What are some best Airports to Fly in Ecuador?

Ecuador is a state perched on the equator on South America's west coast. Its diverse landscape encloses the Amazon jungle, Andean highlands, and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands. Quito's capital city is known for its largely intact Spanish colonial centre. It is high in the Andean foothills and famed for its well-preserved 16th—and 17th-century palaces and religious sites. However, you will fly over Ecuador, which boasts several airports, but two main international airports are the country's primary gateways. These airports present an expansive span of connections for both domestic travel and international arrivals. To get through the airports in Ecuador, you must consider the content below, which lists the number of airports in Ecuador.

1.  Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)

• Location: Quito, Ecuador

• Description: In the capital city of Quito, Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) is one of the busiest airports in Latin America. This modern facility significantly expanded in 2013 and offers a comfortable travel experience with various amenities and services.

• Connection Options: UIO is a significant hub for Ecuador and South American airlines. Travelers can find flights to various destinations within Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands, and connecting flights to prominent cities throughout the Americas and Europe.

• Ideal for: Those planning to explore Quito and the surrounding highlands, including the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Due to its extensive domestic connections, UIO can also be a convenient starting point for multi-destination trips within Ecuador.

• Terminals: Terminal 1, 2, I, D

• Airlines: Avianca, LATAM, KLM, or 15 more.

2. José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE)

• Location: Guayaquil, Ecuador

• Description: Situated near the Pacific Coast city of Guayaquil, José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) is a modern airport known for its efficiency and passenger comfort.

• Connection Options: GYE offers a good selection of international flights from various destinations in North, Central, and South America, as well as Europe. It is a significant hub for domestic flights within Ecuador, and most flights to the Galapagos Islands connect through Guayaquil.

• Ideal for: Travelers headed to the beaches and coastal towns of Ecuador. GYE is also the most convenient option for those scheduling a journey to the Galapagos Islands, as most onward flights depart from Guayaquil.

• Terminals: Terminal 1, D, I

• Airlines: LATAM, Avianca, Air Europa, or 11 airlines more.

While Quito and Guayaquil handle most international traffic, a few other airports in Ecuador offer limited international connections.

3. Eloy Alfaro International Airport (MEC)

• Location: Manta, Ecuador

• Description: Eloy Alfaro International Airport (MEC) is in Manta, a popular beach destination on Ecuador's Pacific Coast.

• Connection Options: MEC offers limited international flights, primarily to neighbouring Colombia and Panama. However, it has good domestic connections to Quito and Guayaquil.

• Ideal for: Travelers specifically vacationing in Manta or nearby beaches.

• Airlines: Avianca, Copa, LATAM

4. Aeropuerto Mariscal Lamar (CUE)

• Location: Cuenca, Ecuador

• Description: Aeropuerto Mariscal Lamar (CUE) serves Cuenca, a beautiful colonial city in the Andes mountains.

• Connection Options: CUE primarily handles domestic flights within Ecuador, with some limited international connections to neighboring Peru and Colombia.

• Ideal for: Travelers explicitly planning to visit Cuenca.

• Airlines: LATAM, Aeroregional, Avianca, Euroairlines

5. Ecuadorian Airport Rundown Cotopaxi International Airport (LTX)

• Location: Latacunga, Ecuador (90 minutes south of Quito)

• Description: High-elevation airport with the second-longest runway in Ecuador, primarily handling cargo but offering domestic passenger flights through TAME airlines.

• Connection options: Limited domestic connections.

• Ideal for: Travelers looking for a less crowded alternative to Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport or those heading to Latacunga or the Cotopaxi region.

• Airlines: 1

6. Francisco De Orellana Airport (OCC)

• Location: Coca, Ecuador (in the Amazon rainforest)

• Description: Smaller airport serving Ecuador's rainforest region.

• Connection options: Limited domestic connections, primarily to Quito.

• Ideal for: Eco-tourists venturing into the Amazon rainforest.

• Airlines: Euroairlines, LATAM, Aeroregional

7. Coronel E Carvajal Airport (XMS)

• Location: Sucúa, Ecuador (in the Amazon rainforest)

• Description: Even smaller airports with limited service.

• Connection options: Minimal domestic connections.

• Ideal for deep jungle exploration trips, which likely require further road or river travel.

• Airlines: 1

8. Santa Rosa International Airport (ETR)

• Location: Machala, Ecuador (southwest coast)

• Description: Medium-sized airport serving Ecuador's banana-growing region.

• Connection options: Domestic connections to major cities like Quito and Guayaquil.

• Ideal for: Business travelers or those visiting the beaches and natural areas of southwestern Ecuador

• Airlines: 1

9. Teniente Coronel Luis A. Mantilla International Airport (TUA)

• Location: Tulcán, Ecuador, serving the Carchi Province.

• Description: This high-elevation airport caters to domestic flights within Ecuador.

• Connecting options: Limited commercial flights are available. Check with airlines serving the airport for current destinations.

• Ideal for: Travelers flying to or from Tulcán, Ecuador. The airport's proximity to the Colombian border makes it a convenient option for those continuing their journey into Colombia.

• Airlines: N/A

What is the best airport to fly into Ecuador?

Aeropureto International Mariscal Sucre (UIO) is the best airport to fly into Ecuador.

Which US cities have direct flights to Ecuador?

Atlanta, Miami, and Houston are US cities with direct flights to Ecuador.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Ecuador?

December is the cheapest month to fly to Ecuador, which costs USD 64 to USD 275.

Final words

Hence, the above deatils will help you learn about the number of airports in Ecuador with its prompt and frequent information. However, with these details, you will learn about its ideal location, terminals, airlines, etc. If you need help or inquire, you may speak to the live agent, specifically from the airport agent.