Cuenca City to the Bus TerminalCuenca City to the Bus Terminal Cuenca to ChiclayoCuenca to Chiclayo ImmigrationImmigration Swapping Terminals at ChiclayoSwapping Terminals at Chiclayo Chiclayo to TujilloChiclayo to Tujillo Trujillo to HuanchacoTrujillo to Huanchaco
Our stay in Ecuador was cut short after the let down of Cuenca, a city that lacked life and atmosphere. We just didn’t get the hype. Sorry guys! It was quite boring to be honest.
We enjoyed our time in Ecuador, but after the high of whale watching along the coast, and the costs of accomodation in Cuenca, we decided to bail on the country that so many choose to skip.
Our original plan was to head on south to Lojas, a puebla that is often compare to the coffee regions of Colombia. I hate to say it but sometimes the ‘been there, done that’ attitude sneaks in and we felt that the green hills of Colombia could not be topped by Ecuador. We decided against the idea of giving it a chance.
Making the swift exit, we excitedly moved onto Peru, and as always, we bring you a simple guide so you can too. Hunbuns and all (Peru 2 reference!).
Cuenca City to the Bus Terminal:
A backpackers wish come true is a bus terminal that isn’t located in the back arse of nowhere. This is the one thing Cuenca got right.
Located on Avenue España, the Cuenca Bus Terminal is easy to get to on foot and is in a safe area, along a busy and brightly lit main street.
From the central park, take the Luis Cordero street until you meet Gran Colombia. From Gran Colombia, its a straight walk until it ends, bringing you to a main road.
Swing a left and, at the roundabout, follow the traffic towards the right. You will see a petrol station. The walk itself takes 15 minutes or so.
Cuenca to Chiclayo:
There used to be some concerns regarding the direct and overnight bus to Chiclayo, but let us squash any concerns.
This was the first time we crossed a border at night, so of course we were a little anxious. But honestly, the bus service was so smooth, comfortable and safe that the minute we became comfortable, we fell asleep.
After massive concerns with bag slashes all through Ecuador, the one warning that even every local will tell you, it is heavily advised that you never place your bags in the overhead storage (we never do this anyway) or on the floor at your feet (now this, this we do).
It was a nightmare constantly sitting with my carry-on on my lap. A bag that weighs more than my backpack, thanks to my ye olde laptop, and every gadget I own hiding in there.
We tend to travel safe, but in saying that we don’t pay too much heed to every Gringo warning. But even the locals sleep or sit wrapped around their carry-on so this isn’t just an issue for tourists. Lets just say I was an anxious wreck on the busses through Ecuador, paranoid that a chat with any local meant I was being distracted and never getting a decent nights sleep. It ruined a lot of the travel days for me.
This wasn’t the case when I took the overnight from Cuenca to Chiclayo. A direct bus service filled with families, a service that does not stop to pickup anyone along the way, not even a vendor.
Locals’ bags tossed on the floors gave me a sense of comfort, and I hope to pass this comfort onto you, dear reader. But please, like anywhere in the world, be aware, don’t flash your belongings and always tuck a leg through a strap. Be comfortable, but don’t be an idiot.
So, which bus to take and how to take it?! Well, there’s only two companies each with one bus; so you’ve little choice.
Super Semeria:
At $25 per person, a cost which may seem steep (it is!) but totally worth it, Super Semeria leaves Cuenca at 10pm and (should) arrive into Chiclayo at 8am, a little too ambitious but the one we favoured.
It made one stop throughout the night, that being at Immigration.
There is a second stop the following morning at Piuras, but no passengers get on the bus, it’s only a quick drop off.
NOTE: Don’t leave it too late to book this bus. After checkout, we left our bags in our hostel and took a walk to the bus station. We booked the last two seats at 12pm that day, we were very lucky! Go even earlier, or the day before.
It’s also worth mentioning that the direct overnight bus is much cheaper than going via public busses i.e. Cuenca to Lojas, Lojas to Piura etc. Costs were adding up to $35 pp so know that $25 is the cheapest cost.
The Semeria bus is comfortable, has semi camas, Wi-Fi, USB charging points, bags are tagged AND you get a small snack before departure. How lovely!
About an hour into your trip, you are given a entry form for immigration. Don’t be ‘that guy’ at immigration, be sure to complete before arrival.
Azuary Bus Company:
Same costs as above, another option is Azuary Bus. This company leaves at 9.30pm, promising an arrival into Chiclayo at 10.00am.
We didn’t dig the idea that this company makes four stops in total; one before the border (we think it’s in Lojas), one at Immigration, another in Piura (far side of Peruvian border) and a final at Chiclayo.
Unfortunately, we cannot say any more about this company only that the same services as above were advertised.
Feel free to update us!
Immigration:
Lights on and a friendly nudge, our zombie-like-selves wake to prepare our passports and smiles for the immigration officials.
The bus stops at a checkpoint and border patrol officers open the baggage hold to make a quick and random bag search, so you’ll need to hang around for a few minutes.
Funnily for us, Luke’s bag was chosen (of course it was) and he was made open every zip and pouch. It was quite thorough, but thankfully they didn’t find the contraband… JOKE!!! (Jeez, calm down Dad!).
The officials will make friendly small talk during the search. Luke found himself laughing at the little jokes made and the official was genuinely interested in Luke’s travelling tales. I just wanted to go back to sleep.
Given the all clear, bags are placed back on the bus and it’s a short walk towards the immigration building (bring your carry on with you!).
This bit sucks, for the impatient kind (me!).
In the yellow blue and red corner, two members of staff represent Ecuador. In the red, white and red corner, sucking on coca leaves, are the more smiley Peruvian officials.
After two hours of queuing, we were stamped out of Ecuador and into Peru. No questions and no proof of onward travel required.
Back on the bus by 3.30am, I was snoring by 3.35am, to eventually wake up in Peru.
Swapping Terminals in Chiclayo:
Fresh faced, the bus arrived in to Chiclayo’s Terminal Plaza Norte at 11am.
When we had researched into this journey, we read that busses to Trujillo leave from the same terminal. However, this is a relatively new terminal, where “border” busses are now directed to. We didn’t know we would have to change terminals, so take this is a warning!
With no Wi-Fi, no information desk, no idea where we were and only the hounding taxi men to help; our tired eyes gave in to taking a cab, but not before we spotted more Gringos and arranged a cabshare.
The “taxi” (a man with a very small car) cost 5soles (€1.25) to the Emtrafesa bus terminal. We had to chat our way down to this price so you will too.
It might be helpful to know that in this terminal, there is a family beside the bathrooms that exchange money, should you need money for said “taxi”. I’ll always remember their little girl, who said I looked like her Barbie. Score!
We changed $10 at rate of 3soles to $1 (August 2017). Not a great exchange but the lack of ATM’s left us little choice.
In the “taxi” it is a 15 minute drive through the Chiclayo centre, to the Emtrafesa Bus Terminal.
Chiclayo to Trujillo:
Busses leave the Emtrafesa Bus Terminal every hour on the hour for 15soles (less than €5), the journey is 4 hours.
NOTE: Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Peru doesn’t have a ‘all in one’ bus terminal. Instead, each company has its own bus terminal and they’re not always near eachother. So a little extra preparation is needed (but sure, that’s why we’re here!).
Most travellers decide to stay in Trujillo, but we recommend heading 15 minutes down the road to the beachside beauty of Huanchacho. Way nicer vibes there!
Trujillo to Huanchaco:
After 4 hours of dessert-like roads, arrive into the Emtrafesa Terminal in Trujillo, and follow the exit signs.
NOTE: There is an ATM in the bus terminal, near the information desk. Use the BCP ATM to avoid additional fees.
Take a right as you leave the bus station, until you reach the traffic lights (there will be stalls all along this road).
From the traffic lights, take yet another right towards the bottom of that road. Wait here.
Busses and minivans with Huanchaco displayed along the front windscreen will pass by here for 1.70soles (€0.40).
If in doubt, ask a local as ALL Peruvians are so friendly and helpful. No exaggeration, we’ve yet to meet one who didn’t give us their time.
Enjoy the coastal ride to Huanchaco and get ready for a few fun-filled days at this beautiful beachside town. You can always jump the same bus back to Trujillo to explore the city, but basing yourselves in Huanchaco is the best idea.
Have fun guys!
