San Luis Airport

San Luis Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the "city of green clouds," as Ipiales is poetically known. Situated at an impressive altitude amidst the majestic Andes, this air terminal offers travellers the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking mountain panoramas during the descent. For many tourists, this is the starting point for a journey to one of the most beautiful churches in the world — the Las Lajas Sanctuary — as well as a trip to the border with Ecuador.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main feature of San Luis Airport is its high-altitude location (nearly 3,000 metres above sea level). This makes the landing here truly spectacular, although it requires special skill from the pilots. Thanks to the recent modernisation of the terminal, the airport, despite its modest size, offers a modern level of comfort. It is bright, clean, and intuitive, which reduces stress levels before a flight.

A key advantage of this air harbour is the speed of service. Unlike congested capital hubs, all procedures here — from check-in to baggage claim — are completed as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the airport holds strategic importance: it is located just a few minutes' drive from the famous Rumichaca Bridge connecting Colombia and Ecuador, making it an ideal starting point for cross-border travel.

San Luis Airport is a small regional airport serving the city of Ipiales and its surroundings. It is important to understand that many services common in large international hubs may be provided here in a limited capacity or directly by the airlines. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your airline representatives.

• Official Website: The airport does not have a separate official website. Flight status and carriage rules are best checked on the websites of airlines flying to Ipiales.
• Inquiry Service Phone: There is no single public phone number for inquiries. For prompt communication regarding your flight, please contact your airline's call centre.
• Airport Address: Vía a Potosí, Km 3, Ipiales, Nariño, Colombia.
• Email: A direct email address for contacting the airport administration is not published. All communication is conducted through the airlines.
• Social Media: The airport does not have official pages on social media.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact your airline's representative counter in the arrivals hall. It is the air carrier that bears responsibility for tracing luggage.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support (assistance with tickets, check-in, escorting) is provided directly by airline staff.

Getting to San Luis Airport (IPI) from the city centre of Ipiales is effortless, as it is located very close by. There are several convenient methods suitable for different categories of travellers.

Taxi and Transfer — the most popular, fastest, and most comfortable option. The journey from the centre of Ipiales to the terminal will take approximately 10–15 minutes. The cost of the trip is usually around 15,000 – 20,000 Colombian pesos (approximately 4–5 USD), but it is always recommended to confirm the price with the driver before starting the journey. This is the ideal choice for those travelling with luggage or those who value their time.

Public Transport in the form of shared taxis (colectivos) is the most budget-friendly method. Although it is significantly cheaper than a taxi, the journey may take longer, and the route does not always pass directly by the airport entrance. This option is well-suited for travellers with light luggage who wish to save money and experience the local atmosphere.

Car Rental offers maximum flexibility. If you have explored the south of Colombia by car, you will reach the airport without problems by following the signs. Parking is available at San Luis Airport where you can leave your vehicle. This method is convenient for those planning to return a rental car right before departure.

San Luis Airport (IPI), serving the city of Ipiales and its surroundings, represents a small regional air terminal. Its structure is as simple as possible and focused on the rapid servicing of passengers on domestic flights.

Structure and Navigation

The airport consists of one small passenger terminal, which handles both arriving and departing flights. Thanks to its compact dimensions, navigation within it is intuitive, and getting lost here is practically impossible. All key zones — check-in counters, security screening, the waiting lounge, and the baggage claim belt — are located in one building within walking distance of each other. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between terminals.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The passenger service process is organised very simply. Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers pass through the single security control point, which leads to a small departure waiting lounge. The arrival zone is equally concise: after disembarking from the aircraft, passengers enter the hall where the baggage claim belt is situated.

Time for Procedures and Recommendations

Completing all pre-flight formalities at San Luis Airport usually takes a minimum amount of time. Due to low passenger traffic, queues for check-in and screening are generally small or non-existent. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1–1.5 hours before your flight's departure to complete all procedures without haste. The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs, of which there are few, or look for where people are gathering, as all functional zones are located very close by and are clearly visible.

The history of San Luis Airport (IPI) is not a chronicle of high-profile events, but rather a tale of systematic development and strategic importance for the southern region of Colombia. Although the exact founding date of the first airfield at this location is not widely known, its history is closely tied to the necessity of connecting the remote and mountainous department of Nariño with the rest of the country.

For many years, the airport represented a modest regional aviation hub with basic infrastructure. The runway had limitations on the types of aircraft it could accommodate, and the passenger terminal was small and did not always cope with the growing flow of travellers heading to famous landmarks and crossing the border with Ecuador.

A key stage in the history of San Luis Airport began in the 2010s, when the government of Colombia initiated a large-scale reconstruction. This modernisation became the most significant event since its opening. Within the framework of the project, the following works were carried out:

• Construction of a new, modern passenger terminal capable of serving a significantly larger number of passengers.
• Modernisation and extension of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft.
• Erection of a new control tower equipped with advanced navigation equipment.
• Improvement of general infrastructure and security systems.

Among interesting facts, one can highlight its location — the airport is situated at an altitude of about 2,976 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest in the country and imposing special requirements on aircraft operations. Its main achievement to date is the successful transformation from a modest air harbour into a modern complex that has become a reliable and safe aerial gateway for the city of Ipiales, stimulating tourism development and strengthening economic ties in this strategically important border region.

San Luis Airport is a small regional air terminal serving the city of Ipiales and its surroundings in Colombia. Despite its compact size, it offers a basic set of services to make waiting for a flight comfortable. In the terminal, you will find several small cafes where you can enjoy a cup of famous Colombian coffee and have a snack of local delicacies. There are also souvenir shops where you can purchase memorable gifts before departure.

For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi is available in the airport building, allowing you to stay connected. If you need to charge electronic devices, there are several charging stations in the waiting lounge. Financial services are represented by ATMs where cash can be withdrawn. Currency exchange points may not be available at the airport, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in the city beforehand.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with special needs: ramps and specially adapted restrooms are available. Families with small children can use the mother and child room for infant care. In case of necessity, a first aid station operates within the terminal.

There are no specialised VIP lounges or business centres at San Luis Airport. There are also no hotels on the airport territory; however, a wide selection of accommodation options — from budget hostels to comfortable hotels — can be found in Ipiales itself, which is just a few kilometres away. Many hotels in the city offer conference rooms and other amenities for business travellers.

San Luis Airport in Ipiales is a small regional airport, so the choice of catering establishments here is quite modest, yet sufficient for a snack before departure. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants as found in large international hubs; however, finding a filling snack and excellent coffee here will not be difficult.

The main food outlets are located in the public zone (landside) of the single terminal, before passing security control. As a rule, these are one or two small cafes (cafetería) offering classic Colombian snacks. This is a great opportunity to try local dishes. Be sure to order a cup of aromatic Colombian coffee — its quality here is excellent. Regarding food, pay attention to:

• Empanadas — fried pastries with various fillings, most often with meat or chicken.
• Arepas — corn cakes served with cheese (con queso) or other toppings.
• Pan de bono — delightful cheese buns, ideal for a quick snack.

For travellers with specific dietary requirements, the choice will be very limited. Specialized vegan, gluten-free, or Halal menus are likely unavailable here. Vegetarians may find arepas with cheese or pastries. In other cases, it is better to check the ingredients of dishes with the staff or carry necessary snacks with you. Cafe opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, and prices are quite reasonable, especially compared to major airports.

If you are short on time, the best choice would be coffee and pan de bono. For a more substantial lunch, you can take a few empanadas or a sandwich. Since all main establishments are located before the security zone, it is recommended to eat beforehand, as in the departure zone (airside), the selection is typically absent or limited to a small kiosk with beverages and snacks.

To ensure your journey through San Luis Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. The airport serves the city of Ipiales and is the gateway to this amazing region of Colombia. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to complete all procedures without haste. If possible, complete online check-in in advance — this will save you time at the airport.

Before passing security control, ensure you do not have prohibited items in your carry-on luggage. Standard rules restrict the carriage of liquids (in containers no larger than 100 ml), as well as sharp objects. Always keep your boarding pass and identification document at hand to speed up the verification process.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that the region where the airport is located is famous for its impressive mountain landscapes. If you wish to enjoy the views during take-off or landing, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely are more important to you, an aisle seat would be more suitable.

If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transit airport. San Luis Airport is small, and most connections occur in major hubs such as Bogotá. Regarding customs control, upon entering the country, be prepared to present your passport and a completed declaration if necessary. Honestly declare all goods subject to mandatory declaration.

To save money, book flight tickets and airport transfers in advance. Taxi prices directly at the airport may be higher. You can also bring light snacks with you to avoid spending money on food while waiting for your flight. Saving time is achieved simply: online check-in, travelling light (with carry-on luggage only), and arriving at the airport in good time.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information on further actions. Find out about your rights to compensation, provision of meals, or accommodation. Remember that the weather in the mountainous area can be unpredictable and sometimes causes delays, so it is always useful to have a book, a charged power bank, or other ways to pass the time with you.