Capitán Av. Salvador Ogaya G. airport

Overview

Puerto Suarez Airport (IATA: PSZ) is a small regional airport serving the town of Puerto Suarez in eastern Bolivia, near the border with Brazil. It functions primarily as a domestic gateway for travellers heading into the Bolivian Pantanal, one of the world's largest tropical wetlands, and for those crossing into the Brazilian city of Corumbá. The airport handles limited commercial traffic, mainly from Bolivian carriers offering flights from major cities like Santa Cruz and La Paz, along with occasional private charters and general aviation. Due to its modest size, the airport provides essential services without the crowds and complexity of larger international hubs. For passengers, it offers a straightforward, no-frills entry point to a region known for its remarkable wildlife and remote landscapes.

Location & Access

Puerto Suarez Airport is located approximately 5 kilometres north of the town centre, just off the road leading to the border with Brazil. The airport sits in the lowland plains of the Santa Cruz department, an area characterised by flat terrain, seasonal rivers, and expansive wetlands. Travel to and from the airport is typically by taxi or private vehicle; there are no public bus services directly serving the terminal. The drive to downtown Puerto Suarez takes about 10–15 minutes. For those crossing into Brazil, the international bridge connecting Puerto Suarez to Corumbá is a short 20-minute taxi ride from the airport. Nearby cities include Corumbá (about 5 km away in Brazil) and the Bolivian town of Quijarro (around 10 km southwest). The larger city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra lies roughly 600 km to the northwest, accessible by domestic flights or a long road journey.

Facilities

Puerto Suarez Airport is equipped with basic amenities that cater to passenger comfort and accessibility. The terminal offers wheelchair-accessible features throughout: a designated car park with accessible spaces, an accessible entrance, and accessible toilets. This makes the airport manageable for travellers with reduced mobility. For convenience, there is baggage storage available, allowing passengers to securely store luggage if they wish to explore the area on a layover. Standard toilet facilities are also present. Note that the airport does not have a restaurant or café on site, so passengers are advised to bring snacks or eat before arriving. There are no duty-free shops or lounges; the focus is on essential services only. Given the small scale, navigating the terminal is quick and easy.

About the Region

The Pantanal is the main draw for travellers using Puerto Suarez Airport. This vast wetland spreads across Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay, but the Bolivian side—often called the Bolivian Pantanal—is less visited and more pristine. The region is famous for its incredible biodiversity, including jaguars, capybaras, caimans, giant river otters, and countless bird species. The best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October) when wildlife congregates around shrinking waterholes. Activities include boat safaris, hiking, and horseback riding. Nearby attractions include the Parque Nacional y Área Natural de Manejo Integrado Otuquis, which protects a portion of the Pantanal, and the scenic Laguna Cáceres, a large lake just south of Puerto Suarez. The town itself has a relaxed border-town atmosphere, with a mix of Bolivian and Brazilian influences, and serves as a convenient base for exploring the wetlands.

Practical Information

Puerto Suarez Airport is not open every day; its operating days and hours are limited. According to available data, peak activity occurs around 9–10 pm and 10 pm, suggesting that flights are concentrated in the evening. Travellers should confirm flight schedules with their airline well in advance. No official website or phone number is listed for the airport; for inquiries, contact your airline or the airport authority through the Bolivian civil aviation agency. The terminal is small, so arrival an hour before a domestic flight is usually sufficient. There is no ATM inside the airport, but there are banks and ATMs in Puerto Suarez town. Currency exchange services are best accessed in town or at the border. Taxis are available outside arrivals, and fares are negotiable. Given the limited amenities, packing snacks, water, and any necessary medication is recommended.