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Travel to Cuenca with hired driver or fly (from Quito)?

Hello future Cuenca friends,

I’ll be arriving in Cuenca on January 22nd at 2 PM. Would you mind sharing your thoughts re flying to Cuenca same or next day (cost) vs hiring a driver to pick me up same or next day (cost?).

-I will have one carry-on bag, one personal bag, and one suitcase.
-Limited budget is a concern but at 70 years old, and traveling alone, so is reserving energy and doing what is easiest after a long overnight flight.
-My understanding is the drive is about 4 hours, which means maybe 1.5-2 hours will be in the dark, right? Is that a problem?
-My concern about flying is whether the airline will charge extra for my checked bag and if so, how much?
-And lastly, is it worth it to get a room for the night and head to Cuenca the next morning by either road or flying? (cost wise)

Thanks so much for your help. (I have more questions but will post separately so as not to overwhelm.)

Christine
4157 views
Dec 23, 2023 25
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Niyama Pandya
Thank you all for your replies! I am flying into Quito as I mentioned in my post but was confusing the drive from Quito (9 hours+) with the drive from Guayaquil (4 hours). Sorry for the confusion! I am going to try a flight from Quito to Cuenca & will... Read more 0 0
Niyama Pandya
Thank you all for your replies! I am flying into Quito as I mentioned in my post but was confusing the drive from Quito (9 hours+) with the drive from Guayaquil (4 hours). Sorry for the confusion! I am going to try a flight from Quito to Cuenca & will... Read more 0 0
Dietrich Speer
I would like to voice a different opinion than most here. I've lived in Guayaquil, now in Cuenca. The views on the road between Guayaquil and Cuenca are among the most beautiful in the country and well worth it. I would fly into Guayaquil then ask the receptionist for a... Read more 0 0
Mikeydogs2
100% correct. 0 0
Frances Hogg Lochow
I try to fly into Guayaquil. It seems to me that most flights come in late at night, and I can be home faster than if I waited for the next flight. The drivers who go between Guayaquil and Cuenca know the road over the mountains very well. I never... Read more 0 0
Thom Wright
Hola fellow Senior! I am 72 and did the trip to Cuenca in September. Strongly recommend flying. Our flight to Quito from the US arrived there just before midnight, we had arranged to have a shuttle (free) take us to the Holiday Inn at the Quito airport. Shuttle driver was... Read more 0 0
Mike Frohling
Fly LATAM. You do NOT want to travel at night on that 8-9 hour drive. 0 0
Jerry
The drive from Guayaquil is not 8-9 hours. 0 0
Bw
Take the Latam flight number LA 1403 at 6:58pm on Jan 22. It arrives at 7:53pm in Premium Economy for $103. Includes 50lb suitcase, 32 lb carryon, and seat w/out extra fee. No need to leave the airport, just claim your bag and check in with Latam. 0 0
Karen
That 1403 is a flight out of Quito. It is harder to get flights from GYE (Guayaquil) as they only operate a few days a week. Christine does not specify if she is flying through Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil - makes a huge difference. Flying either from Quito or Guayaquil... 0 0
Alex Duran
Beautiful views I can drive you. 0993784886. 0 0
James Lester
Fly, stay at Holiday Inn quite near airport. Shuttle every half hour. Quiet and extremely helpful staff. 0 0
Marcus Jennings
On the 9 hour drive, the views a spectacular. If you have the time, energy, and money I'd consider it for the scenery. BUT, it will be more expensive, time consuming and exhausting. Since my one time driving experience, I've used the local hotel and flight choice. 0 0
Colibrí
There are ways to see that part of the country, as in a tour (the volcanos), but it’s better as a two day, daytime tour. If your destination is Cuenca, and you want to spend time here, it takes 9 hours by car and 50 minutes by plane, and the... Read more 0 0
Pixelvt
Fly end of story 0 0
Dena Jo
Fly out that same night to Cuenca. If you think you're going to be lacking energy, then stay overnight at the Holiday Inn or the Wyndham Hotel, enjoy the breakfast buffet the following morning, and take the midday flight to Cuenca. 0 0
Joe
I always fly. The drive from Quito to Cuenca is about 8 hours, not 4. The fee for your checked bag is about $36. I've seen one way flights as cheap as $40. Overall, you will probably spend about $100 on the flight, Inc luggage, but it is so much... Read more 0 0
Jerry
She says she's landing in Cuenca, a typo. I think she means Guayaquil, which is a four-hour trip, max. 0 0
David Johnson
Fly dear. Faster than driving and cheaper than a private driver. And you had better do your homework…..your info is not right. Distances in the mountains can be doubled or tripled when driving. 0 0
Robyn
I haven't done that drive in less than 9 hrs. with pit and gas stops. If you are planning to drive make it a 2-3 day trip with stops alone the way. Lots to see and do along the route. But flying is quicker ,easier and cheaper even with a... Read more 0 0
Jerry
I think she's landing in Guayaquil; hence the four-hour drive. 0 0
Judi
Her post says "Travel to Cuenca with hired driver or fly (from Quito)". Therefore, It is my understanding, along with the previous commenters, that she needs to get from Quito to Cuenca. My husband and I made that trip (by bus) one time. The scenery was indeed beautiful but once... 0 0
Jerry
No. She does not say "Quito" anywhere in her post. You have assumed that. I think the four-hour drive comment indicates she lands in Guayaquil. 0 0
Judi
She, or someone, says (from Quito) in the title of her post. Perhaps she'll read the comments and clear this mystery up. Then we can sleep peacefully tonight. Have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. 0 0
Joe Bauers
You would think that if she were concerned enough to post the inquiry that she would check the responses, would realize the contradictions/discrepancies in her post, and would edit her original post or add a comment to clarify those discrepancies. Maybe she doesn't have the ability or know-how to join... 0 0
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