La Vanguardia Airport

If you dream of seeing the legendary "River of Five Colours" or immersing yourself in the authentic culture of the Colombian Llanos, your journey will likely begin right here. La Vanguardia Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to the endless eastern plains, connecting the centre of the country with the wild. Unlike the bustling capital hubs, this compact air harbour allows you to feel the relaxed rhythm of the tropics from the very first minutes after landing, located literally a stone's throw from the city limits.

Airport Features and Advantages

La Vanguardia plays a critically important role in the life of the region, serving as the main link between Bogotá and the remote corners of the Meta department.

• Gateway to Natural Wonders: This is the key departure point for those flying to La Macarena to see the famous Caño Cristales river. Small aircraft regularly depart from here, transporting tourists to national parks and hard-to-reach zones.
• Exceptional Accessibility: The airport is located practically within the city limits. You can reach the centre of Villavicencio by taxi or bus in just 10–15 minutes, saving travellers from tiring transfers.
• Compactness and Speed: Thanks to the small size of the terminal, all procedures — from check-in to boarding — are completed very quickly and without the hustle typical of large international airports.
• Hub for Light Aviation: In addition to scheduled flights, charter aviation and air taxis are actively based here, which are vital for connecting with settlements in the jungle and on the plains that cannot be reached by land.

Below is the contact information for La Vanguardia Airport (VVC), which may be useful when planning your trip to Villavicencio. Please note that the airport is managed by the government organisation Aerocivil, so many contacts lead to its central services.

• Official Website: The airport is part of the Aerocivil network. Up-to-date information can be found on their official website: www.aerocivil.gov.co.
• Information Desk Phone: You can contact the airport at: +57 608 6645513.
• Airport Address: Km. 3 vía a Restrepo, Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the Aerocivil operator's contact email: atencionalciudadano@aerocivil.gov.co.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own social media pages. We recommend following news on the official Aerocivil pages, for example on X (formerly Twitter) — @AerocivilCol.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should immediately contact your airline's representative at the airport. It is the air carrier that is responsible for tracing luggage.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to booking, ticket changes, flight check-in, and other services, please contact your airline directly. The airport information desk can assist with general questions about terminal operations.

La Vanguardia Airport (VVC) is located very close to the city of Villavicencio, making the journey there fast and convenient. The trip from the city centre to the terminal usually takes no more than 10-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. You can reach the airport in several ways, suitable for any budget and travel style.

The most economical way to get to the airport is by public transport. Numerous buses (busetas) run along the main streets of the city, some of which pass in the immediate vicinity of the airport on the road to the neighbouring municipality of Restrepo. The cost of the trip is minimal, but bear in mind that you may have to walk a short distance from the stop to the terminal entrance. This option is ideal for those travelling light. There is no metro or rail service in the city.

The most popular and convenient option is a taxi. Due to the short distance, the trip will be not only fast but also inexpensive — approximately 10,000 - 15,000 Colombian pesos. It is recommended to use official taxis or book a car through mobile apps common in Colombia. For greater comfort, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or as a group, you can book a private transfer in advance.

If you plan to explore the surroundings of Villavicencio and the Meta region on your own, you can use a car rental service. Rental points are available both in the city and directly at the airport. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is provided. It offers both short-term and long-term parking options.

In general, the choice of transport depends on your priorities. A taxi offers the ideal balance of speed, comfort, and price for most tourists. The city bus will be an excellent choice for those who want to save as much as possible. Regardless of the chosen method, the journey to La Vanguardia Airport will be hassle-free thanks to its convenient location.

La Vanguardia Airport (VVC) in the city of Villavicencio is a compact regional aviation hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure. There is one passenger terminal operating here, serving all domestic flights. Thanks to its small size, the airport is very convenient for navigation, and travellers will not have to spend much time moving around its premises.

The terminal layout is extremely logical: all main zones — check-in counters, security control, the waiting lounge, boarding gates, and the baggage claim area — are located in a single building. This eliminates the need for transfers between terminals or the use of shuttles. Clear signs will help you easily find the necessary zone, even if you do not speak Spanish.

The Departure Zone is located on the ground floor. Immediately after entering, you will see the airline check-in counters. After dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the security checkpoint, behind which lies a small but comfortable waiting lounge with boarding gates. The Arrival Zone is also organised very simply: upon arrival, you enter the baggage claim hall, which is located near the airport exit. The entire process from disembarking the plane to retrieving suitcases takes minimal time.

One of the key advantages of La Vanguardia Airport is the rapid completion of pre-flight procedures. Queues for check-in and security here are generally small, allowing for a stress-free experience. Despite this, the standard recommendation applies — arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to calmly check in luggage and complete all formalities.

The main advice for navigation at VVC Airport is simply to follow the signs. Due to its compact dimensions, getting lost here is practically impossible. The entire path from the building entrance to boarding the plane is intuitive and will not cause difficulties even for inexperienced travellers.

La Vanguardia Airport (VVC), located in the city of Villavicencio, serves as the main aerial gateway to the vast plains of Los Llanos in Colombia. Its history is inextricably linked with the development and exploration of this unique region. The airport was officially opened in 1949, beginning its operations as a modest airstrip intended to connect the isolated capital of the Meta department with the rest of the country.

From the very beginning of its existence, La Vanguardia played a key role in logistics and transport accessibility. In the early decades, it served mainly for transporting cargo, mail, and a small number of passengers. With the growth of Villavicencio as the economic centre of the region, the significance of the airport also grew. It became a vital hub for supporting agriculture and the developing oil industry, as well as the only link for many remote settlements on the plains that can only be reached by air.

A turning point in the modern history of the airport was a large-scale modernisation completed in the 2010s. As part of this project, a new modern passenger terminal, a new control tower, and administrative buildings were constructed, and aircraft parking aprons were expanded. These improvements significantly increased capacity and raised the level of safety and comfort for passengers, transforming La Vanguardia into a modern and efficient aviation complex.

One interesting fact lies in the name of the airport itself. "La Vanguardia" translates from Spanish as "The Vanguard", which symbolically reflects its mission — to be at the forefront of exploring and connecting a vast and hard-to-reach territory. Today, the airport continues to fulfil this important function, serving both scheduled commercial flights to major cities and small private and state aviation aircraft, which act as a true "lifeline" for residents of the most remote corners of Los Llanos.

La Vanguardia Airport (VVC), serving the city of Villavicencio and its surroundings, offers passengers a set of basic services and amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is designed to satisfy the essential needs of travellers.

For those wishing to have a snack before departure, the airport has several cafes and snack bars where you can order coffee, refreshing drinks, and light meals. There are also small shops selling souvenirs, travel essentials, and local products. The selection here is not as extensive as in international hubs, but you can find everything necessary.

The general waiting hall has sufficient seating. Specialised VIP lounges or business class lounges may not be available, or access might be granted by specific airlines. It is recommended to verify this information with your carrier. For passenger convenience, charging stations for mobile devices are available throughout the terminal. Access to Wi-Fi is generally provided but may be time-limited or require a paid subscription.

ATMs are installed within the airport territory where you can withdraw cash. Currency exchange offices are rare in regional airports, so it is better to arrange money exchange in advance. In case of necessity, there is a medical post at the airport for first aid.

Families with children can use the nursing room for infant care. For passengers with reduced mobility, ramps and specially equipped toilets are provided. To receive assistance, such as accompaniment to the aircraft, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance.

There are no hotels directly on the premises of La Vanguardia Airport, however, many accommodation options are located in the city of Villavicencio itself, just a few minutes away by taxi. Separate business centres or conference rooms are not provided in the terminal, but these services are easily found in city hotels.

At La Vanguardia Airport (VVC), serving the city of Villavicencio, passengers will find several convenient places to have a snack before departure. Although it is a small regional airport, you won't go hungry. Most cafes and kiosks are located in the public area of the terminal (landside), before security control, allowing you to dine with those seeing you off. In the departure zone (airside), the selection is usually more modest, so we recommend fueling up in advance.

This is a wonderful opportunity to taste the authentic cuisine of Colombia. Be sure to order the famous arepas (corn cakes with cheese) or empanadas (fried pastries with filling). Such a snack will cost you approximately 5,000 – 10,000 Colombian pesos. For a more substantial lunch, look for cafes offering a set menu known as almuerzo corriente, which includes soup, a main course, and a drink for around 15,000 – 25,000 pesos. And, of course, do not miss the chance to drink a cup of real Colombian coffee (about 4,000 – 8,000 pesos).

There are also options for travellers with specific dietary preferences. Vegetarians will easily find arepas with cheese (arepa con queso) or empanadas with vegetable filling. However, choices for vegans or those with gluten intolerance may be limited, so it is worth clarifying the ingredients with staff in advance or carrying suitable snacks with you.

The main food outlets at La Vanguardia Airport operate according to the flight schedule, usually opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last plane. Approximate opening hours are from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Payment is accepted in both cash (Colombian pesos) and bank cards, but it is best to have some local currency with you just in case.

To ensure your journey through La Vanguardia Airport in the city of Villavicencio goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these tips. This regional airport mainly serves domestic flights, making it quite convenient and simple to navigate.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights within Colombia, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to check in luggage, pass security control, and reach the boarding gate without rushing. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website — this will allow you to avoid queues at the counters.

Security Control and Seat Selection: Security checks at La Vanguardia are usually faster than at major international hubs. Nevertheless, be prepared to present your boarding pass and identification. When choosing a seat on the plane, opt for a window seat. Depending on the route, you may be treated to breathtaking views of the transition from the Andean mountain range to the endless plains of Los Llanos.

Hand Luggage: Liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, are permitted in hand luggage. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check current rules on your airline's website, as requirements for the weight and dimensions of hand luggage may differ.

Connecting Passengers and Customs: Villavicencio Airport is rarely used for transit flights. If you do have a transfer planned, clarify with the airline whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Since the airport mainly serves domestic flights, strict customs control is absent. However, be prepared for possible sanitary or agricultural checks upon departure or arrival, as the region is an important agricultural zone.

Saving Money and Flight Delays: To save money, pack light snacks and an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security. In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation (e.g., food vouchers). Keep electronic devices charged and have a book or downloaded films with you to pass the waiting time.