How to get to Santa Rosa

When planning a journey to colourful Ecuador, many tourists wonder how to get to Santa Rosa — a lively city in the El Oro province, known as a vital agricultural centre of the region. This city serves as a convenient transport hub in the south of the country, so you can travel to Santa Rosa in various ways, choosing the most comfortable route. Travelers have access to flights to the local airport, trips on intercity buses, or journeys by car along the country's scenic roads.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the city is by air. Travelers are served by the Santa Rosa International Airport (IATA: ETR), which is a key transport hub for the entire El Oro province.

The airport receives regular domestic flights, most often from the capital — Quito. This allows tourists arriving in Ecuador to reach their final destination easily and comfortably, bypassing long overland transfers.

Traveling to Santa Rosa by train is not possible, as there is no railway station in the city. The railways of Ecuador primarily serve a tourism function, and regular passenger service is not developed in this region.

The nearest major cities — Tumbes, Loja, and Cuenca — also lack rail connections that could be used for transit. For travel along this route, tourists are advised to use intercity buses or rent a car.

Due to its proximity to the state border, many travelers arrive here from neighbouring Peru. The trip from the border city of Tumbes takes only about 1.5–2 hours, covering a distance of approximately 70 kilometres, making this route ideal for those moving along the Pan-American Highway.

Scenic roads also connect the region with the mountainous part of the country: buses from colourful Cuenca cover about 200 kilometres in 4–5 hours, allowing you to observe the changing landscapes whilst descending from the Andes. Also popular is the route from the city of Loja, from where the 170-kilometre journey will take approximately 4 hours through the green valleys of the south.

A car trip from the Peruvian city of Tumbes is the quickest option for those crossing the border: the distance of 70 kilometres can be covered in just an hour and a half. It is easy to find a taxi at the border crossing; the cost to Santa Rosa usually varies between 30–50 US dollars, depending on the agreement with the driver.

Routes from the mountainous part of Ecuador are distinguished by breathtaking views: the road from the city of Loja, spanning 170 kilometres, will take about four hours along winding serpentine roads. Approximately the same amount of time will be required to drive 200 kilometres from historic Cuenca, enjoying the sharp change in climate zones and landscapes whilst descending to the coast.

Preparing for your trip to Santa Rosa will help avoid minor inconveniences and allow you to fully enjoy the charm of the El Oro province. This city is characterized by a hot climate and its own specific features, so a few practical recommendations will be very useful for any traveler.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The region has a tropical climate, so bring light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics. Be sure to pack a hat, high-factor sunscreen, and insect repellents, as insects can be active in the evening.
2. Transport: It is convenient to move around the city by taxi or the popular moto-taxis. Important tip: always agree on the cost of the trip before boarding, as drivers rarely use meters, and the price often depends on your negotiation skills.
3. Finances: The official currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar. Try to keep plenty of small bills (1, 5, 10, and 20 dollars) and coins with you, as vendors often do not have change for 50 and 100-dollar banknotes. Bank cards are accepted in large hotels, but cash is needed at markets and in small cafes.
4. Health and Safety: Consume only bottled water and avoid drinks with ice in street establishments. In case of feeling unwell, visit pharmacies (farmacia), where pharmacists can often provide basic consultation, though insurance is required for serious cases.
5. Communication: The main language of communication is Spanish. The level of English proficiency among the local population is not high, so it is recommended to learn a few basic phrases or install an offline translator on your phone.
6. Local Etiquette: Ecuadorians are polite people. It is customary to greet others when entering a shop, restaurant, or taxi ("Buenos días" in the morning, "Buenas tardes" in the afternoon). Friendliness and a smile will help you establish contact faster.
7. What to Avoid: Do not openly display expensive gadgets and jewellery on the street. Also, refrain from walking alone in remote areas of the city after dark.
8. Dining Advice: Santa Rosa is known as the "shrimp capital" of the world. Be sure to try the local seafood dishes, especially the famous soup or ceviche made from the freshest shrimp — they are prepared magnificently here and are a delight for seafood lovers.

Following these simple rules will make your journey comfortable and safe. Openness to the local culture and reasonable caution will allow you to preserve only the warmest memories of the hospitality of the southern coast.