Capitan Rolden Airport

Capitan Rolden Airport is not merely an arrival point, but a true gateway to the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, where adventure begins the moment you step out of the terminal. As soon as the automatic doors release you outside, you are instantly immersed in the dense, humid atmosphere of the tropics and hear the distinctive hum of hundreds of mototaxis — the region's main mode of transport. This small but colorful aviation hub serves as a vital artery connecting the "mainland" with the mysterious world of the Ucayali River and the impenetrable jungles.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

• Motokar Capital: Unlike most airports in the world, here the parking lot greets you not with rows of yellow taxis, but with an entire army of "motokars" (local tuk-tuks). This is the most popular, affordable, and authentic way to reach the city centre with a refreshing breeze.
• Strategic Point: The airport functions as a hub for light aviation. Small charter planes depart from here to remote jungle settlements that are impossible to reach by road (such as Atalaya or Contamana).
• Proximity to the City: The air harbour is located practically within the city limits. The journey to the central square (Plaza de Armas) takes only 10–15 minutes, allowing travellers not to waste time on long transfers.
• Compactness and Speed: The terminal is small and intuitive. Security checks and baggage claim procedures here are much faster than in the congested Lima airport, making arrival as comfortable as possible.

Planning a trip through the airport of Pucallpa? Below you will find useful contact information for communicating with Capitan Rolden Airport (PCL), which will assist you in your journey.

• Official Website: The airport is managed by the company Aeropuertos del Perú (AdP). All current information about flights, services, and rules can be found on their official website.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For immediate information, you can call the number: +51 (61) 575-183.
• Airport Address: The airport is located at: Carretera Federico Basadre Km. 6.2, Yarinacocha, Pucallpa, Ucayali, Perú.
• Email: For general questions and customer support, you can write to the management company's email address: atencionalcliente@adp.com.pe.
• Social Media: News and updates from the airport operator are published on its official pages, for example, on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost items within the terminal building, please contact the information desk. For issues related to the loss or damage of checked baggage, it is necessary to contact the representative of your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and assistance to passengers, use the main inquiry phone number or email address listed above.

Getting to Capitan Rolden International Airport (PCL) from the city centre of Pucallpa is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres away. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose one of several modes of transport characteristic of this region of Peru.

Taxi and Transfer

The most convenient and fastest way to get to the airport is by taxi. The trip from the city centre will take approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The estimated cost of the trip is between 15 and 25 Peruvian Soles. Important tip: always negotiate the price with the driver in advance to avoid misunderstandings. Many hotels also offer transfer services for their guests, which can be a convenient option, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

Public Transport

For those looking for a more budget-friendly and authentic option, a mototaxi (tuk-tuk) is an excellent choice. This is the most popular type of transport in Pucallpa. A ride on a mototaxi will cost significantly less, approximately 5-10 Peruvian Soles, and will give you unforgettable impressions. However, it is worth noting that this method is less comfortable, especially for travellers with large luggage. An even more economical option is local route taxis, or colectivos. They follow specific routes and are the cheapest way to travel, but can be crowded and do not always pull up directly to the terminal.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to actively explore the surroundings of Pucallpa, renting a car can be a great solution. Several rental companies operate in the city and at the airport itself. Having your own transport will give you complete freedom of movement. For those arriving at the airport in a private or rented car, parking is provided on the terminal grounds, where you can leave the car for both short and long periods.

Capitan Rolden Airport (PCL) in Pucallpa is a compact regional airport that primarily serves domestic flights within Peru. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making navigation convenient even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport complex consists of one two-story terminal, which simultaneously serves both departing and arriving flights. Thanks to this, there is no need to transfer between terminals. All key zones are within walking distance of each other. The ground floor houses check-in counters, the baggage claim area, and exits to the city. The second floor contains the security checkpoint and the departure lounge.

Departure and Arrival Zones are clearly demarcated. After checking in on the ground floor, passengers proceed to the second floor, pass through security control, and enter a small waiting hall with several boarding gates. The arrival zone is located on the ground floor, where passengers enter immediately after disembarking from the aircraft. The baggage claim belt is also located here.

Completing all pre-flight formalities, including check-in and screening, usually takes not as much time as in large international airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight to go through all procedures without haste. The main recommendation for navigation is simply to follow the signs, which are plentiful enough in the compact building to orient yourself easily.

The history of Capitan FAP David Abensur Rengifo Airport (PCL) is closely linked to the development of the city of Pucallpa and the entire Ucayali region. Being the main aerial gateway to the Peruvian Amazon, it has come a long way from a simple airstrip to a modern transport hub.

The airport was officially established on August 17, 1964. It received its name in honour of Peruvian Air Force (FAP) Captain David Abensur Rengifo — a national hero who showed courage during the war of 1941. This name highlights the historical role of military aviation in the exploration and integration of remote regions of Peru.

For decades, the airport was a vital artery connecting isolated Pucallpa with the rest of the country. A key stage in its development was a large-scale reconstruction. In July 2002, a new, modern passenger terminal was inaugurated, which radically changed the level of comfort and safety for passengers. In 2006, the management of the airport was transferred to the private consortium Aeropuertos del Perú (AdP), which contributed to further modernisation of infrastructure and improvement of service quality.

Throughout its history, the airport has witnessed many events. It played a key role in logistics during natural disasters and humanitarian missions typical for a region with such unpredictable climate. Unfortunately, a tragic event is also associated with the airport: in August 2005, a TANS Perú aircraft crashed while approaching to land in difficult weather conditions. This catastrophe drew attention to aviation safety issues in the Amazon and served as an impetus for the implementation of stricter flight protocols.

Among interesting facts, it can be noted that the airport of Pucallpa is one of the busiest in the Amazonian part of Peru. Its operation largely depends on the whims of tropical weather — sudden downpours and dense fogs can make adjustments to the schedule. Today, it is not just a transport facility, but a starting point for tourists, researchers, and entrepreneurs seeking to discover the unique nature and culture of the Ucayali region.

Capitan Rolden Airport (PCL), serving the city of Pucallpa, offers passengers a set of essential services and amenities ensuring a comfortable stay before departure or after arrival. Despite its compact size, the terminal is designed to meet the basic needs of travellers.

Inside the airport, you will find several small cafés and snack bars where you can have a quick bite, drink coffee, or try local beverages. Souvenir stalls and shops are also operating, offering handmade crafts, textiles, and other goods that will be excellent reminders of your trip to the Amazon region. The selection here is not as extensive as in capital city airports, but quite sufficient to buy a keepsake.

For those who prefer to wait for their flight in more comfortable conditions, it is worth checking with your airline regarding access to premium lounges. As a rule, there are few such lounges in regional airports. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in waiting areas.

Financial services are represented by ATMs and a currency exchange point, where you can exchange major world currencies for Peruvian Soles. It is recommended to carry a small amount of cash for minor expenses. In case of need, a medical point operates at the airport to provide first aid.

For passengers with children, mother and child rooms are provided where you can take care of little ones in a quiet environment. Travellers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance in moving around the terminal, and ramps and specially equipped restrooms are available. To receive assistance, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance.

There are no hotels on the airport grounds themselves, however, in the city of Pucallpa, located a few minutes' drive away, there are many hotels to suit any taste and budget. There are also no specialised business centres or conference halls at Capitan Rolden Airport; for business meetings, it is better to use the services of hotels in the city.

When planning a departure from Capitan Rolden Airport (PCL), it is worth considering that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of dining establishments is appropriate to its size. Options are primarily oriented towards a quick snack before a flight, rather than a full lunch or dinner.

Most food outlets are located in the general hall before passing security control (landside). Here you will find several small cafés and kiosks. After passing security (airside), the choice is usually very limited and may be reduced to one small counter with drinks and snacks. Therefore, if you wish to eat, it is better to do so before entering the departure zone.

What you can find on the menu:

• For a quick snack: Sandwiches, empanadas (pastries with filling), baked goods, and packaged snacks are excellent choices. This is an ideal option if you are short on time.
• Local specialties: Be sure to try freshly squeezed juices from exotic Amazonian fruits such as camu-camu or aguaje. This is a delicious and healthy way to get acquainted with the local flora. Cafés may also offer simple dishes of Peruvian cuisine.
• Beverages: You will be offered good Peruvian coffee, tea, refreshing soft drinks, and bottled water.

Specialised menus (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) are likely absent here. However, vegetarians may find cheese empanadas, pastries, or fruits. If you have strict dietary restrictions or require Halal options, it is recommended to bring food with you or eat at one of the restaurants in the city of Pucallpa before travelling to the airport.

Prices at Capitan Rolden Airport are moderate compared to large international hubs, but noticeably higher than in the city. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule — they open with the first morning departures and close after the departure of the last plane.

Travelling through the airport of Pucallpa, serving as the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon, can be simple and convenient if you know a few nuances. Here are several tips that will help you orient yourself and make your trip more comfortable.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Capitan Rolden Airport is a small regional hub, so huge queues are rare here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive approximately 2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time is sufficient to pass check-in and security without haste. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. This will allow you to proceed immediately to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, head straight to the security zone.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. Rules for carrying hand luggage are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and all sharp objects are prohibited. Pay special attention to souvenirs: some items made of wood, feathers of exotic birds, or plant seeds may fall under export restrictions. It is better to clarify this issue when purchasing. When choosing a seat on the plane, give preference to a window seat — on the way to or from Lima, breathtaking views of the Andes or the vast expanses of the Amazon may open up to you.

Connections and Customs Control. Most flights from Pucallpa are to Lima, where passengers make connections to international destinations. If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether your luggage will be checked through automatically to the final destination. Since Pucallpa airport mainly serves domestic flights, you will undergo full customs control at the first international airport of arrival in Peru (most often in Lima).

Savings and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, order a taxi at official counters in the arrivals hall or use trusted apps to avoid inflated prices. Prices for food and drinks in the airport may be higher than in the city, so you can bring a small snack with you. In case of a flight delay, follow the information on the display boards and airline announcements. Leisure opportunities in the airport are limited, so a charged power bank, a book, or a downloaded movie will help pass the waiting time. Be sure to inform your hotel or guide about the delay if you are scheduled to be met.