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Airports in 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.
Arriving in Quito
Both international and domestic flights to Quito will land at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, which was formerly located in the middle of the city just minutes away from all the hotels. In February 2013, the airport was moved to the outskirts of the city in the valley to the east of the city near the small town of Tababela.
There are affordable buses and ubiquitous taxis to take you into Quito. Here’s an in-depth guide on transportation from the Quito airport.
On average, travel time lasts about between forty-five minutes to an hour and a half, with times fluctuating based on the traffic and the time of day. The most important thing to realize is that Quito is located at 3,000 meters (9,900 feet) above sea level, and therefore, a sweater or jacket is highly recommended upon arrival.
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 may give you less.
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. Remember that airport tax is already included in your airline ticket.
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 past the airport lobby into the ticketing area, so say your good-byes there! Depending on the day and time, you may be required to pass through several bag-checks, with carry-on baggage potentially being hand-searched.
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 to Ecuador leave from London, Madrid, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt and all include at least one layover.
On this page: From the USA | From Europe |Arriving in Quito | Departing from Quito |