Getting to Canoa, Ecuador: Your Complete Guide

Canoa, Ecuador, is a dream destination for beach lovers, surfers, paragliders and all types of adventurers. But, how do you get there??

Here's a guide to help you plan your trip to the Coconut Hotel in Canoa, including the best travel routes, flight options, and how to reach this hidden gem from various parts of the world.

Flying to Quito (UIO) – The Most Common Route

For most international travelers, Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito is the primary point of entry to Ecuador. Here’s how to get to Quito from different areas:

• From the U.S.: Flights direct to Quito are available from cities like Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), and Houston (IAH). Airlines like Delta, American, United, Avianca, and LATAM offer round-trip flights for $350 to $500, with flight times around 4-5 hours. ​

  
  

• From Europe: Direct flights to Quito are available from Madrid (MAD) and Paris (CDG), with fares starting at around $700. Expect total travel times between 11-14 hours.

  
  

• From South America: Flights to Quito from cities like Bogotá (BOG) or Lima (LIM) are quick and affordable, usually costing $250 to $400, with a travel time of 2-3 hours

Getting to Canoa from Quito

Once you arrive in Quito, you have 2 main options to reach Canoa:

1. Fly to Manta (MEC):

   • The fastest and most convenient way is to take a 45-minute domestic flight from Quito to Eloy Alfaro International Airport (MEC) in Manta. Airlines like Avianca and LATAM offer daily flights, with prices averaging $100 one way after luggage fees. After arriving in Manta, it's about a 1.5-hour drive along the coast to the Coconut in Canoa​.

     
     

2. Travel by Road from Quito:

   • For those who prefer to travel by land, buses (~$20), private driver (~$200) and rental cars (~$65 a day) are available. The bus ride from Quito to Canoa is 240 miles away and takes approximately 7-9 hours, while driving offers flexibility and scenic views along the route.

Flying to Manta from Guayaquil (GYE)

An alternative route is to fly into José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil, which also has frequent international connections and is closer to the coast.

• International Flights to Guayaquil: From cities like Miami (MIA) or New York (JFK), flights to Guayaquil take about 4-5 hours, with round-trip fares ranging from $300 to $500.

• Domestic Flights from Guayaquil to Manta: From Guayaquil, a short 45-minute flight will get you to Manta, with prices starting at $116 one way

Direct Flights from Panama to Manta (PTY to MEC)

If you're looking to skip flying into Quito or Guayaquil altogether, there are direct flights from Panama City (PTY) to Manta (MEC), operated by Copa Airlines. These flights run three to five times per week, with a flight duration of about 2 hours​.

This is a convenient option for travelers from the U.S. who can connect through Panama. For example, flights from Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO), or Houston (IAH) to Panama City typically cost around $150-$300, and then you can take a direct flight to Manta, saving time on domestic transfers.

Reaching Canoa from Manta

Once you land in Manta, getting to the Coconut in Canoa is straightforward. The 1.5-hour drive can be made by rental car, taxi, or private shuttle. The coastal road provides great views (and fun potholes to avoid) along the journey to your final destination in Canoa; The Coconut Hotel.

Whether you fly into Quito to visit sites there and then take a short domestic flight to Manta, or opt for a direct flight via Panama, getting to Canoa has never been easier.

Now that you know the way, book your trip today!

*Let us know if there are any other routes we should add!