⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Capitán Aníbal Arab Airport (CIJ), also known by its ICAO code SLCO, is a significant international aviation gateway serving the city of Cobija and the Pando Department in the northernmost part of the Bolivian Amazon. Located just a few kilometers from the borders with both Brazil and Peru, the airport acts as a critical link for the region's prominent timber, nut, and rubber industries. The facility is managed by AASANA and is recognized for its strategic importance in connecting the isolated Pando region with the rest of Bolivia.
The airport features a functional passenger terminal that is designated as an official Airport of Entry, meaning it is equipped with permanent customs and immigration facilities to handle international traffic. The terminal building is designed for efficient regional operations, housing check-in counters, a centralized security screening area, and a comfortable waiting hall. The airfield consists of a single 2,000-meter asphalt runway (02/20) that is capable of handling the medium-haul jet aircraft and regional turboprops that connect the Amazonian lowlands with the high-altitude hubs of the Andes. Amenities within the terminal include several small cafes serving local Bolivian refreshments, basic retail kiosks, and essential restroom facilities.
Commercial services at CIH are primarily anchored by Bolivia's major domestic carriers, including Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and EcoJet. These airlines provide frequent non-stop links to national hubs such as La Paz (LPB), Cochabamba (CBB), and Santa Cruz (VVI), as well as regional destinations like Trinidad. These routes are vital for the economic and social integration of the Pando Department, offering a significantly faster alternative to the arduous overland journeys through the jungle. Ground transportation into central Cobija is exceptionally efficient, with local motorcycle taxis ('moto-taxis') and traditional taxis providing quick 10-15 minute transfers to the city center and the international bridges.
🔄 Connection Tips
Capitán Aníbal Arab Airport (CIJ) serves as a critical international gateway in northern Bolivia, strategically located in the "triple border" region near Brazil and Peru. Because the airport handles domestic and limited international traffic, "connecting" here requires a clear understanding of the regional air network and border logistics. The primary commercial air links are provided by Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and EcoJet, which connect Cobija to national hubs like Santa Cruz (VVI) and La Paz (LPB). Most flights to Santa Cruz now require a stopover in La Paz, making the total travel time approximately 4.5 hours. If you are connecting to a long-haul international flight in Santa Cruz, it is essential to allow a minimum buffer of 5 hours to account for potential afternoon tropical storms in the Amazon. For those heading to the border, the "Friendship Bridge" to Brasiléia, Brazil, is just a 10-minute taxi or moto-taxi ride from the airport. It is vital to obtain your exit stamp from the Bolivian immigration office in Cobija before crossing. If your destination is Peru, you must travel through Brazil to the Assis Brasil/Iñapari crossing, a journey of approximately 2 hours. Road travel from Cobija to other major Bolivian cities is extremely difficult and can take over 48 hours during the November to April rainy season; flying is the far superior choice. Upon arrival at CIJ, motorcycle taxis are the fastest way to reach central Cobija or the border posts. While waiting for your flight, look for local Amazonian "Castaña" (Brazil nut) products in the terminal kiosks, which are a regional specialty. Always verify your flight status on the carrier app, as schedules in the Pando region can be adjusted based on seasonal weather patterns.
⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Baures Airport (BVL) is a critical regional aviation facility serving the village of Baures and the wider Iténez Province in the Beni Department of Bolivia. Situated in the vast Amazon lowlands, the airport provides a vital transportation link for a region where road travel is frequently impossible during the long rainy season. It serves as a primary aerial gateway for government officials, agricultural technicians, and local residents, connecting this remote cattle-ranching district with the provincial capital, Trinidad, and major national hubs.
The airport operates through a single, minimalist passenger terminal area designed for functional efficiency in a tropical savanna environment. The facility manages a modest flow of domestic flights, primarily consisting of private charters and specialized air taxi services that cater to the surrounding massive ranching estates. A defining feature of the airfield is its 1,440-meter grass runway, designated 17/35, which is engineered to support the light turboprop aircraft commonly used for regional transit in the Bolivian interior. Because the airfield lacks modern runway lighting and advanced navigational aids, all flight operations are strictly limited to daylight hours and are conducted under visual flight rules (VFR).
Beyond its role in commercial and administrative travel, Baures Airport is an essential node for the region’s thriving cattle industry, which serves as the primary driver of the local economy. The airfield acts as a transition point for high-value components, veterinary supplies, and personnel managing the expansive grasslands of the Beni. It also plays a vital role in regional logistics, providing a platform for emergency medical evacuations and the delivery of critical supplies to isolated communities. The terminal maintains a quiet and utilitarian atmosphere, reflecting its status as a working node in Bolivia’s agricultural heartland.
Ground transportation at BVL is primarily handled via local private vehicles, motorcycles, and horses, as there are no established public bus routes or professional car rental agencies directly at the airfield. The airport is conveniently located immediately adjacent to the western side of the Baures village center, making it highly accessible for residents and visitors on foot. Arriving travelers are encouraged to coordinate their onward transportation and lodging well in advance through local contacts or authorized transportation providers. A small, unpaved parking area is available near the terminal structures for the convenience of local residents utilizing the airfield for logistics.
🔄 Connection Tips
Baures Airport (BVL) is a critical regional airfield serving the remote village of Baures in the Beni Department of Bolivia. Navigating a connection here is extremely simple due to the airport's minimalist, single-terminal design. All arrivals, departures, and check-in services are processed within a unified building, making walking distances negligible. However, travelers should note that BVL is not a traditional transit hub. Most flights are domestic connections to regional centers like Trinidad (TDD) or specialized air taxi services for the area's massive cattle ranches. If your journey involves switching between different air taxi operators, you will likely need to collect your luggage and re-check it at the centralized desk.
A defining feature of BVL is its 1,440-meter grass runway, which lacks modern lighting and advanced navigational aids. Consequently, all flight operations are strictly limited to daylight hours under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). We highly recommend allowing significant buffer time for your connections, as regional flights in the Beni are frequently delayed or cancelled due to heavy seasonal rainfall that can make grass runways temporarily unusable. Additionally, be aware that the light aircraft commonly used here have very strict weight limits for baggage; utilizing soft-sided luggage can help ensure your belongings fit within the small cargo compartments.
Ground transportation to the village of Baures, located approximately 5 kilometers from the terminal, is primarily provided by local taxis that meet scheduled flight arrivals. Facilities at the terminal are very basic, with no formal restaurants, retail shops, or ATMs. We strongly advise bringing your own bottled water and snacks for your wait. It is also essential to carry sufficient local currency (Bolivianos) in cash, as credit cards are rarely accepted in the village and mobile signal or Wi-Fi at the airport is extremely limited or non-existent.
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