Flying into Quito, traveling to Manta, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. Do able?

Hopefully someone that has done a similar trip by bus will answer you more precisely..

Your biggest problem, I think, will be to get to Quitumbe in the south part of Quito. Might want to consider taking a taxi from wherever you are in Quito to that bus terminal, considering that you will have a long way to go that day and that there are ALOT of buses in Quito and it gets confusing. Just to get to Quitumbe might take you 1-3 hr(s). Also, buses in Quito are crowded and you might not even be able to enter with your bag(s).

"Going to the south, coast or the amazon region (terminal terrestre Quitumbe), to Cuenca, Guayaquil or Banos"

source

-----

After that, there is a good bus system linking the provinces. Not sure about express buses from departure to destination. Expect to change buses mid way to get where you're going.

There's at least 2 bus companies, Trans Esmerldas and Panamericana International, that leave from Quito to Manta or Guayaquil out of the La Mariscal area.  I know there's one more, but I can't remember the name.  That would save you from having to go down to the South station. 

Getting to the south Quitumbe terminal by bus is easy and only takes 45 minutes and $.25 from the La Mariscal area.   The Trole bus goes there, but is usually very crowded.  The Sur Oriental line also goes there. It's sometimes less crowded depending on the time of day.  A good place to catch this bus is the Galo Plaza stop on 6 de dicembre and Vincente Ramon Roca.  This stop is one of the first in its route, so it's often not as full. It will get more crowded along the way.  Make sure you watch the bus as it's pulling in and and check that there is a sign on the front that says "Quitumbe". It shares this route with the Ecovia and not all buses that stop here go to Quitumbe.  You can always just tell someone at the stop that you're going to Quitumbe and they will help you.   

All of the cities you mentioned are major cities and you will  have no trouble finding several buses a day that go directly from one city's bus terminal to the other.

When you are in Guayaquil contact me i can help you!!

Flying would be best if you're not strapped for cash.

[Moderated: No free ad on the forum]

Ryan,

I live in Quito and would be happy to tell you whatever you would like to know about the city.  There is a lot one must conquer here in a week!

feel free to email or contact me through my website. 

Mike

Very easily and cheaply by bus.

Let me know if you come to Manta on the coast of Manabi there are so many places you can visit and all are great google manta sos guide for more information about Manabi