Question 1

What is the "Bus terminal and street taxi overcharging" scam in Banos?

Accepted Answer

Drivers at the Terminal Terrestre and those hailed on the street rarely use meters and quote inflated flat fares to obvious tourists. A ride that should be $1-2 across town or $3-5 out to Pailon del Diablo is often pitched at $10 or more. Hailing unregistered street taxis also carries Ecuador's wider risk of opportunistic 'express kidnapping' robberies. Agree the fare before getting in or insist the meter runs, and know the rates: roughly $1-2 across town, $3-5 to Pailon del Diablo. Use registered taxis or a known company like Servi Taxi/Taxi Seguro, ask your hostel for the fair price, and walk away from anyone quoting $10+.

Question 2

What is the "Casa del Arbol taxi round-trip and waiting-fee markup" scam in Banos?

Accepted Answer

Taxi drivers offer round trips up to the Casa del Arbol swing and quote $30-40, well above the fair $15-20 that includes waiting time. Some agree a price then demand extra for the wait at the top, even though the site entry itself is only $1-2. A local bus from the Pastaza/Rocafuerte corner does the same trip for about $0.50-1. Negotiate a full round-trip price including waiting time before leaving town, aiming for about $15-20, and confirm in writing or with a witness. For the cheapest option take the local bus (~$0.50-1) or a chiva turistica (~$5 round trip) instead of a private taxi.

Taxi & Transport Scams in Banos

Bus terminal and street taxi overcharging

Casa del Arbol taxi round-trip and waiting-fee markup

Experienced a scam here?