Pacific Coast And Lowlands, Ecuador
José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GSE) is Guayaquil's main airport, consistently ranking among the best in Latin America for efficiency, cleanliness, and modern facilities. Its proximity to the city center makes transfers relatively quick. Several airlines connect Guayaquil to major cities internationally and domestically. International carriers include American Airlines (Miami), Avianca (Bogotá, Lima, Medellín), Copa Airlines (Panama City), Delta Air Lines (Atlanta), Iberia (Madrid), LATAM Airlines (Lima, Santiago, Miami, New York), Spirit Airlines (Fort Lauderdale), and United Airlines (Houston).
Direct flight options extend from major North American cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Houston, and New York. From Europe, Madrid offers the main direct link. Numerous direct connections exist from Latin American cities. Flight prices are higher during peak travel seasons (dry season: June-August and end-of-year holidays: December-January). Booking 3-6 months in advance is recommended. GSE provides duty-free shops, restaurants, ATMs, currency exchange, VIP lounges, car rental desks, and free Wi-Fi.
Consider signing up for flight deal alerts from services like Dollar Flight Club to find reduced fares.
Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner to compare prices across various airlines and dates.
Book car rentals in advance via platforms like DiscoverCars.com for competitive rates.
Valid national driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP) are needed. Minimum age for rental is typically 21 or 25. A major credit card for deposit is a must.
Major highways connecting cities are well-maintained. City roads vary; some potholes or uneven surfaces are present. Rural roads might be unpaved.
Driving can be challenging: aggressive driving, lax traffic law adherence, poorly marked roads, and numerous speed bumps. Car theft and roadside robberies are risks in isolated areas. Navigation with Google Maps or Waze is helpful.
Guayaquil serves as a port of call for some international cruise lines. Cruise ships dock at the main port, Puerto Marítimo de Guayaquil, located south of the city center. Immigration procedures for cruise ship passengers are handled onboard the ship or at a designated port terminal. Passengers must have valid passports for entry into Ecuador.
Occasional tourist boats operate on the Guayas River, offering scenic tours from the Malecon 2000. These are for leisure and sightseeing, providing views of the city skyline. They are not a regular means of passenger transportation between towns. No regular passenger ferry services connect Guayaquil to other major towns via sea or river for typical travel purposes.
Arrive at GSE at least 3 hours before scheduled international departure. This allows time for check-in and security.
For domestic flights from GSE, arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
If departing by long-distance bus, arrive at Terminal Terrestre de Guayaquil at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
Airport departure taxes for international flights from Ecuador are typically included in the airline ticket price. Always confirm with your airline or check your ticket breakdown to verify this. Allow ample time for check-in and security processes. Be prepared to remove electronics and liquids from your carry-on bag at security checkpoints.
José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GSE) features departure lounges, a variety of food and beverage options, duty-free shopping, and ATMs beyond security. The Terminal Terrestre de Guayaquil (main bus terminal) has food courts, various shops, and spacious waiting areas. Both facilities cater to the needs of departing travelers, aiming to streamline the departure process.
Drivers operate vehicles on the right side of the road in Ecuador, consistent with North American standards.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants, both drivers and passengers.
Drunk driving is illegal and carries severe penalties; strict enforcement of laws.
