Affordable Nonstop Flights from Fort Lauderdale to Guayaquil Open New Doors for Highland Exploration

jetBlue has rolled out a competitive fare on its nonstop route between Fort Lauderdale and Guayaquil, Ecuador, with roundtrip prices starting at $296 in Basic Economy and $388 in Regular Economy, taxes included. The Regular Economy tier is the better choice for most travelers — it includes a standard carry-on, a personal item, and advance seat selection, all of which the Basic tier restricts. For cruise passengers finishing an Guayaquil-bound itinerary or independent travelers building their own route through Ecuador’s southern highlands, this fare makes the country’s largest city an even more accessible entry point.

Guayaquil’s José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport sits roughly a three-hour drive from Cuenca, the colonial city that serves as the primary base for visiting the Ingapirca archaeological complex. Regular bus service connects Guayaquil and Cuenca throughout the day, with operators like Aerotaxi and Turismo Oriental running comfortable coaches along the well-paved Cuenca corridor. Book morning departures when possible. The afternoon cloud cover over the western Andes can make the mountain road feel longer than it is.

From Cuenca, the road to Ingapirca climbs through Cañar province along the Pan-American Highway before branching onto a secondary road into the highland community of Ingapirca itself. The full overland journey from Guayaquil to the ruins can be completed in a single day, though most visitors prefer to overnight in Cuenca and travel to the site the following morning. Detailed route options, bus schedules, and private transfer information are available on our transport guide.

Cruise travelers with limited time should note that Guayaquil is also a common port of call for ships transiting between the Galápagos and the Panama Canal. If your ship docks in Guayaquil and you have a full day ashore, a private transfer to Ingapirca is feasible — the round-trip drive takes roughly six hours, leaving two to three hours at the site. For those with more flexibility, the Cultural Tour Ingapirca Ruins + Gualaceo & Chordeleg from Cuenca combines the archaeological visit with stops at two artisan towns in Azuay province, making efficient use of a full day in the southern highlands. Travelers heading further south after their Ingapirca visit might also consider the relaxed town of Vilcabamba in Loja province, known for its mild climate and access to Podocarpus National Park.

Ecuador adopted the US dollar as its official currency in 2000, which simplifies budgeting for American visitors. Still, carry small denominations. Many rural vendors and bus terminals along the Guayaquil–Cuenca–Ingapirca route cannot break $20 bills, and ATMs in Cañar province are limited to the town of Cañar itself — there are none at the archaeological site. Plan your cash needs before leaving Cuenca using the tips in our visit planning page.