Puerto Maldonado Airport

Puerto Maldonado Airport, officially named after Padre Aldamiz, is not just a transport hub, but a true portal into the mysterious world of the Peruvian Amazon. As soon as the aircraft wheels touch the runway, travellers feel a change in atmosphere: instead of the usual city bustle, humid tropical air and a spirit of adventure reign here. This small but cosy aviation hub serves as the main starting point for expeditions to the famous Tambopata Reserve, promising unforgettable encounters with wildlife just minutes after collecting your luggage.

Airport Features and Advantages:

Despite its modest size, the Puerto Maldonado air gateway possesses several advantages that make arrival here comfortable for tourists.

• Strategic Location. The airport is located just a 15–20 minute drive from the city's main square. This allows tourists to quickly reach hotels or boat stations from where jungle tours depart.
• Compactness and Speed. Thanks to the small terminal, check-in and baggage claim processes are much faster than in capital city airports. Getting lost here is simply impossible, and the path from the plane to the exit takes mere minutes.
• Gateway to Biodiversity. The airport is specifically adapted to the needs of eco-tourists: it is easy to find transfers to lodges here, and the terminal's atmosphere sets the mood for immersion in the nature of the Madre de Dios region.
• Safety and Modern Management. Managed by the major operator Aeropuertos Andinos del Perú, the airport maintains high standards of safety and cleanliness, ensuring reliable air connections with Lima and Cusco.

Below you will find contact information for the Padre Aldamiz International Airport in Puerto Maldonado (PEM), which is serviced by the operator Aeropuertos Andinos del Perú (AAP).

• Official Website: You can find up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations on the operator's official website: www.aap.com.pe.
• Information Desk Phone: For information, you can call: +51 (082) 571531.
• Airport Address: Carretera La Joya, Km 7, Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios Region, Peru.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can contact: atencionalcliente@aap.com.pe.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the official pages of Aeropuertos Andinos del Perú on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: Issues related to lost or damaged luggage should be directed directly to your airline representatives. Airport staff do not handle such requests.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The main airport phone and email listed above are used for passenger support.

Getting to Puerto Maldonado Airport (PEM) from the city centre of Puerto Maldonado is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres away. This is the gateway to the Amazon jungle in Peru, and the transport infrastructure here meets the needs of tourists arriving to explore the region. The main ways to get to the terminal are taxis, mototaxis, and transfers.

Taxis and Mototaxis are the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. A trip by regular taxi from the city centre will take about 15-20 minutes and cost approximately 20-30 Peruvian Soles (PEN). For those travelling light and wanting to experience local flair, a mototaxi — a three-wheeled motorcycle with a passenger cabin (similar to a rickshaw) — is an excellent option. This is a more budget-friendly option (about 10-15 PEN), but it may be uncomfortable if carrying large luggage. Key recommendation: always agree on the fare with the driver in advance, before boarding.

Transfers and "Colectivos". Many hotels and jungle lodges organize group or private transfers for their guests. This is the most hassle-free method, as you will be met and taken directly to your destination. Also, "colectivos" (shared taxis) circulate around the city following specific routes. They can take you to the airport area cheaper than a taxi, but they do not have a fixed schedule and depart as they fill up.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to explore the surroundings on your own, you can rent a car from one of the rental agencies in the city. The road to the airport is well-marked. The airport has parking where you can leave a car for both short and long periods. This is a convenient option for those travelling in their own or rented transport.

Public Transport. It is worth noting that standard city buses generally do not have a direct route to the airport terminal. The role of public transport here is fulfilled by the aforementioned mototaxis and "colectivos", which are an integral part of the city's transport system.

The Puerto Maldonado Airport (PEM), officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Padre Aldamiz, is a small and compact aviation hub serving as the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. Its structure is simple and functional, making navigation intuitively clear even for first-time visitors.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all domestic and the few international flights. The terminal building is small, and all key zones are located in immediate proximity to one another. Thanks to this, the issue of transferring between terminals is irrelevant — all operations, from check-in to boarding, take place within a single space.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. Upon entering, you find yourself in the public area where the check-in counters of several airlines are located. Immediately behind them is the security checkpoint leading to the sterile area. The departure zone consists of a small waiting hall with several boarding gates. The arrival zone is equally compact: after disembarking, passengers enter a small baggage claim hall located next to the airport exit, where taxis and transfers await.

Despite its modest size, the terminal is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable wait. There are several souvenir shops where you can buy local handicrafts, and a small café. Considering that the airport does not serve many flights simultaneously, passing through check-in and security usually takes little time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight to complete all formalities without rushing.

Navigation Recommendations:

• Getting lost in Puerto Maldonado Airport is practically impossible thanks to its compact size and linear layout.
• Signs are clear, but if questions arise, staff are always ready to help.
• All zones — check-in, security, waiting hall, and baggage claim — are within walking distance of each other.

The history of Puerto Maldonado Airport, officially known as Padre Aldamiz International Airport, is inextricably linked to the exploration and development of the Peruvian Amazon. It was opened in 1964 and initially served as a vital link connecting the isolated Madre de Dios region with the rest of Peru. In the first decades of its existence, the airport was a modest airfield providing mainly domestic flights and cargo transport for local residents.

The airport received a real impetus for development with the growth in popularity of eco-tourism at the end of the 20th century. Unique natural treasures, such as the Tambopata National Reserve, began to attract travellers from all over the world. The increased tourist flow required the creation of more modern and comfortable infrastructure, and Puerto Maldonado Airport began to gradually transform to meet new requirements.

A key stage in the airport's recent history was its concession to the private operator Aeropuertos Andinos del Perú (AAP) in 2011. This event marked the beginning of large-scale modernization. As part of the project, a complete reconstruction was carried out: in 2016, a new, modern passenger terminal opened, and the runway and navigation equipment were improved. Today, the airport offers passengers comfortable conditions and a high level of service, making it one of the main air gateways to the Amazon jungle.

One of the most memorable events in the airport's history was the visit of Pope Francis in January 2018, who arrived in Puerto Maldonado to meet with the indigenous peoples of the Amazon. This visit highlighted the importance of the city and its airport on the international stage. Interestingly, the airport received its official name in honour of José Aldamiz — a Spanish missionary who dedicated his life to serving in this region.

Padre Aldamiz Airport in Puerto Maldonado (PEM) is the main gateway to the Peruvian Amazon and, despite its modest size, offers travellers a set of essential services for a comfortable wait for their flight.

Dining and Shopping. In the terminal, you will find several small cafés where you can have a snack, coffee, or soft drinks. Souvenir stalls also operate here, offering items from local artisans, textiles, and other memorable goods that will serve as a great reminder of your jungle journey.

Waiting Lounges and Internet. While the airport may not have exclusive VIP lounges, the general waiting areas are sufficiently comfortable. Passengers usually have access to Wi-Fi, which may be paid or provided for a limited time. In the departure hall, there are sockets for charging electronic devices, although their number may be limited.

Financial and Other Services. For passenger convenience, ATMs are installed in the airport, and there is a currency exchange point where you can exchange money before heading into the city or on your way back. There is also a basic medical point for providing first aid.

Facilities for Special Categories of Passengers. The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Changing rooms are provided for travellers with small children. Airport staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking.

Accommodation and Business Services. There are no hotels on the airport grounds, however, many accommodation options — from budget hostels to comfortable lodges — can be found in the city of Puerto Maldonado itself, which is a few minutes' drive away. Specialized conference rooms or business centres are absent at the airport; for these purposes, it is better to use the services of hotels in the city.

Padre Aldamiz Airport in Puerto Maldonado (PEM) is a small regional airport serving as the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. Dining options here are quite limited and are primarily designed for a quick snack before departure, rather than a full lunch or dinner.

In the main and only terminal of the airport, typically in the area before security (landside), you will find a few small cafés and kiosks. After security (airside), the selection is usually even more modest and may be limited to a vending machine with drinks and snacks. Therefore, if you wish to eat, it is better to do so before passing through control.

The menus of local establishments feature simple and convenient dishes for travellers. You can buy sandwiches, pastries (for example, traditional empanadas), chips, chocolate, and other snacks. Beverages available include coffee, tea, bottled water, and soft drinks, including local soda. This is a great opportunity to try something authentic before flying out.

Passengers with specific dietary needs should be prepared for a limited selection. Finding specialized vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes here is extremely difficult. It is recommended to bring food with you from the city if you have strict dietary restrictions.

Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in Puerto Maldonado establishments but remain within reasonable limits for an airport. The opening hours of cafés and kiosks depend directly on the flight schedule — they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last plane departs.

For a quick snack, empanadas or packaged snacks are ideal. If you are looking for something more substantial, your best choice is a ready-made sandwich. In any case, do not count on restaurant service; dining at PEM airport is primarily about convenience and functionality.

To ensure your journey through Puerto Maldonado Airport goes smoothly, make use of our tips. It is a small regional airport, so orienting yourself within it is quite simple. For domestic flights within Peru, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight in advance if your airline provides this option. The security screening procedure here is standard, but due to the small size of the terminal, queues usually move quickly. When choosing a seat on the plane, prefer a window seat. This way you can enjoy breathtaking views of the endless Amazon expanses during take-off or landing — an unforgettable sight!

Pay close attention to hand luggage regulations. Standard restrictions on liquids (up to 100 ml in a container) apply here as well. If you plan to carry local souvenirs, especially those of organic origin (for example, seeds or wooden items), be sure to check the rules for their export to avoid problems at control. Customs control for international travellers is usually passed at the first airport of arrival in the country (most often in Lima), so this procedure is absent in Puerto Maldonado for domestic flights.

If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the connecting airport. In case of a flight delay, be prepared that waiting options at the airport are limited. There is a small waiting lounge and a few cafés. We recommend having a book, a charged power bank, and some cash (Peruvian Soles) for small purchases.