International travelers visiting Cuenca will generally need to fly into either Quito or Guayaquil first. From there, you have several options for completing the final leg of your journey to Cuenca, as outlined below.
If you choose to fly to Cuenca, you must first collect your luggage and clear customs in Quito or Guayaquil before checking in again at the domestic flight counter for your connecting flight.
Before choosing to fly to Cuenca, however, there are a couple of important considerations. Domestic flights in Ecuador are frequently delayed, sometimes by a considerable amount. If you are flying out of Cuenca to catch an international flight, allow plenty of time for your connection to avoid the risk of missing your onward flight.
Important: Flights to and from Cuenca are frequently canceled when heavy rain leaves the runway too wet for safe operations. The risk of cancellation can be particularly high during the rainy season. If you choose to fly to Cuenca, be prepared for the possibility of a last-minute cancellation and consider having a backup travel plan.
Safety Considerations: If you travel between Cuenca and Guayaquil by bus or car, we strongly recommend traveling during daylight hours rather than late at night. There have been reports of tourists being robbed of their belongings while traveling along this route after dark. Daytime travel is a sensible precaution for a safer, more comfortable journey.
The flight from Quito to Cuenca takes approximately one hour. The following airlines offer service between the two cities:
Combined, the airlines operate approximately 6–8 flights per day. One-way fares typically range from $50 to $150, although prices can be considerably higher if you book at the last minute.
If your flight to Cuenca is canceled because of rain and you find yourself stranded in Quito, you have two alternative ways to reach Cuenca:
Our Recommendation: For these reasons, we generally prefer flying directly into Guayaquil rather than Quito when traveling to Cuenca. Guayaquil is considerably closer to Cuenca, and if your flight to Cuenca is canceled, the overland journey from Guayaquil is much shorter and more manageable.
The bus journey from Quito to Cuenca takes approximately 8–10 hours, making it a lengthy and somewhat tiring option for most travelers. Several bus companies operate services between the two cities, with departures from Quito’s main bus terminal at least once an hour. Fares are relatively inexpensive, ranging from approximately $19 to $31 per person.
The flight from Guayaquil to Cuenca takes approximately 50 minutes. The following airlines offer service between the two cities:
There are only one or two direct flights per day, typically two. LATAM's flight schedules vary depending on the day of the week, with departures at different times on different days. One-way fares generally range from $60 to $90, although last-minute bookings can be considerably more expensive.
You can also fly from Guayaquil to Cuenca with a connection in Quito. However, this option takes considerably longer, depending on the connection time, and is usually quite expensive.
Our Recommendation: Because direct flights are limited and departure times vary throughout the week, coordinating your connecting flight with your international arrival in Guayaquil can be challenging. You may have to endure a lengthy layover while waiting for the next available flight to Cuenca.
Depending on your arrival time, traveling overland by bus, minibus, or private car may be a faster and more convenient alternative. Unless the flight schedules happen to align well with your international arrival, we recommend considering these options before booking a connecting flight to Cuenca.
The bus journey from Guayaquil to Cuenca takes approximately four hours. Be sure to ask for the Cajas route, as the alternative Cañar route takes about an hour longer.
The main bus terminal (Terminal Terrestre) is only about a five-minute taxi ride from the airport. Several bus companies operate this route on a rotating schedule, with departures approximately every 30 minutes. Buses run throughout the night, making this a convenient option regardless of your arrival time.
The buses are quite comfortable, with reclining seats and a restroom at the rear. One-way fares typically range from $8 to $15, depending on the bus company and level of service.
An alternative to taking a full-size bus is to travel by minibus from Guayaquil to Cuenca. The journey takes approximately 3½ hours, making it a faster option than the regular bus service.
Several companies offer minibus service, with fares ranging from $12 to $18, depending on the operator and level of service. Most departure points are only a 5–15-minute taxi ride from the airport.
Our preferred company is Alianza, although OperAzuayTur is another popular option. We find Alianza's minibuses to be roomier and more comfortable. Any taxi driver should know where to find their offices.
Both Alianza and OperAzuayTur offer hourly departures. Alianza operates daily from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while OperAzuayTur runs from 3:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
When traveling from Cuenca to Guayaquil, Alianza will drop you off directly at the airport if you request it in advance. Otherwise, you will be dropped off at the Alianza office near the airport, where taxis are usually available. OperAzuayTur, on the other hand, drops all passengers off directly at the airport.
Several other companies offer shared minibus services along the same street, often at competitive prices. However, be cautious when choosing an operator. Some companies may not be properly licensed for commercial passenger transportation. Traveling with an unlicensed operator can lead to lengthy detours to avoid police checkpoints, potentially eliminating any time savings.
Although minibuses generally make the journey faster than full-size buses, they offer less space and may be less comfortable, particularly on a longer trip. Unlike larger buses, they typically do not provide the same roomy seating and reclining comfort.
Our recommendation: If speed and convenience are your priorities, a minibus is an excellent option. We prefer Alianza for its more spacious and comfortable vehicles.
If you have a lot of luggage, are traveling with several passengers, or simply prefer the privacy and convenience of a private vehicle, hiring a private driver from Guayaquil to Cuenca is an excellent option. The journey typically takes only 3–3½ hours, making it one of the fastest and most comfortable ways to travel between the two cities.
A private driver must be booked in advance. We recommend making your reservation well ahead of time to ensure availability, particularly during busy travel periods.
Most private drivers charge approximately $125–$160 for the one-way trip. We would be happy to provide you with a list of drivers to choose from if you are interested. Most, although not all, speak English.
A private driver will take you directly to the condominium. If you travel by plane, bus, or minibus, however, you will need to take a taxi from the airport, bus terminal, or minibus office to reach the condominium. Minibuses drop passengers off at their respective offices rather than at the condominium.
The address is Calle Larga 10-17 (y Padre Aguirre). Simply tell the taxi driver, “Calle Larga y Padre Aguirre.” We recommend writing the address on a piece of paper to show the driver, as most taxi drivers speak little or no English.
For more information about taking taxis, please see the section entitled Taxis.
When you first arrive at the condominium, enter 21 on the callbox at the main entrance. This is the callbox number for Cecilia Bogaard, our property manager.