07 May Cuenca and the Galápagos Islands, now connected on a single flight
LATAM Airlines launched a new domestic route on March 31, 2026, connecting Cuenca and the Galápagos Islands within the same flight. Passengers benefit from a 37-minute technical stop in Quito, with no change of aircraft, before continuing to Baltra. The return flight operates directly from the islands back to Cuenca. Flights run two days a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
A Route That Links Three World Heritage Sites
This connection brings together three UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a single itinerary: Cuenca, Quito, and the Galápagos Islands. For international travelers, it simplifies access to the archipelago for those based in or exploring Ecuador’s southern highlands. Additionally, it opens a more straightforward way to combine two very different sides of the country in one trip.
Why Cuenca Belongs in an Ecuador Itinerary
Cuenca is Ecuador’s third largest city and one of the best-preserved colonial urban centers in South America. It sits at 2,500 meters above sea level in the southern Andes, and is known for its architecture, crafts traditions, and food culture.
Beyond the city, the surrounding region adds further depth to a southern itinerary. Cajas National Park, located approximately 30 minutes from Cuenca, is a high-altitude landscape of lagoons and páramo grasslands. Furthermore, Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most significant Inca archaeological site, is also within easy reach.
The Galápagos as a Natural Extension
The Galápagos Islands are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important wildlife destinations on the planet. Here, travelers can encounter species found nowhere else on Earth, including Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguanas, Blue-footed Boobies, and Galápagos Penguins.
This new route makes it possible to combine both destinations within one trip, flying from Cuenca to the Galápagos on the same aircraft without a separate connection. Moreover, the return journey lands directly in Cuenca, completing a clean circuit through the south.
Flight Schedule
The route operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Below is the full schedule for both operating days:
| Day | Route | Flight | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | CUE → UIO | LA 1404 | 07:38 | 08:27 |
| UIO → GPS | LA 1404 | 09:04 | 10:10 | |
| GPS → CUE | LA 1409 | 10:50 | 13:42 | |
| CUE → UIO | LA 1409 | 14:20 | 15:09 | |
| Saturday | CUE → UIO | LA 1404 | 07:55 | 08:44 |
| UIO → GPS | LA 1404 | 09:21 | 10:27 | |
| GPS → CUE | LA 1409 | 11:07 | 13:59 | |
| CUE → UIO | LA 1409 | 14:37 | 15:26 |
Tickets are available through LATAM Airlines official channels.
What Geo Boutique Offers on This Route
Geo Boutique Travel Designer has developed programs that incorporate this new connection, combining the highlights of Cuenca and the southern highlands with a Galápagos extension. Each itinerary can be adapted to different travel styles and durations. Therefore, whether the focus is cultural, natural, or a combination of both, the route offers a solid foundation to build around.
For further information, please contact Geo Boutique Travel Designer:
fernanda@georeisen-ecuador.com
+593 2 297 8890