Matecana International Airport

Matecaña International Airport (PEI) is not just an air gateway to the city of Pereira, but the starting point for an unforgettable journey through the famous Coffee Triangle of Colombia. Located in the very heart of this picturesque region, it welcomes thousands of tourists daily who are eager to experience the coffee-growing culture, enjoy views of green valleys, and feel the hospitality of the locals. This modern and compact airport will be your reliable guide to the world of Colombian adventures.

The main advantage of Matecaña Airport is its recent and large-scale modernization. The new passenger terminal, opened in 2020, offers travelers a high level of comfort and modern infrastructure. Passengers have access to spacious and bright waiting lounges, various shops, including souvenir stalls with the best varieties of local coffee, cozy cafes, and restaurants. For those planning to explore the region on their own, offices of international car rental companies operate at the airport.

Its strategic location makes the airport an ideal base for exploring the entire Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero). From here, you can easily and quickly reach famous places such as the colonial town of Salento and the unique Cocora Valley. Thanks to a good selection of domestic and several international flights, Matecaña Airport ensures excellent transport connections both within the country and with other Latin American states.

• Official airport website: aeromate.gov.co
• Help desk phone: +57 606 341 9242 (Administration / AIM) or +57 606 341 9283 (OPAM Operator)
• Airport address: Km 4 Vía Cerritos, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
• Email: aeropuerto@aeromate.gov.co
• Airport social media: Official pages can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) under the handle @aeromatecana.
• Lost luggage information: In case of lost luggage, please contact your airline. If you have left personal belongings in the terminal, please contact the information desk or the Security Office (Oficina de Seguridad).
• Passenger support contacts: For complaints and inquiries, use the PQRSD form on the official website or apply in person at the information desks in the departure hall.

Getting to Matecaña International Airport (PEI) from the city center of Pereira is quite simple, and travelers have several convenient options to choose from. The airport is located just a few kilometers from the center, making the journey fast and inexpensive. Travel time is usually 15–25 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Taxis and transfers are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. Official taxis can be easily found anywhere in the city; they operate by meter or a fixed rate, which is best agreed upon in advance. The trip will be inexpensive and ensure comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage. Ride-hailing app services also operate in Colombia, which can be another convenient option. For maximum peace of mind, you can book a private transfer that will meet you directly at your hotel.

Public transport is the most budget-friendly option. Pereira has a rapid bus system called Megabús, the routes of which pass near the airport. Although there may not be a direct stop right at the terminal, some routes stop within a few minutes' walk. This method is excellent for travelers with light luggage who wish to save money. Be sure to check the current route and number of the bus going towards the airport.

Car rental and parking is the ideal choice for those planning to explore Colombia's coffee region on their own. Offices of both local and international rental companies operate in the city. You can drive to the airport in a rented car and return it there before departure. If you arrive in your own or a rented car, Matecaña Airport has parking facilities where you can leave your car for a short or long term.

Matecaña International Airport (PEI), serving the city of Pereira and the coffee region of Colombia, has been fully modernized and today consists of one modern passenger terminal. The old airport building is no longer used for passenger service, and all flights — both domestic and international — operate from the new complex.

The airport layout is simple and intuitive. The terminal has several levels, which is standard practice for modern air terminals:

• Departures Zone (Salidas) is located on the upper level. Here you will find airline check-in counters and baggage drop-off points. After check-in, passengers proceed to the security screening area, and then to a spacious waiting lounge with boarding gates.
• Arrivals Zone (Llegadas) is located on the ground (lower) floor. Passengers arrive here after disembarking from the aircraft. This zone houses baggage claim belts, immigration control counters for international flights, and customs. Here you can also find car rental offices and the exit to taxis and buses.

Since there is only one terminal in the airport, transfers between terminals are not required. All navigation is reduced to moving between floors within a single building, making orientation as simple as possible. There are clear signs in Spanish and English everywhere to help you find the necessary zone without difficulty.

Despite the fact that Matecaña Airport is international, it is quite compact. Passing through check-in and security usually does not take much time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one. This time will be enough to calmly go through all formalities, have a coffee, and find your boarding gate.

The history of Matecaña International Airport (PEI) is a story of ambition and engineering ingenuity, closely linked to the development of the city of Pereira and the entire coffee region of Colombia. The decision to build was made in 1944, and already in 1947 the airport received its first flight. Its creation was a real challenge: for the runway, the top of a hill literally had to be cut off, which was a grandiose project for those times.

From the very beginning, the airport played a key role in the region's transport system. In the 1970s, with the extension of the runway, it gained the ability to receive larger aircraft and eventually acquired international status. This gave a powerful impetus to the development of tourism and coffee exports, strengthening Pereira's economy. The airport became the main air gateway for travelers wishing to explore the famous Coffee Triangle.

One of the most significant events in the airport's recent history was its large-scale modernization. In 2017, the construction of an entirely new passenger terminal began, which was put into operation in 2020-2021. This modern building radically changed the appearance of the airport and the level of comfort for passengers. The old terminal, which served faithfully for over 70 years, became part of history, giving way to more functional and spacious infrastructure.

Interesting fact: the name "Matecaña" comes from the name of the cane that grew in abundance on the hills in this area before construction began. Today, Matecaña Airport is not just a transport hub, but a symbol of Pereira's growth and modernity, continuing its history and ready for new achievements in the future.

Matecaña International Airport (PEI) offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the airport has a well-thought-out infrastructure to make your journey pleasant from the very beginning. Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafes or restaurants serving both Colombian dishes and familiar international snacks. There are also shops in the terminal where you can buy souvenirs, press, travel goods, and products from local brands.

For a comfortable rest while waiting for boarding, passengers can use the waiting lounges. The airport has an Avianca Lounge VIP hall, offering a more secluded atmosphere, snacks, drinks, and work areas. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or handle work matters. Special stations and power outlets are provided for charging electronic devices, located in key areas of the airport.

Financial matters can be resolved right at the airport: ATMs and currency exchange points are installed here. In case of need, passengers can contact the medical point for first aid. For travelers with small children, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can change and feed the baby in a quiet environment. The airport also provides services for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and special assistance during boarding and disembarking, which is recommended to be booked in advance through the airline.

Although there are no hotels directly on the territory of Matecaña Airport, many accommodation options are located just a few minutes away by taxi in the city of Pereira. For business travelers, basic business services such as desks and laptop connectivity are available in the VIP lounge. This makes waiting for a flight not only comfortable but also productive.

In Matecaña International Airport (PEI) in Pereira, the main food court is located in the departure zone, after passing security control. It is here that the main cafes and restaurants are concentrated, where you can have a full lunch or a quick snack before your flight. In the public zone before control, the choice is more modest, but there is usually at least one coffee shop for those meeting and seeing off passengers.

Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy a cup of famous Colombian coffee. In the departure zone, you will likely find a cafe of a popular national chain, for example, Juan Valdez, where you can taste excellent coffee and buy it as a souvenir. Among local dishes, it is worth paying attention to traditional snacks such as arepas (corn cakes with filling) or empanadas (pastries with meat or cheese). For a more substantial meal, restaurants offer both cuisine of Colombia and more familiar international options.

Most establishments in the sterile area operate in accordance with the flight schedule, serving passengers from early morning until late evening. Prices correspond to the airport level, but options for different budgets can be found. Regarding dietary restrictions, vegetarian dishes are usually available, but the availability of vegan, gluten-free, or Halal options is best checked directly at each establishment, as their selection may be limited.

To ensure your journey through Matecaña International Airport (PEI) goes smoothly, use these tips. The airport serves the coffee region of Colombia and is an important transport hub, so preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival time and check-in: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone. Check-in counters and baggage drop-off can be busy, especially in the morning hours and on holidays.

Security control: The security service operates according to standard international rules. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. Laptops and large electronics must be removed from your bag into a separate tray. Be prepared that you may be asked to remove your shoes and belt.

Seat selection on the plane: If you are flying into or out of Pereira during the daytime, choose a window seat. You will see stunning views of the green hills and coffee plantations of the Andes. For those who value comfort and the ability to quickly leave the cabin after landing, seats in the front of the plane or aisle seats are better suited.

Hand luggage: Liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, are allowed in hand luggage. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. If you are bringing famous Colombian coffee as a souvenir, it can be carried in both hand luggage and checked baggage.

Transfer passengers: If you have a connecting flight in Pereira, check with the airline if you need to collect and re-check your luggage. The airport is relatively small, so navigation will not cause difficulties, but always allow extra time for passing security control again if necessary.

Customs control: When entering Colombia via Pereira, you will need to fill out a customs declaration. Honestly declare all goods subject to declaration. Customs officers may randomly check luggage. Particular attention is paid to the import of agricultural products, so it is better to refrain from carrying fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants.

Saving time and money: Book a taxi or transfer in advance online to get a better rate. Inside the airport there are several cafes, but prices in them are higher than in the city. Bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security control.

Flight delays: In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. Depending on the duration of the wait, you may be provided with vouchers for food or even hotel accommodation. The airport has Wi-Fi, cafes, and shops to help pass the time.