Updated on 04/23/2024
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!
The Coffee Triangle is a region of Colombia characterized by its coffee production, natural beauty, and culture. It is an ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers.
Airports in the Coffee Triangle
The Coffee Triangle boasts three main airports that grant access to this marvelous region through charter flights. These are:
Matecaña International Airport, Pereira
The Matecaña International Airport serves the city of Pereira, the capital of Risaralda department. This airport features a paved runway measuring 7217 ft. in length, accommodating aircraft of various sizes, including private jets. Additionally, it offers hangars, VIP lounges, air navigation systems, security, and immigration services.
La Nubia National Airport, Manizales
The La Nubia National Airport serves the city of Manizales, the capital of Caldas department. This airport has a paved runway with a length of 4855 ft. , limiting the size of aircraft that can operate there. La Nubia Airport exclusively offers domestic flights to destinations such as Bogotá and Medellín. It is expected to be replaced by the new Coffee International Airport, currently under construction in the town of Palestina.
El Edén International Airport, Armenia
The El Edén International Airport serves the city of Armenia, the capital of Quindío department. Located 9.3 miles from the city center in the municipality of La Tebaida, this airport features a paved runway measuring 7611 ft. in length. It is capable of receiving aircraft such as Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and Embraer 190, among others. Additionally, it provides waiting lounges, immigration services, customs, and security.
Charter Flight Overview in the Coffee Triangle
In the Coffee Triangle, several companies offer charter flight services, both nationally and internationally. These companies boast a diverse fleet of aircraft, ranging from executive jets to turboprops, single-engine planes, and helicopters. Some of the most common aircraft models include the Cessna Citation, Beechcraft King Air, Piper Seneca, Cessna 206, and Robinson R44.
Available Aircraft Fleet
The available aircraft fleet typically varies 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.
Cessna Fleet
Cessna aircraft, small in size with one or two engines, can carry between 2 and 12 passengers, depending on the model. They are suitable for short flights and remote destinations, capable of landing on short and unpaved runways. Some examples include:
- Cessna 172
- Cessna 208 Caravan
- Cessna Citation
Piper Fleet
Piper aircraft, similar to Cessnas with one or two engines, can carry between 2 and 10 passengers, depending on the model. They are also suitable for short flights and remote destinations, capable of landing on short and unpaved runways. Some examples include:
- Piper PA-28 Cherokee
- Piper PA-31 Navajo
- Piper PA-46 Malibu
Beechcraft Fleet
Beechcraft aircraft, medium-sized with two or four engines, can carry between 6 and 19 passengers, depending on the model. They are faster and more comfortable than Cessnas and Pipers but also more expensive. Some examples include:
- Beechcraft King Air
- Beechcraft Baron
- Beechcraft 1900
Embraer Fleet
Embraer aircraft, large-sized with two or four engines, can carry between 19 and 120 passengers, depending on the model. They are the fastest and most luxurious but also the most expensive. Some examples include:
- Embraer ERJ 145
- Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia
- Embraer Phenom 300
Charter Flight Destinations to and from the Coffee Triangle
From the Coffee Triangle, charter flights can reach various destinations, both within and outside of Colombia. Some of the most popular international destinations include:
International Destinations
Some of the most popular international destinations for charter flights from the coffee-growing region are:
Coffee Triangle – Miami
Miami, a vibrant and diverse city on the southeast coast of Florida, is known for its warm weather, iconic beaches and lively cultural scene. It is a trendy destination that fuses art, entertainment and beach lifestyle.
- Flight time: 4 hours and 15 minutes
- Landing at: Miami International Airport
- Speed: 447 mph
- Distance: 1901 miles
Coffee Triangle – Lima
Lima, Peru’s gastronomic capital, is a cosmopolitan city that combines cultural richness with urban modernity. With its museums, churches and baroque-style palaces, Lima is a destination that reflects the diversity of its history and its people.
- Flight time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Landing at: Jorge Chavez International Airport
- Speed: 372 mph
- Distance: 1025 miles
Coffee Triangle – San José
San José, capital of Costa Rica, is a modern and cosmopolitan city. With its museums, theaters, parks and markets, San José offers a wide variety of cultural and recreational activities. San José is also an ideal starting point to explore the natural wealth and biodiversity of this Central American country.
- Flight time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Landing at: Juan Santamaria International Airport
- Speed: 372 mph
- Distance: 932 miles
Coffee Triangle – Aruba
Aruba, pearl of the Caribbean, is an island paradise that offers natural beauty and unlimited fun. With its white sand beaches, crystalline waters and coral reefs, Aruba is an ideal place to enjoy the sun and the sea. With its vibrant culture, varied cuisine and leisure activities, Aruba is a destination that combines Caribbean joy with modern comfort.
- Flight time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Landing at: Queen Beatrix International Airport
- Speed: 372 mph
- Distance: 838 miles
National Destinations
These are some of the most popular national destinations from the coffee region.
Coffee Triangle – Bogota
Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is a vibrant and diverse city located 8530 ft. above sea level. With its rich history, culture and unique blend of modernity and tradition, Bogota captivates visitors from all over the world.
- Flight time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Landing at: El Dorado International Airport
- Speed: 298 mph
- Distance: 348 miles
Coffee Triangle – Cartagena
Cartagena, Colombia’s Caribbean jewel, is a port city full of historical charm. With its centuries-old walls, cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings, Cartagena is a destination that fuses ancient elegance with contemporary vitality.
- Flight time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Landing at: Rafael Núñez International Airport
- Speed: 260 mph
- Distance: 434 miles
Coffee Triangle – Medellín
Medellín, Colombia’s second largest city, is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, offering a breathtaking panoramic view. The city is home to a vibrant cultural scene, with museums, theaters and artistic events that reflect the creativity and diversity of its population.
- Flight time: 40 minutes
- Landing at: José María Córdova International Airport
- Speed: 223 mph
- Distance: 149 miles
Coffee Triangle – Santa Marta
Santa Marta, Colombia’s Caribbean jewel, captivates with its white sand beaches and the intense blue of the sea. The city combines colonial history, represented in its historic center, with the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada. From lively nightlife to excursions to national parks, Santa Marta offers a diverse experience for visitors.
- Flight duration: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Landing at: Simon Bolivar International Airport
- Speed: 223 mph
- Distance: 410 miles
Coffee Triangle – Leticia
Leticia, Amazonian pearl of Colombia, is a border city full of cultural diversity. Leticia is a place that is distinguished by the peaceful coexistence of three countries: Colombia, Brazil and Peru, and by the presence of numerous indigenous communities that preserve their ancestral traditions.
- Flight duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes
- Landing at: Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport
- Speed: 223 mph
- Distance: 727 miles
Restrictions on Charter Flights in the Coffee Triangle
The geography is a crucial aspect to consider, as the Coffee Triangle has a mountainous and rugged topography, with elevations ranging from 3,280 to 16,404 ft. above sea level.
Additionally, there are some areas where flights are prohibited for safety or conservation reasons. For example, the Los Nevados National Natural Park is a restricted area for flights due to the presence of active volcanoes and fragile ecosystems.
Migratory Process for Charter Flights in the Coffee Triangle
If you are traveling on a charter flight to El Edén or Matecaña International Airports, the immigration process takes place at the same location where the plane lands, as personnel from Migración Colombia handle your entry at the private hangar. This eliminates the need for queues and saves time during boarding.
Below, we outline the traveler control process for charter flights conducted by Migración Colombia for your reference.
- Arrival, document verification, and presentation: Before landing, migration personnel head to the private hangar where your plane is. A crew representative presents the properly filed General Flight Declaration via the entity’s web channel to the migration officer.
- Document review and migration control: Migration control involves document review and verification, checking information such as digital seal, flight date and details, aircraft registration, crew, and passenger names.
With the reviewed and accepted declaration, the officer conducts migration control, verifying that the individuals subject to migration control are those registered in the General Flight Declaration. - Document delivery: Once the control is complete, you’ll receive your travel documents with migration stamps. All information will be recorded in the Migration Colombia system.
- Alerts and feedback: Staff will dismiss alerts and provide feedback. Migration movement registration won’t be allowed if the traveler isn’t facing the migration officer. If there are movements, the officer records updates and notifies the coordinator or shift leader and the CECAM (Joint Strategic Center for Migration Analysis).
- Air operator obligations: The compliance with air operator obligations according to Resolution 3167 of 2019 regarding the Advance Passenger Information System APIS will be investigated.
- Sanctions and compliance: In situations where obligations aren’t met, the flight supervising officers will inform the operational staff about possible economic sanctions and potential non-attention to the flight by the migration authority. Therefore, ensure to hire a company that can fulfill all the aforementioned processes to guarantee a hassle-free experience.
That being said, remember to complete the Check-Mig form 24 hours before entering or leaving the country.
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
- Travel to Colombia on your Private Jet – Hassle-Free Guide
- Charter Flights in Santa Marta, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter Flights in Santander, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter Flights in the Coffee Triangle, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter flights in Meta, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter Flights in the Amazon, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter Flights in San Andres, Colombia – Travelers Guide
