Punta Colorada Airport (PCO)

Punta Colorada Airport (PCO), designated by the ICAO as MMPL, is a small domestic aviation facility located near the town of La Ribera in the East Cape region of Baja California Sur, Mexico. The airport functions primarily as a private airstrip and does not feature a formal commercial passenger terminal building. It serves as a vital infrastructure link for the high-end sport fishing industry, specifically catering to guests of the Hotel Punta Colorada and other nearby luxury coastal resorts. Facilities at the airstrip are extremely minimal and reflect its status as a specialized landing ground for general aviation. There are no on-site commercial amenities such as retail shops, restaurants, or passenger lounges, and the environment is designed for essential transit only. Travelers and pilots are advised to be completely self-sufficient and to handle all logistical needs, including food and water, in the nearby town of La Ribera or through pre-arranged resort services prior to arrival. The airfield features a single 2,282-foot unpaved dirt runway and typically operates during daylight hours under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). It is primarily utilized by small private planes and fishing charters connecting from hubs like San José del Cabo (SJD), which is located approximately 31 miles (50 km) to the south. Ground transportation is informal, with most visitors utilizing resort-provided shuttles or private vehicle transfers to reach their destinations along the Sea of Cortez coastline.