Mariscal Lamar Airport

Coronel Edmundo Carvajal Airport (CUE) sits about seven kilometres east of Cuenca's historic centre, a compact single-terminal facility that handles domestic flights limited to a handful of destinations. Named after a former mayor of Cuenca, the airport serves as the primary air link for the city and the surrounding Azuay province. With one runway and a modest terminal building, it processes a relatively low volume of passengers compared to Ecuador's larger airports in Quito and Guayaquil. The busiest times are late afternoon, especially Monday through Thursday around 4 or 5 pm, when flights to Quito and Guayaquil tend to depart. The airport is not open around the clock — it operates during daylight hours and closes after the last flight. This is typical for regional airports in Ecuador. Despite its small scale, the airport is efficient and functional, providing the essential service of connecting the southern highlands to the rest of the country.

Getting There

Cuenca's city centre is roughly 15 to 20 minutes away by taxi, depending on traffic. Taxis are the most common means of reaching the airport; they can be hailed on the street or ordered through hotel reception. The fare from the historic core to the terminal is usually between $5 and $10 — it's wise to confirm the price before getting in. Ride-hailing apps like Uber operate in Cuenca but are less prevalent than in larger cities; a taxi is more reliable. There is no direct public bus line to the airport, but some city buses pass along Avenida de las Américas, the main road leading to the terminal, from which you can walk the final 500 metres. However, walking on that road is not recommended, especially with luggage, as there are limited sidewalks and heavy traffic. The most straightforward option is to arrange a pickup from your hotel or take a taxi from the city's central points like Parque Calderón. If you are driving, the airport has a small parking lot that charges by the hour. Rental cars are available from desks inside the terminal, though most visitors to Cuenca do not need a car once in the city.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single-storey building with separate areas for arrivals and departures. Upon entering, passengers find a row of check-in counters — usually only two or three are active at any one time. Security screening consists of a single X-ray machine and metal detector; the process is quick due to low passenger volume. The departure lounge is small, with seating for perhaps 40 people. There is one café that sells coffee, pastries, and pre-packaged snacks. It also offers a limited selection of local newspapers. Restrooms are located near the café and are kept clean, with a designated accessible toilet. The airport provides baggage storage — useful if you plan to explore Cuenca for a few hours before a late flight. Wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park are available, making the airport navigable for passengers with mobility needs. The atmosphere is calm; there are no duty-free shops or lounges. Boarding is done on foot across the tarmac. The entire experience from check-in to gate rarely takes more than 30 minutes during quiet times, but during the busier late-afternoon window, a bit more patience is required. Plan to arrive one hour before domestic departures, ninety minutes if you have check bags. The airport's simplicity means there are no surprises — it functions as a straightforward transit point.

Coronel Edmundo Carvajal Airport and Cuenca

Cuenca is one of Ecuador's most culturally rich cities. Its historic centre was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, recognised for its well-preserved colonial architecture, plazas, and cobblestone streets. Four rivers — the Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Tarqui, and Machángara — cut through the city, dividing it into distinct neighbourhoods. The New Cathedral, with its iconic blue-and-white tiled domes, dominates the skyline. Cuenca is also the symbolic birthplace of the Panama hat — despite its name, the hat originated in Ecuador, and you can see workshops where they are still handwoven. The city hosts vibrant markets: the Mercado 10 de Agosto for local produce and food stalls, and the Feria Libre for textiles and crafts. Beyond the urban core, the surrounding Cajas National Park offers high-altitude lakes and paramo trails, while the Inca ruins of Ingapirca, about an hour northeast, are the largest known Inca site in Ecuador. Cuenca attracts visitors interested in architecture, history, and outdoor activities. It is also a popular destination for expatriates and retirees, drawn by the temperate climate, low cost of living, and friendly atmosphere. The airport's flights mainly connect Cuenca to Quito and Guayaquil, with occasional routes to Loja and other domestic cities. For international travellers, flying into Guayaquil and then taking a one-hour flight to Cuenca is a common itinerary. The airport thus serves as the gateway to one of Ecuador's most beloved destinations — a city that rewards slow exploration and genuine curiosity.

Practical Information

Coronel Edmundo Carvajal Airport is not open 24 hours; it typically operates from around 6 am to 8 pm, though hours vary based on flight schedules. The phone number for general inquiries is +593 7-270-0985. There is no official website with real-time information; check with your airline for flight status. The busiest times, as mentioned, are late afternoon on weekdays. Parking costs about $2 per hour. There are no ATMs inside the terminal, so bring cash for taxis and snacks. The airport has free Wi-Fi, but the connection can be unreliable. One concrete piece of advice: book your taxi in advance if you are departing during the busy afternoon period — there are limited cabs waiting outside, and you might end up waiting 15 minutes. Alternatively, ask your hotel to arrange a pickup. And carry a rain jacket: Cuenca is in the Andes and can rain unexpectedly at any time of year.