You Can Now Fly Direct from Cuenca to Galapagos -- LATAM's New Route Launches Today

Cuenca to Galapagos -- It's Finally Happening

After months of anticipation, LATAM Ecuador is launching its first-ever direct flight from Cuenca to the Galapagos Islands today, March 31, 2026. This is a genuinely historic moment for the city -- for the first time, you can fly from Cuenca's Mariscal La Mar Airport to one of the most extraordinary places on Earth without connecting through Quito or Guayaquil.

The route connects two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cuenca's historic center (designated in 1999) and the Galapagos Islands (designated in 1978). It's a marketing dream and a real milestone for Cuenca's role in Ecuador's tourism infrastructure.

Flight Details

Here's what you need to know:

• Aircraft: Airbus A319 (144 passengers)
• Schedule: Tuesdays and Saturdays
• Route: Cuenca → Quito → Baltra → Cuenca (triangulation route -- you stop in Quito but don't deplane)
• Fares: Starting from $310 round-trip (taxes included)
• Booking: Through LATAM's website (latam.com) or app
• First flight: Today, March 31, 2026

Demand is already high, with July and August nearly sold out according to reports. If you're thinking about a Galapagos trip this year, book sooner rather than later.

Biosecurity Requirements

The Galapagos have strict biosecurity rules that you need to know about before you get to the airport:

• Transit Control Card (TCT): You must purchase this card online before traveling. It costs approximately $20 for Ecuadorian residents and $100 for foreign tourists. This is your entry permit for the islands
• ABG Biosecurity Inspection: Your luggage must pass through the Agencia de Regulacion y Control para la Bioseguridad y Cuarentena para Galapagos (ABG) inspection before check-in. This is a separate step from normal security screening. ABG inspectors check for prohibited items including fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, plants, and live animals
• Galapagos National Park Fee: Payable upon arrival in Galapagos -- $100 for foreign tourists, $6 for Ecuadorian nationals

What This Means for Expats

• This makes a Galapagos trip dramatically more accessible from Cuenca. Previously, you had to fly to Quito or Guayaquil first, spend a night, then catch a morning flight to Galapagos. Now it's direct (with a technical stop in Quito)
• $310 round-trip is competitive for the Galapagos route. Flights from Quito and Guayaquil typically run $300-500 depending on season
• Book well ahead for high season (June-September, December). Early reports indicate heavy demand, especially from international tourists who fly into Cuenca specifically for this connection
• Arrive at the airport early. The ABG biosecurity check adds time to the pre-flight process. Arrive at least 2.5 hours before your flight
• The Galapagos are not a weekend trip. Most itineraries are 4-8 days. Factor in cruise or island-hopping logistics when planning
• This route may expand. If demand is strong, LATAM has indicated they may add more weekly frequencies. The current Tues/Sat schedule works for week-long trips but can be limiting for shorter visits

Whether you've been dreaming about Galapagos for years or just arrived in Cuenca and want to check it off the bucket list, the barrier to entry just dropped significantly. No more connecting flights, no more overnight stays in Quito -- just board in Cuenca and wake up with sea lions.

Sources: El Mercurio, Aeropuerto de Cuenca