Mazamari (Manuel Prado)

Manuel Prado Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the mysterious world of the "Selva Central," where the foothills of the Andes meet the dense forests of the Amazon. Landing here, you bypass long hours of travel along winding mountain roads and immediately find yourself in the heart of a tropical region, filled with the aromas of exotic fruits and the sounds of nature. For travellers eager to see the majestic waterfalls of the province and explore the Asháninka culture, this airport serves as the starting point for an unforgettable adventure.

Features and Advantages of Mazamari Airport:

Strategic Location. The airport is located in the Mazamari district, which acts as a key hub for accessing the central part of the Peruvian jungle. This is an ideal option for tourists planning to visit Satipo and the surrounding natural attractions, saving significant time compared to ground transport from Lima.

Compact Atmosphere and Speed. Thanks to the small size of the terminal and the absence of queues typical of capital city hubs, all pre-flight procedures here are completed as quickly as possible. Baggage claim often begins just a few minutes after the aircraft lands, allowing you to head to your hotel or excursion without delay.

Scenic Views Upon Landing. The approach into Mazamari offers passengers breathtaking panoramas: the view from the window reveals an endless green carpet of jungle, winding rivers, and foothills, setting the mood for adventure even before the wheels touch the runway.

Finding direct contacts for a small regional airport like Manuel Prado Airport (MZA) can be challenging. Most issues related to flights are resolved through the airlines. However, here is the main available information:

• Official Website: Mazamari Airport does not have a separate website for passengers. It is managed by the state corporation CORPAC S.A., which administers most airports in Peru.
• Information Desk Phone: There is no direct public telephone number available. For information regarding flights, tickets, and transport rules, it is recommended to contact your airline directly.
• Address: Aeropuerto Manuel Prado, Distrito de Mazamari, Provincia de Satipo, Región de Junín, Perú.
• Email: A specialized email for passengers is not provided.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged baggage, you must apply strictly to the Lost & Found service of the airline you flew with.
• Passenger Support: Passenger support regarding booking, check-in, and other travel aspects is provided by airline representatives.

Mazamari Airport (Manuel Prado) serves the city of Satipo and is located approximately 25 kilometres from its centre. The journey to the terminal usually takes about 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the chosen transport. You can reach the airport in several ways characteristic of this region of Peru.

Taxis and Mototaxis are the most popular and convenient options. Mototaxis, which are three-wheeled motorcycles with a cabin for passengers, are a hallmark of small Peruvian towns. This is a fast and inexpensive way to get to the airport. The cost of the trip is generally low, but it is always better to agree on the price with the driver in advance to avoid misunderstandings. A regular taxi (car) will cost slightly more but offers greater comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

Public Transport in the form of "colectivos" (shared taxis or minibuses) also runs along the main roads in the vicinity of the airport. This is the most budget-friendly option; however, note that "colectivos" do not have a fixed stop right at the terminal entrance. You will likely have to ask the driver to stop at the nearest point on the road to the airport and walk a short distance. This method is more suitable for experienced travellers without bulky luggage.

If you plan to actively explore the region, you might consider car rental. However, keep in mind that rental points in Satipo may be scarce, and driving in this part of the country requires confident skills due to the nature of local roads. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented transport, a small parking area is available. This is a simple open lot where you can leave your car without issues while waiting for a flight.

Mazamari Airport (Manuel Prado) is a small regional aviation hub with a structure that is extremely simple and clear for any traveller. It operates one passenger terminal, which handles both domestic departures and arrivals. Due to its compact size, the airport is very easy to navigate, and getting lost is practically impossible.

All key zones—check-in counters, security screening, a small waiting area, and the baggage claim zone—are located in a single building a short distance from each other. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between terminals. The airport layout is intuitive: after entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area with check-in counters, and after passing control, you enter the waiting lounge before boarding. The arrival zone usually leads passengers directly to the baggage belt and the exit to the city.

The terminal's facilities correspond to its status and size. Here you will find a basic set of amenities: a few airline counters, a waiting hall with seats, and washrooms. Do not expect a wide selection of shops or restaurants—the infrastructure is focused on quick and functional passenger service.

One of the main advantages of Mazamari Airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Flight check-in and security screening usually take minimal time, rarely exceeding 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5 hours before departure to go through all procedures without rushing. Navigation will not cause difficulties: simply follow the few signs, and you will easily find the zone you need.

Mazamari Airport (MZA), located near the city of Satipo in the Junín region, has a rich and strategically important history. Originally known as Manuel Prado Airport, it was founded in the mid-20th century, primarily as a military airfield. Its main task was to ensure transport connectivity and support the integration of remote and hard-to-reach areas of the central jungle of Peru, known as the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM).

Over time, the role of the airport expanded. It evolved into a dual-purpose facility, serving not only military but also civilian needs. For the residents of Satipo province and the surrounding areas, the airport became a vital "gateway to the world," providing rapid connection to the country's capital, Lima. For decades, it has played a key role in the economic and social development of the region, facilitating the transport of passengers, cargo, and emergency aid.

One of the significant events in the airport's recent history was its renaming. In 2021, it was named after Major Nancy Flores Paucar of the Peruvian Air Force. This was done in honour of a brave female pilot who tragically died in the line of duty. This gesture highlighted the airport's deep connection with the country's aviation and immortalized the memory of pioneers of the Peruvian Air Force. Although the airport may not boast passenger traffic records, its main achievement has always been and remains its indispensable role as a connecting link for one of the most remote regions of Peru.

Mazamari Airport (Manuel Prado) (MZA) is a small regional aviation hub serving the eponymous town and its surroundings in Peru. Given its size, the infrastructure here is quite simple and offers passengers a basic set of amenities. When planning a trip through this airport, keep in mind that it is primarily focused on meeting key pre-flight needs, and many services common in major airports may be unavailable.

Dining and shopping options at Mazamari Airport are very limited. Usually, a small kiosk or modest café operates here, where you can purchase beverages, sandwiches, and light snacks. There are no shops, including souvenir or Duty Free stores, within the terminal. Therefore, it is recommended to make all necessary purchases in advance in the city.

The airport does not have specialized waiting lounges, such as VIP or Business Lounges. A general waiting area is provided for all passengers. Wi-Fi access is typically not provided, and the number of power outlets for charging electronic devices is severely limited. We recommend fully charging your phones and other gadgets before arriving at the airport.

Banking services, including ATMs and currency exchange points, are absent from the Mazamari Airport premises. All financial matters should be resolved at banks in the city. Medical assistance is limited to basic first aid; there is no specialized medical centre here.

Special facilities for passengers with children, such as play areas or mother-and-child rooms, are not provided. Passengers with reduced mobility are advised to contact their airline in advance to organize accompaniment and assistance during boarding. There are no hotels directly at the airport, but the nearest accommodation options can be found in the town of Mazamari. Business centres and conference rooms are also absent.

When planning a flight through Mazamari Airport (MZA), it is important to consider that this is a small regional air station with a basic range of services. Dining options here are quite limited and are designed primarily for a quick snack before departure, rather than a full lunch or dinner.

In the main and only terminal of the airport, typically before the security checkpoint (landside), a small kiosk or cafeteria operates. The assortment usually includes standard options: packaged sandwiches, pastries, crisps, chocolate, as well as hot and cold beverages such as coffee, tea, and bottled water. This is a convenient option if you need a quick bite before boarding.

Finding authentic Peruvian dishes or specialized dietary offerings (halal, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) here is practically impossible. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. To experience the local gastronomy of the Selva Central region, known for dishes made from river fish, yucca, and exotic fruits, it is best to visit one of the establishments in the town of Mazamari before travelling to the airport.

The operating hours of the food point in the airport depend directly on the flight schedule—it is usually open a few hours before departure and closes after the last plane leaves. Prices are generally slightly higher than in the city but remain moderate. For a full meal, the best solution would be to eat in the city, leaving the airport only for purchasing drinks or a light snack.

Flying from Mazamari Airport (Manuel Prado) will be easy and pleasant if you prepare for it in advance. Here are a few useful tips to help you orient yourself and avoid unnecessary hassle during your journey from the city of Satipo.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Mazamari Airport is relatively small, but to avoid rushing, we recommend arriving at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to complete check-in and pre-flight security screening without stress. Have your ID and ticket ready.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: When flying from this region of Peru, try to get a window seat. You may be treated to stunning views of the Andean foothills and the green jungle. regarding hand luggage, standard restrictions apply: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, no sharp objects or flammable substances. Be sure to check your airline's rules to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Connections and Economy: If you have a connecting flight, allow sufficient time between connections, especially if the next departure is from a major airport. To save money, book tickets in advance, use online check-in if available, and pack food and drinks with you (buying them after security or taking an empty water bottle).

Customs Control: Since the airport primarily serves domestic flights, the customs control procedure is minimal. The main focus is on security checks for prohibited items, especially regarding the transport of plants, animals, and agricultural products.

In Case of Flight Delay: Delays can happen, especially due to changeable weather conditions in the mountainous terrain. If your flight is delayed, remain calm. Contact an airline representative for the latest information and inquire about your rights regarding the provision of beverages, meals, or accommodation.