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Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra Airport (MRR) serves the border town of Macará in Ecuador's Loja Province, near the Peru-Ecuador frontier. Named after the five-time Ecuadorian president José María Velasco Ibarra, it functions as a regional gateway supporting cross-border commerce and tourism in southern Ecuador. The airport handles domestic flights and provides access to the surrounding Andean foothills and dry forest regions.
💡 Local Tip
If you're crossing into Peru via the Macará International Bridge, keep your documents handy and consider doing so in the morning when border officials are fresh and queues are shorter.
🚖 Getting There
Taxis and mototaxis are the most common ways to reach Macará town center from the airport, which sits just a short distance from the urban area. Renting a car in advance is advisable for those planning to explore the surrounding Loja Province or cross into Peru. Shared transport to the Peruvian border town of Suyo can often be arranged in town.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra Airport located?
A: It is situated in Macará, Loja Province, in southern Ecuador, very close to the Peruvian border.
Q: Who is the airport named after?
A: It is named after José María Velasco Ibarra, who served as President of Ecuador five times between 1934 and 1972.
Q: What type of flights does the airport handle?
A: The airport primarily handles short-haul domestic and regional flights, serving general aviation and occasional scheduled services.
Q: Is there an international border crossing nearby?
A: Yes, Macará has a major international bridge crossing into Peru, making this airport a convenient entry point for travelers heading to northern Peru.
AI-generated content · Generated Jun 26, 2026 · MiniMax-M3