Aviador C. Campos Airport

Chapelco - Aviador Carlos Campos Airport sits 22 kilometres east of San Martin de los Andes, on the Patagonian steppe just before the road climbs into the Andes. It is the main air access point for the northern Lake District of Neuquén Province, a region of deep glacial lakes, ancient forests, and snow-capped volcanoes. The airport replaced an older airstrip in the 1990s and now handles regular commercial flights from Buenos Aires and other Patagonian cities, along with seasonal charter traffic for the ski season. Its single runway aligns with the prevailing westerly winds, and on approach, passengers often spot the shimmering surface of Lake Lacar or the conical peak of Lanín Volcano. The terminal is small—one concourse, two gates—but functional, serving around 200,000 passengers per year in normal times. What it lacks in size it makes up for in proximity: from touchdown to the centre of San Martin de los Andes takes about 25 minutes by car.

Getting There

San Martin de los Andes is the closest town. The airport is connected by Route 62, a paved two-lane road that crosses open plains before winding through ñire and coihue forests. The journey takes 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic, which is rarely heavy except during peak ski weekends in July and August. Taxis and remises (private hire cars) wait at arrivals; a trip to town costs around 2,000 to 3,500 Argentine pesos (as of early 2025, cash in pesos is expected). Several car rental agencies have desks in the terminal: local and international brands operate here, but booking ahead is advisable, especially in winter. There is no public bus serving the airport directly, though some transfer companies offer shared shuttles to hotels and the town centre. For those heading to other destinations, such as Villa La Angostura (100 km south) or San Carlos de Bariloche (160 km south), renting a car or arranging a private transfer is the only practical option. The road to Bariloche via Route 234 is scenic but takes about two and a half hours. During winter snowstorms, check road conditions; chains may be required on some stretches.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Chapelco Airport is a single-storey building with a flat roof and large windows. On arrival, passengers walk from the aircraft across the tarmac and enter a small baggage claim hall with one carousel. The check-in area has a modest row of counters shared by Aerolíneas Argentinas and Flybondi, the two main carriers. Security screening is standard but usually quick; the airport is quiet enough that queues rarely exceed 15 minutes. The waiting area after security has a handful of seats, a small café selling coffee, sandwiches and empanadas, and a shop with local chocolate and souvenir items. Free Wi-Fi is available (connect to the "Aeropuerto Chapelco" network, no password). Wheelchair accessibility is fully provided: ramps, accessible toilets, and a designated parking area near the entrance. There is a baby changing table in the accessible toilet. Baggage storage is available at the information desk; useful for those arriving early and wanting to explore before check-in. Toilets are clean but limited in number. The atmosphere is relaxed but can feel crowded when two flights arrive simultaneously, which happens around the busiest times: Monday at 3 pm, Tuesday at 2 pm, Wednesday at 3 pm, and Thursday at noon. There are no lounges or extensive dining options, so eating before arriving or carrying snacks is wise. Boarding is by walk to the aircraft via the apron, no jet bridges.

Chapelco - Aviador Carlos Campos Airport and San Martin de los Andes

San Martin de los Andes is the kind of place that defines Patagonia for many visitors. It sits on the northern shore of Lake Lacar, a 60-kilometre-long glacial lake framed by the Andes. Founded in 1898 as a military outpost, the town grew around forestry and tourism, preserving an Alpine style in its architecture: pitched roofs, stone facades, and wooden balconies. The main street, Avenida San Martin, runs parallel to the lake and is lined with chocolate shops, craft breweries, and outdoor gear stores. In winter, the town transforms into a base for Cerro Chapelco, a ski resort 20 kilometres away with 28 runs and a vertical drop of 1,200 metres. Skiers and snowboarders fill the slopes from June to October, and the airport sees its highest traffic then. Summer offers a different draw: hiking in Lanín National Park, fly-fishing on the Collón Curá River, kayaking on Lake Lacar, and the famous Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Route of the Seven Lakes) that winds north to Villa La Angostura. The region was historically Mapuche territory, and the nearby community of Quila Quina offers cultural visits. For many travellers, the appeal is the quiet beauty—fewer crowds than Bariloche, a slower pace, and nature that feels untouched. The airport, small as it is, is the most efficient way to reach this corner of Argentina. A two-and-a-half-hour flight from Buenos Aires replaces a 19-hour bus ride or a long drive. It is not a hub for connections; it is a destination airport in the truest sense: you arrive because you want to be here, and the journey ends the moment you step outside.

Practical Information

The airport is open daily from around 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, though hours can vary with flight schedules. It is not a 24-hour facility, so overnight stays are not possible. Contact the airport by phone at +54 2972 42-8388 or visit the website at https://aeropuertochapelco.com/ for updated flight information. The busiest days and times are Monday at 3 pm, Tuesday at 2 pm, Wednesday at 3 pm, and Thursday at 12 pm—try to avoid arriving at these peaks if you prefer a quiet experience. There is no ATM inside the terminal, so bring cash for taxis and food. Credit cards are accepted at the café and shop. A concrete piece of advice: if your flight departs on a Thursday, plan to arrive by 10 am; the noon rush means longer queues at check-in and security, and the car park can fill up.