Gen Buech Airport

Gen Buech Airport is not merely a transit hub, but a true aerial gateway to the emerald heart of the Bolivian Amazon. From the very first moments after landing, travellers are embraced by warm tropical air and an impressive panorama of the boundless forests of the Beni region. This compact yet important air terminal serves as the starting point for exploring the "world capital of the Brazil nut" and the unique nature of Northern Bolivia.

Despite its modest size, Riberalta Airport offers travellers a range of pleasant advantages that make arrival here comfortable and memorable:

• Exceptional proximity to the city. The airport is located practically within the residential zone. The central square or your hotel can be reached in literally 5–10 minutes, eliminating the need for tiring and long transfers.
• Speed of procedures. Thanks to the compactness of the terminal and the small number of flights, queues here are a rarity. Check-in, baggage drop, and pre-flight security checks are conducted quickly and without bureaucratic delays.
• Scenic approach for landing. Since the airport is surrounded by the dense forests of the Amazon and the Beni and Madre de Dios rivers, the views from the window during take-off and landing are simply breathtaking. This is an excellent chance to take unique photos of the jungle from a bird's-eye view.
• Calm atmosphere. The airport retains the charm of a remote region, free from the bustle of megacities. The staff is generally friendly, and the environment sets the mood for the measured rhythm of life in a tropical city.

Finding precise and up-to-date contact details for a small regional airport, such as Gen Buech Airport, can be challenging. Primary interaction with passengers is usually handled by the airlines. Below is the essential information and recommendations for communication.

• Official Website: As a rule, small regional airports in Bolivia, including the airport in Riberalta, do not have separate websites. The most current information regarding flight schedules and flight status should be sought on the websites of the airlines operating flights to this airport.
• Information Desk Phone: A direct public telephone number for the airport is not published. For urgent questions regarding your flight, it is recommended to call your airline's call centre directly.
• Airport Address: Aeropuerto Capitán Av. Selin Zeitun Lopez, Av. Gral. Federico Román, Riberalta, Bolivia.
• Email and Social Media: Official email addresses or social media pages for this airport do not exist.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact the representative of the airline you flew with. It is the air carrier that bears responsibility for tracing and compensation.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to tickets, check-in, special needs, or changes to bookings, please contact your air carrier's support service.

Getting to Gen Buech Airport (RIB) from the city of Riberalta is effortless, as it is located very close to the centre. The journey takes minimal time, and while the choice of transport is not as diverse as in major metropolises, it fully meets the needs of this small city in the heart of Bolivia.

Taxis and Moto-taxis. This is the most popular, fastest, and most convenient way to get to the airport. In Riberalta, both standard car taxis and moto-taxis—more exotic for tourists but very popular with locals—are widespread. A trip on a moto-taxi will cost less and take about 10-15 minutes. A car taxi offers more comfort, especially if you have bulky luggage. It is extremely important to agree on the fare with the driver in advance, before boarding, as taximeters are not used here.

Public Transport. In the conventional sense (regular scheduled buses), public transport to the airport is absent. Its role is fulfilled by the same moto-taxis and collective taxis (colectivos) that may ply the main streets. This is the most budget-friendly option, but it requires more time and may not be very convenient with luggage.

Car Rental. Local car rental agencies can be found in the city. This option is suitable for those planning not only a trip to the airport but also independent exploration of the Beni region's surroundings. For a simple transfer to the airport, renting a car would be excessive and not the most cost-effective option.

Airport Parking. Gen Buech Airport has a small parking area near the terminal. It is a simple open lot where you can leave a vehicle for a short or long period. Given the size of the airport and the city, problems with finding free spaces usually do not arise.

Riberalta Airport, also known as Gen Buech Airport (RIB), is a small and very compact regional air hub. Its main feature is the presence of only one terminal, which serves both arriving and departing flights. Thanks to this, navigation through the airport is intuitive, and the need for transfers between terminals is completely absent, making your journey as simple as possible.

The airport layout is extremely simple. Immediately after entering the terminal building, you will find yourself in a general hall where several airline check-in counters are located. A small waiting area for departing passengers is also located here. The departure and arrival zones are effectively combined in one space: arriving passengers proceed to the same hall to collect their luggage. Everything is within walking distance, and getting lost here is practically impossible.

Due to the modest size of the airport and the low passenger flow, all pre-flight procedures, including check-in and security screening, are completed very quickly. Typically, this takes no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1–1.5 hours before departure to check in luggage and await boarding without rushing.

The main advice for navigation at Riberalta Airport is not to worry. All infrastructure is located in one small building, and you will easily find everything you need by following simple signs or just looking around. This is an ideal example of an airport where everything is designed for the convenience and time-saving of passengers, without complex schemes or long corridors.

Captain Av. Selin Zeitun Lopez Airport (IATA: RIB), better known as the airport of the city of Riberalta, is a vital transport artery for the entire Bolivian Amazon region. Its history is inextricably linked with the development and survival of this remote corner of Bolivia, where for decades air travel was the only reliable means of connection with the rest of the world, especially during the rainy season.

The exact date of the founding of the original airfield is not widely documented, but its emergence in the mid-20th century was driven by acute necessity. Riberalta, the capital of Brazil nut production, needed routes to export produce and deliver goods. For a long time, the airport was a simple unpaved runway, which severely limited flights in bad weather and created difficulties for pilots and passengers.

A key moment in the airport's history was the large-scale reconstruction in the 2010s. In 2016, modernization was completed, which radically changed its appearance and capabilities. The main achievement was the asphalting of the runway, over 1,800 metres long, which allowed for the reception of larger aircraft and ensured all-weather operation. At the same time, a new passenger terminal was opened, significantly increasing the level of comfort for travellers.

An interesting fact: the airport of Riberalta plays a central role not only in passenger transport but also in the region's economy. During the harvest season, it transforms into a bustling cargo hub through which tons of Brazil nuts (castaña) are sent for processing and export. Thus, the history of the airport is a story of how modern infrastructure helps sustain a unique economy and culture in the very heart of the Amazon.

Gen Buech Airport (RIB), serving the city of Riberalta, is a small regional air hub in Bolivia. Consequently, the range of services in the terminal is quite basic and designed to meet the essential needs of passengers awaiting domestic flights.

In the airport building, you will find a general waiting hall with standard amenities. The choice of food outlets and shops is quite limited: typically, there is a small kiosk or café where you can purchase light snacks, soft drinks, and essential items. There are no large restaurants or Duty-Free shops here.

Access to the Wi-Fi network may be unstable or unavailable. The number of power outlets for charging electronic devices is limited, so passengers are advised to carry a portable power bank. The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility; however, to receive special assistance, such as a wheelchair, one should contact their airline in advance.

Specialized services such as VIP lounges, bank branches, currency exchange points, ATMs, conference rooms, and dedicated mother and child rooms are absent at Gen Buech Airport. It is recommended to settle all financial matters in the city beforehand. Medical assistance is limited to basic first aid supplies.

There are no hotels on the airport territory, but travellers can find numerous accommodation options in the city of Riberalta itself, which is located in immediate proximity to the air harbour.

Captain Av. Selin Zeitun Lopez Airport (RIB) in the city of Riberalta is a small regional air hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is very limited. Travellers should take this feature into account and not expect the variety of restaurants or cafés characteristic of major international airports.

Typically, one small kiosk or snack bar operates in the single terminal of the airport. It is located in the public area before security control (landside). Here, passengers can buy basic snacks for a quick bite: crisps, biscuits, chocolate bars, as well as bottled water, fizzy drinks, and possibly instant coffee. This is sufficient to satisfy light hunger while waiting for a flight.

Sometimes, in such small sales points in Bolivia, one can find simple local pastries, for example, salteñas (popular meat-filled pastries) or cuñapés (cheese rolls). If you are lucky enough to find them, it will be a great opportunity to try something authentic. However, one should not count on a wide assortment of national cuisine dishes.

Specialized dietary options, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, are not available at the airport. Passengers with specific dietary requirements are strongly advised to bring food with them.

For a full lunch or dinner, it is best to eat at one of the establishments in the city of Riberalta itself before travelling to the airport. The kiosk at the airport operates according to the flight schedule, opening shortly before departures and closing after them. Prices here are usually slightly higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits.

To ensure your journey through Gen Buech Airport in the city of Riberalta goes smoothly, it is worth familiarizing yourself with a few useful tips in advance. Proper preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress and make the beginning or end of your trip around Bolivia as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time and Check-in. The airport serves only domestic flights, so it is recommended to arrive here at least 2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight screening without rushing. If possible, check in for your flight online—this will save you time at the airport. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy for quick verification.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection. Standard rules for hand luggage apply here as well: liquids are permitted in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp and cutting objects are prohibited. Always check the weight and size allowances for hand luggage with your airline. When choosing a seat on the plane, prefer a window seat—during take-off and landing, breathtaking views of the Amazon jungle surrounding the city may open up.

Transfers. If your route through Bolivia includes a connecting flight, clarify with the airline in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage in Riberalta. A clear understanding of this process will help avoid unnecessary bustle and make your journey smoother.

Saving Time and Money. Besides online check-in, travelling light with only hand luggage will help save time. Bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill after passing security control, and take light snacks with you—the choice in small regional airports may be limited, and prices inflated.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, remain calm. First, find the counter of your airline representative. They will provide current information about the new departure time and inform you about your rights to receive drinks or meals depending on the duration of the delay. Be sure to keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses to request compensation later.