Santa Teresita Airport

Santa Teresita Airport (IATA: none, ICAO: none) is a small regional airstrip located in the Comunidade Marquito area of Bolivia's Beni Department. It serves as a logistical link for the surrounding rural communities, handling light aircraft and chartered flights. The airport operates on a limited schedule, with confirmed busiest times on Monday at noon, Tuesday at 8 pm, Wednesday at 5 pm, and Thursday at 4 pm. It is open only on select days, reflecting the low-demand nature of this remote facility. The single gravel runway runs roughly east-west, and the terminal is a modest one-room building with basic amenities. For travelers heading into the Bolivian Amazon, Santa Teresita offers a no-frills entry point that prioritizes function over comfort.

Getting There

Santa Teresita Airport sits about 12 kilometers south of the town of Trinidad, the capital of Beni Department. The journey from Trinidad’s city center takes roughly 20 minutes by car along the unsealed road that connects to the airport. Most visitors arrange private transport or taxis from Trinidad; there is no public bus service directly to the airport. A taxi from Trinidad’s main square typically costs between 50 and 80 Bolivianos (around $7–$12 USD), depending on negotiation and time of day. The road is passable year-round but can become muddy after heavy rains, especially during the wet season from November to March. For those driving themselves, the route follows the main road south from Trinidad toward the community of Marquito, with a clearly marked turnoff for the airport. Parking at the airport is free and available on a gravel lot adjacent to the terminal.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Santa Teresita Airport is a single-story building with a waiting area, a check-in counter, and a confirmed toilet facility. The waiting area has plastic chairs arranged in a row, with a small table for passengers to place bags. There are no food or drink concessions, so travelers should bring their own snacks and water. The check-in process is manual and handled by a single staff member who also manages boarding announcements. The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried, with only a handful of passengers typically present. Security screening is minimal — usually a quick bag inspection and a metal detector wand. Departures and arrivals occur in the same space, as the tarmac is visible through a large window. The toilet is basic but clean, with a squat toilet and a sink with cold water. There is no air conditioning, but ceiling fans provide some relief during the hottest parts of the day. The entire terminal can be crossed in under a minute. For those waiting, it is best to arrive no more than 30 minutes before a scheduled flight, as there is little to do inside.

Santa Teresita Airport and Comunidade Marquito

Comunidade Marquito is a small rural settlement in the Beni Department, a region characterized by vast plains, meandering rivers, and isolated cattle ranches. The community itself has a population of a few hundred people, many of whom work in agriculture or livestock. The airport is a critical lifeline, providing access to medical evacuation flights, supplies, and seasonal tourists. The area around Marquito is part of the Bolivian Amazon basin, with dense forests and wetlands that support diverse wildlife. Travelers who fly into Santa Teresita are typically visiting nearby estancias (ranches) or heading deeper into the jungle for ecotourism or fishing expeditions.

The Beni Department is known for its unique blend of indigenous and cowboy (vaquero) culture. The town of Trinidad, just to the north, hosts a vibrant weekly market where local handicrafts, cheese, and tropical fruits are sold. The nearby Isiboro Sécure National Park offers pristine wilderness, with opportunities to spot pink river dolphins, jaguars, and capybaras. Comunidade Marquito itself is not a tourist destination per se, but its airport is the most practical entry point for those exploring the remote waterways and riparian forests of the region. The community has basic shops and a small church, but most visitors will find accommodation in Trinidad or at one of the rural lodges that offer guided tours. The airport’s limited hours reflect the low density of air traffic; flights are usually charter services for government officials, missionaries, or researchers. For the adventurous traveler, a visit to Comunidade Marquito offers a genuine glimpse into life on the Bolivian frontier, where the runway is just a strip of packed earth and the terminal a modest shelter from the tropical sun.

Practical Information

Santa Teresita Airport is not open every day; check with your airline or charter service for specific operating days. The busiest times are Monday at 12 pm, Tuesday at 8 pm, Wednesday at 5 pm, and Thursday at 4 pm. There is no official website or phone number for the airport; all bookings are handled through local air operators in Trinidad. The airport has a simple toilet, but no food, water, or ATM. Bring cash in Bolivianos. For arrivals, there are no car rental desks, so prearrange transport from Trinidad. The best advice: contact a local tour operator in Trinidad to confirm your flight and arrange a taxi to the airport — they will know the schedule and road conditions.