โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Paso Caballos Airport (PCG) is a remote domestic airstrip located in the Petรฉn Department of northern Guatemala, primarily serving the village of Paso Caballos and the nearby Laguna del Tigre National Park. The facility functions as a basic regional landing ground and does not feature a formal commercial passenger terminal building. It acts as a critical link for conservation efforts, government missions, and private charters heading to the El Perรบ-Waka' archaeological site.
Facilities at the airstrip are extremely limited, reflecting its role as a minor rural airfield. 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, as the facility is typically unattended by permanent staff and lacks standard airport services found at larger hubs like Mundo Maya International.
The airfield features a single unpaved runway and is situated on the banks of the San Pedro River. Operations are restricted to daylight hours under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), and access to the airstrip is often managed via unpaved roads or by riverboat. While there is no scheduled commercial airline service at PCG, ground transportation to central Paso Caballos is informal, typically requiring visitors to arrange private pickups through local community networks or conservation organizations.
๐ Connection Tips
Paso Caballos Airport (PCG) is a remote regional airstrip serving the community of Paso Caballos in the Petรฉn department of Guatemala. Ground transport into the village center consists of local private hires or motorized river boats navigating the nearby river systems. Security is a concern in this remote border region; ensure you have confirmed your security protocol before arrival
It primarily handles humanitarian flights (UN/NGO) and small government charters. Travelers must be 100% self-sufficient and carry all food, water, and medical supplies That leaves the strip closer to an aid staging point than a passenger airport, which is why every arrival needs supplies, water, and a departure plan already in place.
There is currently NO regular scheduled commercial civilian passenger service A significant tip: the airport is a gateway for exploring the Laguna del Tigre National Park; coordinate all 4WD or boat transfers through your tour operator weeks in advance. Once you leave the strip, the day is governed by access, supplies, and wildlife logistics rather than by normal airport services. The operator, boat, and 4WD transfer should all be confirmed before the flight. A boat, 4WD, and operator pickup should all be confirmed before the flight lands in Petรฉn.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Quetzaltenango Airport (AAZ), also known as Los Altos Airport, is a vital regional air link for the city of Quetzaltenango and Guatemala's western highlands. The airport operates from a single, compact terminal building that is designed for essential passenger processing for domestic flights. Its layout is straightforward, featuring integrated areas for check-in, a basic waiting lounge, and a departure gate that provides direct access to the tarmac. While not equipped with extensive modern amenities, the terminal is functional and efficient, ensuring a quick and uncomplicated experience for travelers.
The terminal offers limited amenities tailored to the needs of regional travelers. There is a basic lounge area where passengers can relax, and a small cafe provides snacks and beverages. However, extensive dining options or retail shops are not available. Parking facilities are provided for both short-term and long-term stays, and these areas are generally considered safe and well-lit. For accessibility, the airport primarily relies on ground-level access, and passengers requiring specialized assistance should coordinate in advance with TAG Airlines, the main commercial operator.
Security procedures at AAZ are in line with national regulations for regional airports, involving standard screening protocols for both carry-on and checked baggage, along with personal checks. Due to the limited flight schedule and moderate passenger volume, wait times at security checkpoints are typically short, rarely exceeding 10-15 minutes. As AAZ handles domestic traffic exclusively, international immigration or customs facilities are not present on site; these processes are completed at larger international airports like La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Quetzaltenango Airport (AAZ) are primarily domestic and have historically been facilitated by TAG Airlines, which offered the only scheduled commercial service to Guatemala City. However, as of early 2026, scheduled flights between AAZ and La Aurora International Airport (GUA) are often suspended or operate on a seasonal, charter-only basis. When active, these flights provide a vital 60-minute link between the western highlands and the capital. Travelers should verify the current operational status directly on the TAG Airlines website before planning their journey, as commercial schedules have become increasingly unreliable. If a flight is available, it is the most comfortable and scenic way to traverse the mountainous terrain of the highlands.
For international travelers connecting through Guatemala City (GUA) to reach Quetzaltenango, it is highly advisable to book all flight segments as a single itinerary if possible. This ensures that the airline is responsible for rebooking and assistance in the event of a delay on the international leg. If you must book separate tickets, allow a minimum of 4 to 5 hours between your arrival at GUA and your domestic departure to AAZ. This generous buffer is necessary to clear immigration, collect checked baggage, go through customs, and then transfer from the international wing to the domestic terminal for re-check and security screening. During peak travel periods, these administrative layers can be time-consuming, and missing the limited domestic flight can significantly disrupt travel plans.
Conversely, when departing from Quetzaltenango for an international flight via Guatemala City, meticulous timing is required. Ensure your domestic flight from AAZ arrives at GUA at least 3.5 to 4 hours before your international departure. Upon landing at GUA's domestic wing, you will need to transfer to the main international terminal for check-in and security. This process is generally straightforward within the same airport complex, but the separate security checks and potential lines at airline counters must be factored into your schedule. If the flight from AAZ is suspended, you will need to rely on the extensive ground transportation network that connects Quetzaltenango with the capital, which requires a much larger time commitment for the journey.
Due to the infrequent nature of flights, ground transportation remains the most common way to reach Quetzaltenango. First-class 'Pullman' buses, such as those operated by Transportes Alamo, Linea Dorada, or Starbus, offer a comfortable 4-to-5-hour journey from Guatemala City for approximately $12 to $25 USD. These buses depart from their own dedicated terminals in the city rather than the airport itself. For a more direct 'door-to-door' service, shared shuttles (such as Adrenalina Tours) frequently run from GUA Airport to Xela, often with a brief stop in Antigua. These shuttles cost between $35 and $50 USD and are a convenient option for international arrivals who want to avoid navigating city bus terminals with heavy luggage.
Local transportation from AAZ to the Quetzaltenango city center, which is about 5 kilometers away, is both convenient and affordable. Taxis are readily available outside the modest terminal, and it is standard practice to agree on the fare (typically in Quetzales, GTQ) before starting the 15-to-20-minute journey. Small 'microbuses' also serve the airport area, offering a more economical way to reach various parts of the city. For those who choose ground travel for the entire trip from Guatemala City, the journey offers spectacular views of the western highlands, though the winding roads and heavy traffic in areas like Chimaltenango make it a significantly longer and more tiring experience compared to the 1-hour flight.
โ Back to Paso Caballos Airport