El Eden Airport

El Edén International Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a welcoming gateway to the famous "Coffee Cultural Landscape" of Colombia. Situated amidst the picturesque green hills of the Quindío department, this air port immerses travellers in an atmosphere of tropical comfort and tranquillity from the very first minute. Thanks to recent modernisation and its compact size, the airport combines modern technology with an absence of the hustle and bustle typical of metropolises, allowing you to begin your acquaintance with the region in maximum comfort.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Strategic Location. El Edén is located just a 15-minute drive from the city centre of Armenia and serves as an ideal starting point for trips to the region's tourism gems, such as the colourful town of Salento and the famous Cocora Valley with its wax palms.

International Connections. Despite its modest size, the airport holds international status and receives direct flights from the USA (Fort Lauderdale), whilst also ensuring convenient connections with key Colombian cities — Bogotá and Medellín.

Modern Infrastructure. Following a large-scale reconstruction necessitated by the 1999 earthquake, the terminal received new waiting lounges, an extended runway, and modern security systems, making passenger service fast and efficient.

Scenic Views. The approach into El Edén is often described as an excursion in itself: the view from the window reveals breathtaking panoramas of endless coffee plantations and the Andean mountain range, setting the mood for an unforgettable journey.

Below you will find contact information for El Edén International Airport (AXM), serving the city of Armenia and the coffee region of Colombia. We recommend verifying the accuracy of the data on official resources before travelling.

• Official Website: You will find the most complete and up-to-date information on flights, rules, and airport services on the operator's website: aeropuertodelcafe.com.co.
• Information Desk Phone: For enquiries, you can call the number: +57 606 747 9200. When calling from abroad, do not forget to use the international code for Colombia (+57).
• Airport Address: Aeropuerto Internacional El Edén, Km 10 Vía al Caimo, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the address: info@aeropuertodelcafe.com.co. However, for a prompt response, calling by phone is recommended.
• Social Media: The airport is part of the "Aeropuertos del Café" group. News and updates can be tracked on their official social media pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: Important! For all issues related to lost, delayed, or damaged luggage, you must contact your airline's representative directly. The airport service does not handle the search for passenger luggage.
• Passenger Support Service: For general questions regarding the operation of the terminal and services provided, you may use the information desk phone number listed above.

Getting to El Edén Airport (AXM) from the city of Armenia is effortless, as it is located just 15 kilometres southwest of the centre. Travellers can choose one of several convenient methods, depending on their budget, time, and preferences. Regardless of the chosen option, the drive along the scenic roads of Colombia will be a pleasant beginning or end to your journey.

Public Transport: The most economical way to get to the airport is to use local buses. Buses heading towards the airport depart regularly from Armenia's main bus terminal (Terminal de Transportes de Armenia). The journey usually takes about 30-45 minutes, but time may vary depending on traffic conditions. The fare is very affordable and typically costs just a few thousand Colombian pesos, making this option an excellent choice for budget travellers.

Taxi and Transfer: For greater comfort and speed, you can use taxi services. The trip from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 20-30 minutes. The estimated cost will be between 30,000 and 45,000 Colombian pesos. Taxis can be found at designated stands in the city or ordered via mobile apps popular in Colombia. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance or ensure the driver has switched on the meter. Private transfer services are also available and can be booked online for maximum convenience.

Car Rental and Parking: If you plan to actively explore the coffee region, renting a car is the ideal solution. Several international and local rental companies operate in Armenia. You can easily reach the airport in a rented car via well-marked roads. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicle, El Edén Airport provides parking facilities, offering both short-term and long-term parking options.

Alternative Airports: If you have not found convenient flights to El Edén, it is worth considering other airports nearby. The nearest major aviation hub is Matecaña International Airport (PEI) in Pereira, located approximately 40 km away. It handles significantly more flights. Another important option, especially for international flights, is Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport (CLO) in Cali, although it is located further away (about 120 km). You can also check flights to La Nubia Airport (MZL) in Manizales, which is also part of the Coffee Triangle.

El Edén Airport (AXM) consists of one compact and modern terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Its well-thought-out structure makes navigation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time. You will not have to worry about complicated transfers or long transits between different buildings — all services and zones are located under one roof.

The airport layout is extremely simple. The Arrivals area is usually located on the ground floor, where passengers collect luggage and pass through customs control. Car rental desks and exits to taxis and buses are also located here. The Departures area is situated on the first floor and includes airline check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a small but cosy waiting lounge with boarding gates. Due to the small size of the terminal, it is practically impossible to confuse the zones.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at El Edén Airport typically does not take much time. On average, check-in and security screening take from 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy it is. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight and 2.5–3 hours before an international one to avoid rushing, especially during the peak tourist season.

For comfortable navigation, simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in English. The entire path from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate is logical and sequential. If you have any questions, the airport staff are always ready to assist. The main advantage of El Edén Airport is its compactness, which ensures a quick and calm start or conclusion to your journey through the coffee region of Colombia.

The history of El Edén International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional El Edén) is inextricably linked with the development of the coffee region of Colombia. Officially opened in 1948, it functioned for a long time as a small regional airfield serving the city of Armenia and its surroundings. Its primary task was ensuring air connectivity for the capital of the Quindío department, an important coffee production centre.

A key and tragic event in the airport's history was the devastating earthquake on January 25, 1999. The natural disaster almost completely destroyed the passenger terminal and caused serious damage to the runway and other infrastructure. This event became a turning point, after which a new chapter in the life of El Edén began.

Following the earthquake, massive reconstruction and modernisation began. A completely new, more spacious, and seismically resistant terminal was built. The runway was lengthened and strengthened, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A320. Modern navigation systems and equipment were installed. It was this reconstruction that allowed the airport to obtain international status, which became its main achievement and opened the region to direct flights from abroad.

Interesting fact: the airport received its name, "El Edén" (translated from Spanish as "Eden" or "Paradise"), in honour of the incredible beauty and fertility of the surrounding lands, which are part of the Coffee Cultural Landscape, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the airport serves as an important gateway for tourists wishing to experience the culture and nature of one of the country's most picturesque regions.

El Edén Airport (AXM), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait before their flight. It is an important transport hub for the coffee region of Colombia, and its infrastructure is oriented towards the convenience of tourists.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops: At the airport, you will find several cafés and eateries where you can have a snack before departure, enjoy a cup of aromatic local coffee, or try light refreshments. Souvenir shops are also available, offering handmade items and famous products from the coffee region.

Waiting Lounges and VIP Halls: For passengers who value enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge operates within the terminal. Here you can rest in silence and make use of complimentary drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi whilst waiting to board your flight.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or handle work matters. Special stands and power outlets are provided in the waiting areas for charging gadgets.

Banks and Currency Exchange: Financial services are represented by ATMs and currency exchange points. Here you can withdraw cash in pesos or exchange major world currencies.

Passenger Services: To ensure the safety and comfort of all categories of travellers, the airport has a medical point for first aid. Families with children can use the mother and child room. The airport is also equipped for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and special toilets, and staff are ready to provide assistance if necessary (it is recommended to notify the airline in advance).

Hotels and Business Services: Although there are no hotels within the airport territory itself, numerous accommodation options are located in the immediate vicinity and in the city of Armenia, situated just a 20-minute drive away. There you can also find fully equipped conference halls for business events, as such services are not provided within the airport itself.

El Edén Airport (AXM), serving the city of Armenia and the coffee region of Colombia, offers passengers several cosy options for a snack that reflect the local flavour. Although the selection here is not as extensive as in capital city airports, you certainly won't go hungry and will be able to enjoy authentic tastes.

The majority of dining establishments are located in the general hall before passing through security control (landside). The main attraction is the famous Juan Valdez Café, where it is absolutely worth trying the excellent local coffee. A cup of aromatic coffee here will cost approximately 6,000–12,000 Colombian pesos. Fresh Colombian snacks pair perfectly with the coffee: a cheese roll called pan de bono, a corn cake known as an arepa, or a hearty pastry called an empanada. This is a great option for a quick and authentic bite.

For those with more time, there are establishments in the airport offering full meals. In their menus, you can often find classics of Colombian cuisine, such as hearty soups or meat dishes with a side. This is a wonderful opportunity to try traditional food before departure. The cost of a main course varies on average from 25,000 to 40,000 pesos. Most cafés and restaurants operate in accordance with the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.

Important tip: It is better to have a substantial meal before passing through control. After security screening (airside), the choice is usually extremely limited, reduced to a small kiosk with drinks and snacks. Regarding special dietary needs, finding vegetarian options, such as an arepa with cheese, is quite realistic. However, the selection of vegan or gluten-free dishes is practically non-existent, so travellers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to carry their own snacks.

Travelling through El Edén Airport (AXM) in the city of Armenia, the gateway to the coffee region of Colombia, can be simple and pleasant if you are aware of a few nuances. To avoid rushing, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight and 2–3 hours before an international one. Although the airport is not very large, the extra time will allow you to pass through all formalities calmly.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight, which most airlines offer. If you are travelling with hand luggage only, this will allow you to proceed straight to security screening. Security procedures here are standard: be prepared to show your boarding pass and passport, as well as remove all metal items from your pockets, take off outerwear, and remove electronics from your bags.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that the window offers stunning views of coffee plantations and the green hills of the Quindío region. If comfort and the ability to leave the cabin quickly after landing are important to you, choose an aisle seat.

Hand luggage rules at El Edén Airport comply with international standards. Liquids (shampoos, creams, perfumes) may be carried in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the current rules on your airline's website.

If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline in advance whether you will need to collect your luggage and re-check it. In some cases, luggage is transferred automatically. Passengers in transit may be required to pass through security control again.

When departing on an international flight or arriving from abroad, you will have to undergo customs control. You must fill out a declaration and indicate all goods subject to declaration. Be especially attentive to the rules regarding the export of coffee and souvenirs, as well as the import of agricultural products, to avoid fines.

To save money, book airline tickets and airport transfers in advance. Travel light to avoid paying for excess baggage. Take an empty reusable water bottle with you — after security screening, you can fill it at drinking fountains.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first. They will provide up-to-date information and explain your rights to compensation, meals, or accommodation. Keep all receipts and documents — they may be needed to claim insurance payments if you have travel insurance.