⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic → International
45
minutes
Interline Connections
75
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Chimoré Airport (CCA), also known by its ICAO code SLHI, is a modern and strategically significant aviation facility located in the municipality of Chimoré, within the Cochabamba Department of Bolivia. Situated in the heart of the tropical Chapare region, the airport serves as a critical gateway to the Amazonian lowlands and the surrounding biodiverse ecosystems. The airport was inaugurated in 2015 as part of a major national effort to enhance regional connectivity and support the economic development of central Bolivia.
The airport features a well-equipped, modern passenger terminal designed to handle both domestic and potential international traffic. While its primary function is currently domestic, the facility includes essential amenities such as comfortable waiting areas, administrative offices, and integrated security and passport control zones. A standout feature of Chimoré is its exceptionally long asphalt runway, which measures 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) in length—one of the longest in South America. This robust infrastructure allows the airport to accommodate almost any type of commercial or cargo aircraft, including wide-body liners, making it a highly capable hub for specialized operations.
Currently, Chimoré Airport primarily facilitates private charters, government transport, and occasional scheduled domestic services. Its role is fundamental to the regional logistics network, providing a rapid link for personnel and high-value tropical products to the major cities of the Bolivian highlands. The airport also serves as an important base for the Bolivian Air Force and anti-narcotics operations in the region. For travelers, the airport offers an efficient and less congested experience compared to the major hubs in Cochabamba or Santa Cruz, with ground transportation tocentral Chimoré readily available via local taxis and private shuttles. Its presence is a key driver for the growing eco-tourism sector in the tropical regions of central Bolivia.
🔄 Connection Tips
Chimoré Airport (CCA) is a modern and strategically located aviation facility in Bolivia's tropical Chapare region. Because it primarily serves as a point-to-point regional hub, "connecting" here requires a clear understanding of the logistics between the lowlands and the major highland cities. The most reliable air connections are provided by Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), which links Chimoré to Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB) in Cochabamba and Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz. If your itinerary involves a connection to an international flight in Santa Cruz, it is critical to allow a minimum of 4 to 5 hours, as tropical weather in the Amazon basin can frequently cause sudden flight delays or seasonal cancellations. For travelers who prefer ground transportation, Chimoré sits on the "Carretera Nueva" (New Road) that connects Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. A journey to Cochabamba city typically takes 3 to 4 hours by car or bus through the dramatic mountain passes, while reaching Santa Cruz takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. During the rainy season from December to March, these roads are prone to landslides and sudden closures, making air connections the far safer and more efficient choice. If you are heading to the popular eco-tourism hub of Villa Tunari, it is only a 30 to 40-minute taxi or "trufi" (shared minivan) ride from the CCA terminal. Upon arrival, note that the airport has limited food and retail services, so it is wise to carry your own snacks and water. Always verify your flight status with BoA at least 24 hours in advance, as schedules can be seasonal and adjusted based on regional demand.
⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Apolo Airport (APB) is a vital regional aviation facility serving the town of Apolo in the northern La Paz Department of Bolivia. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,415 meters (4,642 feet), the facility acts as a critical lifeline for the Franz Tamayo Province, providing a rapid alternative to the challenging and often treacherous overland routes through the Yungas region. The terminal infrastructure is minimalist, consisting of a functional administrative building that provides basic shelter and passenger processing for the light aircraft and turboprops that dominate local operations.
The airport's technical capabilities are centered around a single runway, identified as 18/36, which measures approximately 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) in length. While some older records describe it as a grass strip, recent improvements have aimed at providing a more stable surface to accommodate year-round operations. For navigation, the field is equipped with a non-directional beacon (NDB) with the identifier 'APB', though pilots primarily rely on visual flight rules (VFR) given the surrounding mountainous terrain and the lack of a published METAR service.
Ground handling and airport services are managed with a focus on supporting the region's agricultural and burgeoning ecotourism sectors. While the airfield lacks the complex amenities of a major commercial hub, it offers a welcoming and authentic atmosphere characteristic of the sub-Andean frontier. Navigating the terminal is extremely simple, with walking distances between the check-in area and the aircraft parking stands being negligible. The airport's location on the edge of the town ensures that travelers are just a few minutes away from local community services and guesthouses.
🔄 Connection Tips
Connecting through Apolo Airport (APB) is a specialized process tailored for travelers heading to the remote Madidi National Park and the high-biodiversity frontiers of the Franz Tamayo Province. Since the airport does not currently host regularly scheduled commercial airline services, 'connections' at this facility typically involve transitioning from a private or government charter flight to local ground transportation. It is absolutely essential to coordinate all aspects of your journey—including flight manifests, cargo requirements, and ground pickups—directly with your charter operator or local host well in advance of your departure from La Paz.\n\nGround transportation from the 1,300-meter grass runway is informal and must be pre-arranged. There are no on-demand taxi ranks or public shuttle services at the airstrip; instead, visitors are usually met by local 4x4 vehicles or coordinate motorbike taxi (moto-taxi) transfers for the short journey into the Apolo town center. For those planning onward overland travel to the capital, the 400-kilometer road journey typically takes 10 to 12 hours under optimal conditions, but can extend to over 18 hours during the rainy season (December to March) when unpaved sections of the route become extremely muddy. Travelers should be prepared for substantial schedule fluidity; it is highly recommended to build at least a 48-hour buffer into your itinerary, as regional flights are frequently delayed or cancelled due to localized tropical storms and low cloud cover in the foothills.\n\nPassengers must arrive fully self-sufficient, as the airfield provides only minimal sheltered waiting areas and lacks any retail, dining, or financial services. Ensure you have sufficient Bolivian Bolivianos (BOB) in cash before leaving La Paz, as there are no banking facilities or ATMs in the Apolo area.
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