LATAM Launches First Direct Cuenca-Galapagos Flights -- Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites Now Connected

Ecuador's domestic air connectivity just took a major step forward -- and it has implications for expats across the country, not just those in Cuenca.

What Happened

LATAM Ecuador launched its first-ever direct flight from Cuenca to the Galapagos Islands on March 31, 2026, connecting Ecuador's third-largest city to its most iconic tourist destination without requiring a layover in Quito or Guayaquil.

The route operates on Airbus A319 aircraft (144 passengers) with service on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The flight follows a triangulation pattern -- Cuenca → Quito → Baltra → Cuenca -- with a technical stop in Quito where passengers do not deplane.

Fares start at approximately $310 round-trip including taxes, competitive with existing Quito-Galapagos and Guayaquil-Galapagos routes.

Why This Matters

The Cuenca-Galapagos route is significant for several reasons beyond tourism convenience:

Tourism infrastructure expansion: Cuenca's Mariscal La Mar Airport has historically been underserved, with only domestic flights to Quito and Guayaquil operated by LATAM and Avianca. The Galapagos route represents the first step toward positioning Cuenca as a multi-destination hub rather than a terminal point.

Economic impact: Direct Galapagos access from Cuenca could redirect tourism spending. International visitors who previously flew into Quito specifically to reach Galapagos now have reason to route through Cuenca, potentially spending tourism dollars in both destinations.

Regional connectivity signal: The route launch comes amid broader discussions about international flights from Cuenca, including potential service to Peru. If the Galapagos route demonstrates sufficient demand, it strengthens the case for additional route development.

Booking and Requirements

• Booking: Available through LATAM's website and app
• Transit Control Card (TCT): Required for Galapagos entry, purchased online (~$20 for residents, ~$100 for foreign tourists)
• Biosecurity inspection: Luggage must clear ABG (Agencia de Regulacion y Control para la Bioseguridad y Cuarentena para Galapagos) before check-in
• Galapagos National Park fee: $100 for foreign tourists, $6 for Ecuadorian nationals, payable on arrival
• Demand: July and August reportedly near capacity already

What This Means for Expats

• If you live in Cuenca, this eliminates the need for an overnight in Quito before a Galapagos trip. The time and cost savings are substantial -- a hotel night in Quito plus the domestic connecting flight easily adds $150-200 to the trip
• If you live elsewhere in Ecuador, this route's success could accelerate airport development in secondary cities. Manta, Loja, and other cities are watching Cuenca's results closely
• The Galapagos remain one of Ecuador's most compelling attractions for visiting friends and family. Having a direct route from a city that many expats call home makes the "come visit me" pitch significantly easier
• Book early for high season. The Galapagos are capacity-constrained by design -- limited visitor numbers, limited flights. The new Cuenca route adds capacity but doesn't eliminate the scarcity problem
• The triangulation route (Cuenca-Quito-Baltra-Cuenca) means the actual flight time is longer than a direct Quito-Baltra flight. Factor this into your planning

Sources: El Mercurio, Aeropuerto de Cuenca