Mariscal Lamar Airport (CUE)

Cuenca, EC 🇪🇨 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

SECU

IATA

CUE

Elevation

8306 ft

Region

EC-A

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: SECU

Local Code: Not available

Location: -2.88947° N, -78.984398° E

Continent: SA

Type: Medium Airport

Arrivals
View incoming flights
Departures
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External Links

Wikipedia âś“ Live Flights
Public Transportation
Cuenca Tram (TranvĂ­a) Cuenca City Buses
Links verified by AI • Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Mariscal Lamar Airport (SECU (CUE)) in Cuenca, Ecuador, generally receives positive traveler sentiment, often described as a small, modern, and efficient regional airport. Recent upgrades have further enhanced the traveler experience, with a focus on improving flow and amenities. Travelers frequently appreciate its convenience and the helpfulness of its staff.

What Travelers Love
  • Modern and Clean Facilities: The airport is noted for being bright, clean, and modern, despite its small size. Recent upgrades in 2025 include reorganized ground floor for better flow, new seating, and an escalator connecting levels.
  • Helpful, English-Speaking Staff: Many travelers highlight the friendly and helpful staff, with some even encountering English-speaking attendants, which is a significant plus for international visitors.
  • Efficient Security and Baggage Claim: Security procedures are generally quick and hassle-free, often taking only minutes. Baggage claim is also reported to be very fast due to the airport's small size.
  • Convenient Transportation Connections: The airport is very close to the city center (around 3.5 km). Taxis are readily available just outside the terminal, and the TranvĂ­a (tram) conveniently stops right at the airport, offering a quick and easy commute to the city.
  • Improved Amenities: The food court has been expanded with more tables and a central workstation. There are also gift shops, cafes, and a liquor store post-security. A VIP lounge is available for $15 or with major credit cards, offering a comfortable environment with snacks and beverages.
  • Upcoming International Service: The airport is preparing for international service, with construction underway for an international boarding and arrivals area, and plans for the first destination to be Peru. Two new jetways are also being added.
Common Complaints
  • Limited Size and Flight Options: As a regional airport, it has a small terminal and primarily serves domestic destinations like Quito and Guayaquil. There are no direct international flights to Cuenca (CUE); travelers need to connect via Quito or Guayaquil.
  • Bathroom Maintenance Issues: Some recent reviews mention maintenance issues in men's bathrooms, specifically broken automatic faucets and hand dryers, and a lack of paper towels.
  • Potential for Airline-Specific Check-in Delays: While security is generally quick, some older reviews mention long check-in times for certain airlines like TAME.
  • Runway Length and Weather Restrictions (Historical): Historically, the runway length and its location within the city have presented operational challenges, leading to past restrictions on flights during wet weather. However, runway resurfacing was completed in late 2016 to improve traction.

Overall, Mariscal Lamar Airport offers a positive and efficient experience for most travelers, particularly given its recent upgrades. Its small size contributes to quick processes, and excellent transportation links make reaching the city center straightforward. While minor maintenance issues were noted, the general sentiment is one of satisfaction with a well-managed regional airport.

Generated False weeks ago

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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Mariscal Lamar Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
2 47 2 Nov 29, 2025
1 23 1 Nov 29, 2025
Showing top 2 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
06/24 6234 ft 118 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP/TWR 122.3 MHz
GND GND 121.9 MHz
RDO CUENCA RDO 126.9 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
CUR Cuenca NDB 221 kHz
CUV Cuenca VOR-DME 114500 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Official yellow taxis are readily available directly outside the airport's arrivals hall. The ride to Cuenca's historic center is short, typically 10-15 minutes. For fair pricing, ensure the driver uses the meter ('taxĂ­metro'). This is a convenient option for direct, door-to-door service.

Rental Cars

Several car rental companies, including international brands like Avis, Budget, and Localiza, have service desks located inside the main terminal building. It is advisable to book a vehicle in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons, to secure availability and better rates.

Public Transportation

The Cuenca Tram ('Tranvía de Cuenca') is a highly convenient and modern option. The 'Aeropuerto' stop is located directly in front of the terminal, providing a quick and affordable connection to the city center. Passengers must purchase and use a 'Movilízate' card to pay the fare. Additionally, local city buses operate along the main road (Avenida España) just outside the airport.

Nearby Airports

Coronel E Carvajal Airport
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~116 km away
Santa Rosa - Artillery Colonel Victor Larrea International Airport
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~128 km away
José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport
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Ciudad de Catamayo Airport
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José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport
GYE • SEGU
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~129 km away
Coronel E Carvajal Airport
XMS • SEMC
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Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~116 km away
Santa Rosa - Artillery Colonel Victor Larrea International Airport
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~128 km away
Agroazucar Airport
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La Joya Airport
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Pechichal Airport
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IESS Milagro Hospital Heliport
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~107 km away
LeĂłn Becerra Hospital Heliport
EC-0059
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Heliport
~108 km away
Mar y Cielo Heliport
EC-0044
Machala, EC
Heliport
~113 km away
Aviandina Heliport
SE07
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Heliport
~116 km away
Alpagro Heliport
SEGX
Guayas, EC
Heliport
~118 km away
Omarsa Heliport
SEOS
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~125 km away
Aringcon S.A. Heliport
SEAG
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Heliport
~125 km away
ClĂ­nica Guayaquil Helipad
SEGQ
Guayaquil, EC
Heliport
~126 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.