Hi! I am looking for advice on getting from Otavalo to papallacta hot springs. I was hoping to get a driver to take us, and therefore bypass a cumbersome bus trip to quito from Otavalo, change busses and bus stations. Who or where to contact for this? Would I need to do this ahead of time, or just inquire in Otavalo when we get there?
private transportation?
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Hey there Snorkel,
In Otovalo there are plenty of drivers available to drive you to Papallacta. Ask the people at the front desk of your hotel/hostel and they will be able to arrange it for you. I would also recomend you talk to Maggie at Posada del Quinde (an inn in Otavalo) they have reasonable private transportation prices and will be able to help you out. You can find informations about Posada del Quinde from there website here http://posadaquinde.com
The ride ought to cost you about $90. If your not staying in Papallacta you can pay the driver to wait for you and then take you to your next destination.
Thanks for the reply! I may write to posada quinde, even though we aren't staying there. sounds almost like you could go and get it set up when I get there? I have gotten a quote for $100 for the trip, which seems reasonable, but they want full payment upfront with my credit card. I just wrote to this company. Without more of a personal recommendation, I am uncertain to make full payment and give out my cc info. online. What has been your experience with this sort of thing?
Hey again,
Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you..oh, holidays!
My first recommendation would be to post a question with the transportation company name on several forums to fish for some personal experiences with this specific company (try trip advisor, lonely planet, frommers and fodors).
Otherwise, I am used to folks wanting a deposit but not necessarily the full amount upfront. You should not have to pay until the service has been rendered. If you don't receive any helpful responses through the forums and feel uneasy about this specific company, definitely give the folks up at Posada del Quinde a call/email. They are super friendly and have some of the best and most genuine customer service around.
On a side note, how is your Spanish? There are a couple of drivers we typically use and I would be happy to pass on their phone #s for when you arrive. Unfortunately, these two don't operate by email so it would be difficult to arrange ahead of time but could at least be a back up plan.
Best,
Greg