves, we decided to put together a simple guide to make the process easier for anyone planning the same route.
First Things First: There Is No Direct Bus
This is the most important thing to understand right away. There is no direct bus from Cuenca to Puerto Lopez.
To get to Puerto Lopez, you need to take a bus from Cuenca to Guayaquil and then another bus from Guayaquil to Puerto Lopez.
It might sound a little complicated at first, but honestly, it’s a very straightforward journey. Thousands of people do this route regularly, and the connection in Guayaquil is easy. We managed to do the entire trip in one day without any stress.
Here’s how we did it.
Step 1: Cuenca to Guayaquil
Leaving from Cuenca’s Bus Terminal
All buses leave from Terminal Terrestre de Cuenca, the main bus station in the city.
You can buy your ticket in advance (up to 24 hours before), but we didn’t feel the need to. We simply went to the terminal about 30 minutes before departure and bought our tickets on the spot with Alianza. They have a big office that is easy to find.
Our Schedule
We wanted to reach Puerto Lopez on the same day, so we decided to leave early.
We arrived at the terminal around 7:00 am and bought tickets for the 7:30 am bus. The price was $9.20 USD per person. Leaving early turned out to be a really good decision (more on that later).
What the Bus Ride Was Like
The bus from Cuenca to Guayaquil was surprisingly comfortable. The travel time was around 4 hours. It was a pretty comfortable bus with comfy seats. There was a washroom in the bus but I am not sure if it worked. The driver did stop though mid journey for a quick washroom break.
By 11:40 am, we had arrived at the main bus terminal in Guayaquil.
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Step 2: Navigating The Guayaquil Bus Terminal
If you’ve never been to Guayaquil’s bus terminal before, here’s a heads up: it’s huge.
The terminal is right next to the airport and feels more like a small shopping mall than a bus station. There are multiple floors, dozens of platforms, food courts, and ticket offices everywhere. At first glance, it can feel a bit overwhelming but it’s actually very organized.
Finding the Right Bus to Puerto Lopez
Our original plan was to take a bus with the company Reina del Camino, because we had read about them online. So the first thing we did was go to their ticket office.
The staff told us they weren’t running buses to Puerto Lopez that day and directed us to another company instead: Cooperativa Jipijapa which was a few booths down.
The next Jipijapa bus was at 12:45 pm which gave us just over an hour to use the washrooms and grab some food. It was plenty of time to make the connection without rushing.
The Jipijapa buses leave from platform 78 on the 2nd floor. Once we had the platform number, it was super easy to find. The terminal has clear signs, and there are always staff around to help if you feel lost.
READ MORE: How to Extend Your Tourist Visa in Ecuador: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Step 3: Guayaquil To Puerto Lopez
At 12:45 pm, we boarded our second bus of the day. This bus was also comfortable and fully air-conditioned. It took us direct to Puerto Lopez. The travel time was around 4 hours and it costed us $6 USD per person.
So in total:
- Cuenca → Guayaquil: 4 hours
- Guayaquil → Puerto Lopez: 4 hours
- Overall travel time: about 8–9 hours including the layover
Leave Cuenca Early In The Morning
One thing we’re really glad we did was start the journey early in the morning. The buses from Guayaquil to Puerto Lopez don’t run as frequently later in the day, so if you leave Cuenca in the afternoon, you risk arriving in Guayaquil too late and having to stay overnight. We wanted to avoid that situation completely. By taking the 7:30 am bus from Cuenca, we had plenty of connection options and enough time for transfers. That early start made the entire trip feel much easier and more relaxed. We would advice to leave Cuenca in the morning if you want to reach Puerto Lopez on the same day.
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Arriving To Puerto Lopez
By early evening, we finally arrived at the Puerto Lopez bus terminal. One thing to know is that the terminal is located a little outside the main part of town, but don’t let that worry you because getting to your accommodation is incredibly easy.
As soon as you walk out of the terminal, you’ll see several tuk-tuks, or mototaxis, waiting right outside. They are the main form of local transport in Puerto Lopez and super convenient. The typical price to get into town is just $1 USD, and the ride usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
The drivers already know all the hotels and hostels, so they’ll drop you right at your doorstep. It was honestly one of the easiest and most stress-free arrivals we’ve had in Ecuador. Within minutes, we were at our accommodation, bags dropped, and ready to start our month on the coast!
FAQs
Is there a direct bus from Cuenca to Puerto Lopez?
No. You need to change buses in Guayaquil.
Can I do the trip in one day?
Yes, as long as you leave Cuenca in the morning.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Not necessarily, but it can help during busy seasons.
Are the buses comfortable?
Yes, both legs of the journey had comfortable buses with AC.
How much does the whole trip cost?
Around $15–16 USD per person in total.
Is Puerto Lopez safe?
We found Puerto Lopez to be safe. It was not a peak tourist season when we went so the town was quiet. Never did we feel unsafe but as a rule of thumb, always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe.
Where To Stay In Puerto Lopez
Puerto Lopez is a fairly big town, but not so big that it feels chaotic. Getting around is easy and cheap thanks to tuk tuks, which cost about $1 and can take you anywhere in town.
One thing we’d strongly recommend is air conditioning. It gets very hot and humid, especially during the day, and AC makes a huge difference to your comfort.
If you’re visiting during tourist season or planning to book tours like whale watching, staying near the beach is the most convenient option. Most tour offices, restaurants, and cafes are located along the malecón, making everything walkable.
Here are two best options which will meet all your basic needs:
Hostería Mandala: This is a beautiful hostel and was recommended to us by many people who stayed here. It is at the beach front, free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, and a free breakfast. If you are taking the bus, then the bus terminal is only 5 min away from the hostel. The cost per night for two people is $63 USD.
Victor Hugo Hotel: Victor Hugo Hotel is another great option recommended to us by people who stayed there. They also offer beachfront access, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. At an additional cost you can attend yoga classes and purchase breakfast. Their food at the restaurant is also great. The bus terminal is only 5 min away from the hotel. The cost per night for two people is $86 USD.
Final Thoughts
Getting to Puerto Lopez was much easier than we expected, and the moment we arrived, it felt completely worth the journey. Between the ocean, warm weather, and relaxed coastal vibe, it’s a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy the ocean. Just remember to leave Cuenca early if you want to reach Puerto Lopez on the same day.
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