How to Book a Charter Flight in Colombia: Steps & Tips

Updated: May 2026 · by Frank Spitzer

How to Book a Charter Flight in Colombia: Steps & Tips

Charter flights in Colombia connect destinations with limited commercial service — Caño Cristales, La Macarena, Vichada, the Pacific Chocó, and the smaller national parks. This guide explains how to book charter flights, what they cost, and which destinations they serve.

I am Frank Spitzer, founder of Pelecanus Travel (RNT 51402, IAGTO member, Bogotá-based since 2017). We arrange charter flight booking and integrated Colombia adventure itineraries. Send me a message to start planning.

Most charter flights depart from Bogotá’s El Dorado or smaller regional hubs (Villavicencio, Yopal). This Bogotá Travel Guide gives you the urban context for charter trip departures.

Specialized Charter Flight Consulting in Colombia

Charter flights let you travel on your terms, free from the schedules and routes of commercial airlines. This blog is designed for those eager to explore the Colombian skies their way. We’ll guide you through practical aspects and help you make informed decisions.

To do this, you need the support of a travel agency specializing in charter flights. These agencies simplify the booking process and offer personalized advice, ensuring every detail meets your needs and expectations.

Choosing a Charter Flight Company

Steps to choose a charter flight company

• Define Your Itinerary: Decide on your destinations and travel dates. Consider any special events or festivals that might affect aircraft availability.
• Research Companies: Select a reputable charter flight company with proper certifications and experience. In Colombia, aircraft must meet UAEAC (Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics) safety standards, covering airworthiness, maintenance, crew training, certification, and onboard safety systems.
• Request a Quote: Ask for a comprehensive quote that includes all associated costs (crew, fuel, additional services). Note that some companies own their fleets, while others act as intermediaries between clients and operators.
• Choose an Aircraft: Compare the available aircraft and select one that fits your needs (capacity and luggage requirements).

Booking Your Flight

Once you’ve chosen a charter company, follow these steps to book your flight:

• Provide Group Information: Include the number of passengers, travel dates, departure and arrival times, and destinations.
• Provide Contact Information: Share your name, address, phone number, and email address.
• Provide Payment Information: This may include a deposit or full payment via bank transfer, credit card, or check, depending on the company’s policies.
• Sign the Contract: After selecting your preferred aircraft and finalizing the itinerary, the charter company will send you a contract to sign, detailing the flight terms and any cancellation or change policies.
• Receive Your Itinerary: Once payment is completed, the charter company will provide an itinerary including:
  • Aircraft tail number (a unique identifier for charter flights).
  • Departure facility (a private terminal at the airport).
  • Departure time.

Factors to Consider When Booking a Charter Flight in Colombia

Ensure a smooth and personalized flight experience by considering the following factors:

Departure and Arrival Times: Charter flights depend on aircraft and pilot availability, so flexibility with dates and times is crucial.

Destination: Charter flights can go anywhere in Colombia or abroad, though popular destinations might be cheaper.

Group Size: The size of your group will determine the aircraft size needed. Ensure the plane is large enough for all passengers and their luggage.

Budget: Charter flights can be pricier than commercial flights, especially to less frequented destinations outside major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and Cartagena. Set a budget before booking.

Charter Flight Costs:

Charter flight rates depend on several factors:

• Type of Aircraft: Larger aircraft typically have higher rates.
• Flight Distance: Longer flights usually cost more.
• Season: Rates can be higher during peak seasons like summer vacations or holidays.
• Fuel Costs: These vary by aircraft type, destination, season, and economic factors.

Additional Charges: You might incur extra fees for airport services, catering, and luggage. Check with the charter company for detailed information.

Insurance: It’s important to get insurance to protect against cancellations or delays. Weather-related delays are common in Colombia.

Language: Most charter companies in Colombia offer services in Spanish. If you don’t speak Spanish, check if the company provides services in your language.

Aircraft Type: Verify the type of aircraft the company uses. Some offer more luxurious or specialized options.

Customer Service: Choose a charter company with excellent customer service for timely support with any questions or issues.

Baggage Requirements: Be aware of the weight and size limits for luggage.

Booking and Payment: Book in advance to ensure availability and the best prices. Verify accepted payment methods with the charter company.

Tips for Booking a Charter Flight in Colombia

Follow these tips to ensure a seamless charter flight experience:

Book Early: Charter flights are often more in demand than commercial ones. Book at least two weeks in advance.

Be Flexible: Flexibility with dates and times is advisable due to Colombia’s varied weather and terrain.

Get Multiple Quotes: Compare quotes from several companies to find the best deal.

Check Company Reputation: Ensure the company is authorized by the UAEAC (Unidad Administrativa Especial de Aeronáutica Civil) and has a good reputation.

Understand Policies: Ask about cancellation, delay, and schedule change policies. Some companies may charge fees for last-minute changes.

Inquire About Services: Some companies offer additional services like catering, entertainment, or ground transportation.

Documentation Requirements: Ensure you have any necessary documents, such as visas or special permits.

Safety Record: Charter flights must meet the same safety standards as commercial flights.

Travel Off-Season: Flights are often cheaper outside peak seasons.

Seek References: Request references or read online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction.

Confirm Routes: Ensure the company can fly to your desired destinations and handle any necessary landing permits.

Maintain Communication: Stay in contact with the company for any updates or changes.

For an impeccable charter flight experience in Colombia from start to finish, consider the assistance of a personalized travel operator like Pelecanus.

More about Charter Flights in Colombia

• How To Get Around Colombia Like A Pro: An Expert Transportation Guide
• Finding the Top Charter Flight Service in Colombia: A Comprehensive Guide
• Your Complete Guide to Colombia’s Airports: Where to Land and What to Expect
• Types of Charter Flights – Differences between Charter, Private and Commercial Flights

FAQ

When do I need a charter flight in Colombia?

For destinations not served by commercial airlines: Caño Cristales (La Macarena), Tuparro National Park, Vichada, parts of the Pacific Chocó, and the deeper Amazon. Tourist scheduled charters from Villavicencio or Bogotá.

How much does a charter flight cost?

COP 800,000-3,500,000 ($200-880 USD) per person depending on destination, group size, aircraft type. Group of 6 sharing a Cessna Caravan to Caño Cristales: ~$280/person round trip.

What aircraft do charter operators use?

Cessna Caravan (10 passengers, most common), DHC-6 Twin Otter (19 passengers), small executive jets for premium customers. Helicopters for specific destinations.

Are charter flights safe?

Yes when booked through licensed operators (Aerolíneas de Antioquia, Satena, Aexpa, Heliandina). Avoid informal operators. Helicopters in mountainous regions require experienced pilots.

When can I fly to Caño Cristales?

June to November (the season). Three weekly scheduled charters during peak season. Off-season charters require minimum 4-6 passengers and higher prices.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes — charter routes have limited capacity. Book 1-3 months ahead for peak season (Caño Cristales June-November). Pelecanus arranges these as part of multi-destination trips.

References

• Colombia Travel Guide – Pelecanus

About the Author

I’m Frank Spitzer — Swiss-born, Bogotá-resident since 2015, founder of Pelecanus. From first inquiry through return flight, you deal with me personally — not a handoff team. I’ve driven across 30 of Colombia’s 32 departments to inspect roads, hotels, guides and routes myself, and documented it in 400+ first-hand videos on the COLOMBIAFRANK YouTube channel. Before a destination goes into a trip, I’ve been there, often more than once, and I’ve slept in the bed I’d recommend. That field scouting sits on top of a 20-year background in finance, an MBA from the Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, and a First-Lieutenant commission in the Swiss Army. I work in German, English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, which is why luxury, golf, eco and wildlife travellers from Switzerland, Germany, the US and Latin America trust us to build trips that feel custom — not catalogued. Pelecanus operates under Colombian RNT 51402 and is an active IAGTO member.

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