Puerto Inírida

César Gaviria Trujillo Airport (PDA) is not merely a regional transport hub, but a true gateway to the "Land of Many Waters," as the Guainía department is poetically known. Located in the heart of the Colombian Amazon, it serves as a vital bridge connecting this isolated corner of wilderness with the "mainland." For the traveller, the adventure begins even before the landing gear touches the runway: the windows offer a breathtaking panorama of endless jungles and winding rivers, creating a unique atmosphere of an expedition.

Despite its modest size, Inírida Airport boasts several features that make it convenient for tourists seeking eco-adventures:

Unique Location and Accessibility. The airport is located practically within the city limits. The distance to the centre is only about two kilometres, allowing you to reach your hotel or the port in literally 5–10 minutes by local moto-taxi. You will not have to spend hours on transfers as is common in metropolises.

Speed of Service. Thanks to the low passenger flow, check-in and security procedures are conducted very efficiently. Long queues are rare here, sparing travellers from unnecessary stress. The compactness of the terminal means that only a few dozen metres separate the building entrance from the boarding gate.

Authentic Atmosphere. The airport is devoid of the hustle and noise of giant hubs. It is a simple yet functional air harbour where one immediately feels the calm rhythm of regional life. Here, you can often meet groups of researchers and eco-tourists heading to the famous Mavecure Hills, creating a special sense of belonging to a community of explorers.

César Gaviria Trujillo Airport (PDA) is a small regional airport serving the city of Inírida and its surroundings in Colombia. Due to its size and status, most contacts and inquiries are handled directly through the airlines. Below is the main contact information and recommendations for passengers.

• Official Website: Currently, Puerto Inírida Airport (PDA) does not have a dedicated official website. For information on flight schedules and status, it is recommended to consult the websites of the airlines operating flights to Inírida directly.
• Inquiry Service Phone: A single public inquiry number for the airport is unavailable or not published. For all questions related to your flight (schedule changes, check-in, baggage allowance rules), please contact your airline's support service.
• Airport Address: The airport is located at: City of Inírida, Guainía Department, Colombia.
• Email: An official email address for passenger communication is not provided.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks. Current news and updates can be found on the pages of the carrier airlines.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, one should appeal exclusively to the representative office of the airline you flew with. Airport staff do not handle luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The best way to receive support is to contact the airline operating your flight. They will be able to provide the most accurate information regarding delays, cancellations, and other matters related to your journey.

Puerto Inírida Airport (César Gaviria Trujillo Airport, IATA: PDA) is located in immediate proximity to the city centre of Inírida, the capital of the Guainía department in Colombia. Thanks to such a convenient location, getting to the terminal is effortless and takes only a few minutes. The main modes of transport here are moto-taxis and, to a lesser extent, car taxis.

The most popular and fastest way to reach the airport is by moto-taxi (mototaxi). These agile mopeds are the primary means of transport around the city. A trip from the centre will take no more than 5-10 minutes and will be very inexpensive. This is an excellent option for travellers with light luggage. For those travelling with family or carrying bulky suitcases, a standard car taxi would be more suitable. There are fewer of them in the city than moto-taxis, but finding a car is not difficult. It is extremely important to agree on the fare with the driver in advance, as taximeters are practically not used here.

Public transport familiar to large cities, such as city buses, metro, or trains, does not exist in Inírida. The geographical isolation and compact size of the city make such systems unnecessary. The situation is similar regarding car rentals. There are no representatives of major rental companies in Inírida, and the road network outside the city is practically undeveloped, so renting a car is not a practical option.

Considering that the airport is literally on the outskirts of the city, some travellers staying in nearby hotels may reach it on foot. The walk will take between 15 and 25 minutes, but this option is suitable only for those travelling light and who are not afraid of the tropical heat and humidity.

Near the Puerto Inírida Airport terminal, there is a small area for parking. It is quite basic and intended mainly for short-term parking for those dropping off or picking up passengers. Leaving a car here for a long period is not customary, and generally, there is no need for it, given the availability and low cost of local taxi services.

Puerto Inírida Airport (César Gaviria Trujillo Airport), serving the city of the same name, is a small and very compact aviation hub. Contrary to expectations one might have of major airports, everything here is arranged as simply and functionally as possible, which is its main advantage for travellers.

The airport structure includes one small terminal that handles all flights—both arrivals and departures. There is no separation into international and domestic sections, as the airport focuses primarily on regional and national transport. Thanks to this, navigation is intuitively clear, and getting lost here is practically impossible.

All infrastructure is concentrated in a single building. The airport layout is extremely simple: upon entering the terminal, you will immediately see the check-in counters. The departure zone consists of a small waiting hall located immediately after the security checkpoint. The arrival and baggage claim area is also located in the main hall. Since there is only one terminal, the question of transfers between them is not relevant.

Check-in and security procedures usually proceed very quickly due to the low passenger volume. Unlike large hubs, long queues are rare here. It is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5 hours before departure—this time will be more than sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing. The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs or the flow of other passengers; all key areas are within a few steps of each other.

Puerto Inírida Airport (PDA), officially known as César Gaviria Trujillo Airport, has a history closely tied to the development and survival of the city of Inírida and the entire Guainía department. Its creation was not merely a commercial project, but a vital necessity for connecting one of the most remote regions of Colombia with the rest of the country. The airport's history begins in the second half of the 20th century, when, after the city's founding, an acute need for reliable transport links arose.

Initially, it was a simple airstrip serving small aircraft that delivered mail, medicine, and essential goods. With the growth of the population and the strategic importance of the region, the airport gradually developed. A significant stage in its history occurred at the end of the 20th century when it received its current name in honour of a former President of Colombia. This event often coincides with periods of modernisation and expansion of regional airport infrastructure in the country.

Throughout its history, the airport has undergone several stages of reconstruction. The main works were aimed at paving and lengthening the runway, building a more modern passenger terminal, and installing navigation equipment to improve flight safety in the complex weather conditions of the Amazon. These improvements allowed for the reception of larger turboprop aircraft, which significantly improved the transport accessibility of Inírida.

One of the most interesting facts in the airport's history is its unique role as the "gateway to a lost world." It serves as the main entry point for scientists, eco-tourists, and adventurers seeking to explore unique natural landmarks, such as the Cerros de Mavecure (Mavecure Hills) and the vast expanses of tropical rainforests. In essence, every arrival and departure from this airport is a small historical event supporting the life and development of an entire region.

Puerto Inírida Airport (PDA) is a compact regional aviation hub serving as the main gateway to the unique world of the Colombian Amazon. It is important to understand that, due to its remote location and small size, the range of services here is basic and aimed at satisfying the essential needs of travellers.

Dining and Shopping. In the terminal, you will find a modest waiting area. Opportunities for shopping and snacking are limited. Usually, a small café or kiosk operates here, where you can purchase simple snacks, sandwiches, bottled water, and soft drinks. Do not expect full-service restaurants or Duty-Free shops here. It is better to purchase souvenirs and essential items in advance in the city of Inírida.

Facilities and Connectivity. Be prepared that modern amenities may be limited. Public Wi-Fi at the airport is likely absent or works intermittently. For stable internet access, it is recommended to use mobile data. The number of power outlets for charging gadgets is also small, so it is extremely useful to carry a portable power bank with you.

Financial and Medical Services. There are no bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points at Puerto Inírida Airport. It is strongly recommended to resolve all financial matters, including currency exchange, in advance in the major cities of Colombia. Medical assistance is limited to a basic first aid station. If serious medical consultation is required, one should contact medical facilities in the city.

Additional Services. There are no specialised VIP lounges, mother and child rooms, or play areas for children at the airport. Passengers with reduced mobility are advised to notify their airline in advance regarding the need for assistance so that staff can facilitate boarding and disembarking. There are no hotels on the airport grounds, however, various accommodation options are available in the city of Inírida itself, which can be quickly reached by taxi. Business centre or conference room services are absent.

Puerto Inírida Airport (PDA) is a small regional hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest, yet it allows for a taste of local flavour. Do not expect to find a large restaurant zone here as in capital city airports. All the few food outlets are concentrated in the main hall of the single terminal, accessible to both departing passengers and well-wishers.

Typically, several small cafés or kiosks operate at the airport, offering simple and filling dishes. Here you can have a quick snack before your flight by picking up traditional Colombian snacks: empanadas (fried pastries with meat or cheese) or arepas (corn cakes with various fillings). For a more substantial meal, some establishments may offer almuerzo corriente — a set lunch that usually includes soup, a main course (for example, chicken or fish with rice and fried plantain), and a drink. Be sure to try fresh juices made from exotic Amazonian fruits.

All cafeterias are located landside, before passing security control. Their operating hours depend directly on the flight schedule, so they are open mainly during morning and afternoon hours when there are departures or arrivals. Prices here are quite affordable, although they may be slightly higher than in the city of Inírida itself.

Passengers with strict dietary restrictions should note that finding specialised dishes at the airport will be extremely difficult. Vegetarians might be able to find pastries with cheese, but options for vegans, as well as gluten-free or Halal dishes, are practically non-existent. If you follow a specific diet, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you to avoid inconvenience.

Puerto Inírida César Gaviria Trujillo Airport is the gateway to the amazing world of the Colombian Amazon. Flights from small regional airports have their own specifics. Following these tips will make your journey from the city of Inírida as comfortable and predictable as possible.

Arrival at the Airport and Check-in. Despite the airport's modest size, it is recommended to arrive 2–2.5 hours before a domestic flight departure. Schedules can change, and procedures, although simple, sometimes take time. Ensure that all your documents (passport or cédula, boarding pass) are at hand. Online check-in is not always available with regional carriers in Colombia, so be prepared to go through the procedure at the airline counter.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. The main advice for flying in this region is to choose a window seat. The views of the jungle, rivers, and tepuis are simply breathtaking. Regarding hand luggage, remember standard restrictions: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml and no sharp objects. Important: regional airlines often set stricter limits on the weight and size of hand luggage than major carriers. Clarify these rules in advance to avoid extra charges.

Transfers and Customs. Inírida Airport mainly serves domestic flights (predominantly to Bogotá and Villavicencio) and is not a major transfer hub. If you have a connecting flight planned in another city, allow sufficient time (at least 3 hours), as you will likely have to collect your luggage and check in again. Customs control is relevant only for rare international charters; on domestic flights, the procedure is limited to standard security screening.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, buy tickets in advance—the closer the departure date, the higher the price. Bring a light snack and an empty water bottle, which can be filled after security. The choice of food and drinks at the airport is extremely limited and costs more. Travelling light with only hand luggage will also save you both time and money.

In Case of Flight Delay. Delays and cancellations in this region are not uncommon; they are often caused by weather conditions (heavy rains, fog). Remain calm and immediately contact your airline representative for information. It is recommended to have a portable charger, a book, or downloaded films in your hand luggage. Given the limited infrastructure, be prepared to wait in fairly simple conditions.