Tres De Mayo Airport

Overview

Tres de Mayo Airport (IATA: PUU) serves as the primary aviation gateway for Puerto Asís, a bustling town in the heart of the Colombian Amazon. This domestic airport handles scheduled and charter flights connecting the remote Putumayo department with major cities like Bogotá and Cali. It is used primarily by travelers heading into the Amazon basin—whether for eco-tourism, visiting indigenous communities, or business related to the region’s agriculture and oil industries. Despite its relatively small size, the airport plays a critical role in reducing travel time to this part of the country, where road connections are limited and often slow.

The airport operates during daylight hours and is not open every day, so advance planning is essential. It is a no-frills facility focused on efficiency, with essential services for passengers awaiting departures or arrivals.

Location & Access

Tres de Mayo Airport is located approximately 5 kilometers northeast of Puerto Asís’s city center, just off the main road leading toward the town of Orito. The airport sits at an elevation of around 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level, in a region characterized by dense tropical rainforest and numerous rivers.

Getting to and from the airport:

• Taxi: The most convenient option. A taxi from the airport to downtown Puerto Asís takes about 10–15 minutes and costs a modest amount (usually no more than COP 10,000–15,000). Taxis are typically available outside the terminal during flight times.
• Private vehicle: There is a small car park at the airport (wheelchair-accessible). Rental cars are available in the city but booking in advance is recommended, as options are limited.
• Public transport: Buses and colectivos (shared vans) run along the main road, but they do not enter the airport directly. Passengers may need to walk a few hundred meters to the nearest stop.

Nearby cities and distances:

• Puerto Asís (city center): 5 km (3 miles)
• Mocoa: about 90 km (56 miles) by road, roughly 2 hours
• Pasto: around 200 km (124 miles), approximately 5 hours via winding mountain roads
• Ecuadorian border (San Miguel): only about 20 km (12 miles) south, making the airport a potential entry point for cross-border travel

The airport’s location in the Amazon basin means heavy rainfall is common, especially from April to June and October to December; flights may occasionally be delayed or cancelled due to weather.

Facilities

Tres de Mayo Airport is a modest facility that prioritizes accessibility and basic comfort. Confirmed amenities include:

• Wheelchair-Accessible Car Park: Reserved spaces near the terminal entrance.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance: A ramp or level entry for easy access.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Toilet: A dedicated restroom for passengers with mobility needs.
• General Toilet: Standard restrooms are available for all passengers.

Beyond these, the terminal offers a small waiting area, a check-in counter, and basic seating. There are no shops, restaurants, or cafes inside the terminal; passengers should bring their own snacks and water. Free Wi-Fi is not confirmed. The airport is compact, so navigating from check-in to the boarding area takes only a few minutes.

Baggage handling: Standard domestic luggage limits apply. There are no luggage storage facilities.

About the Region

Puerto Asís is the commercial hub of the Putumayo department, a region famous for its Amazon rainforest, rich biodiversity, and cultural diversity. The area is home to numerous indigenous groups, including the Inga, Kichwa, and Siona. The local economy relies on agriculture (particularly palm oil and plantains), livestock, and extraction of oil and timber.

Tourists primarily visit for:

• Amazon eco-tourism: Jungle treks, birdwatching, and river excursions on the Putumayo River.
• Border crossing: The nearby bridge to Ecuador (San Miguel) makes it a convenient stop for overland travel between Colombia and Ecuador.
• Cultural experiences: Indigenous communities offer homestays and craft markets.

The climate is tropical and humid, with temperatures averaging 25–30°C (77–86°F) year-round. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing and waterproof gear are recommended.

Practical Information

• Phone: +57 320 2921317 (may reach airport staff or management)
• Website: No official website is available; check with airlines for schedules.
• Operating hours: The airport does not open every day. It typically operates during daylight hours, with peak activity around 7 pm and 8 pm (likely due to arriving flights from larger cities). Passengers should verify flight times and airport opening hours with their airline or travel agent before traveling.
• Parking: Free car park on site, wheelchair-accessible.
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible within the terminal.
• Security: Standard domestic security screening. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for small aircraft (check-in closes earlier for larger planes).

Given the limited facilities, plan accordingly: bring any needed food or medication, and confirm your flight status in advance, especially during rainy months.