Quito-Mariscal Sucre - CLOSED

1Int'l arrivals

The cafe upstairs in International arrivals gives a view on most terminal stands and the runway. Some areas north of this place can be viewed as well.

2Southern aera

From this spot you should be able to identify and read the Police helicopters. The view of this side of the airfield is obstructed by buildings at many points so you have to watch carefully for the helicopters to show up. This spot may also generate some serials of other general aviation aircraft on this side of the airfield. To get here head left (Av. Rio Amazonas) from exiting the terminal building and keep the fence to your left.

3Runway 35 spot 1

The approach for runway 35 is very open. From this spot you have a good view of the departing aircraft and can take nice pictures (150mm max needed) of aircraft approaching. You can position yourself to your liking since there is a sidewalk along the fence. No way you can park an eventual car here.

4Hotel Savoy Inn

A very neat and convenient spot is the Hotel Savoy Inn. The hotel rooms (around $50 / night) have balconies that offer both safe havens and good views. Both photography and number crunching is possible.

5Runway 35 spot 2

Being on the equator the sun tends to change position during the day so too will you. Depending on the position of the sun you can position yourself on the opposite side of spot 3 for good pictures. From this spot you can also read the Army and Police aircraft and helicopters on the Southern part of the tarmac. This completes the picture you got when on spot 2.

6Opposite side

This spot is good for both reading and photography. It is must if you want to complete the serials of the Ecuadorian Air Force aircraft on the platform. The spot gives a good view of that part of the tarmac. Furthermore additional civil aircraft can be read and the helicopters that tend to be on the right side of the airport. Photography is possible from this spot as well. To get here try to follow the perimeter of the airport by walking through the streets of Quito. When ending up in the Calle Aulestia Rafael you will find a children's playground. From this playground you can view the airfield.

7Runway 17 spot 1

As with the approach of runway 35, runway 17 is worth a visit as well (if in use off course). From spot 7 you can view and photograph the aircraft without a hitch. To get here, from spot 6, again try to stay as near to the perimeter fence as possible. This side of the base is also 'equipped' with a nice sidewalk to position yourself.

8Runway 17 spot 2

The other side of the treshold of runway 17 is visitable as well. Again good for reading and photography and worth a visit if the sun passes along. To get here pass enter the tunnel near spot 7 and walk trough it. You will end up at the other side.

9Museum

The last spot to visit is the museum. Apart from having a look at the aircraft of the museum you can direct your eyes towards the ramp where all Ecuadorian Air Force aircraft are parked. From the museum it is easy to read off most of the FAE a/c on the ramp. Photography is not allowed. To get here turn right after exiting the terminal building and head for the gate of the air force base. Normally you will be allowed on base to visit the museum.