๐ง๐ด Vallegrande, Bolivia
Capitรกn Av. Vidal Villagomez Toledo Airport operates as a high-altitude regional facility serving Vallegrande in Bolivia's Santa Cruz Department, situated at 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) above sea level within the Cordillera Central mountain range. The airport features a substantial 2,400-meter asphalt runway capable of handling regional aircraft and small jets despite the challenging mountainous terrain and elevated location.
The facility holds significant historical importance as the site where Che Guevara's remains were buried in 1967 before being repatriated to Cuba in 1997. Today, the airport grounds include the Che Guevara Mausoleum and museum, attracting thousands of international visitors annually who come to learn about the revolutionary's final campaign in Bolivia. This unique combination of aviation operations and historical commemoration makes Vallegrande Airport unlike any other regional facility.
Operational characteristics reflect the airport's challenging high-altitude environment, requiring specialized procedures for aircraft performance calculations and weather monitoring. The elevated location within a shallow mountain basin surrounded by low hills creates unique meteorological conditions that pilots must navigate carefully. The facility supports emergency medical evacuations for remote communities throughout the Cordillera Province, where ground transportation can be difficult or impossible during certain weather conditions.
Strategic positioning makes the airport vital for connecting Vallegrande to departmental capitals and providing essential access to government services, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Named after Captain Aviator Vidal Villagรณmez Toledo, a distinguished figure in Bolivian aviation history, the airport continues serving as both a transportation hub and a site of international historical significance drawing visitors from around the world.
Capitรกn Av. Vidal Villagomez Toledo Airport (SLVG) is located in Vallegrande, Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia, situated at an elevation of 2,001 meters above sea level in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Air traffic operations coordinate with La Paz Area Control Center for flight routing and separation services in Bolivia's mountainous terrain. Aviation fuel services include both avgas and jet fuel, supporting the mix of general aviation, charter, and occasional scheduled flights that utilize the facility. The airport holds historical significance as it's located near the area where revolutionary leader Che Guevara was captured and killed in 1967, making it a point of interest for historical tourism.
Weather conditions are significantly influenced by the high-altitude location and Andean climate, with seasonal variations affecting flight operations throughout the year, particularly during the wet season from November to March when afternoon thunderstorms and low cloud ceilings can cause delays. This regional airport was named after Captain Aviator Vidal Villagรณmez Toledo, a distinguished Bolivian military pilot. The airport serves seasonal charter operations during harvest periods for local agricultural products and supports government flights connecting the region to departmental capitals like Santa Cruz. Emergency medical evacuation services coordinate through this airport, providing crucial healthcare connectivity for remote communities in the region.
Terminal facilities are basic but adequate for the airport's regional operations, providing waiting areas for passengers and flight planning resources for pilots. Ground transportation from the airport to downtown Vallegrande includes taxi services and local buses, though availability can be limited and advance arrangements are strongly recommended, especially for evening arrivals. The facility serves as the primary aviation gateway for Vallegrande and surrounding communities in the Cordillera Province, operating a single 2,100-meter paved runway aligned northeast-southwest that can accommodate regional aircraft and small jets.
โข Check transport options in advance as services may be limited.
โข Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
โข Allow extra time during peak travel periods at this airport.
โข Keep important documents easily accessible at this airport.
โข Download your airline's mobile app for updates at this airport.
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
90 minutes
Interline transfers:
110 minutes
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Last updated: April 2026 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources