Dear reader,
I would also like to recommend our Colombia travel guide, which provides a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Colombia. Enjoy reading it!
In this blog, I will tell you how you can explore Bogota and its surroundings by helicopter, an amazing way to admire the capital of Colombia, and its landscapes from the air. I will tell you about the heliports, companies, helicopters and services available for charter flights in Bogota, as well as the most spectacular places you can see from the sky.
Overview of Helicopter Charter Flights in Bogota
Charter helicopter flights in Bogotá have the following characteristics:
- They are a comfortable and exclusive option to reach any destination at the desired time.
- They are sought after by companies, executives, and tourists alike, who seek efficiency, comfort, and privacy.
- They are subject to certain restrictions on prohibited or restricted areas, such as military zones, national parks, and high-security areas.
- Special permits are required to land in private locations, including coordinates, photographs, and authorization from the landowner.
Helicopters Used in Charter Flights in Bogotá
In Bogotá, there are several companies offering charter flights by helicopter, with various types of helicopters and services. Some of the helicopters include:
BELL 206-L3
- Type: Single Turbine
- Maximum Speed: 138 mph
- Pilot: One
- Capacity: 4 to 6 passengers – 992 pounds
BELL 206-B
- Type: Single Turbine
- Maximum Speed: 133 mph
- Pilot: One
- Capacity: 4 to 5 passengers – 992 pounds
ROBINSON R66
- Type: Single Turbine
- Maximum Speed: 117 mph
- Pilot: One
- Capacity: One passenger –899 pounds
ROBINSON R22
- Type: Single Turbine
- Maximum Speed: 117 mph
- Pilot: One
- Capacity: One passenger – 899 pounds
AGUSTA WESTLAND 139
- Type: Four Turbines
- Maximum Speed: 192 mph
- Pilot: Two
- Capacity: 10 to 15 passengers – 881 pounds
BELL 212
- Type: Single Turbine
- Maximum Speed: 138 mph
- Pilot: Two
- Capacity: 10 to 13 passengers – 2,425 pounds
BELL 414
- Type: Single Turbine
- Maximum Speed: 161 mph
- Pilot: Two
- Capacity: 10 to 13 passengers – 4409 pounds
Helipads in Bogotá
El Dorado Airport does not have helipads. Therefore, helispots (named Alpha, Beta, Charlie, Delta, and Echo) have been established within the aerodrome movement area to facilitate helicopter takeoffs and landings.
Guaymaral Airport, located north of Bogotá, is the most common location for helicopter flights.
Destinations for Charter Helicopter Flights in Bogotá
Bogotá and its surroundings are full of attractions and diversity, which you can explore from the air with charter helicopter flights. Here are some destinations you can visit:
Sabana de Bogotá Tour
You can admire the green landscapes and mountains surrounding the Colombian capital, as well as some cultural and natural attractions.
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Maximum Occupancy: 5 people.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from your home or business to Guaymaral Airport, where the helicopter will take off and land. During the flight, you can enjoy magnificent views such as Centro Chía Shopping Center, Universidad de la Sabana, Presidential Farm, Jaime Duque Park, Fúquene Lagoon, Sisga Reservoir, Sopó Municipality, Guatavita Municipality, and its legendary “El Dorado” lagoon.
If you wish to be picked up from another municipality, there is an additional cost (includes but is not limited to Chía, Cota, Funza, Mosquera, La Calera).
Villa de Leyva and Gondava Theme Park
Take off from Gondava Theme Park, located in Sáchica, just 10 minutes from Villa de Leyva. This place will amaze you with its life-size prehistoric creatures, recreating the Great Valley of the Dinosaurs. Fly over Villa de Leyva, a beautiful colonial city that preserves its colonial-era architecture.
This beautiful colonial city is a popular destination for Bogotá residents and visitors from around the world. The imposing central square was previously used for military exercises and parades. The journey from Bogotá usually takes 3-4 hours. A short flight is definitely worth it, as it can be combined with a flight over Guatavita lagoon and a visit to the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá.
From Villa de Leyva, you can travel by helicopter to the nearby department of Santander. The starting and ending point is Gondava Theme Park, in Sáchica.
- Duration: 8 to 10 minutes
- Maximum Occupancy: 5 people.
Tatacoa Desert
The Tatacoa Desert is not actually a desert but a dry forest. However, due to the landscape and temperature, it feels like a desert. This destination is known for its clear nights and an observatory promising interesting views.
- Maximum Occupancy: 5 people.
- Duration: A helicopter flight from Bogotá to the Tatacoa Desert usually takes around 2 hours.
Restrictions on Helicopter Flights in Bogotá
Bogotá has some restricted areas for charter and private flights, for security, environmental, or military reasons. For example, Monserrate Hill, a symbol of the city and a tourist attraction, is prohibited for overflights. Here are some of the restricted airspace areas in Bogotá:
- Prohibited Zone SKP-1: This zone comprises the area around the Presidential Palace. Overflying this area by any type of aircraft is prohibited, except those authorized by the Military Air Transport Command (CATAM) or the Presidency of the Republic. The zone has a radius of 1 NM (Nautical Mile) and a maximum altitude of 5000 ft AMSL.
- Restricted Zone SKR-1: This zone comprises the area around El Dorado International Airport. Overflying this zone by aircraft without prior authorization from the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) or failing to comply with established procedures for airport operations is restricted. The zone has a radius of 5 NM and a maximum altitude of 10000 ft AMSL.
- Restricted Zone SKR-2: This zone comprises the area around the CATAM Military Airport. Overflying this zone by aircraft without prior authorization from CATAM or failing to comply with established procedures for military air operations is restricted. The zone has a radius of 3 NM and a maximum altitude of 8000 ft AMSL.
- Restricted Zone SKR-3: This zone comprises the area around Chingaza National Natural Park. Overflying this zone by aircraft without prior authorization from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development or failing to comply with current environmental regulations is restricted. The zone has a radius of 10 NM and a maximum altitude of FL180.
Remember, with us, you can easily, quickly, and safely book your charter flight or helicopter tour. We also invite you to read our blogs about charter flights by helicopter in Colombia. Don’t miss out on them.
More about Helicopter Charter Flights in Colombia
- Charters Flights and Helicopter Tours in Colombia – Destinations & Tips
- What Charter Flights Are and Why Choose Them for Your Next Trip
- Types of Helicopter Charter Flights and Helicopter Tours in Colombia
- Helicopter Charter Flights in Bogota, Colombia – Traveler’s Guide
- Helicopter Charter Flights in Medellin, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Helicopter Charter Flights in the Caribbean Coast of Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Helicopter Charter Flights in Cali, Colombia – Travelers Guide
