How to get to Ecuador: airports, flights and border crossings

Use this to pick your arrival airport and rough season. Fares are 2026 estimates for a round trip from the US or Europe; they move a lot with dates and how early you book.

First, decide which side of the country you are starting on. Quito and the northern Andes, Baños, Otavalo, Mindo and the Amazon lodges all work from Quito. The coast, Cuenca by road and most Galápagos departures work from Guayaquil. If your trip is the classic Quito–Andes–Cuenca line, fly into Quito and out of Guayaquil, or the reverse; one-way fares on that pair are usually close to a round trip.

Second, book the long-haul leg. From the US, nonstop flights to Quito and Guayaquil run from Miami, Houston, Atlanta, New York and Fort Lauderdale, with more frequencies in the June–September and December–January peaks. From Europe there is no nonstop; the usual one-stop routes are through Madrid, Amsterdam, Bogotá or Panama City. From Canada, Australia and New Zealand you will connect at least once, usually in the US, Mexico or Chile.

Third, sort the Galápagos leg if it is on your list. Flights to Baltra (GPS) and San Cristóbal (SCY) leave from both Quito and Guayaquil, and the Quito flights usually stop in Guayaquil on the way. Book these with the rest of the trip; seats in the December–January and June–August peaks sell out weeks ahead. You also pay a Galápagos entry fee on arrival, separate from the airfare.

Fourth, plan the arrival transfer. Quito's airport is at Tababela, east of the city, about 45–60 minutes from the centre by taxi or app; there is no metro or train link. Guayaquil's José Joaquín de Olmedo airport is close to the city centre, about 10–15 minutes by taxi. Both airports have official taxi desks and app pickups; agree the fare or use the app before you get in.

Fifth, handle the paperwork. Most visitors get up to 90 days on arrival, and immigration may ask for an onward or return ticket and proof of where you are staying. Check your nationality's current rule before booking, and check whether a yellow fever certificate is required if you are arriving from an Amazon or other risk country.

Sixth, if you are coming overland, use a formal border crossing and allow most of a day. From Colombia the main crossing is at Ipiales/Rumichaca, with buses on both sides. From Peru the busiest is Huaquillas, with Macará, La Balsa and Zumba as quieter alternatives. Cross in daylight, keep your entry stamp, and check current advice before you travel.

Quito's altitude is the thing most arrivals underestimate. At about 2,850 m, the first day is better spent slowly: light walking, water, no big hike and no heavy drinking. Guayaquil is at sea level and hot and humid year round, which is a different kind of first day.

Ecuador uses the US dollar, so there is no currency exchange on arrival and no need to carry a second currency. Cards work in hotels, larger restaurants and supermarkets; carry small notes for taxis, markets and rural buses. Airport ATMs are convenient but check the fee.

Buy travel insurance before you book the Galápagos or any hiking. Standard policies often exclude the islands or require a higher tier for boat and altitude activities; read the activity list, not just the price.

Mobile data is easy: pick up an eSIM before you fly or a local SIM at the airport, and download offline maps for the Andes and the islands, where signal drops between towns.

This page is checked against official Ecuadorian government and airport sources and cross-read with Wikivoyage. Fares and flight times are 2026 estimates and change; confirm on the airline or airport site before you book.