J Wilsterman Airport

Jorge Wilstermann Airport serves as the welcoming aerial gateway to the "City of Eternal Spring" and the gastronomic capital of Bolivia. Situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Andes, it greets travellers with a mild climate and stunning views even before landing. Thanks to its strategic location in the geographical centre of the country and its moderate altitude, this aviation hub serves as an ideal starting point for those wishing to adapt smoothly to high-altitude conditions before travelling to La Paz or the Uyuni Salt Flats.

Airport Features and Advantages:

This compact yet vital transport hub plays a key role in travel across Bolivia and offers tourists a range of significant conveniences:

• Ideal Logistics: The airport is located practically within the city limits. The journey to the central square by taxi takes just 10–15 minutes, allowing you to begin exploring Cochabamba almost immediately after retrieving your luggage.
• Gentle Acclimatisation: Located at an altitude of 2,548 metres above sea level, the terminal provides much more comfortable conditions for the body than the high-altitude El Alto Airport (4,060 m). This makes it the best choice for a first stop in the country to avoid severe symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Key Hub: The airport is one of the main bases for the national carrier Boliviana de Aviación (BoA). From here, it is convenient to plan connections to any region of Bolivia — from the tropical rainforests in the north to the desert plateaus in the south.
• Scenic Approach: Upon approaching Cochabamba, passengers can enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the Cordillera mountain ranges and the green valley, turning the arrival into a true sightseeing experience.
• Clear Infrastructure: Despite its small size, the terminal has everything necessary for a comfortable wait: VIP lounges, currency exchange points, and cafes where you can enjoy a cup of Bolivian coffee before your flight.

• Official Website: https://www.naabol.gob.bo/cochabamba/
• Inquiry Service Phone: +591 (4) 4250060
• Address: Avenida Killman s/n, Cochabamba, Bolivia
• Email: To contact the administration, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website of the operator, NAABOL.
• Social Media: Current information can be found on the official page of the Bolivian Airports Operator (NAABOL) on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the representative of the airline you travelled with directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance at the airport, please visit the information desks located within the terminal building.

Jorge Wilstermann Airport (CBB) is conveniently located just a few kilometres southwest of the city centre of Cochabamba, making the journey there quick and simple. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose one of several ways to reach the terminal.

Public Transport is the most economical option. Although there is no direct metro or train to the airport, you can use local minibuses — "micros" (small buses) or "trufis" (shared taxis following a specific route). Look for vehicles with the sign "Aeropuerto". The trip will be very cheap, but be prepared for the transport to potentially be crowded, and the journey itself may take longer due to stops. This is a great way to immerse yourself in local life if you are travelling light.

Taxi or Transfer is the most convenient and fastest method. The journey from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 15-25 minutes depending on traffic conditions. You can hail a taxi on the street (in this case, it is recommended to agree on the price before the trip begins) or order a car through one of the official radio taxi services. The latter option is slightly more expensive but is considered safer and more reliable. Taxi fares are quite affordable compared to international standards. You can also pre-book a private transfer to pick you up from your hotel at a designated time.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to travel actively around Bolivia by car, you can arrive at the airport in a rental vehicle and return it to one of the rental company offices right in the terminal. For those arriving in their own vehicle, parking is provided at Jorge Wilstermann Airport. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking, which is convenient if you are leaving your car for the duration of your trip.

Regardless of the chosen method, we recommend leaving for the airport with a little extra time, especially during peak hours. This will allow you to calmly complete check-in and pre-flight formalities without unnecessary haste.

Jorge Wilstermann International Airport in Cochabamba is a compact and passenger-friendly aviation hub. It consists of one passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. This structure significantly simplifies navigation, as all main zones are located within a single building.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. Zones for domestic and international flights are situated nearby, making movement through the airport quick and easy. Navigation is facilitated by standard signs in Spanish and English. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings.

The departure zone is located on the main level. Here you will find airline check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and the customs and passport control zone for international passengers, as well as pre-flight security screening. The arrival zone is on the same level but in a different part of the building, and includes baggage claim halls and exits to the city. Thanks to the airport's small size, the path from the aircraft steps to the terminal exit usually does not take much time.

The time required for formalities is generally moderate. For check-in and security on domestic flights, it is worth allowing about 1-1.5 hours, while for international destinations, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure. During peak hours, small queues are possible, but overall, service is quite efficient. For stress-free navigation, simply follow the signs — it is practically impossible to get lost here.

Jorge Wilstermann International Airport is not just the aerial gateway to the city of Cochabamba, but also an important chapter in the history of aviation in Bolivia. Its history began back in the 1920s, making it one of the oldest operating airports in the country. It received its current name in 1952 in honour of Jorge Wilstermann Arancibia, the first Bolivian commercial pilot. This decision was made to immortalise the memory of a pioneer whose courage and dedication laid the foundations for civil aviation in the region.

A key stage in the airport's development was its transformation into the main operational hub and headquarters of the national airline Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano (LAB), which was the flagship of Bolivian aviation for a long time. For decades, the airport was the heart of LAB's operations, connecting Cochabamba not only with other cities in the country but also with international destinations. This period became the "golden age" for the airport, playing a central role in the economic and social life of the city.

Over time, to meet growing demands and international standards, the airport underwent several stages of modernisation and expansion. Significant work was carried out to reconstruct the passenger terminal, lengthen and strengthen the runway, and update navigation equipment. These improvements allowed the airport to accommodate larger and more modern aircraft and increase the level of comfort and safety for passengers, maintaining its status as an important transport hub.

One remarkable fact about Jorge Wilstermann Airport is its location at an altitude of approximately 2,548 metres above sea level. Such altitude imposes special requirements on aircraft operations, influencing their take-off and landing characteristics, which requires special training for pilots. Today, the airport continues to be a vital transport artery for central Bolivia, serving both domestic and international flights and proudly bearing the name of the man who once dreamed of connecting his country with the world by air.

Jorge Wilstermann Airport (CBB), the main air hub of the city of Cochabamba, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is well-equipped and thoughtfully designed for the convenience of travellers arriving in Bolivia or departing from it.

Within the airport, you will find several cafes and small restaurants where you can have a snack featuring local and international cuisine or drink a cup of famous Bolivian coffee. For those wishing to buy gifts or travel essentials, there are souvenir shops and stores, including a Duty Free zone offering a standard range of perfumes, beverages, and confectionery.

For a comfortable wait before boarding, general lounges are provided, as well as a VIP lounge offering a more private atmosphere, snacks, and drinks. Passengers can stay connected thanks to access to wireless internet (Wi-Fi), and use charging stations for electronic devices located at key points in the terminal.

Financial matters can be resolved right at the airport: ATMs are installed here, and currency exchange points operate where you can exchange US dollars or Euros for Bolivianos. In case of unforeseen health situations, a medical point is available in the terminal building, ready to provide first aid.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. A mother and child room is provided for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance when moving through the terminal, as well as during boarding and disembarking from the aircraft — for this, it is recommended to notify the airline in advance.

Although hotels are not present directly on the airport grounds, several hotels of varying comfort levels are located in the immediate vicinity, a few minutes away by taxi. For business travellers, the airport does not offer specialised conference halls, however, basic business services may be available in the VIP lounge.

At Jorge Wilstermann Airport, passengers will find several options for a snack or a full meal, mostly located in the public zone before security control. The choice of establishments here is modest but sufficient to spend time comfortably while waiting for a flight.

The majority of cafes and eateries are located in the main terminal hall (landside), accessible to both departing passengers and those greeting them. Here you can find small cafes offering coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and soft drinks. After passing through security control (airside), the selection is generally more limited and restricted to small kiosks with drinks and packaged snacks. Therefore, if you plan to have a full meal, it is better to do so before passport control.

For those who want to try something local, it is worth paying attention to traditional Bolivian pastries, such as salteñas — savoury pastries with a juicy meat or chicken filling, or empanadas. This is an excellent option for a quick and satisfying snack. You can also order a cup of aromatic Bolivian coffee in the cafes.

Regarding special dietary preferences, finding specialised vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes may be difficult. However, in most cafes, you can ask for a simple salad to be prepared or find fruit. It is recommended to check the ingredients of dishes with staff before ordering.

The price range in airport establishments is moderate, but as everywhere, slightly higher than in the city. The opening hours of most food outlets are tied to the flight schedule — they open early in the morning and operate until the last planes depart. For a quick bite, sandwiches and pastries are suitable, while for a more substantial meal, you can choose one of the cafes in the public zone offering simple hot dishes, for example, soups or main courses.

When planning a trip through Jorge Wilstermann Airport in the city of Cochabamba, use our tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible. This airport is an important transport hub in Bolivia, and knowing a few nuances will help avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival Time: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5-2 hours. Although the airport is not as large as global giants, queues for check-in and security control can be unpredictable, especially during morning peak hours.

Check-in and Security: To save time, complete online check-in if your airline offers this option. At the security checkpoint, be ready to present your boarding pass and passport, and remove laptops and other large electronic devices from your hand luggage. Liquids up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag.

Seat Selection: Cochabamba is surrounded by mountains, so to enjoy stunning views of the Andes during take-off or landing, choose a window seat. The direction is not critical, as picturesque landscapes open up from both sides of the aircraft.

Hand Luggage: Standard rules prohibit carrying sharp objects and liquids over 100 ml. Pay special attention to local souvenirs: coca leaves, which are legal in Bolivia for chewing, are strictly prohibited to take out to most countries worldwide, including the UAE. Check the customs regulations of your destination to avoid serious legal issues.

Connecting Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, especially an international one, check with the airline in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Allow enough time between flights to calmly complete all formalities.

Customs Control: When leaving the country, be prepared for questions about souvenirs being exported, especially if they have cultural or natural value. Always declare expensive goods. Upon arrival, an immigration and customs declaration is standardly filled out.

Saving Time and Money: Book a taxi from the airport in advance through trusted services — this is often cheaper than taking a car on the spot. Exchange only a small amount at the airport for initial expenses, as the exchange rate in the city is usually more favourable. Food and drinks at the airport also cost more, so it is better to have a snack before arriving.

In Case of Flight Delay: First, contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation (water, food, hotel accommodation for long delays). Keep all receipts and documents — they may be needed to claim compensation from your insurance company.