AirlinesAirports.com
Powered by Google TranslateTranslate
Travel planning byTravelerPulse.pro
Mariscal Lamar Airport Coastal & Island Airport illustrationCoastal & Island Airport
Airports
CUEmedium airport

Mariscal Lamar Airport

Cuenca, Ecuador
Explore Cuenca city guide Navigate to this airport
3
Routes out
2
Destinations
SECU
ICAO
8306 ft
Elevation
AirlinesAirports profile

Gateway to Ecuador's colonial highland city of Cuenca.

Opened
1953
Location
Cuenca, Ecuador
Mariscal Lamar Airport serves Cuenca, Ecuador's third-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historic colonial architecture. The airport is situated within the urban area of Cuenca, presenting operational challenges due to its short runway and surrounding terrain. The airport handles domestic routes primarily connecting Cuenca to Quito and Guayaquil, along with limited international services. Its urban location and altitude—approximately 2,550 meters above sea level—impose restrictions on aircraft size and operations. Due to capacity and safety constraints related to its city-center location, Ecuador has long discussed developing a new regional airport outside Cuenca to replace Mariscal Lamar, though the facility continues to serve passengers in the interim.
Terminals
The airport has a single terminal building handling both domestic and limited international passengers.
Getting to & from
Taxis and private vehicles are the primary means of ground transport between the airport and Cuenca's city center, which is only a few kilometers away.
Airlines here
LATAM Airlines and Avianca operate key domestic routes connecting Cuenca to Quito and Guayaquil.
Notable facts
  • ›The airport is located within the urban boundaries of Cuenca, making expansion difficult.
  • ›It sits at an elevation of approximately 2,527 meters (8,291 feet) above sea level.
  • ›The short runway limits the size and type of aircraft that can operate there.
  • ›Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making its airport a gateway to significant cultural tourism.
  • ›Plans for a new regional airport to replace Mariscal Lamar have been discussed for many years.
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Route map (2 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

TAME
EQ
Aerolane
XL

Routes

CUE → UIOEQ · E90
CUE → GYEEQ · 320 E90
CUE → UIOXL · 319
Hotels near CUE

Pick what matters for your layover or early flight, then compare on your favorite booking site.

Compare stays for your dates

AirlinesAirports may receive compensation when you book or purchase through some of the links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Prices and availability are set by the booking provider and may change. We never share your private trip details with partners — only the destination, dates and party size you searched.

City & Place Guide

Colonial charm meets Andean culture in Ecuador's most livable city.

Cuenca is Ecuador's third-largest city, nestled in a highland valley at 2,550 meters above sea level. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its beautifully preserved colonial center features cobblestone streets, ornate churches, and pastel-colored buildings lining the Tomebamba River.

The city is known for its arts scene, traditional Panama hat workshops, and vibrant flower markets. Residents enjoy a mild spring-like climate year-round, earning Cuenca a reputation as one of Latin America's top expat and retirement destinations.

Beyond the city center, visitors can explore nearby indigenous markets, the ruins of the ancient Cañari and Inca site of Pumapungo, and the dramatic Cajas National Park just 30 minutes away.

  • •Cathedral de la Inmaculada Concepción — iconic blue domes dominating the city skyline
  • •Pumapungo Ruins & Museum — Inca archaeological site with free ethnographic museum
  • •Cajas National Park — dramatic páramo landscape with hundreds of alpine lakes
  • •Mercado 10 de Agosto — lively local market perfect for cheap authentic food
  • •Museo del Sombrero — learn how genuine Panama hats are made and try one on
  • •Tomebamba Riverfront (El Barranco) — scenic colonial cliffs ideal for an evening stroll

Getting around: Cuenca's compact historic center is very walkable. The city operates an affordable electric tram (Tranvía) running through the main corridors. Local buses cover wider routes for under $0.30. Taxis are metered and inexpensive, while the app-based service InDriver operates as a rideshare alternative. Renting a bicycle is also a pleasant option along the river paths.

Best time: The driest and sunniest months from June through September offer the best weather for exploring, though Cuenca's climate is mild and pleasant year-round.

Local food: Don't miss cuy (roasted guinea pig), hornado (slow-roasted pork), mote pillo (hominy with egg), and a warming bowl of caldo de res at the central markets.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via CUE? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for Ecuador from official government sources.

Ecuador visa & entry information →Embassy & consulate finder →
Mariscal Lamar International Airport
Encyclopaedia

Mariscal Lamar International Airport is a high elevation airport serving Cuenca, the capital of the Azuay Province in Ecuador. It is named after the Peruvian military leader and politician José de la Mar, a native of Cuenca.

Read full article on Wikipedia

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification