โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Los Perales Airport (BHA) is a regional airfield serving the coastal communities of Bahรญa de Carรกquez and San Vicente in the Manabรญ Province of Ecuador. The airport is strategically located in San Vicente, directly across the Chone River from Bahรญa de Carรกquez, and is connected to the city via the impressive 1.9-kilometer Los Caras bridge (Puente Los Caras), which has significantly improved accessibility since its completion. While it historically hosted commercial flights to Quito and Guayaquil, it currently functions primarily as a general aviation hub for private aircraft, military logistics, and emergency transport services along the Ecuadorian coastline.
The passenger terminal at Los Perales is a modest, single-story facility designed for basic aeronautical operations. It integrates essential services including a small check-in counter and a basic waiting area for passengers. As an uncontrolled airfield, it operates without a dedicated control tower, with flight movements governed by pilot communication and visual flight rules (VFR). The facility provides a functional base for the Ecuadorian Air Force and civil aviation users, reflecting its importance as a regional logistical point rather than a major commercial hub.
Amenities within the terminal are very limited, catering primarily to the immediate needs of general aviation users. There are basic restroom facilities and a small seating area, but travelers will not find formal dining, duty-free shopping, or retail outlets on-site. Visitors are encouraged to explore the nearby towns of San Vicente and Bahรญa de Carรกquez for a wider range of services, including restaurants and accommodations. Ground transportation is readily available in the form of local taxis and motorized tricycles (mototaxis) that provide convenient links across the bridge to Bahรญa, a city known for its eco-friendly initiatives and beautiful coastal scenery.
๐ Connection Tips
Los Perales Airport (BHA) in San Vicente serves as a specialized gateway for private, military, and emergency aviation along Ecuadorโs central coast. As the facility does not currently host scheduled commercial passenger services, 'connections' at this location typically involve transitioning to ground transport for travel to Mantaโs Eloy Alfaro International Airport (MEC), which is located approximately 90 km (56 miles) to the south. Most travelers heading to Bahรญa de Carรกquez or San Vicente fly from Quito (UIO) to Manta and then undertake a 90-minute to two-hour overland journey. Private taxis from Manta Airport offer the most direct link for a fare of roughly $50โ$70 USD, while regional bus lines like Coactur provide frequent and very affordable alternatives from the Manta terminal.
For local movement within the San Vicente and Bahรญa area, the primary mode of transport is the 'tricimoto' or motorized tricycle. These are ubiquitous outside the airport gates and are the standard way to cross the 1.9 km Los Caras bridge, which connects San Vicente to the eco-city of Bahรญa de Carรกquez. Alternatively, small passenger boats known as 'pangas' offer quick transfers across the Chone River for about $0.50, which can often be faster than road transport during peak hours. The BHA terminal is an extremely minimalist facility without restaurants, ATMs, or shops; travelers must be self-sufficient and should carry small denominations of US Dollars (the official currency of Ecuador) for local transport and boat fares. If you are arriving on a private or charter flight at BHA, it is essential to pre-arrange your ground pickup with a local contact, as on-demand services at the airstrip itself can be inconsistent. Always stick to registered yellow taxis or licensed mototaxis for your security while navigating the Manabรญ coast.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Santa Rosa International Airport (ETR), officially known as Coronel Artillerรญa Vรญctor Larrea International Airport, serves as a vital aviation hub for the El Oro Province in southern Ecuador. Located in the canton of Santa Rosa, approximately 20 kilometers south of the regional capital of Machala, the airport provides a critical link for both passengers and cargo in one of the country's most economically productive regions. Its strategic position near the coast makes it an essential node for the transportation network of southern Ecuador.
The airport was inaugurated in late 2009 as a key component of Ecuador's national program to modernize its aviation infrastructure. The facility features a substantial 2,470-meter asphalt runway designed to accommodate small to medium-sized commercial jet aircraft, such as the Airbus A319 and A320. While the airport holds an international designation, its primary operations currently focus on high-frequency domestic connections to major cities like Quito, primarily served by LATAM Ecuador, ensuring that the southern coast remains well-integrated with the national capital.
Inside the single-terminal building, travelers are provided with a streamlined and modern experience. The terminal is equipped with essential facilities including efficient check-in counters, secure boarding zones, and a comfortable VIP lounge located after the security checkpoint. Given the intense daytime heat characteristic of the coastal banana-growing region, the interior is fully air-conditioned, providing a welcome respite for departing passengers. Practical amenities such as on-site JET A-1 fuel services and dedicated baggage handling systems support the airport's role as a reliable transit point for regional business and government travelers.
The airport's primary strategic mission is to support the economic development of El Oro, which is world-renowned as a major center for banana and shrimp production. By facilitating rapid transport for business personnel and specialized agricultural cargo, the facility acts as a catalyst for local trade and international exports. Ground transportation is well-coordinated, with authorized taxi services and private transfers available outside the arrivals area for the short journey into Machala. As it continues to mature as a regional hub, Santa Rosa remains a cornerstone of the infrastructure supporting the "Banana Capital of the World."
๐ Connection Tips
Check in advance as services may be limited.
โ Back to Los Perales Airport