Getting There & Away in Cuenca

Good to Know

• Ecuador's official currency is the US Dollar (USD); all prices listed in USD above.
• Cuenca airport operates only 07:00–20:00 daily; check flight schedules carefully as frequencies vary.
• Flight cancellations are common during rainy season (mid-Oct to early May) if the runway is too wet—consider overland travel if timing is flexible.
• No direct international flights into Cuenca; fly to Quito or Guayaquil first, then domestic flight or overland (4 hours from Guayaquil by bus is often faster and cheaper).
• For Guayaquil–Cuenca routes, always request the Cajas route; the alternative Cañar route adds roughly 1 hour.
• Terminal Terrestre operates 24 hours; buses depart approximately every 30 minutes to major cities.
• Taxis in Cuenca are reliable and metered; ensure driver uses the taximeter. Uber and Lyft are not available.
• The Tranvía (modern light rail) is fastest for airport–city-center trips; magnetic rechargeable card required (available at stations).
• When exiting Terminal Terrestre for bus boarding, insert 10 cents in turnstile machine; dimes are essential.
• Night travel on Guayaquil–Cuenca road is discouraged; travel during daytime when possible.
• Day trips from Cajas to artisan villages (Chordeleg, Gualaceo, Sigsig) are all within 1–2 hours and well-served by local buses.
• Book long-distance buses in advance during peak seasons (June–September, December–February).
• Many hotels offer complimentary airport pickups—ask when booking your accommodation.