Book discounted flights to Ecuador

There are two international airports in Ecuador: Quito and Guayaquil. Most travelers fly into Quito. All flights to the Galapagos also originate in Quito or Guayaquil.

Flights from the United States and Canada

Flights from the US are always routed through Miami, Houston, and New York, with thousands of connecting flights from other cities. There are no direct flights from Canada. You must have a connecting flight to one of the three American cities listed above.

Flights from Europe

Flights to Ecuador leave from London, Madrid, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt and all include at least one layover.

Flight Prices

Ticket prices vary starting at around USD 300 from New York or Miami during low season. The price of your ticket will usually depends on four factors:

Season: The peak tourist seasons are from June 15 to September 30 and December 15 to 24. Expect to pay a lot more for your ticket if you intend to fly during these periods.

Length of stay: A ticket valid for the minimum stay (30 days) will cost less than a ticket that allows you to stay longer than that.

Time of Purchase: The earlier your buy your ticket the less you will have to pay. The exception for this is last minute tickets sold by consolidator companies, which can often offer great savings.

Discounts: An international student card entitles you to discounts on economy-class airfare. These seats are the quickest to sell out, so book early!

For the best deals on flights to Ecuador, especially during non-peak season, we highly recommend Exito Travel. Start your search here:

Arriving in Quito

Both international and domestic flights to Quito will land at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, located in the city and just a few minutes from most of Quito's hotels. Most important to remember is that Quito is situated at almost 3,000 meters (9,900 feet) and that the airport offers no covered walkways between the terminal and the planes. Bring a jacket and/or raincoat, particularly if you are arriving at night.

Upon entering the airport, you will immediately get into the immigration line. If you are going to be in Ecuador for 90 days, make sure to say so or the customs official will give you less.

Claiming baggage will take about 20 minutes. If you don't see your luggage on the carousel, be sure to check the floor, as bags are mysteriously thrown there on occasion. Next to the carousel there are trolley carts; these can be rented for USD 1.00. To assure its safe return, an attendant will accompany you and the cart outside the terminal. A small tip is expected. Non-passengers are not allowed into the terminal so if someone is meeting you they will have to wait outside.

The airport features adequate services, but limited in comparison with what you would find in a US or European airport, especially since most flights arrive at night when most services are closed. Pay phones are located in the departure section of the terminal, which may or may not be open depending on the time of day. To use a pay phone you will need a phone card or tokens and there is usually someone selling them nearby. However, if you arrive at night, you may have problems changing money or using the phone.

Try to arrange to be picked up before arriving in Quito. Another option is to take a taxi; drivers are happy to accept US dollars at any time (don't pay more than USD 5 for a taxi to most anywhere in Quito).

Departing from Quito

Taking an international flight out of Quito, as with any other major city, means giving yourself plenty of time. It is generally recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. There is a USD $31.60 aiport tax on all international flights. The booths where you pay are clearly marked and the airport tax must be paid in cash in either U.S. dollars or Euros. Make sure that your boarding pass gets the appropriate stamps/stickers after you pay.

On your way out, you will again pass through immigration and will receive an exit stamp. As when arriving, non-passengers will not be allowed through to the boarding gates. Say your good-byes at the ticket counter! Depending on the day, it may be necessary to pass through several bag-checks, carry-on baggage could be hand-searched.