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Charter Flights in Buenaventura, Colombia – Traveler’s Guide

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Updated on 06/18/2024

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!

Airports in Buenaventura

Gerardo Tovar López Airport is the sole airport serving the city of Buenaventura. This airport boasts infrastructure tailored for charter flights.

Gerardo Tovar López Airport

Gerardo Tovar López Airport is an air terminal serving the city of Buenaventura and the surrounding region. It is located approximately 3,7 miles south of the city center.

Here are some interesting facts about the airport:

  • It offers domestic flights and serves as a vital hub for travelers heading to other regions of Colombia.
  • The airport features a paved asphalt runway measuring 3,937 feet long and 98,4 feet wide.
  • Equipped with radio equipment, a radio beacon, a weather station, and flight survey machinery, the airport ensures safe and efficient operations.

Undoubtedly, this air terminal is a crucial transportation hub for Colombia’s Pacific region, being used by business travelers, tourists and local residents.

Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) at Buenaventura Airport

Gerardo Tovar López Airport, managed by Aerocivil (Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics), hosts several FBOs offering various services such as:

  • Fuel supply
  • Ground transportation
  • Flight planning
  • Catering
  • Hangar storage and aircraft maintenance
  • Aircraft cleaning
  • Customs assistance and security control
  • Hotel reservations

Charter Flight Landscape in Buenaventura

In Buenaventura, several companies provide charter and private flight services for both passengers and cargo. These companies operate a wide range of aircraft in their fleet, designed to meet diverse needs and preferences of their clients.

Available Aircraft Fleet

The available aircraft fleet ranges from small aircraft like Piper and Cessna, ideal for short flights and remote destinations, to larger and more luxurious planes like Beechcraft and Embraer, offering greater capacity and amenities for long-distance flights.

Piper Fleet

Piper aircraft, resembling Cessna planes with one or two engines, can accommodate between 2 and 10 passengers, depending on the model. They are suitable for short journeys and remote destinations, with the capability to land on short runways and unpaved surfaces.

Notable examples in this category include:

  • Piper PA-28 Cherokee
  • Piper PA-31 Navajo
  • Piper PA-46 Malibu.

Cessna Fleet

Cessna aircraft, smaller in size with one or two engines, can carry from 2 to 12 passengers, depending on the variant. They are ideal for short trips and remote destinations, capable of landing on short and unpaved runways.

Prominent models include:

  • Cessna 172
  • Cessna 208 Caravan
  • Cessna Citation.

Embraer Fleet

Embraer aircraft, large-sized and equipped with two or four engines, can accommodate between 19 and 120 passengers, depending on the model. They stand out for being the fastest and most luxurious, although they also have a higher cost.

Noteworthy examples in this category include:

  • Embraer ERJ 145
  • Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia
  • Embraer Phenom 300.

Beechcraft Fleet

Beechcraft aircraft, of intermediate size with two or four engines, can carry between 6 and 19 passengers, depending on the model. They offer greater speed and comfort compared to Cessna and Piper aircraft but come with higher costs.

Representative examples in this category include:

  • Beechcraft King Air
  • Beechcraft Baron
  • Beechcraft 1900.

Charter Flight Destinations From and To Buenaventura

Gerardo Tovar López Airport plays a strategic role in offering charter flight services, facilitating personalized connections to various destinations nationwide.

Flight durations may vary, with direct flights to national destinations taking approximately 45 to 90 minutes.

For flights with layovers, travel time tends to be longer, involving a stopover at another airport, usually in Bogotá or Medellín.

It’s important to note that direct charter flights from outside the country cannot arrive in Buenaventura directly; they must first connect through one of Colombia’s international airports.

National Destinations

Some of the most popular national destinations for charter flights from Buenaventura include:

Buenaventura – Bogota

Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is a vibrant metropolis located in the Andean highlands. With an altitude of approximately 8,661 feet above sea level, Bogota stands out for its rich history, diverse culture and constantly evolving art and gastronomic scene.

  • Flight time: 25 minutes
  • Landing at: El Dorado International Airport
  • Speed: 497 mph
  • Distance: 211 miles

Buenaventura – Cali

Cali, known as the “Salsa Capital of the World”, is a city located in the southwestern part of the country. This lively metropolis is famous for its vibrant music scene, contagious energy and salsa festivals. Cali also stands out for its rich culture, where dance, music and joy are an integral part of daily life.

  • Flight time: 10 minutes
  • Landing at: Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport
  • Speed: 497 mph
  • Distance: 44,7 miles

Buenaventura – Medellín

Medellín, Colombia’s second largest city, is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, offering an impressive panoramic view. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Medellín is home to a vibrant cultural scene, with museums, theaters and artistic events that reflect the creativity and diversity of its population.

  • Flight time: 25 minutes
  • Landing at: José María Córdova International Airport
  • Speed: 497 mph
  • Distance: 190 miles

Buenaventura – Pereira

Pereira, the capital of the Risaralda department in Colombia, stands out for its urban charm and captivating natural environment. Surrounded by hills and mountains, the city offers a temperate climate and lush landscapes. Its contemporary architecture and ample green areas create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

  • Flight duration: 10 minutes
  • Landing at: Matecaña International Airport
  • Speed: 497 mph
  • Distance: 113 miles

Buenaventura – Arauca

Arauca, located in the department of the same name, is a Colombian municipality with a characteristic charm. Surrounded by beautiful plains landscapes, this place reflects the rich culture of the region. With its main square as its focal point, Arauca exhibits colonial architecture and a traditional atmosphere.

  • Flight duration: 50 minutes
  • Landing at: Santiago Perez Airport
  • Speed: 497 mph
  • Distance: 487 miles

Buenaventura – Quibdó

Quibdó, the capital of the department of Chocó in Colombia, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural and natural diversity. Located in the Pacific region, stands out for its scenic beauty, with lush jungles, rushing rivers and unique biodiversity. The city is home to Afro-descendant and indigenous communities, enriching its culture with authentic traditions and artistic expressions.

  • Flight duration: 15 minutes
  • Landing at: El Caraño Airport
  • Speed: 497 mph
  • Distance: 128 miles

Buenaventura – Puerto Asis

Puerto Asis, located in the department of Putumayo, Colombia, stands out for its strategic location on the banks of the Putumayo River. The city, surrounded by lush vegetation and tropical landscapes, offers visitors a unique experience in the Amazon region.

  • Flight duration: 30 minutes
  • Landing at: Tres de Mayo Airport
  • Speed: 497 mph
  • Distance: 236 miles

Buenaventura – Florencia

Florencia, the capital of the department of Caquetá in Colombia, is a city surrounded by lush vegetation and tropical landscapes. Located in the Amazon region, Florencia stands out for its biodiversity and fascinating natural environment. In addition to its natural attractions, the city has a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its festivals, traditions and the hospitality of its inhabitants.

  • Flight duration: 20 minutes
  • Landing at: Gustavo Artunduaga Paredes Airport
  • Speed: 497 mph
  • Distance: 185 miles

Buenaventura – Bajo Baudó

Bajo Baudó, located in the department of Chocó, Colombia, is a region characterized by its impressive natural beauty and ecological diversity. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforests and bathed by rushing rivers, this area stands out for its unique biodiversity. Home to diverse Afro-descendant and indigenous communities, Bajo Baudó preserves deep-rooted cultural traditions and shares a profound connection with nature.

  • Flight duration: 10 minutes
  • Landing at: Pizarro Airport
  • Speed: 497 mph
  • Distance: 75,8 miles

Migratory Process for Charter Flights in Buenaventura

The migratory and customs process cannot be completed in Buenaventura since there are no immigration or customs personnel at Gerardo Tovar López Airport. Therefore, the solution for these cases would be to go to the nearest international airport, where the process is conducted by Colombian Immigration.

For Buenaventura, the nearest international airport is Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport located in Cali.

That being said, remember to fill out the Check-Mig form 24 hours before entering or leaving the country.

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About Author

Frank

Frank

Hello! I'm Frank Spitzer, the founder and the heart behind Pelecanus, a specialized tour operator for Colombia travel. My journey in travel is vast and rich – I've explored over 60 countries, absorbing cultures, experiences, and stories along the way. Since 2017, I've been channeling this wealth of global experience into creating unforgettable travel experiences in Colombia. I'm recognized as a leading authority in Colombian tourism, with a deep-seated passion for sharing this beautiful country with the world. You can catch glimpses of my travel adventures and insights around Colombia on my YouTube channel. I'm also active on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, where I share the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Colombia. For professional networking, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. Join me on this incredible journey, and let's explore the wonders of Colombia together!