Los Colonizadores Airport

Overview

Los Colonizadores Airport (IATA: RVE) serves the town of Saravena and the broader Arauca department in northeastern Colombia. It is a domestic airport handling regional flights, primarily operated by airlines such as SATENA and Clic Air, connecting this remote part of the country to Bogotá, Cúcuta, and other destinations. The airport is named after the Colombian colonization of the eastern plains (Llanos Orientales) and plays a vital role for oil workers, government officials, and locals who rely on air transport due to limited road infrastructure in the region.

Location & Access

Los Colonizadores Airport is situated approximately 3 kilometres southeast of downtown Saravena, on the road leading towards the Venezuelan border. Saravena itself lies in the foothills of the Eastern Cordillera, near the Arauca River which forms the natural boundary with Venezuela. The airport is the main gateway for travellers heading to nearby municipalities such as Tame, Arauca city, and the vast plains of the Llanos. To reach the airport, passengers can take taxis or private vehicles from the town centre; there is limited public transport, so arranging a ride in advance is recommended. The drive takes about 10 minutes. Parking is available at the terminal, including a designated wheelchair-accessible car park.

Facilities

Los Colonizadores Airport is a small facility with essential services for passengers. Based on confirmed amenities, the airport offers:

• Wheelchair-accessible car park – designated spaces close to the terminal entrance.
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance – ramps and wide doors for easy access.
• Wheelchair-accessible toilet – a fully accessible restroom within the terminal.
• Baggage storage – secure storage for luggage, useful for travellers with layovers or those exploring the area for a few hours.
• Toilet – standard washroom facilities available.

The terminal also includes basic seating areas and check-in counters. Given its size, food and beverage options are limited; passengers are advised to bring snacks or buy items before arrival. There are no shops or duty-free outlets. The airport operates with a small staff and a single boarding gate, which leads to the tarmac where passengers walk to the aircraft.

About the Region

Saravena is located in the Arauca department, part of Colombia's Llanos Orientales region – vast tropical grasslands that stretch from the Cordillera Oriental eastward into Venezuela. The area is known for its cattle ranching, oil extraction, and traditional llanero culture (cowboy culture). The Arauca River is a major waterway, and the region is a key transit point for trade and migration at the Colombian-Venezuelan border. Saravena itself was founded in the early 20th century by colonists and has grown due to the oil industry, with many workers commuting via Los Colonizadores Airport. Travellers come to the region for business (mainly oil and agriculture), to visit the nearby natural attractions such as the Caño Limón oil field or the vast plains ecosystem, which is home to capybaras, howler monkeys, and numerous bird species. The airport also serves as a humanitarian hub, providing access for international organisations working in border areas.

Practical Information

Opening Hours: Los Colonizadores Airport is not open every day; it operates on days with scheduled flights. Peak hours are around 11:00 am and 12:00 pm, likely corresponding to flight departures and arrivals. Passengers should confirm flight schedules with their airline and plan to arrive at least one hour before departure for domestic flights.

Contact: Telephone +57 319 3909388 – this may be useful for last-minute inquiries about flight status or airport services, though it is recommended to contact the airline directly.

Website: No official website is available. For updates, passengers should check the websites of operating airlines: SATENA (www.satena.com) or Clic Air (www.clicair.com.co).

Additional Tips:

• Cash is recommended as card payment options may be limited at the airport and in Saravena.
• Taxis from the town centre are relatively inexpensive; agree on a fare beforehand.
• The airport is small, so queues for check-in can form quickly; allow extra time.
• Baggage storage can be arranged at the information counter – inquire upon arrival.
• For travellers with reduced mobility, the accessible facilities are available, but it is advisable to notify the airline in advance for assistance.