โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ciudad de Catamayo Airport (LOH), formerly known as Camilo Ponce Enrรญquez Airport, is the primary aviation gateway serving the city of Loja in southern Ecuador. Located in the town of Catamayo, approximately 35 kilometers west of Loja, the airport operates from a single, modern passenger terminal building that was completely reconstructed in 2013. The facility is designed to handle domestic regional traffic with high efficiency, providing a streamlined experience for travelers navigating the Andean highlands.
The terminal building provides a professional and intuitive layout, where all essential servicesโincluding check-in counters, security screening, and the waiting loungeโare concentrated within a single-story, 2,800-square-meter structure. Amenities at the terminal include a small cafรฉ in the landside public area serving local Loja specialties such as tamales and humitas, alongside essential travel retail. For premium travelers, the facility features the Sala VIP Catamayo, which offers a quiet space with refreshments and Wi-Fi. The terminal is also equipped with a single baggage claim belt and maintains a high standard of accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.
Ground transportation to and from the LOH terminal is well-facilitated, with local taxis readily available outside the arrivals exit for the 45 to 60-minute drive to Loja. Shared vans and regional buses also provide frequent connections between Catamayo and the city center. The airport features a single 1,860-meter asphalt runway (07/25) situated in a valley with a sunnier climate than Loja itself. As a primary regional hub for carriers such as Aeroregional, the airport provides frequent links to the capital, Quito (UIO). Travelers are encouraged to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth check-in process at this essential southern highland gateway.
๐ Connection Tips
Ciudad de Catamayo Airport (LOH), also known as Camilo Ponce Enrรญquez Airport, is a vital regional gateway in the Loja Province of southern Ecuador, serving the city of Loja. For international travelers, the most efficient route is to fly into Quito and take a short 50-minute domestic flight to Catamayo. A unique tip for visitors is utilizing the airport as a technical stop before heading directly into the spectacular Podocarpus National Park or the world-famous Vilcabamba Valley; several specialized transfer companies provide pickup services directly from the terminal exit. Amenities include free Wi-Fi (often requires local registration), several airline lounges, and a diverse selection of dining options serving traditional Andean and international cuisine. LOH provide a professional and remarkably stress-free arrival experience, reflecting the unique hospitality and natural beauty of the southern Ecuadorian highlands.
For travelers, the most critical tip is understanding that the airport is located in Catamayo, approximately 38 kilometers (a 45 to 60-minute drive) from the Loja city center. Upon arrival at LOH, ground transportation is well-coordinated; dedicated airport shuttle buses and shared taxis (camionetas) meet every scheduled flight and provide a reliable link to the city's major hotels and the main bus terminal. Arriving at least 90 minutes before domestic departures is typically sufficient to navigate the thorough but generally fast security screening. The regional climate is temperate and pleasant year-round, but mountain fog in the Catamayo valley can occasionally lead to morning flight delays.
The airport primarily handles domestic flights operated by major carriers like LATAM and Aeroregional, connecting the southern interior to the national hub at Quito (UIO). It is standard practice to negotiate the fare beforehand, as meters are rarely used; a typical fare to Loja is around $15 to $20 USD. Facilities at LOH are modern and professional, following a major terminal renovation in 2013. When connecting back to a long-haul international flight from Quito, always allow for a minimum 4-hour buffer to account for potential regional delays.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Mariscal Lamar Airport (CUE) is a high-altitude regional airport serving Cuenca, Ecuador's third-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated at approximately 2,500 meters above sea level within the city itself, the airport is known for its challenging approach and relatively short runway (1,900 meters), which primarily accommodates narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A319 and A320. The single, modern passenger terminal is remarkably efficient, allowing travelers to transition from the curb to their boarding gate in a matter of minutes. Its bright and clean interior reflects the colonial charm and modern growth of the surrounding Andean city.
Inside the terminal, passengers have access to a variety of essential services and small-scale amenities. The airside departures area features several gift shops selling local artisanal products, a candy store, and a liquor shop. For business travelers or those seeking a more relaxed environment, the 'Sala VIP Corpac' is located near Gate 3 in the domestic departures zone. This lounge offers snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi, and is accessible to Priority Pass members or via a one-time entry fee. A cafe on the upper level provides views of the runway and the surrounding mountains, offering a unique vantage point for aviation enthusiasts.
Transit at CUE is primarily focused on domestic connections to Quito (UIO) and Guayaquil (GYE), though it maintains international status for occasional charter flights and future expansion plans. For domestic-to-domestic transfers, the process is seamless due to the single-terminal layout; however, international travelers connecting through Cuenca would typically have cleared customs at their first point of entry into Ecuador. Ground transportation is exceptionally convenient, with a dedicated taxi stand and the local tram system (Tranvรญa de Cuenca) passing within walking distance of the terminal, providing a direct link to the historic city center.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Mariscal Lamar Airport (CUE) is a uniquely urban experience, as the facility is located directly within the city limits of Cuenca. For travelers arriving from international hubs like Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE), it is essential to remember that you must clear customs and immigration at your first point of entry before continuing to Cuenca on a domestic flight. One of the most significant advantages of CUE is its integration with the local 'Tranvรญa de Cuenca' tram system; the 'Aeropuerto' station is situated directly in front of the terminal entrance.
For a fare of just $1.00, the tram provides a direct and efficient five-to-seven-minute link to the UNESCO-listed Historic Center (El Centro) and a two-minute ride to the main intercity bus terminal, Terminal Terrestre. Taxis are also readily available outside the arrivals hall, with fares to the city center typically ranging from $3 to $5. Due to its high altitude of over 2,500 meters and its position nestled among the Andes, the airport is highly susceptible to morning fog and localized afternoon thunderstorms, which can lead to diversions or delays.
When connecting to an onward international flight from Quito or Guayaquil, it is strongly recommended to allow a buffer of at least three to four hours to account for these potential weather-related disruptions. For those with extra time, the 'Sala VIP Corpac' near Gate 3 offers a comfortable environment with high-speed Wi-Fi and regional snacks. Arriving at the terminal 90 minutes before your domestic departure is typically sufficient, given the airport's compact layout and efficient security processing times.
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