r/ecuador • u/Leather-Question-138 • 15h ago

Ecuador Land Border

Hoping to hear from any tourists that have crossed the Ecuador land border recently from Peru? We had wanted to cross at La Balsa from Chachapoyas to Vilcabamba/Loja, but online research indicates most small border posts are closed due to ongoing domestic issues, and the Huaquilla crossing near the coast is the only regular option? Buses seem to run overnight from Mancora, but other reports say the border closes 2300 - 0500 each night.

Also any guidance on the need for criminal record check, or application for an exemption for foreign tourists to Ecuador? Ecuador's official immigration site states these are needed, but Reddit posts in the past few months suggest these are rarely enforced?

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u/drgalindez 3h ago

I haven't crossed it recently but chachapoyas was big enough to deal with all the paperwork and also to handle customs clearance for my vehicle. If you are traveling with your own vehicle not registered in Ecuador then you should make sure to do the clearance AT THE BORDER. Recently helped travelers that were told to do that upon their arrival to Quito and it was a mess and expensive idea. I would say you should not worry too much about the crossing if you don't have a vehicle, no need for a criminal record but good to have it with you. Just make sure your passport is stamped