list of airports in Bolivia

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:## Exploring the Skies: A Comprehensive Guide to Bolivia’s Airports

Bolivia, a landlocked nation in the heart of South America, boasts a surprisingly diverse network of airports serving both domestic and international travelers. From bustling hubs connecting you to major cities to smaller airstrips facilitating access to remote regions like the Amazon rainforest and the Altiplano, understanding Bolivia’s airport landscape is crucial for planning your journey. This guide provides a detailed overview of the airports in Bolivia, helping you navigate your travel options effectively.

#ff6900 Bolivia’s Airport Infrastructure: An Overview

Bolivia’s airport infrastructure reflects its varied geography. The country has a limited number of large, modern international airports, primarily concentrated in major population centers. However, a substantial network of smaller airports and airstrips exists to serve the numerous indigenous communities and facilitate resource extraction, tourism, and essential services in isolated areas. Many of these smaller facilities operate with gravel or unpaved runways, requiring specialized aircraft.

The state-owned company, Servicios Aeroportuarios Bolivianos S.A. (SABSA), manages most of the country’s airports, ensuring safety and operational standards. However, some smaller airports are managed locally. Recent and ongoing investment aims to modernize existing facilities and expand the network to support future growth in tourism and trade.

#ff6900 Major International Airports

Bolivia has three primary international airports capable of handling larger aircraft and a significant volume of passengers:

  • Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) – Santa Cruz de la Sierra: This is Bolivia’s largest and busiest airport. It serves as a vital hub for both domestic and international flights, particularly to and from South America, North America, and Europe. The airport underwent significant expansion in the past decade, improving its capabilities and passenger experience.

  • El Alto International Airport (LPB) – La Paz: Located at an astonishing 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level, El Alto is one of the highest commercial airports in the world. This altitude presents unique challenges for aircraft operation and can affect passengers’ acclimatization. It’s the primary airport serving the administrative capital, La Paz.

  • Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB) – Cochabamba: Serving the central Bolivian city of Cochabamba, this airport handles a mix of domestic and limited international flights. It’s undergoing expansion to handle larger aircraft and increase passenger throughput.

#ff6900 A Complete List of Bolivia’s Airports

Here is a comprehensive list of airports currently serving Bolivia, categorized by whether they are international, domestic, or private/unlisted. Please note that operational status and services can change.

Airport Name IATA Code ICAO Code City/Region Type Runway Length (m)
Viru Viru International Airport VVI SLV Santa Cruz de la Sierra International 3,000
El Alto International Airport LPB LFLP La Paz International 4,100
Jorge Wilstermann International Airport CBB LMCB Cochabamba International 2,850
Capitán Eduardo Avaroa International Airport UIO SLUI Uyuni Domestic 3,000
Túpac Amaru International Airport CLA SLCA Tarija Domestic 2,200
Sixto Figueroa International Airport BUE SLBUE Puerto Suárez Domestic 1,800
Alcantarí Airport CTZ SLCT Tarija Domestic 1,850
Buena Vista Airport BVU SLBV Sucre Domestic 2,600
Cobija International Airport CBJ SLCB Cobija Domestic 2,000
Pando Airport PDN SLPD Cobija Domestic 1,500
Puerto Maldonado Airport PEM SLPM Puerto Maldonado Domestic 1,800
Riberalta Airport RBO SLRB Riberalta Domestic 2,000
Trinidad Airport TDD SLTR Trinidad Domestic 2,200
Villamontes Airport VLM SLVM Villamontes Domestic 1,500
Yacuíba Airport YCU SLYC Yacuíba Domestic 1,500
Rurrenabaque Airport RRN SLRRN Rurrenabaque Domestic 1,200
San Borja Airport SJB SLSB San Borja Domestic 1,500

#ff6900 Traveling to and from Bolivia: Practical Considerations

  • Altitude Sickness: Especially when flying into El Alto (La Paz), be aware of altitude sickness. Consult your doctor beforehand and take it easy upon arrival. Hydrate and avoid strenuous activity.

  • Baggage Restrictions: Domestic airlines may have stricter baggage restrictions than international carriers. Check with your airline before flying.

  • Airport Security: Security measures at Bolivian airports are generally efficient but can be thorough. Arrive early to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.

  • Transportation: Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available at the major airports. Pre-booking transportation is also recommended.

  • Currency Exchange: Exchange currency at official banks or exchange bureaus within the airports for the best rates.

#ff6900 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Q: What is the highest commercial airport in the world?

    • A: El Alto International Airport (LPB) in La Paz, Bolivia, is one of the highest, sitting at approximately 4,000 meters (13,123 feet).

  • Q: Which airport is best for reaching the Salar de Uyuni?

    • A: Capitán Eduardo Avaroa International Airport (UIO) in Uyuni is the closest airport to the salt flats.

  • Q: Is it safe to fly with smaller airlines in Bolivia?

    • A: While generally safe, it’s wise to research airlines and check their safety records before booking, particularly for flights on smaller planes to remote areas.

  • Q: Do I need a visa to transit through a Bolivian airport?

    • A: This depends on your nationality and final destination. It’s crucial to check Bolivia’s visa requirements based on your travel plans.

  • Q: Where can I find more information about flight schedules?

    • A: Websites like Google Flights, Kayak, and individual airline websites (see Resources below) are great resources for checking flight schedules.

Resources:

Enjoy your travels to and within the stunning landscapes of Bolivia!

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