Airports in Ecuador
Ecuador has two main international airports: Quito (UIO) and Guayaquil (GYE), which offer connections to destinations around the world. To travel within the country, you can take domestic flights to cities like Cuenca or Loja, or travel by bus between provinces, which is an affordable and frequent option. In the cities, you’ll also find taxis, ride-hailing apps, and car rentals.
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
Location: Quito, the capital of Ecuador. It is the country’s main international airport, with a large number of international flights and connections to various cities in Latin America, North America, and Europe. Major destinations: the United States, Colombia, Peru, Panama, and European destinations such as Madrid.
+593 2 395-9360 (EPMSA) +593 2 395-4200 (General Information) (aeropuertoquito.gob.ec, Airports of the World), comunicación@aeropuertoquito.gob.ec
José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE)
Location: Guayaquil, the country’s largest city. It is the second-busiest airport, serving both domestic and international flights. Guayaquil is a major commercial hub and a gateway to the southern part of the country. Main destinations: the United States, Colombia, Peru, Panama, and select destinations in Europe and the Caribbean.
+593 4 216-9209 (Airport Authority) +593 4 216-9000 (General Information) (tagsa.aero, aag.org.ec),info@aag.org.ec
Galápagos Seymour International Airport (GPS)
Location: Baltra Island, in the Galápagos Archipelago. Although it is a smaller airport, it plays a vital role in serving the tourism industry in the Galápagos Islands. It receives international flights primarily from mainland Ecuador. Main destinations: Flights from Quito and Guayaquil, primarily.
Mariscal La Mar International Airport (CUE)
Location: Cuenca, in the southern part of the country. Description: It is a smaller airport, but the number of international flights is beginning to increase, especially those connecting to cities in Colombia. Main destinations: Bogotá, Colombia, and other regional destinations.
+593 7 286-7120 / +593 7 286-2095 (aeropuertocuenca.ec), info@corpac.ec
Loja Airport (LOH)
The airport serving the city of Loja is called Ciudad de Catamayo Airport (IATA code: LOH). It is located in the canton of Catamayo, about 30 kilometers from the city of Loja, which is approximately a 30-minute drive. Due to its location in a mountainous valley, operations are complex and limited to daytime hours.
Airlines and Destinations: The only direct destination from Loja Airport is Quito. The airlines operating this route are Aeroregional and Euroairlines. For any other domestic or international destination, a layover in Quito is required.
Ecuadorian National Holiday Calendar
Ecuador National Holiday Calendar
New Year's Day: Wednesday, January 1
Carnival: Monday, March 3, and Tuesday, March 4
Good Friday: Friday, April 18
Labor Day: Thursday, May 1
Battle of Pichincha: Friday, May 24
First Cry of Independence: Friday, August 9
Independence of Guayaquil: Wednesday, October 9
All Souls’ Day: Saturday, November 2
Independence of Cuenca: Sunday, November 3
Christmas: Wednesday, December 25
Specialty Coffee Route in Ecuador
🔹 Recommended starting point: Quito (capital, largest and safest international airport).
1️. Quito – Intag (Imbabura, Northern Highlands)
• Travel time: 3–4 hours by car/bus.
• Why go: Organic and high-altitude coffee farms in the Intag area.
• Safety: Quiet rural area, mostly paved roads.
• Tip: You can visit community cooperatives that export coffee to Japan and Europe.
2️. Intag – Mindo (Northwest Pichincha)
• Travel time: 2 hours by car.
• Why go: In addition to cloud forest and birds, there are high-altitude washed and honey-processed coffee farms.
• Safety: A popular tourist route, safe during the day.
• Tip: Eco-lodge accommodations with coffee tours.
3️. Mindo – Manabí (Jipijapa / Portoviejo / Santa Ana)
• Travel time: 6–7 hours by car (ideally, break the trip with a stop in Santo Domingo).
• Why go: Manabí coffee (an age-old tradition). Santa Ana has specialty coffee projects.
• Safety: Best to travel during the day; roads are in good condition.
• Tip: Here you can try the typical Manabí “café pasado.”
4️. Manabí – Loja (Southern Highlands)
• Travel time: Guayaquil–Loja flight (1 hour) or long bus/car ride (10–12 hours).
• Why go: Loja is the specialty coffee capital of Ecuador.
• Coffee-growing regions: Vilcabamba, Malacatos, Puyango.
• Safety: Very safe, quiet city.
• Tip: The country’s best specialty Arabica coffee is grown here.
5️. Loja – Zamora Chinchipe (Southern Amazon)
• Route: 2 hours by road.
• Why go: Home to internationally award-winning coffees (Palanda, Chinchipe).
• Safety: Safe road, but best to travel during the day (mountains + jungle).
• Tip: You can visit farms that have won awards at the Taza Dorada.
🚐 Safety and Travel Recommendations
• Travel during the day whenever possible.
• Use reliable interprovincial transportation or a car with a local driver.
• Avoid quiet secondary roads at night.
• Always let hostels/bed-and-breakfasts know your arrival time.
• Download offline maps (Google Maps / Maps.me).
📌 Summary of the Safe Coffee Route
👉 Quito → Intag → Mindo → Manabí → Loja → Zamora Chinchipe
This route offers a complete experience of Ecuadorian specialty coffee, from the Northern Highlands to the Amazon, passing through the Coast.
Accomodations
In Ecuador, you'll find a wide variety of accommodations: from boutique hotels in Quito's historic center to coffee plantations in the highlands and budget hostels on the coast. We recommend booking in advance during the high season (June–September and December–January).
🏨 QUITO
from most expensive to least expensive:
• Plaza Grande Hotel (Boutique, Historic District) — Located on Plaza de la Independencia, offering maximum security thanks to its tourist location and security presence; ideal for a luxurious historical experience. Tel: +593 2 251 0777 · email: recepcion@plazagrandequito.com
• Casa Gangotena (Luxury Boutique, Historic Center) — High-end boutique hotel facing the Plaza; premium service and tourist-friendly setting.
Website/contact on their official site: casagangotena.com
• JW Marriott Quito (Financial District / Amazonas) — International chain, high-level security and amenities (spa, gym, airport transfer). Tel: +593 2 297 2000. marriott.com
• Hotel Illa Experience (Boutique, La Ronda/Historic Center) — Boutique option, good reputation, and safe environment due to its location in a tourist area.
• 3-star hotels in La Mariscal / La Floresta (various) — central options, recommended for travelers seeking good value for money and safety; it’s advisable to read recent reviews.
• Budget hostels and B&Bs in the Historic Center — affordable and safe alternatives if you book at well-rated establishments (recommended for travelers on a tight budget).
🏨 CUENCA
from most expensive to least expensive
• Hotel Boutique Santa Lucía (Historic District) — a restored colonial house offering a luxurious boutique experience in the cultural heart of the city; the city is considered very safe for tourists.
• Mansión Alcázar Boutique Hotel (Downtown) — high-end boutique accommodation, colonial/restored style; a good premium option in the center.
• Hotel Victoria (Calle Larga / Barranco) — 4★ with colonial charm, very well located, and with good safety ratings. victoria-hotel.cuenca-hotels.com
• Hotel Oro Verde Cuenca (more modern area) — chain hotel with full amenities (pool, parking); upper-mid-range option outside the historic district.
• Downtown hostels and B&Bs (Socialtel, Hostal Casa de Lidice, Check Inn) — budget-friendly options with good local reviews; ideal for travelers who want to be near Calderón Park. cuenca-hotels.com
🏨 GUAYAQUIL
from most expensive to least expensive
• Hotel del Parque (Oro Verde) — Samborondón / Parque Histórico — a Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel in an exclusive neighborhood (Samborondón), in a very safe and upscale setting. Tel: +593 4 372 5260 · email: hoteldelparque@hotelesoroverde.com
• Oro Verde Guayaquil (downtown) — local luxury chain, central location, and full services (security, restaurant, events). Tel: +593 4 381 1000.
• Sheraton / 4–5★ hotels near Mall del Sol — international standard, good security and services (airport transfer available). Sheraton Tel: +593 4 370 7070.
• 3-star hotels in Malecón / Downtown (various) — convenient for city sightseeing; always choose hotels with 24-hour reception and good reviews.
• Hostels and budget options (Downtown / Urdesa) — affordable options; check reviews and location before booking.
🏨 LOJA
from most expensive to least expensive
• Sonesta Hotel Loja — one of the most comprehensive and secure options (well-known chain), ideal if you're looking for comfort and amenities. (Listed on hotel booking sites).
• Hotel Villonaco (downtown/upper-class) — a highly rated hotel, strategically located for exploring the city and its surroundings; good security.
• Oro Verde / boutique options in Loja (Oro Verde Loja / La Casa de Manuel) — mid-to-high-quality alternatives with a local reputation.
• Central 3-star hotels and hostels (several in the historic district) — affordable and safe options if you check reviews and book at establishments with 24-hour reception. Hostelz
Safety
• Always book through the hotel’s official website or reputable travel agencies, and keep your receipts.
• Choose well-known tourist areas (Historic Center of Cuenca/Quito; Samborondón or Malecón in Guayaquil; downtown Loja).
• Look for accommodations with 24-hour reception, a safe, and recent positive reviews.
• For interprovincial travel, use hotels with shuttle service if you arrive late.
Oro Verde Guayaquil
✅ Practical safety tips (applicable to all four cities)
