At the end of Avenida La República is the international bridge that crosses Río Zarumilla, which is the border limit with Peru. It is a very short walk from the bus station. The border is open 24 hours.

Immigration Police.- Before leaving Ecuador you should always get your passport stamped on the road to Machala, some 3 km north at the Ecuadorian Immigration Police office. Take a bus from Huaquillas (US$0.20), or ask a taxi to take you there for around US$2.00. Some times there is a large queue to get your passport sealed, and sometimes there is none. So, you can do this very quickly. Once you have your passport done, go to the international bridge walking through the main street in Huaquillas, or by taxi and cross it. Be prepared for the police who will check your documents.

Crossing with a private vehicle.- The Ecuadorian and Peruvian customs are located on the international bridge. You must bring all the vehicle's papers in order, to cross the border. The custom will give you a document (Permission for "x" hours, or days upon request) to be kept in a safe place for if it is asked by the Peruvian police. This permission has a cost of around US$5.00.

Peruvian immigration Police.- Peruvian immigration police and customs are located outside Zarumilla, some 2 1/2 km away from the international bridge. Here, the police will seal the entrance to Peru in your passport. Important: Keep every single document that the immigration police give you. It doesn't matter how insignificant it looks. Never throw any of them away.

Money matters.- Crossing the border from Peru to Ecuador, There are several street money changers to whom you can sell, or buy Soles. Follow the tips given in our Huaquillas Money section.

The cheaper ways of transport between the International Bridge and Tumbes, which is the closest town to the border are:

Colectivos.- Two blocks south on the main street opposite the church, there are cheaper buses leaving to Tumbes for around US$1.50 per person. The buses stop and wait for you at the Peruvian immigration police (Make sure they do so) on the other side in Zarumilla.

Note: There are frequent buses leaving to Tumbes close to the international bridge, but they charge a very high rate especially to Gringos.

Taxis.- To Tumbes, including the wait at the Peruvian immigration police in Zarumilla cost around US$8.

Coming back from Perú.- Take a bus in Tumbes to the border (Huaquillas). Make sure that they stop at the Peruvian immigration police, or take a Taxi. Here, your passport should be stamped again with a "salida" (exit) seal from Peru. Once you have your passport sealed cross the International Bridge to the Ecuadorian side. In Ecuador, you must get your passport stamped again on the road to Machala, at the Ecuadorian Immigration Police office, for a new entrance to Ecuador and/or to renovate your tourist visa.

Take a bus from Huaquillas (US$0.20), or ask a taxi to take you there for around US$2.00.

The most popular route to cross to the Peruvian border is The Huaquillas-Tumbes, but it is quite crowded and you may be exposed to bribes and cheating. There are other alternatives to cross to Peru such as through Macará, Zumba. etc. Check them out!