Cuenca-to-Galápagos Direct Flights Are Officially Happening — LATAM Starts March 31

The Flight Expats Have Been Waiting For

If you've ever priced out a Galápagos trip from Cuenca, you know the drill: fly to Quito or Guayaquil first, overnight if the connection is bad, then catch a morning flight to the islands. It adds a day, a hotel, and a headache to what should be a straightforward trip.

That's about to change. LATAM Airlines will launch direct flights from Cuenca to the Galápagos starting March 31, 2026, with service running Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The Details

• Airline: LATAM Airlines
• Route: Cuenca (Mariscal Lamar Airport) → Galápagos
• Start Date: March 31, 2026
• Frequency: Twice weekly — Tuesdays and Saturdays
• Prices: Not yet published, but tickets are already selling and demand is reportedly strong
• Peak Season: July and August bookings are already filling up

Airport Upgrades

Cuenca's Mariscal Lamar International Airport has invested approximately $200,000 in Galápagos-specific infrastructure:

• Phytosanitary control systems — to prevent pests from reaching the fragile island ecosystem
• New offices for Galápagos entry tax payments — the Galápagos National Park entrance fee (currently $100 for foreign adults) can be processed on-site
• Luggage scanning zones — specialized screening to prevent prohibited items and live animals from reaching the islands
• Migration and sanitation controls — additional compliance checkpoints

This isn't just a new route — the airport physically restructured to handle the unique requirements of Galápagos-bound travel.

Why This Is a Big Deal

For Cuenca's expat community, this changes the Galápagos equation significantly:

• Save a day each way. No more connecting flights, no more overnight in Guayaquil or Quito.
• Easier planning. Two flights per week means you can do a long weekend if you time it right — fly out Tuesday, return Saturday (or vice versa).
• Better prices likely. Direct routes are typically more competitive than routing through a hub.
• Tourism boost for Cuenca. International visitors can now fly into Cuenca and connect directly to the Galápagos, potentially spending time (and money) in our city on either end.

Practical Tips

• Book early for July-August. Demand is already strong for peak season.
• Remember the Galápagos entry fee. Foreign tourists pay $100 (nationals pay $6). This is separate from your flight ticket.
• Pack carefully. The phytosanitary controls are real. No fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, or animals. Your bags will be scanned.
• Transit Card (TCT). You'll need to purchase a Transit Control Card ($20) before flying — this can now be done at the Cuenca airport.
• Travel insurance. Galápagos requires proof of health insurance for entry. Make sure yours covers the islands.

When to Book

Tickets are already available through LATAM's website. If you've been putting off the Galápagos because of the connection hassle, the excuse just disappeared.

Sources: CuencaHighLife, Mariscal Lamar Airport