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LTXmedium airport

Cotopaxi International Airport

Latacunga, Ecuador
Explore Latacunga city guide Navigate to this airport
2
Routes out
2
Destinations
SELT
ICAO
9205 ft
Elevation
AirlinesAirports profile

High-altitude gateway serving Ecuador's central highlands.

Location
Latacunga, Ecuador
Cotopaxi International Airport, known by the IATA code LTX and ICAO code SELT, is located in Latacunga, the capital of Cotopaxi Province in Ecuador. Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) above sea level, it serves as an alternative gateway to the Quito metropolitan area and the broader central Andean region. The airport handles a mix of domestic passenger flights and cargo operations, and has been used as a strategic freight hub given its proximity to Quito. Its high-altitude location presents operational considerations for aircraft performance, typical of Andean airports in South America. Latacunga itself is a mid-sized Ecuadorian city lying in the shadow of the active Cotopaxi volcano, one of the world's highest active volcanoes. The airport's name reflects this iconic geographic landmark, which draws tourists to the region.
Terminals
The airport has a modest single-terminal layout designed to handle domestic and limited international traffic.
Getting to & from
Ground transportation between the airport and Latacunga city center, as well as to Quito, is primarily available via taxis and intercity bus services.
Airlines here
LATAM Airlines Ecuador and smaller regional carriers have operated services through Cotopaxi International Airport.
Notable facts
  • ›The airport sits at approximately 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) above sea level.
  • ›It is named after Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest active volcanoes, located nearby.
  • ›The airport has served as a cargo alternative to Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
  • ›Latacunga is located roughly 90 km south of Quito along the Pan-American Highway.
  • ›High-altitude conditions require special aircraft performance calculations for operations.
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Route map (2 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

TAME
EQ

Routes

LTX → GYEEQ · E70
LTX → OCCEQ · E70

Aircraft operating here

Embraer 1702 routes
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City & Place Guide

Gateway to Cotopaxi, colonial charm, and vibrant Andean culture.

Latacunga is a mid-sized Andean city in central Ecuador, sitting at roughly 2,750 meters above sea level in the shadow of the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano. Its well-preserved colonial architecture, friendly locals, and affordable prices make it a rewarding stop for travelers exploring Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcanoes.

The city is best known as the base camp for Cotopaxi National Park, one of Ecuador's premier outdoor destinations. Beyond adventure tourism, Latacunga offers colorful markets, a relaxed pace of life, and the famous Mama Negra festival, a vibrant cultural celebration held in September and November.

  • •Cotopaxi National Park — hike or climb near one of the world's highest active volcanoes.
  • •Mama Negra Festival — a spectacular cultural parade blending indigenous and colonial traditions.
  • •Parque Vicente León — the city's charming central plaza lined with colonial buildings.
  • •Laguna de Quilotoa — a stunning emerald volcanic crater lake about 90 minutes away.
  • •Mercado La Merced — a bustling local market for fresh produce and traditional snacks.
  • •Catedral de Latacunga — an elegant colonial-era cathedral anchoring the historic city center.

Getting around: Local buses and three-wheeled triciclos are the most common ways to move within Latacunga. Taxis are inexpensive and readily available; always agree on a fare beforehand as meters are rarely used. For Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa, private transfers or organized day tours from local agencies are the most practical options, as public bus connections require multiple changes.

Best time: The dry season from June through September offers the clearest skies for Cotopaxi views and outdoor activities, making it the best time to visit.

Local food: Do not miss chugchucaras, a hearty Latacunga specialty of fried pork rinds served with potatoes, empanadas, and popcorn, along with allullas, crispy lard biscuits traditionally eaten with queso de hoja fresh cheese.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via LTX? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for Ecuador from official government sources.

Ecuador visa & entry information →Embassy & consulate finder →
Cotopaxi International Airport
Encyclopaedia

Cotopaxi International Airport is a high-elevation airport in Latacunga, the capital of the Cotopaxi Province in Ecuador. The airport is within a broad valley of the Ecuadoran Andes, with rising terrain east and west, and mountainous terrain distant in all quadrants.

Read full article on Wikipedia

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification