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!
Airports in Meta
The Meta Department boasts a national airport and 11 regional aerodromes. Vanguardia Airport stands as the sole national airport in the department, nestled in the city of Villavicencio. This airport is equipped to handle charter flights.
Vanguardia Airport
Vanguardia Airport, inaugurated in 1949, sits just outside Villavicencio city, specifically in the Vanguardia district, merely 1.24 miles from the city center.
- Offering domestic flights, it serves as a vital hub for travelers venturing to other Colombian regions.
- The airport features a 2,500-meter-long and 30-meter-wide asphalt runway, elevating 417 meters above sea level.
- Additionally, it houses radio equipment, a radio beacon, a weather station, and flight survey machinery.
Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) at Meta’s Airports
Vanguardia Airport, managed by Aerocivil (Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics), hosts several FBOs providing a range of services such as:
- Fuel supply
- Ground transportation
- Flight planning
- Catering
- Hangar facilities for aircraft storage and maintenance
- Aircraft cleaning
- Customs assistance and security control
- Hotel reservations.
Charter Flight Landscape in Meta
In Meta Department, numerous companies offer charter and private flight services serving both passengers and cargo. These companies boast a diverse fleet of aircraft designed to meet various needs and preferences.
Available Aircraft Fleet
From small aircraft like Piper and Cessna, ideal for short flights and remote destinations, to larger, luxurious ones like Beechcraft and Embraer, which offer greater capacity and comfort for long-distance flights, the fleet diversity is impressive.
Piper Fleet
Piper aircraft are similar to Cessna planes with one or two engines, can carry between 2 and 10 passengers, depending on the model. They are also suitable for short trips and remote destinations, as they can 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, compact in size with one or two engines, accommodate 2 to 12 passengers, depending on the variant. Perfect for short trips and remote destinations, they can land on limited-length and unpaved runways.
Featured models include:
- Cessna 172
- Cessna 208 Caravan
- Cessna Citation.
Embraer Fleet
Embraer aircraft, large-sized with two or four engines, carry 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.
Notable examples within this category include:
- Embraer ERJ 145
- Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia
- Embraer Phenom 300
Beechcraft Fleet
Beechcraft aircraft, intermediate in size with two or four engines, transport between 6 and 19 passengers, depending on the model. They provide greater speed and comfort compared to Cessna and Piper planes but come with higher costs.
Representative examples in this category include:
- Beechcraft King Air
- Beechcraft Baron
- Beechcraft 1900
Charter Flight Overview from and to Meta
Villavicencio’s Vanguardia Airport, the only national airport in the region, plays a crucial role in facilitating customized connections to various destinations, both nationally and internationally.
The duration of flights varies, with direct national flights lasting approximately 45 to 60 minutes and international flights extending over several hours due to connections with other airports.
Flights with layovers tend to be longer, involving stops at airports like Bogotá or Medellín.
International Destinations
Here are some of the most popular international destinations from Villavicencio:
Villavicencio – Miami
Miami, located in southeastern Florida, is a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity, white sand beaches and lively nightlife. It is a major tourist and financial center, with a subtropical climate that attracts visitors year-round. Miami Beach, with its iconic Art Deco district, is famous for its lively social scene and expansive beaches.
- Flight time: 3 hours and 20 minutes
- Landing at: Miami International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 1560 miles
Villavicencio – Panama City
Panama City, the capital of Panama, is a modern metropolis located at the intersection of Central and South America. Known for its impressive skyline and skyline of skyscrapers, the city is home to a unique blend of the historic and the contemporary. The famous Panama Canal, an engineering marvel, has been crucial to world trade and is a featured attraction.
- Flight time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Landing at: Tocumen International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 525 miles
Villavicencio – New York
New York, the city that never sleeps, is a world epicenter of culture, business and entertainment. Known for its iconic skyline, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty, the city offers a unique diversity of neighborhoods, each with its own charm and personality. Broadway, Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are just a few of the iconic landmarks that attract millions of visitors each year.
- Flight time: 5 hours
- Landing at: John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 2527 miles
Villavicencio – Cancun
Cancun, located on the east coast of Mexico, is a popular tourist destination known for its white sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters. The city offers a unique combination of luxury and natural beauty, with world-class resorts, exciting water activities and a lively nightlife.
- Flight time: About 3 hours
- Landing at: Cancun International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 1472 miles
National Destinations
Some of the most popular domestic destinations for charter flights from Villavicencio are:
Villavicencio – Bogotá
Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is located in the Andean region and is known for its rich cultural diversity, growing arts scene, and lively urban life. The city offers a unique combination of history, modernity and natural beauty that sets it apart.
- Flight Duration: 15 minutes
- Arrival at: El Dorado International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 51.5 miles
Villavicencio – Cartagena
Cartagena, situated on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a historic and charming city with an impressive colonial heritage. Its cobbled streets, ancient walls, and colorful architecture transport visitors back in time. Additionally, Cartagena offers beautiful beaches, a lively nightlife, and a rich culinary scene.
- Flight Duration: 1 hour
- Arrival at: Rafael Núñez International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 451 miles
Villavicencio – Cali
Cali, known as the “World’s Salsa Capital,” is a Colombian city with a vibrant cultural and musical scene. Located in the southwest of the country, Cali offers a mix of tradition and modernity. Its salsa festivals, the warmth of its people, and its warm climate make it a unique destination in Colombia.
- Flight Duration: 30 minutes
- Arrival at: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 205 miles
Villavicencio – Bucaramanga
Bucaramanga, the “Pretty City,” is the capital of the department of Santander, Colombia. Surrounded by green mountains, this city offers a pleasant climate and a mix of culture, nature, and urban development. With parks, cultural spaces, and a rich gastronomy, Bucaramanga is an attractive destination in the Colombian Andes.
- Flight Duration: 30 minutes
- Arrival at: Palonegro International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 208 miles
Villavicencio – Pereira
Pereira, known as the “Beloved, Night Owl, and Brunette,” is the capital of the department of Risaralda, Colombia. Located in the coffee region, this city offers a pleasant climate and mountainous landscapes. Pereira combines coffee tradition with modern infrastructure, parks, and a vibrant cultural life, making it an interesting destination in the Colombian Coffee Axis.
- Flight Duration: 20 minutes
- Arrival at: Matecaña International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 149 miles
Villavicencio – Medellín
Medellín, the “City of Eternal Spring,” is located in the Aburrá Valley, surrounded by mountains in the Colombian Andes. Known for its innovation, modernity, and pleasant climate, Medellín has overcome its turbulent past to become a cultural, commercial and tourist center.
- Flight Duration: 30 minutes
- Arrival at: José María Córdova International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 197 miles
Villavicencio – Barranquilla
Barranquilla, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a dynamic and multicultural city. Known for its lively culture, especially during the Barranquilla Carnival, the city offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Its strategic port has contributed to commercial development, making it an important economic center in the Caribbean region.
- Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Arrival at: Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 478 miles
Villavicencio – Armenia
Armenia, the capital of the department of Quindío in Colombia, is a charming city in the coffee region. Surrounded by mountainous landscapes and coffee plantations, it offers a calm and welcoming atmosphere. With its pleasant climate, Armenia invites exploration of its colorful architecture, enjoyment of coffee culture, and immersion in the surrounding natural beauty.
- Flight Duration: 20 minutes
- Arrival at: El Edén International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 144 miles
Villavicencio – Mitú
Mitú, located in the department of Vaupés in Colombia, is the capital of the homonymous territory. Surrounded by the Amazon rainforest, Mitu is known for its biodiversity and indigenous culture. The region is home to various indigenous communities, preserving ancestral traditions.
- Flight Duration: 45 minutes
- Arrival at: Fabio León Bentley Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 308 miles
Villavicencio – Cúcuta
Cúcuta, located in northeastern Colombia, is a border city with Venezuela. With a rich history and palpable cultural mix, Cúcuta offers a unique experience. Its parks, squares, and monuments reflect the region’s identity. Additionally, its strategic position makes it an important commercial and cultural exchange center on the Colombia-Venezuela border.
- Flight Duration: 40 minutes
- Arrival at: Camilo Daza International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 270 miles
Villavicencio – Barrancabermeja
Barrancabermeja is a Colombian city located on the banks of the Magdalena River. Recognized for its oil importance, it hosts a significant oil industry that has influenced its development. The city offers riverside landscapes, parks, and a mix of cultural activities.
- Flight Duration: 30 minutes
- Arrival at: Yariguíes Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 202 miles
Villavicencio – Yopal
Yopal, the capital of the department of Casanare in Colombia, is a city marked by its growth driven by the oil industry. Surrounded by vast plains, it stands out for its importance in oil and gas production. Despite its origin linked to oil activity, Yopal also offers residents and visitors a mix of services, llanera culture, and the natural beauty of the Eastern Plains.
- Flight Duration: 20 minutes
- Arrival at: El Alcaraván Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 118 miles
Villavicencio – Puerto Carreño
Puerto Carreño, the capital of the department of Vichada in Colombia, is located in the Eastern Plains region. This city stands out for its tranquility, surrounded by vast plains and crossed by the Orinoco River. Although it is a small town, Puerto Carreño is recognized for its natural beauty, llanera culture, and strategic importance in the border region.
- Flight Duration: 1 hour
- Arrival at: Germán Olano Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 444 miles
Villavicencio – Pasto
Pasto, the capital of the department of Nariño in Colombia, is a city located in the southwest of the country, near the border with Ecuador. Surrounded by mountains, Pasto is located in a mountainous region with a cool climate. The city stands out for its rich history and colonial architecture, with ancient churches and cobbled streets.
- Flight Duration: 45 minutes
- Arrival at: Antonio Nariño Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 323 miles
Villavicencio – Puerto Inírida
Puerto Inírida is the capital of the department of Guainía, located in the southeastern corner of Colombia, near the border with Venezuela. This city is located on the banks of the Inírida River and is known for its lush and diverse natural environment. The region is home to rich biodiversity and indigenous communities.
- Flight Duration: 50 minutes
- Arrival at: César Gaviria Trujillo Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 391 miles
Villavicencio – La Macarena
La Macarena, located in the Meta department of Colombia, is known for its rich biodiversity and beautiful natural landscapes. This municipality is famous for the Caño Cristales river, considered “the river of five colors” due to the presence of vibrant algae in its waters.
- Flight Duration: 20 minutes
- Arrival at: La Macarena Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 130 miles
Villavicencio – Ibagué
Ibagué, the capital of the department of Tolima in Colombia, is known as the “Musical City” due to its prominent tradition in folk music and cultural events. Surrounded by mountains, it offers a picturesque setting. The Plaza de Bolívar, the Centennial Park, and the Cathedral Primada are notable landmarks.
- Flight Duration: 20 minutes
- Arrival at: Perales National Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 112 miles
Villavicencio – Santa Marta
Santa Marta, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a city that combines historical richness with natural beauty. It is known as the oldest city in South America. Its beaches, such as El Rodadero and Taganga, are popular destinations for sun and sea enthusiasts. The Tayrona National Natural Park, which encompasses tropical forests and beautiful beaches, is nearby.
- Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Arrival at: Simón Bolívar International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 490 miles
Considerations and Restrictions for Charter Flights in Meta
Meta department, in Colombia, is a popular destination for charter flights. The department offers a variety of tourist attractions, including the Amazon rainforest, the Eastern Plains, and the city of Villavicencio.
However, when planning a charter flight to Meta department, it’s important to consider the following special considerations:
Weather: Meta department is located in a tropical climate zone, with frequent rainfall throughout the year. It’s important to check the weather forecast before traveling.
Location: Meta department is mostly a rural area, with limited nearby infrastructure. It’s important to plan transportation and accommodation services before traveling.
Immigration Process for Charter Flights in Meta
In Meta department, the immigration and customs procedure cannot be carried out, as there is no migration personnel or customs at Vanguardia Airport.
Therefore, the solution for these cases would be to go to a nearby International Airport, where the procedure by Migration Colombia does apply.
For Meta, El Dorado International Airport is the closest option.
Having said that, remember to fill out 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
