South America and South Africa

While I was on my cruise to the Galapagos Islands I decided to go directly by coach to Huaraz, Peru, not knowing exactly how I get there. It was clear that I would take the overnight bus from Guayaquil, Ecuador to Piura, Peru, but thereafter I had to figure out how to get further. And since I would be new in Peru I wouldn’t be familiar with the conditions and circumstances, e.g. which border crossing is safe, which bus companies are reliable, via which towns should I travel, when should I change the bus, can I pay in USD (no) or do I need Peruvian soles (yes), etc.

In Guayaquil I entered the CIVA coach and apart from a closed border for one hour for what reasons ever there where no complications on the ride. When we got closer to Piura after approximately eleven hours drive I detected that the coach was going further south so I asked the conductor Juanito, how I learned later, whether it would be possible to stay on the coach instead of changing coaches in Piura (without knowing when and from where the next coach will leave). I mentioned that my final destination is Huaraz, still 20ish driving hours away. Juanito told me that I can stay on the coach, charged for the longer way proportionally and then he started calling around to find out which coach services would be suitable going further to Huaraz from our then final destination Chiclayo. While we were still on the coach it became clear that the direct service from Chiclayo was booked out. Anyway, after our arrival Juanito invited me to a cab ride to find out which other bus company would get me to Huaraz. (Considering that he already finished his work duties it is clearly unthinkable that this would happen anywhere in Europe.) The outcome was that I had to go with another bus company to Trujillo, change there the bus terminal to Movil Tours, meanwhile the third bus company, to take the overnight coach to reach my final destination in the early morning hours. He helped me to buy the ticket, even wrote me a little sheet on Spanish how I get there so that I would only had to hand it over the counter when buying the ticket in Trujillo if I wouldn’t make myself clear given my still limited Spanish skills. He gave me his email address, I gave him the address of my blog, so maybe he reads these lines.

Anyway, everything worked out perfectly. After 33ish hours I finally arrived in Huaraz at 6 o’clock in the morning without any problems. (Regarding the travel time: the long distance coaches in Peru are actually really luxurious, the seats are comparable with those of a business class of (intercontinental-)planes, one gets snacks and softdrinks, and there is excellent service by the staff – Thanks, Juanito!) The hotel was already open (I had not reserved) so that I could check in and finally could allay my desire for a shower.