Capitán Carmelo Peralta Airport (CIO)

Capitán Carmelo Peralta Airport (CIO) serves as a vital regional link for central Paraguay, acting as the primary aviation portal for the city of Concepción and the surrounding Chaco region. Because the airport is operated by the Paraguayan Air Force, "connecting" here requires a focus on the unique SETAM (Servicio de Transporte Aéreo Militar) logistics. SETAM provides the only scheduled air link to Silvio Pettirossi International (ASU) in Asunción, typically operating flights on Wednesdays and Fridays. It is critical to note that SETAM tickets cannot be purchased online; travelers must visit their office at ASU or their downtown Asunción headquarters to buy tickets in person. If you are connecting from an international flight in Asunción, it is highly recommended to allow at least 24 hours to secure your domestic seat and account for potential military-related schedule changes. For those travelers who prefer ground transportation, the connection from Asunción has been significantly improved by the inauguration of the Héroes del Chaco Bridge in 2024. Long-distance buses operated by NASA or La Santaniana reach Concepción in 6 to 7 hours. However, be aware that the critical Pozo Colorado-Concepción road (PY05) is currently undergoing major reconstruction; during heavy rain, this stretch can become challenging even for 4x4 vehicles. Upon arrival at the compact CIO terminal, located just 2 kilometers from the city center, taxis are usually waiting for the SETAM flight, but pre-arranging a hotel pickup is the most reliable strategy. For a truly unique onward connection to the northern Chaco, the legendary "Aquidabán" cargo ferry departs Concepción every Tuesday. Always carry sufficient Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG) in cash, as airport vendors and local transport rarely accept digital payments or credit cards.

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