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ESM · large airport

Carlos Concha Torres International Airport

Tachina, Ecuador

Airports
ESMlarge airport

Carlos Concha Torres International Airport

Tachina, Ecuador
Explore Tachina city guide Navigate to this airport
3
Routes out
3
Destinations
SETN
ICAO
32 ft
Elevation
TravelerPulse profile

Ecuador's Pacific coast gateway serving Esmeraldas province.

Location
Tachina, Ecuador
Carlos Concha Torres International Airport (IATA: ESM, ICAO: SETN) serves the city of Esmeraldas and the surrounding province on Ecuador's northern Pacific coast. Located in the district of Tachina, across the Esmeraldas River from the city center, the airport provides vital air connectivity to a region known for its Afro-Ecuadorian culture, beaches, and natural resources. The airport is named after Carlos Concha Torres, an Ecuadorian military and political figure who led a significant uprising in the Esmeraldas region in the early 20th century. It handles both domestic routes connecting Esmeraldas to Quito and limited international traffic, supporting tourism and commerce in the region.
Terminals
The airport operates a single terminal building handling both domestic and international passengers.
Getting to & from
Ground transport from the airport to Esmeraldas city center is available via taxi and bus, with the journey requiring a river crossing by bridge.
Airlines here
LATAM Airlines Ecuador and other domestic carriers have operated scheduled service connecting Esmeraldas primarily to Quito.
Notable facts
  • ›Named after Carlos Concha Torres, leader of a 1913–1916 liberal revolt in Esmeraldas province.
  • ›The airport is situated in Tachina, separated from central Esmeraldas by the Esmeraldas River.
  • ›It holds international airport designation despite predominantly serving domestic routes.
  • ›The Esmeraldas region is Ecuador's main petroleum export hub, influencing some cargo traffic through the airport.
  • ›Runway elevation is approximately 32 feet (10 meters) above sea level.
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 Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
Gateway to Ecuador's lush Esmeraldas coast and emerald rainforests

Carlos Concha Torres International Airport serves Esmeraldas, a vibrant port city on Ecuador's northern Pacific coast. Named after a celebrated Ecuadorian politician and writer, the airport connects this Afro-Ecuadorian cultural heartland to Quito and other domestic destinations. Its location in Tachina, just across the Esmeraldas River estuary, makes it a key access point for coastal tourism and regional commerce.

Terminals
  • Main Terminal — A single compact terminal handling all domestic and limited international operations with basic passenger amenities.
Ground Transport
  • Taxis available at the terminal exit for transfers to Esmeraldas city center
  • Shared van services (camionetas) offering affordable rides to nearby towns
  • Bus connections from Esmeraldas city to regional destinations
  • Private transfer arrangements bookable through local hotels
Nearby Hotels
  • Hotel Perla Verde, Esmeraldas
  • Hotel Cayapas, Esmeraldas
  • Apart Hotel Las Palmas, Esmeraldas
  • Hotel El Galeón, Esmeraldas
Dining

Food options inside the terminal are limited to a small snack bar and basic refreshment counters, so travelers are advised to eat before arrival. Esmeraldas city offers a rich culinary scene featuring fresh seafood, encocado de pescado, and traditional Afro-Ecuadorian dishes. Roadside eateries between Tachina and the city center provide affordable local meals.

Traveller Tips
  • Negotiate taxi fares before boarding, as meters are not always used in this region.
  • Carry local cash (US dollars) as ATMs and card facilities near the airport are scarce.
  • The bridge crossing to Esmeraldas can experience traffic delays during peak hours — allow extra time.
  • Book domestic flights to Quito well in advance as seat availability on this route can be limited.

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Route map (3 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

TAME
EQ

Routes

ESM → CLOEQ · E70
ESM → UIOEQ · E70
ESM → GYEEQ · E70

Aircraft operating here

Embraer 1703 routes
Hotels near ESM

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City & Place Guide

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Passport, Visa & Immigration

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Colonel Carlos Concha Torres Airport
Encyclopaedia

Colonel Carlos Concha Torres Airport is an airport serving the Pacific coastal city of Esmeraldas, capital of the Esmeraldas Province of Ecuador. It is 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) east of the city, across the Esmeraldas River in the parish of Tachina. Established in 1940 as General Rivadeneira Airport, the airport was renovated between 2012 and 2013, receiving a new terminal and a lengthened runway.

Read full article on Wikipedia