San Gil (Los Pozos)

Los Pozos Airport is not merely a runway, but your personal portal to the world of thrilling adventures in Colombia. Located near the city of San Gil, the recognised capital of active leisure, this small airport serves as the starting point for the most vivid experiences. Upon landing here, you find yourself just minutes away from turbulent rivers for rafting, picturesque canyons, and paragliding launch sites. It is the ideal choice for those who value their time and wish to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of adventure without delay.

The main advantage of Los Pozos Airport is its compactness and convenience. Unlike large international hubs, there are no long queues for check-in or tedious waits for luggage here. Procedures are completed quickly, allowing travellers to make the most efficient use of their time. The airport plays a key role in the development of tourism in the Santander region, providing a direct and fast connection for those who have come for adrenaline and unforgettable views. Although scheduled services may be limited, the ability to arrive here via charter or private flight makes it indispensable for connoisseurs of comfort and speed.

• Official Airport Website: Los Pozos Airport, serving San Gil, does not have its own official website as it is a small regional airport.
• Information Desk Phone: There is no direct public telephone line for enquiries. For all flight-related questions, it is recommended to contact the airline directly.
• Airport Address: Vereda Los Pozos, San Gil, Santander, Colombia.
• Email: A dedicated email address for passenger enquiries is not provided.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social media.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must refer exclusively to the Lost & Found service of your airline.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support is handled directly by the air carriers. Please contact your airline's representative to resolve any issues.

Los Pozos Airport, serving the city of San Gil, is a small regional aviation hub located in close proximity to the city centre. Getting there is straightforward, and the journey usually takes very little time. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from several convenient methods.

Taxis and Moto-taxis are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. The trip from the centre of San Gil takes just 10–15 minutes. You can hail a regular taxi on the street or order one through your hotel. An even faster and more authentic option for Colombia is the moto-taxi. It is cheaper, but ensure you agree on the price with the driver in advance. This option is ideal for travellers with light luggage.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. There are no dedicated shuttle buses to the airport; however, some city bus routes (known as `busetas` or `colectivos`) pass nearby. You will need to check the current route with locals, as traffic schemes can change. This method is suitable for those travelling light who wish to save money, but it may not be very convenient with large suitcases.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to explore the picturesque surroundings of Santander, renting a car can be an excellent solution. Rental agencies are located in the city itself, not at the airport. For a short trip to the airport, renting a car would be unnecessary. Los Pozos Airport has a small car park suitable for short stops to drop off or pick up passengers.

It is worth noting that Los Pozos Airport primarily serves local flights. For most international and major domestic flights, travellers use the larger Palonegro International Airport in Bucaramanga, located approximately 60 km away. Other airports in the region include Yariguíes Airport in Barrancabermeja and Los Colonizadores in Saravena, but they are located at a significant distance.

Los Pozos Airport, serving San Gil, is a small regional aviation hub with a structure that is extremely simple and easy to understand for any traveller. It differs significantly from large international hubs, which has both its advantages and specific features.

The airport consists of one compact terminal that handles all flights — both departures and arrivals. Due to its small size, it is practically impossible to get lost here. Check-in counters, the security screening area, a small waiting lounge, and the baggage claim area are all located within the same building, within walking distance of each other. The concept of "transferring between terminals" does not exist here, as all operations are concentrated in a single space.

Check-in and security procedures at Los Pozos Airport usually proceed very quickly thanks to the low passenger traffic. Typically, all formalities take no more than 20-30 minutes. However, considering that the airport mainly serves private, charter, and non-scheduled flights, it is recommended to arrive in good time and always check your flight status with the airline. Navigation is intuitive: all signs lead to the single waiting lounge after passing through security control.

Los Pozos Airport (Aeropuerto Los Pozos), serving the city of San Gil, has a history inextricably linked with the region's emergence as a tourism centre. It was built in the mid-20th century to improve transport accessibility to this picturesque corner of Colombia and stimulate economic growth. From the very beginning of its existence, the airport became an important aerial gateway for travellers wishing to experience the natural wonders of the Santander department.

For decades, the airport played a key role in the region's transport system. In times when the road network was less developed, air travel was the fastest way to reach San Gil, which was already gaining fame as the "capital of adventure tourism". Small regional carriers operated flights, delivering the first rafting and paragliding enthusiasts, laying the foundation for the city's modern tourism renown.

In the 21st century, as ground transport developed, the airport's primary function shifted. In the 2010s, significant efforts were made to modernise it: authorities invested in reconstructing the runway and updating the modest passenger terminal with the aim of attracting regular commercial flights. Although consistent air service may be limited today, Los Pozos Airport continues to be actively used for private and tourist aviation needs, and serves as a base for flight schools.

One interesting fact is the airport's name itself — "Los Pozos", which translates as "The Wells", likely related to the geographical features of the area. Despite the fact that most tourists today reach San Gil by land, the airport remains an important symbol of regional development. It stands as a reminder of the bold steps that transformed a small town into one of the most famous tourist centres in Colombia.

Los Pozos Airport (LPZ), serving the popular tourist centre of Colombia — the city of San Gil — is a small regional airport. The range of services here is focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers before departure, so one should not expect the infrastructure of a large international hub. Nevertheless, everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight is available.

In the terminal building, you will find a small café where you can buy snacks, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages. There is also usually a souvenir shop offering local crafts and travel goods. The waiting area is shared by all passengers; there are no separate VIP lounges provided here.

Wi-Fi may be available to passengers, although connection speeds can be unstable. For charging gadgets, there are several power outlets in the waiting lounge. The airport typically has an ATM installed, but there are no full-service bank branches or currency exchange points. It is recommended to handle all financial transactions in the city beforehand.

For passengers with reduced mobility, staff assistance is available for boarding and disembarking, but this service must be booked in advance through your airline. The terminal may include basic amenities such as a mother and baby room. Should first aid be required, please approach the airport staff.

There are no hotels within the grounds of Los Pozos Airport. The nearest accommodation options are located in the city of San Gil, which can be quickly reached by taxi. There are also no specialised business centres or conference rooms for conducting business meetings at the airport.

Los Pozos Airport, serving San Gil, is a small regional aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Travellers should take this into account when planning their time before departure.

Typically, there is one or two small cafés or snack bars operating within the airport. Here you can purchase basic beverages such as coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks, as well as light snacks: sandwiches, pastries, and crisps. Sometimes in such places, you can find simple local dishes, for example, empanadas (fried pastries with filling) or arepas (corn cakes), which are excellent for a quick snack in the Colombian style.

Options for a full lunch or dinner at the airport are practically non-existent. It is also unlikely that you will find establishments offering specialised menus for vegetarians, vegans, or people with dietary restrictions, other than perhaps fruit or simple drinks. Prices are usually slightly higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits for an airport.

Our advice: if you are hungry and have time, it is better to eat at one of the numerous cafés or restaurants in San Gil itself before travelling to the airport. Dining opportunities at Los Pozos are designed primarily for those who need a quick coffee or a simple bite while waiting for a flight.

Travelling through Los Pozos Airport (LPZ) in the city of San Gil is generally a quick and calm process, as it focuses on regional flights. For domestic flights within Colombia, there is no need to arrive 3-4 hours before departure. Being on site 1.5–2 hours before the scheduled time is quite sufficient. This allows ample time to check in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight screening without rushing. To save time at the airport, check in for your flight online if possible.

Screening procedures here are standard but usually proceed faster than in major hubs. Hand luggage rules are consistent with international standards: liquids are permitted in containers up to 100 ml packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects must be checked in. An important point: since the airport serves domestic lines, there is no need to pass through customs control for such flights. Passengers only go through security screening.

If your itinerary involves a transfer at one of the country's major airports, for example in Bogota, ensure you have sufficient time between flights. This is particularly relevant if you need to collect and re-check your luggage. To save on tickets, try to book them in advance. It is also useful to carry some cash in Colombian Pesos (COP) for taxi payments or small purchases, as cards may not be accepted everywhere.

When selecting a seat on the plane for flights from San Gil, it is worth preferring a window seat. In clear weather, you may be treated to stunning views of the Chicamocha Canyon and picturesque Andean landscapes. Bear in mind that flight delays are possible due to mountain weather conditions. In case of waiting, keep a book, a charged power bank, and headphones handy, as leisure options in the terminal are limited. Monitor notifications from the airline and do not hesitate to ask staff for information.