I just got back to B/manga from MDE
You're right about those long bus rides. I just got back this morning from MDE after travelling all night through a mostly sleepless bus ride with this fat dude who snored the whole way from the bus terminal in MDE to 20 minutes before arriving in B/manga. Unfortunately, bus travel in COL could be a hit or miss kind of experience. So renting a car could make good sense if 1) you can afford the costs associated with doing so (daily rental fees, gas & tolls) and 2) you have what it takes to drive on the one-lane each way highways and crazy inner-city traffic with all the trucks, busses, motorcycles and cars on the road.
Holler if you care for a wingman or a travel companion.
Cheers!