Cotopaxi International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (LTX)

Cotopaxi International Airport is located near Latacunga, approximately 85 km south of Quito, at the foot of the active volcano of the same name.

It is a minor airport, historically more linked to cargo traffic than regular passenger operations, and sometimes used as an alternative airport for Quito in case of closure due to volcanic activity or fog.

Content verified on 03/09/2026

How to get to Cotopaxi International Airport

Latacunga city centre is approximately 8 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 15 minutes by taxi. Quito, on the other hand, is approximately 85 km away, a transfer of 1.5-2 hours.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach Latacunga in approximately 15 minutes; Quito is about 1.5-2 hours away along the Pan-American Highway.

By Train

Ecuador does not have a railway connection for the airport.

By Bus

There is no dedicated public bus service for flights; however, the Latacunga bus station offers regular connections to Quito and other cities.

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Tips Always verify the operability of flights at this hub: regular passenger connections are limited and can vary by season. Cotopaxi National Park, a trekking and high-altitude destination, is reachable by car in about an hour.

Average travel time to LTX

TrainNot available

Shuttle busNot a dedicated service

Taxi / Private hire15 minutes (Latacunga) / 1.5-2 hours (Quito)

Parking near Cotopaxi International Airport

The parking is close to the terminal, of reduced size.

It is not staffed; rates are generally contained, consistent with the airport's limited traffic.

How to get to Latacunga from LTX

By Train

Ecuador does not have a railway connection for the airport.

By Bus

A dedicated bus service for flights is not available.

By Taxi

Taxis generally wait in conjunction with flight arrivals; roughly 5-8 USD for Latacunga city center.

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Car rental at Cotopaxi International Airport

Car rental is generally not available directly at the airport: it's better to book in advance with an operator in Quito or Latacunga.

Hotels near Cotopaxi International Airport

Cotopaxi airport, about 4 km from the centre of Latacunga, suspended regular scheduled flights in 2017: today it's used mainly by military aviation, cargo and private or charter flights, the latter often linked to groups of climbers setting off for Cotopaxi or the area's other volcanoes. For those arriving on a private or charter flight anyway, the choice is between staying in the historic centre of Latacunga, a few minutes from the runway, or heading towards Lasso, closer to Cotopaxi national park.

City centre

Historic centre of Latacunga

About 4 km from the airport, 10 minutes by car or taxi.

Best for: Travelers arriving or departing on a private flight who want to stay minutes from the runway, with the widest choice of restaurants and services in the province.

Pros

The largest concentration of hotels, restaurants and services in Cotopaxi province
A convenient starting point for Quilotoa and the Ilinizas too, not just for Cotopaxi

Cons

From the centre to Cotopaxi national park it's still about an hour's drive
Outside the season the town empties out early in the evening, with little nightlife

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Nearby town

Lasso and the haciendas at the foot of Cotopaxi

About 20 km from Latacunga airport, 25-30 minutes by car along the Panamericana; the entrance to Cotopaxi park is then another 30-40 minutes away.

Best for: Travelers who want to sleep closer to Cotopaxi national park, in a historic hacienda rather than in town.

Pros

Cuts down the journey to the park compared with starting from the centre of Latacunga
A seventeenth-century hacienda with rooms and gardens that are a worthwhile stop in their own right

Cons

Very few services nearby beyond the hacienda itself: dinner means staying put
Without your own car, the transfer requires a taxi arranged in advance

Recommended hotels

Hacienda La Cienega A seventeenth-century hacienda at the foot of Cotopaxi, a hotel since 1982: Alexander von Humboldt stayed here too in 1802; welcome cocktail, rooms with period furnishings and some with a fireplace. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport offers essential services suited to its predominantly cargo role and limited passenger traffic.

Shopping & Duty Free

A duty-free area is not available, consistent with the airport's small scale.

Lounges & relaxation

No dedicated lounges are available, consistent with the airport's modest traffic levels.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

WiFi is available in the small terminal's public areas. There is no phone shop at the airport - Ecuador's main operators have shops downtown in Latacunga.

Families & Children

The modest-sized airport does not offer specific services for families.

Terminal guide

The terminal is very small, consistent with the airport's limited passenger traffic.

For flights, arriving at least 1–2 hours early is recommended.

Map of Cotopaxi International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Does Cotopaxi airport have many passenger flights?

No, regular passenger traffic is limited: the airport is historically more linked to cargo traffic. Always check flight operations before counting on it for an itinerary.

Q. What else is Cotopaxi airport used for besides scheduled flights?

It is sometimes used as an alternative airport for Quito when the capital's airport is closed due to volcanic activity or fog.

Q. How far is Cotopaxi National Park from the airport?

About an hour by car: the park, a destination for trekking and high-altitude hiking around the active volcano of the same name, is one of the main attractions in the area.