2026 ANDEX Meeting

Jul 20 - 24, 2026 | Cuenca, Ecuador

Accommodation

Cuenca offers a wide range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels in historic buildings to modern apartments. Please use your own preferred method to find and book your accommodation.

To make your stay more convenient, we suggest considering the following neighborhoods:

• Av. Ordóñez Lasso (Puertas del Sol neighborhood): Ideal for those who want to be within walking distance of the ANDEX Meeting (Campus Balzay, University of Cuenca). It is a modern, safe area with great amenities.
• Historic Center: The heart of the city’s culture and dining. While it offers the most variety, please account for potential traffic (around 20-minute drive to the Reception Campus, and possible delays finding a taxi).
• Parque de la Madre Area: A strategic middle ground, area with the best dining options in the city. It is quieter than the city center but still very close to it (5-10 minute walk), offering a pleasant environment with less traffic.

Travel to Cuenca, Ecuador

For international travelers coming to Cuenca, you will first need to fly into either Quito or Guayaquil.

Travelling from Quito

By Air
Latam Airlines and Avianca Ecuador operate approximately six daily flights from Quito to Cuenca, with a flight duration of around one hour. One-way fares range from US$70 to US$140; however, last-minute bookings typically incur significantly higher costs.

By Bus
The bus trip from Quito to Cuenca takes 8 – 10 hours and costs around US$12 – US$18. Several bus lines offer service to Cuenca, and buses leave from the main bus terminal at least once per hour.

Travelling from Guayaquil

By Air
Latam Airlines offers limited service, operating flights only three days per week. On operational days, you can choose from just one or two available daily flights. One-way airfare from Guayaquil is approximately $50 – $80, however, last-minute bookings typically incur significantly higher costs.

By Bus
The bus journey from Guayaquil to Cuenca takes approximately four hours via the Cajas route. The alternative Cañar route adds an extra hour to your travel time. The Terminal Terrestre, Guayaquil’s main bus station, is conveniently located just five minutes by taxi from the airport. A cooperative of multiple bus lines operates departures approximately every 30 minutes, with service running throughout the night.

The buses have reclining seats and a bathroom is located in the rear of the bus. Bus fare is only $8.

Alternatively, Alianza and OperAzuayTur provide minibus services to Cuenca for US$12 per person, with a travel time of approximately 3½ hours. Both companies are located just five minutes by taxi from the airport and offer hourly departures. Alianza operates from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while OperAzuayTur runs from 3:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Please note that there are other companies in the area offering shared minibuses at a lower price, but be aware that some of these companies may not possess the proper permits as commercial minibus operators.

Public transportation in Cuenca

• Tranvía (Tram): The 20km tramway connects the airport, bus terminal, and historical downtown. Tickets cost and can be purchased at station machines, or via a reloadable card available at specific locations like the Etaper offices.
• City Buses: Prevalent throughout the city, buses cost approximately (adults) or (seniors). Payment requires a rechargeable bus card rather than cash.
• Taxis: Certified yellow taxis are safe, cheap, and must use meters. It is recommended to use official, registered taxi companies rather than hailing unknown cars.
• AzuTaxi App: Similar to other ride-hailing apps, AzuTaxi can be used to call taxis to your location, offering a convenient option for getting around the city.
• Walking: Cuenca’s, specifically the El Centro area, is very walkable and safe, making it a primary way to navigate the historic district. 

Visa

Travelers to Ecuador do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days om a 12-month period. Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months, proof of return/onward travel, and sufficient funds. Click here to check if you need a visa.

If you are a passport holder from countries to which Ecuador requires a visa prior to entry into the country click here for the steps to obtain a tourist visa.

Emergency
The primary, all-encompassing emergency number in Ecuador is 911. This, known as ECU 911, operates nationwide for police, fire, and ambulance services, and it is free to call from any landline or mobile phone.

Cuenca City

Cuenca, officially Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, is located in southern Ecuador’s Andes mountains. The city is recognized for its scenic Tomebamba River waterfront and traditional handicrafts, particularly Panama hats. Parque Calderón, the central plaza, features the iconic blue-domed Catedral Nueva and the 16th-century Catedral Vieja, which currently serves as a religious museum. The Museo y Parque Arqueológico Pumapungo preserves significant ruins and artifacts from the ancient Incan city of Tomebamba. UNESCO designated Cuenca’s historic center as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 1990s.