$288 Cheap Flights to El Tambo

Flights to El Tambo at a glance

Traveling to El Tambo is easy; you can choose between full-service and budget airlines. Take the time to compare travel times and select the flight that best fits your budget, schedule, and plans to explore the city’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near El Tambo: Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), Mariscal Lamar Airport (CUE)
• Closest airport to El Tambo: Mariscal Lamar Airport, CUE (around 26 miles)
• Flights per week: 750+ flights arriving across El Tambo airports
• Number of airlines that fly to El Tambo: around 10+ carriers

Popular airports near El Tambo

El Tambo is an enticing destination for those seeking adventure and breathtaking landscapes. Visitors are drawn to its rich culture and vibrant outdoor experiences. The city is conveniently accessible via two major airports, making travel easy for explorers.

• Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE): Situated in Guayaquil, Guayas, approximately 71 miles from El Tambo, this airport offers a wide array of domestic and international flights, linking to about 4 domestic cities and over 70 international locales. Travelers have the option to upgrade their experience to business or premium economy class seating for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route. Notable airlines operating here include Avianca, JetBlue Airways, and Copa.
• Mariscal Lamar Airport (CUE): Found in Cuenca, Azuay, around 26 miles from El Tambo, this airport provides both domestic and international services, connecting to roughly 2 domestic cities and more than 10 international destinations. Passengers can opt for premium economy or business class seating for more comfort, depending on the route and airline. Key carriers at this airport include LATAM Airlines Group, Avianca, and United.

Top routes to El Tambo

• New York (JFK/LGA) to El Tambo (CUE/GYE), with one-way flight options from around $170
• Quito (UIO) to El Tambo (CUE/GYE), with one-way flight options from around $70
• Miami (MIA) to El Tambo (CUE/GYE), with one-way fares starting at around $140
• Newark (EWR) to El Tambo (CUE/GYE), with one-way airfare from around $160
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to El Tambo (GYE), with one-way airfare from around $95

Cheapest routes to El Tambo

• Cuenca (CUE) to El Tambo (GYE), with affordable one-way prices from around $60
• Guayaquil (GYE) to El Tambo (CUE), with cheap one-way fares from around $65
• Quito (UIO) to El Tambo (CUE/GYE), with affordable one-way prices from around $70
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to El Tambo (GYE), with low one-way fares from around $95
• Austin (AUS) to El Tambo (GYE), with budget one-way fares from around $120

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to El Tambo

• Avianca: This airline operates flights to Mariscal Lamar Airport (CUE) and Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), representing about 25% of arrivals at El Tambo. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $320. Depending on the route, premium cabins may feature business class service.
• Copa: Serving Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), Copa accounts for roughly 23% of arrivals to El Tambo. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of about $340. On select routes, the premium cabin option may include business class seating.
• LATAM Airlines Group: This carrier flies to both Mariscal Lamar Airport (CUE) and Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), making up approximately 20% of arrivals at El Tambo. The typical one-way fare is around $340, with premium economy class available on certain routes.
• United: Operating to Mariscal Lamar Airport (CUE) and Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), United accounts for nearly 11% of arrivals to El Tambo. Average one-way fares hover around $340. Depending on the route, premium cabins may include business class options.
• JetBlue Airways: Flying into Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), JetBlue comprises about 9% of arrivals to El Tambo. Travelers can anticipate an average one-way fare of approximately $300. Certain routes may offer premium economy class as a premium cabin service.

How to save money on a flight to El Tambo

Getting some of the best deals on flights to El Tambo is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our El Tambo hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your El Tambo flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in El Tambo

El Tambo welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach El Tambo efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport, travelers will find the Guayaquil Bus Terminal, located about 0.7 miles away on foot, while Santa Rosa Seaport is approximately 0.9 miles away by car. Additionally, Duran Train Station, a train station, is situated about 4 miles from the airport and is also best accessed by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in El Tambo, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in El Tambo is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in El Tambo on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around El Tambo

• Chunchi: Located 35 miles drive away from El Tambo, Chunchi is a charming city that invites travelers to explore its rich outdoor and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities at the scenic Nariz del Diablo tourist precinct, hike the adventure-ready Cerro Puñay mountain, or relax at Huigra Park, an inviting square perfect for a leisurely afternoon. With its blend of history and nature, Chunchi offers a delightful escape for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and stunning landscapes.
• Cañar: Cañar is located 3 miles drive away from El Tambo and is known for its breathtaking scenery and adventurous spirit. This vibrant city features key attractions such as the Ingapirca Ruins, which provide a fascinating glimpse into ancient culture. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the impressive Cerro Puñay, while families can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Canar Central Park, an eco-friendly haven ideal for picnics and play. Cañar is a perfect destination for those seeking adventure amidst stunning natural beauty.
• Ingapirca: Ingapirca is located 4 miles drive away from El Tambo and stands out as a cultural treasure. Visitors can explore the renowned Ingapirca Ruins, a significant archaeological site that showcases the history of the Incas. The area is also home to beautiful walking trails and scenic views, making it great for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the Baños del Inca Archaeological Complex offers an interesting look into the region's rich past. Ingapirca combines culture and nature for an enriching travel experience.

Tips for short-haul flights to El Tambo

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often the more economical choice. Maximize your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and planning versatile outfits. This strategy also helps you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may not provide in-flight entertainment. To keep yourself occupied, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time and consider bringing a book. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, arriving at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure is advisable, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to El Tambo

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is crucial for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may even permit seat selection earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights. This will give you ample time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to El Tambo

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to El Tambo on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

November is the cheapest month to fly to El Tambo. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to El Tambo. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to El Tambo, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to El Tambo

The lowest price for round-trip flights to El Tambo in 2026 starts from $579, while one-way tickets start from from $288. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to El Tambo. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to El Tambo

LATAM Airlines Group, United, Avianca, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to El Tambo. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to El Tambo and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for El Tambo, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to El Tambo. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your El Tambo plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to El Tambo

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to El Tambo.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to El Tambo are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to El Tambo. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to El Tambo for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to El Tambo. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate El Tambo flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to El Tambo. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.