Ciudad de Catamayo Airport

Ciudad de Catamayo Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true "sunny gateway" to the southern region of Ecuador. Located in a picturesque valley surrounded by the majestic Andes, it welcomes travelers with a warm climate and stunning panoramas even before they disembark from the aircraft. This cozy and modern terminal serves as the main starting point for those planning to visit the country's cultural capital — Loja, as well as the famous "Valley of Longevity," Vilcabamba.

Airport Features and Advantages

The main advantage of the airport is its strategic location. Unlike the city of Loja, which is situated higher in the mountains and is often shrouded in fog, the Catamayo Valley is renowned for its stable, sunny weather. This significantly reduces the risk of flight cancellations or delays due to meteorological conditions, making the airport one of the most reliable in the country's highland region.

Following a large-scale renovation, the terminal has become significantly more comfortable and modern. Passengers note the high speed of service: thanks to the compact size of the building, the journey from the entrance to the boarding gate takes mere minutes, and queues are practically non-existent. The runway has been completely renewed, enhancing flight safety in high-altitude conditions.

The airport is also attractive due to its logistics. Although it is located outside Loja, a modern highway allows you to reach the city in less than an hour. The drive turns into an excursion in itself: the road passes by the picturesque "Villonaco" wind farm, offering breathtaking views of the mountain ranges.

Below is the essential contact information for Ciudad de Catamayo Airport (LOH), serving the city of Loja. Please note that this is a small regional airport, and some data may only be available through the general civil aviation services of Ecuador.

• Official Website: Currently, Ciudad de Catamayo Airport does not have a separate official website. Up-to-date information on the airport's status can be found on the resources of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Ecuador (Dirección General de Aviación Civil).
• Information Desk Phone: You can contact the airport administration by phone: +593 7-267-7140. It is recommended to verify the number before calling.
• Airport Address: Aeropuerto Ciudad de Catamayo, Vía a la Costa, Catamayo, provincia de Loja, Ecuador. It is important to remember that the airport is located in the city of Catamayo, approximately 35 km from Loja.
• Email: An official email address for general passenger inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own active social media pages. Important announcements may be published on the official channels of the Ministry of Transport and Public Works of Ecuador.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must first contact the representative of the airline you flew with. If your items were lost within the terminal building, please contact the airport information service.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and answers to questions, please contact the main airport information phone number.

Ciudad de Catamayo Airport (LOH), serving the city of Loja, is located approximately 38 kilometres from the city centre, in the Catamayo Valley. Due to this distance, it is important to plan your route in advance. The journey from Loja to the airport usually takes between 45 to 60 minutes, but the time may vary depending on transport and traffic conditions.

Taxis and Shared Transfers are the most common and convenient way to get to the airport. You can book a private taxi, which will cost around 20-25 USD. A more economical option is `colectivos` (shared taxis) or `busetas` (minibuses), which depart as they fill up. A trip in such transport will cost approximately 5-8 USD per person. You can find them at designated stands in the city, for example, near Bolivar Park.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. Buses regularly depart from Loja's main bus terminal (Terminal Terrestre) towards Catamayo. The ticket cost is only 1-2 USD. It is important to remember that the bus will take you to the city of Catamayo, not to the airport building itself. From there, you will need to take a short local taxi ride (`mototaxi` or regular), adding another 1-2 USD to your expenses. This method requires more time and transfers.

Car Rental is an ideal choice for those planning to travel around the south of Ecuador and who value independence. You can rent a car both in Loja and directly at the airport upon arrival. Ciudad de Catamayo Airport has a parking area where you can leave your vehicle for the duration of your trip.

When planning your trip, choose your transport based on your budget, time, and level of comfort. A taxi ensures quick and direct delivery, a bus helps save money, and a rental car offers freedom of movement. Useful tip: the climate in the Catamayo Valley is significantly warmer and drier than in mountainous Loja, so be prepared for a change in temperature immediately upon arrival at the airport.

Ciudad de Catamayo Airport (LOH), serving the city of Loja and its surroundings, is a small regional airport with one passenger terminal. Its compact and simple structure makes navigation intuitively understandable even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal layout is extremely simple and logical. The building is divided into two main zones: departures and arrivals. Since there is only one terminal, you will not have to worry about transferring between buildings — all services are within walking distance of each other. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters are located.

The Departure Zone includes check-in counters and a security checkpoint. After passing control, passengers enter a small waiting hall with a boarding gate. The Arrival Zone consists of a baggage claim hall and an exit to the city, where taxis and private transport meet passengers. Everything is arranged very compactly, minimizing the time spent moving through the airport.

Thanks to the airport's small size and moderate passenger flow, completing all pre-flight formalities generally does not take much time. Flight check-in and security screening usually proceed quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to check luggage and go through all procedures without rushing. Navigation through the terminal will not cause difficulties: follow the signs, which are clearly visible and easy to understand.

The history of Ciudad de Catamayo Airport, also known as Loja Airport, is inextricably linked with the desire to make the southern region of Ecuador more accessible. The airport was officially opened in 1973 under the name "Camilo Ponce Enríquez Airport," in honour of a former president of the country. Its construction was a response to the need to replace the old and unsafe "La Tebaida" airfield, which was located directly within the city limits of Loja and was limited by a short runway and difficult weather conditions.

Since its founding, the airport has played a key role in the development of the Loja and Zamora-Chinchipe provinces. It became the main air gateway, facilitating the growth of trade and tourism, and ensuring a reliable connection with the capital and other major cities of the country. The location in the Catamayo Valley, approximately 30 kilometres from Loja, was chosen strategically due to its more stable and predictable climate compared to high-altitude Loja.

The most significant stage in the airport's history was its large-scale reconstruction and modernization, which took place between 2011 and 2013. During these works, the runway was completely rebuilt and lengthened, a new modern passenger terminal was erected, a new control tower was built, and advanced navigation equipment was installed. It was after this reconstruction that the airport received its modern name — Ciudad de Catamayo Airport (Aeropuerto Ciudad de Catamayo), to more accurately reflect its geographical location.

Interesting fact: despite the official renaming, many locals still refer to it by the old name — "Camilo Ponce." Today, the airport represents a modern and safe transport hub that not only serves the residents and guests of Loja but is also an important point for thousands of pilgrims heading annually to the famous Shrine of El Cisne. The journey from the airport to Loja is a picturesque trip in itself, passing through beautiful mountain landscapes.

Ciudad de Catamayo Airport (LOH), despite its modest size, offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Conditions have been created in the terminal to ensure your journey begins and ends without unnecessary hassle.

For those wishing to have a snack before departure, there are small cafes operating in the airport where you can order light snacks, sandwiches, and beverages, including famous Ecuadorian coffee. There are also several shops offering local souvenirs, press, and travel essentials.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or handle work matters. Special stations are equipped in the waiting halls for charging electronic devices. Although the airport does not have specialized VIP lounges, the general waiting areas are quite comfortable. ATMs are installed for financial transactions, but currency exchange points may be absent, so it is better to arrange cash exchange in advance.

The airport pays attention to the needs of all passengers. There is a medical point for first aid. Baby changing tables are provided in the restrooms for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on staff assistance and an accessible environment, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, however, many accommodation options can be found in nearby cities such as Catamayo and Loja. Specialized conference rooms or business centres are also absent at the airport, so it is better to use hotel infrastructure in the city for business meetings.

Ciudad de Catamayo Airport (LOH), serving the city of Loja, is a small regional air terminal. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest and geared primarily towards passengers wishing to have a quick snack before departure.

In the main terminal, in the public area before security control (landside), there is a small cafe. This is the main and, essentially, the only food outlet at the airport. Here, travellers can buy coffee, tea, soft drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and other light snacks. Considering you are in Ecuador, you may find local specialities on the menu, such as empanadas (stuffed pastries). The Loja region is famous for its coffee, so a cup of aromatic local brew would be an excellent choice.

The cafe is ideal for a quick snack or waiting for a flight with a cup of coffee. However, finding a full hot lunch or dinner here is unlikely. Prices correspond to standard airport rates — slightly higher than in city establishments. The cafe's opening hours are usually synchronized with the flight schedule: it opens before the first flights and closes after the last departures.

Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegans, vegetarians, people with gluten intolerance, or those adhering to a Halal diet) should note that specialized dishes are likely unavailable on the menu. In such cases, it would be more reliable to bring food with you or dine in the city before travelling to the airport.

Planning is the key to a calm start and finish to your journey. To make your experience at Ciudad de Catamayo Airport as comfortable as possible, use these tips.

Arrival Time at the Airport: The airport is located approximately 45 minutes by car from the city of Loja. Considering this distance and possible delays on the road, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time will be sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass through security without rushing.

Check-in and Security Control: If possible, complete online check-in — this will save you time at the airport. At security control, be ready to present your boarding pass and identification document. Pack all liquids in containers up to 100 ml in a transparent bag in advance and remove laptops and other large gadgets from your carry-on luggage to speed up screening.

Seat Selection on the Plane: Flights in this part of Ecuador offer unforgettable views. We strongly advise choosing a window seat to enjoy the stunning panoramas of the Andes during takeoff and landing. If it is more important for you to leave the plane quickly, choose seats in the front of the cabin.

Hand Luggage: Check the weight and size limits for hand luggage on your airline's website. Besides the standard ban on sharp objects and liquids over 100 ml, it is useful to put a portable charger in your backpack or bag, as the number of power outlets in the waiting hall may be limited.

Connecting Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Usually, in small airports like Catamayo, the transit process is quite simple, but it is better to be prepared for a possible re-screening at security.

Document Check: Since the airport serves mainly domestic flights, customs control is absent for most passengers. However, for flight check-in and boarding, you will require an identification document. For international tourists, this is typically a passport. Ensure your documents are in order and easily accessible.

Saving Time and Money: The most reliable way to save on the journey from the airport to the city is to book a transfer in advance. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be inflated, so bring an empty water bottle (it can be filled after security) and light snacks.

In Case of Flight Delay: If there is a change in the schedule, contact your airline representative immediately. They will provide up-to-date information and explain your rights (for example, to drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation during a long delay). Always keep essential items in your hand luggage: medication, chargers, documents, and a change of clothes.