Los Planes Airport

Aeropuerto De Calima Apartado sits on the outskirts of Apartado, a city in the Urabá region of northwestern Colombia, functioning as the main base for Colombia's leading aerial crop-spraying company. Unlike typical regional airports, this one handles no commercial flights. Its single paved runway sees traffic from crop dusters, agricultural aircraft, and the occasional private plane. Locals and visitors alike know it simply as Calima Airport. The airfield is compact, well-maintained, and set against the backdrop of rolling green hills that characterise the banana-growing plains of Antioquia. Despite its specialised role, the airport has become a quiet point of interest for those curious about the logistics that support Colombia's massive agricultural industry. The company that operates from here, Calima, is a national leader in aerial spraying, and its facilities reflect that reputation. The field is gated and access is controlled, but for those with a legitimate reason to be there—whether for business or a planned visit—the experience is remarkably straightforward.

Getting There

Aeropuerto De Calima Apartado is located approximately 8 kilometres north of Apartado's city centre. The most practical way to reach it is by car or taxi, a journey that takes about 15 minutes depending on traffic. From the main road that connects Apartado to Turbo, turn onto a clearly marked access road leading to the airport entrance. The road is paved and in good condition, a sign of the investment the company has made in its base of operations. Taxis from Apartado charge a flat rate of around 15,000–20,000 Colombian pesos (about 4–5 USD). There is no public bus that serves the airport directly, so visitors should arrange transport in advance. For those driving, the airport has a wheelchair-accessible car park with enough space for a dozen vehicles. The car park is secure and well-lit, and the company's staff are accustomed to directing visitors to the appropriate areas. Given the airport's private nature, it's advisable to call ahead (+57 48296364) to confirm access times and any specific entry procedures.

Inside the Terminal

There is no conventional passenger terminal at Aeropuerto De Calima Apartado. Instead, the experience begins at a small reception building near the entrance, which houses the company's offices and a waiting area. This building features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a toilet that meets accessibility standards. The atmosphere is professional and no-nonsense—this is a working airfield, not a travel hub. Once inside, visitors will find a simple desk, a few chairs, and large windows that overlook the runway and the surrounding countryside. The staff are knowledgeable about the operations and happy to explain the aircraft and their roles, provided they are not busy with active flights. The runway itself stretches 1,200 metres, enough for the turboprop crop dusters that form the bulk of the traffic. Viewing the aircraft from the car park or near the reception area is the best vantage point; the field is flat and offers clear sightlines. Because the airport is private, there are no shops, cafés, or departure lounges. Visitors should plan to spend only as much time as needed to observe the operations or conduct business.

Aeropuerto De Calima Apartado and Apartado

Aeropuerto De Calima Apartado exists because of Apartado and the region it serves. Apartado is the commercial and administrative centre of the Urabá region, one of Colombia's most productive agricultural areas. The city's economy revolves around banana and plantain plantations, cattle ranching, and increasingly, tourism to the nearby Caribbean coast. The airport's primary function—aerial crop spraying—is essential to maintaining the vast monoculture fields that stretch for kilometres in every direction. Calima's aircraft can cover in minutes what would take a ground crew days, and the precision of their application reduces waste and environmental impact. For travellers passing through Apartado, the airport offers a rare glimpse into this world. The best time to visit is late afternoon, when the sun dips behind the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and paints the airfield in hues of orange and gold. The sunset views from the car park are stunning, and the sight of a crop duster silhouetted against the glowing sky is memorable. Beyond the airport, Apartado provides a gateway to the Urabá Gulf, with beaches, mangroves, and the popular tourist destination of Capurganá reachable by boat or road. The city itself has a lively central square, a cathedral, and markets selling fresh tropical fruit. For those interested in Colombian history, the area was once a stronghold of paramilitary groups but has since transformed into a peaceful, growing community. The airport's presence underscores this economic revival: it is a symbol of legitimate industry and professional expertise in a region that has overcome significant challenges.

Practical Information

Aeropuerto De Calima Apartado is open on weekdays only, with the busiest times recorded on Monday at 9 am, Tuesday at 9 am, Wednesday at 7 am, and Thursday at 10 am. The airport is closed on weekends. Confirm access by calling +57 48296364 or visiting the company website at http://calima.com.co/. There are no commercial flights, so all visits must be arranged in advance. The facility offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance, car park, and toilet. Visitors should bring their own refreshments as there are no food or drink services on site. Photography is allowed in the public areas, but always ask permission before taking pictures of the aircraft or staff. One concrete tip: arrive an hour before sunset to witness the departure of the day's last crop dusting flights, when the low sun creates a spectacular backdrop for the planes taking off over the banana fields.