Capitán Av. Selin Zeitun Lopez Airport

Overview

Selin Zeitun Lopez Airport serves the city of Riberalta, a key urban centre in the Bolivian Amazon. It is a regional airport handling domestic flights within Bolivia, primarily connecting the northern departments of Beni and Pando to the rest of the country. The airport is named after a local figure and plays a vital role in the region’s transport network, particularly for passengers travelling for business, trade, and family visits. Given the remoteness of the area – Riberalta is surrounded by rainforest and major rivers – the airport is a lifeline for residents and a convenient entry point for visitors exploring the Amazon basin. Cargo flights also operate, transporting local products such as Brazil nuts and timber.

Location & Access

The airport is located a short distance from the centre of Riberalta, in the Beni Department near the border with Pando. Riberalta sits at the confluence of the Beni and Madre de Dios rivers, and the airport is easily reached by road from the city centre – a taxi ride typically takes around 10–15 minutes. There is no public transport directly serving the airport, so passengers usually arrange taxis or private transfers. For those driving, the airport has a wheelchair-accessible car park. Riberalta itself lies roughly 120 km south of Cobija (the capital of Pando) and about 150 km west of Guayaramerín, which sits on the Mamoré River. The nearest major city with wider international connections is La Paz, but flights from Riberalta go primarily to La Paz, Cochabamba, and Trinidad. Travel times by road between these cities are very long, making air travel the preferred option.

Facilities

As a small regional airport, Selin Zeitun Lopez offers essential amenities but not extensive services. The terminal is designed with accessibility in mind: there is a wheelchair-accessible car park, a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. Standard toilets are also available. However, there are no on-site shops, restaurants, or lounges confirmed. Passengers should bring any necessary snacks, drinks, or reading material for their wait. The airport’s facilities are basic but functional, focusing on the core needs of travellers. Given the limited services, it is advisable to arrive well prepared, especially if flights are delayed.

About the Region

Riberalta lies deep in the Bolivian Amazon, an area known for its rich biodiversity, tropical rainforest, and extensive river systems. The region was historically a centre of the rubber boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and remnants of that era can still be seen. Today, the economy relies on Brazil nut harvesting, fishing, gold mining, and agriculture. Riberalta is a gateway for ecotourism: visitors come for guided jungle treks, river excursions, and wildlife spotting – including pink river dolphins, monkeys, and countless bird species. The nearby Madre de Dios and Beni rivers offer opportunities for boat trips and fishing. Indigenous communities, such as the Tacana and Tsimané, inhabit the surrounding forests, and cultural tours are available. The climate is tropical humid, with heavy rainfall from November to March, so travellers should pack accordingly.

Practical Information

Selin Zeitun Lopez Airport does not operate every day – flights are scheduled according to airline timetables, and the terminal is open only on days with departures or arrivals. The busiest times appear to be around 8 and 9 in the evening, typically when flights from La Paz or Cochabamba are due. Passengers should confirm flight schedules with their airline or local travel agent well in advance. There is no official website or phone number for the airport, so booking and inquiries must be made through the operating carriers (usually Bolivian airlines such as BoA or Amaszonas). As facilities are minimal, arrive at least one hour before a domestic flight to allow time for check-in and security. For those with mobility needs, the accessible parking and entrance make entry straightforward. While the airport lacks luxury amenities, its role in connecting this remote Amazonian region to the rest of Bolivia cannot be overstated.