Temuco Airport

La Araucanía Airport, serving the city of Temuco, is not just a transport hub, but a truly modern gateway to one of the most picturesque regions of Chile. Built to replace the old airfield, this terminal welcomes travellers with stylish architecture where glass and wood blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscapes. From the very first minutes of arrival, one feels a closeness to nature here: this is where the journey to majestic volcanoes, ancient Araucaria forests, and the famous lakes of the district begins. The airport is designed to ensure maximum comfort and inspire upcoming adventures across the south of the country.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

La Araucanía Airport stands out for its modern infrastructure, which was commissioned in 2014. The terminal is equipped with three aerobridges, ensuring comfortable boarding and disembarking for passengers in any weather, which is especially important given the region's changeable climate. Inside, travellers will find a spacious waiting hall with panoramic windows offering views of the runway and surrounding fields.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the Pacific Club VIP lounge operates at the airport, where you can relax before a flight, use the Wi-Fi, and enjoy light snacks. Particular attention should be paid to the car rental zone: since Temuco is often the starting point for trips to the tourist town of Pucón and the Villarrica volcano, a wide selection of rental agencies is available here. The terminal also features souvenir shops where you can purchase handicrafts made by local artisans of the Mapuche people.

• Official Airport Website: aeropuertoaraucania.cl
• Information Desk Phone: +56 45 220 1901
• Airport Address: Ruta 5 Sur Km 692, Freire, Región de la Araucanía, Chile (approximately 20 km south of the city of Temuco)
• Email: contacto@aeropuertoaraucania.cl
• Airport Social Media: It is recommended to check the bottom of the official website's main page for current social media links.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost luggage, please contact the airline that operated the flight directly. To search for items left within the terminal building, contact the airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Contact: +56 45 220 1901

La Araucanía Airport is located approximately 25 kilometres south of Temuco city centre, in the commune of Freire. Since the airport is situated away from urban areas, standard city buses or the metro do not run here. However, transport connections are excellent, and travellers have several convenient options to reach their destination.

Official Transfer (Minibuses)

The most popular and rational method for tourists is to use the services of official transport companies, such as Transfer Temuco or Transvip. These are comfortable minibuses that shuttle between the airport and the city.

• How it works: Company counters are located in the Arrivals Hall. You provide your hotel address, pay the fare, and you are driven directly to the hotel door (or picked up from there for departure).
• Cost: The trip will cost approximately 5,000 – 7,000 CLP (Chilean pesos) per person.
• Travel time: About 30–40 minutes, depending on the number of passengers and stops.

Taxi

For those who prefer individual comfort and speed, official taxis are available around the clock at the terminal exit (usually black with a yellow roof or specialised airport taxis). This is an excellent option if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage.

• Cost: A trip to the centre of Temuco will cost approximately 18,000 – 25,000 CLP.
• Recommendation: Always use the services at official counters inside the terminal to avoid inflated rates.

Car Rental

Given that the Araucanía region is famous for its natural parks, lakes, and volcanoes, many tourists prefer to rent a car immediately upon arrival. Offices of international and local rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Mitta) are located in the Arrivals area. The route to the city lies along the country's main highway — Ruta 5 Sur (Pan-American Highway). The road is of excellent quality, and driving here poses no difficulties.

Airport Parking

The airport features a spacious open-air car park with over 300 spaces. It is within walking distance of the terminal.

• Billing: Payment is calculated per minute (the first half-hour is cheaper) or per day.
• Price: Daily parking will cost approximately 10,000 – 12,000 CLP. This is convenient if you plan to leave your car for a short trip to Santiago.

Alternative Regional Airports

If you are planning an extensive journey across the south of South America or tickets to Temuco are sold out, you can consider flying into neighbouring cities. The nearest alternative is Pichoy Airport, serving the city of Valdivia (about 89 km in a straight line, but longer by road). Another option to the south is Cañal Bajo Airport in Osorno.

For those heading to the northern part of the region or the coast, the major Carriel Sur Airport in Concepción is suitable. Many tourists also combine visits to Chile and Argentina: across the Andes lie Argentine air hubs such as Aviador Carlos Campos Airport (Chapelco) in San Martín de los Andes and the famous San Carlos de Bariloche International Airport, which serves as a gateway to Patagonia.

Temuco Airport (La Araucanía) is designed to be as convenient as possible for travellers. The entire passenger flow is handled in one modern two-storey terminal. It is a compact building of about 5,000 square metres where it is impossible to get lost. The absence of multiple scattered terminals eliminates the need to use shuttles or make long walks — everything is within walking distance under one roof.

Terminal Layout and Zoning

Navigation in the airport is simple and intuitive, as the flows of departing and arriving passengers are logically separated by floors:

• Ground Floor (Public Area and Arrivals): The main entrance to the terminal is located here. Directly opposite the entrance is the line of airline check-in counters (LATAM, Sky Airline, JetSMART). On the left side of the Ground Floor is the Arrivals area with baggage claim belts, as well as car rental offices and official transfer counters.
• First Floor (Departures Area): Passengers arrive here after checking in for their flight. This level houses the aviation security screening area (AVSEC), a spacious departure lounge, and boarding gates.

Transitions and Navigation

Connection between floors is provided by escalators and lifts located in the central part of the hall. All necessary facilities are provided for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and specially equipped washrooms. Signs in the terminal are in Spanish and English, which simplifies orientation.

Features of Departure and Arrival Zones

The Departures Zone on the First Floor features panoramic glazing, offering picturesque views of the airfield and the surrounding landscapes of Araucanía. The waiting hall is equipped with a sufficient number of seats (including those with power outlets for charging gadgets). Small cafes, souvenir shops, and the entrance to the Pacific Club VIP lounge are also located here.

Boarding the aircraft is mostly carried out via aerobridges (there are three in total), which is especially valuable in the rainy weather characteristic of this region. Passengers move from the building directly on board the aircraft, avoiding going outside.

The Arrivals Zone on the Ground Floor is compact. After disembarking from the aircraft, the flow of passengers heads down the corridors to the baggage claim area. The process of retrieving suitcases usually takes little time due to the small number of simultaneous flights.

Recommendations on Time and Procedures

Despite the airport being small, it is recommended to adhere to standard rules:

• Check-in and Baggage Drop: You should arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight. During peak seasons (summer, holidays), queues at check-in counters may increase.
• Security Check: The security screening procedure (scanning hand luggage and passing through the frame) usually proceeds quickly, taking from 5 to 15 minutes. However, if several flights are departing at once, crowding is possible.
• Boarding: The gates are located very close to the security checkpoint, so after completing formalities, you will find yourself at the boarding gate literally within a minute.

If you have free time before your flight, the First Floor of the terminal is the best place to wait. There is more natural light, Wi-Fi is available, and you can comfortably enjoy a coffee with a view of the aircraft.

The history of Temuco's air gateway is not a tale of centuries-old traditions, but of rapid modernisation and the drive to overcome the region's complex weather conditions. The current La Araucanía Airport (ZCO) is a very young harbour by aviation standards, which began operations in the 21st century, replacing an outdated predecessor.

The "Maquehue" Era and Reasons for Relocation

For a long time, since the 1940s, the city was served by the old Maquehue Airport, located just a few kilometres from the centre of Temuco. Despite its convenient proximity to the city, it had critical flaws: a short runway and obsolete equipment. But the main enemy of the old airfield was the famous southern fog. Due to poor visibility and the lack of modern navigation systems, flights were regularly cancelled or diverted to other cities, creating huge inconveniences for travellers.

Birth of a New Harbour

The decision to build a new international terminal was made to provide the region with reliable air connectivity 24 hours a day. Construction took place in the commune of Freire, approximately 20 km south of the old site.

• Opening Year: Officially, La Araucanía Airport began accepting commercial flights on 29 July 2014.
• First Flight: The honour of opening the new runway fell to Sky Airline with a flight from Santiago.

Technological Breakthrough and Battling Fog

The main achievement during construction was the implementation of an advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS) Category III. This was a true revolution for the region: now aircraft can land even with visibility of less than 200 metres. While the old airport would close at the slightest haze, the new one has become one of the most all-weather and reliable in the country. This has significantly increased the flow of tourists to the district of lakes and volcanoes.

Interesting Facts

• Code Inheritance: Interestingly, the IATA code ZCO was passed down to the new airport from the old Maquehue airfield. Usually, new airports receive new codes, but here they decided to preserve historical continuity for the convenience of booking systems.
• Design with Soul: The terminal project was developed taking into account the cultural characteristics of the region. Wood and stone were actively used in the building's architecture, while the shape of the roof and interiors reference the traditions of the indigenous Mapuche people and the famous Araucarias — the tree symbols of these places.
• Scale: The runway of the new airport is 2,440 metres long, allowing it to accept larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 767, opening up possibilities for direct international flights in the future.

Today, La Araucanía Airport continues to develop, remaining a symbol of infrastructural renewal in southern Chile and a starting point for thousands of travellers wishing to see the beauties of Patagonia and Araucanía.

Although La Araucanía Airport (ZCO) is a regional node and is smaller in size than capital hubs, it provides a necessary set of services for comfortable waiting. The terminal is modern and functional, allowing passengers to cover most basic needs before departure or immediately upon arrival.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops

The dining zone in the airport is compact but sufficient for a snack. Cafeterias operate in the terminal, where you can order fresh coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and soft drinks. Food outlets are located both in the public area (before security screening) and in the secure Departures area (after security control).

For shopping enthusiasts, souvenir shops are of particular interest. Here you can purchase not only standard products (magnets, postcards) but also unique items from local artisans: textiles, silver jewellery in the style of the Mapuche people, wooden items, and local chocolate. This is an excellent opportunity to buy a gift if you did not manage to do so in the city.

VIP Lounges and Comfort

For passengers preferring privacy and enhanced service, the Pacific Club VIP Lounge is located in the Departures area (after security control). Access is available for holders of Priority Pass, Lounge Key cards, or clients of certain banks, as well as for a separate fee subject to availability.

• Lounge Services: Comfortable armchairs, unlimited Wi-Fi, a buffet with snacks and beverages, fresh press, and TV. This is an ideal place for quiet work or relaxation before boarding.

Connectivity and Electronics

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal (usually provided for a limited time or after viewing an advertisement). In the waiting lounges, especially near boarding gates, power outlets and USB ports are provided for charging mobile devices so you can stay connected.

Financial Services

ATMs (Cajeros Automáticos / Redbanc) are located in the public area of the Ground Floor, where you can withdraw Chilean pesos (CLP) using international cards. Full-service currency exchange bureaus may operate irregularly or be absent, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance in Santiago or in the centre of Temuco. Card payments are accepted in almost all retail outlets at the airport.

For Passengers with Children

The airport is friendly to family travellers. Washrooms are equipped with changing tables for infants. There is no specialised playroom in the terminal, however, the spacious waiting hall with panoramic windows allows children to watch aircraft, which is entertainment in itself.

Services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

Since the terminal was built relatively recently (in 2014), it fully complies with modern accessibility standards:

• The building is equipped with lifts and ramps for free movement in wheelchairs.
• Specially equipped washrooms are available.
• Airport staff are ready to provide assistance with boarding and disembarking (it is recommended to notify the airline of the need for assistance 48 hours before departure).

Medical Services

A first aid point functions in the airport building for emergency situations. In case of feeling unwell, contact staff at the information desk or security representatives, and they will direct you to medical personnel.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels directly within the terminal building. Since the airport is located in a rural area, the nearest accommodation options are situated in the city of Temuco (approximately 25–30 minutes' drive). Passengers on early flights or transit tourists are recommended to book hotels in the city centre or consider accommodation options on the way to the Pucón/Villarrica tourist zone if you are heading on holiday immediately upon arrival.

The gastronomic infrastructure of La Araucanía Airport (ZCO) corresponds to its status as a small regional hub. You will not find extensive food courts with dozens of brands here, but passengers will certainly not go hungry. Several food outlets are provided in the terminal, offering quality products, hot drinks, and the opportunity to experience Chilean fast food before departure.

Location of Establishments

Food outlets in the airport are logically distributed between two zones to serve both departing and meeting passengers:

• Public Zone (Landside, Ground Floor): The main cafeteria-restaurant is located here. It is situated in the hall, next to the check-in counters and the Arrivals area. This is an ideal place for a full lunch before passing through security or for waiting for arriving relatives. Access here is open to all visitors.
• Departures Zone (Airside, First Floor): After passing security control, a coffee shop/bar is available to passengers. This establishment is oriented towards a quick snack: here you can grab a coffee, a sandwich, or a refreshing drink while waiting for boarding with a view of the runway.

What to Try: Local Flavour and Menu

Even at the airport, you can feel the taste of Chile. The basis of the menu consists of classic local dishes that are perfect for the "food on the go" format:

• Chilean Sandwiches: Be sure to pay attention to the famous Churrasco sandwiches (thin slices of beef) or Barros Luco (beef with melted cheese). They are usually served in fresh bread and can replace a full lunch.
• Empanadas: Traditional patties with filling. The most popular option is Pino (minced meat, onion, egg, olive), but variants with cheese or seafood are also frequently found.
• Pastries and Desserts: Since the Araucanía region and the neighbouring Lake District experienced strong influence from German settlers, excellent pies and kuchens (fruit cakes) with berries or nuts are often offered with coffee here.

Dietary Options

The choice of specialised food at Temuco Airport is limited:

• Vegetarians: Will easily find sandwiches with cheese and vegetables (for example, Barros Jarpa — ham and cheese, you can ask for it without ham) or empanadas with cheese.
• Vegans: Options are minimal. Mostly these are fruit salads, nuts, or packaged snacks sold in kiosks and cafes. It is recommended to bring food with you if you have a strict diet.
• Gluten-free and Halal food: Specialised certified dishes are usually not on the menu. Travellers requiring Halal food are advised to opt for vegetarian or seafood choices or rely on pre-packaged natural snacks (fruits, yoghurts).

Prices and Opening Hours

Pricing policy at the airport is traditionally higher than in the city of Temuco, by approximately 20–30%.

• Average Bill: Coffee and dessert will cost approximately 4,000 – 6,000 CLP. A substantial snack (sandwich + drink) will cost about 8,000 – 12,000 CLP.
• Opening Hours: Establishments adapt to the flight schedule. Cafes open for the first morning flight (around 7:00–8:00 AM) and close after the departure of the last aircraft (usually around 9:00–10:00 PM). At night, if there are no flights, food outlets are closed.

Recommendations

For a quick snack, the coffee shop in the "secure zone" on the First Floor is best suited — service there is prompt, and you are close to the gate. If you want to have a quiet lunch, it is better to do so on the Ground Floor in the public zone before passing special control, where the atmosphere is more relaxed and the choice of hot dishes is slightly wider.

Travelling through La Araucanía Airport (ZCO) usually proceeds calmly and comfortably thanks to its modern equipment and small size. However, considering the specifics of the region (popularity of active tourism, changeable weather), there are a number of nuances, knowledge of which will make your trip even more pleasant. Here are some proven tips for tourists.

Optimal Arrival Time

Despite the airport being small, you should not arrive at the last moment. The recommended arrival time is 1.5–2 hours before departure.

• Consider Distance: Remember that the airport is located 25 km from Temuco and even further from tourist zones (Pucón, Villarrica). Roadworks or heavy traffic are possible on the Route 5 Sur highway, especially in the summer season (January–February). Allow extra time for the journey.
• Baggage Drop: If you are carrying sports equipment (skis, snowboards, backpacks), processing oversized luggage may take additional time.

Check-in and Passing Control

To avoid queues, it is strongly recommended to complete online check-in in advance via airline mobile apps (LATAM, Sky, JetSMART). At the airport, you will only need to drop off luggage at the Drop-off counter or print a boarding pass at a self-service kiosk (if necessary).

Security screening (AVSEC) here is standard but thorough. Since many tourists carry camping gear, be prepared for questions about the contents of backpacks. Electronic devices (laptops, tablets) must be removed from bags and placed in separate trays.

Choosing a Seat: Best Views of Volcanoes

Flying to this region is a true excursion. To enjoy the views, it is important to choose the correct side when booking a seat:

• When departing from Temuco to Santiago (northbound): Choose seats by the window on the right side (usually seats F). In clear weather, a grand panorama of the chain of volcanoes (Llaima, Lonquimay, Villarrica) and snowy Andean peaks will appear before you.
• When arriving in Temuco (from the north): Sit on the left side (seats A) to see the same landscapes during descent.

Hand Luggage and Special Equipment

The Araucanía region attracts trekking enthusiasts, so it is important to remember the rules for transporting tourist equipment:

• Trekking poles: It is strictly forbidden to carry them in hand luggage, as they are considered potential dangerous items. They must be checked in as hold luggage.
• Gas canisters: Carriage of gas for burners is prohibited both in hand luggage and in checked baggage. Plan to purchase gas upon arrival in Temuco or Pucón and dispose of leftovers before flying back.
• Local delicacies: Jars of local honey, murta jam (Chilean berry), or merkén sauce exceeding 100 ml must also be packed in a suitcase. In hand luggage, they will be confiscated.

Transit and Connections

Temuco Airport is the end point for most flights, and there are practically no direct international flights from here. The main hub for connections is Santiago (SCL).

• If you have a single ticket to a final destination abroad, luggage is usually checked through to the end, but verify this at the counter.
• If you are flying with different airlines (separate tickets), allow at least 3–4 hours for the connection in Santiago, as you will have to collect luggage and go through check-in again.

Customs and Phytosanitary Control (SAG)

Chile is famous for strict phytosanitary control rules. Although checks are usually absent on domestic flights (for example, Santiago — Temuco), it is important to know the following:

• Wooden souvenirs: If you bought items from Mapuche artisans, ensure that the wood is treated and varnished. When flying out of the country later, raw wood or items with bark may raise questions with customs of other states.
• Food products: Transporting fruits, vegetables, and seeds within Chile is permitted (with rare exceptions for quarantine zones in the north), but taking them abroad is often prohibited.

How to Save Time and Money

• Transfer instead of Taxi: If you are travelling alone or as a couple, book a seat in an official minibus (transfer compartido) in advance. This is 3–4 times cheaper than a taxi. Counters are located right in the baggage claim area — pay for the ticket while waiting for your suitcase to save time.
• Water: Prices for water in the "secure zone" are high. Bring an empty reusable bottle with you. Tap water in the Temuco region and southern Chile is generally of good quality and suitable for drinking; you can fill up in the washroom or ask at a cafe.

In Case of Flight Delay

Southern Chile is a rainy region. Although the new ILS landing system has minimised cancellations due to fog, delays due to strong storm winds are possible.

• Watch the boards: Download your carrier's app and turn on notifications. Information is updated there faster than announced over the PA system.
• Comfortable waiting: If the delay is long, it is best to spend time in the Pacific Club VIP lounge (First Floor). There are comfortable sofas, it is quiet, and there is food. If you do not have access to the lounge, take seats near the panoramic windows in the Departures area — there are power outlets for charging phones there.
• Passenger rights: Strict consumer protection laws apply in Chile. If the delay occurred due to the airline's fault, request vouchers for food or a phone call.