La Quiaca Airport Overview

La Quiaca Airport (ICAO: SASQ) is a public airport serving La Quiaca in Jujuy Province, Argentina. Perched on the high-altitude Altiplano near the Bolivian border, it is approximately 2 km east of the city centre and is a key link for this remote Andean region. The airport primarily supports general aviation, facilitating connectivity for tourism and cross-border trade in the Puna landscape. Note: The IATA code ULC is not officially assigned to La Quiaca Airport in standard aviation databases and has been removed as it is not applicable.

General Information

Serves: La Quiaca, Jujuy Province, Argentina

Country: Argentina

ICAO: SASQ

IATA: None

Elevation: 11,417 ft (3,480 m)

Coordinates: 22°09′02″S 65°34′40″W

Airport Type: Public (general aviation, no scheduled commercial flights)

Domestic/International: Domestic (no international customs/immigration facilities)

Timezone: UTC-3 (ART, Argentine Time, no daylight savings)

Distance from City: ~2 km east of La Quiaca city centre (5–10 min by car)

Official Airport Website: None (no dedicated website; managed by local authorities or ANAC, www.anac.gov.ar for general aviation info)

Operational Details

Runways: 1

Longest Runway: 1,900 x 30 m (6,234 x 98 ft), asphalt

PCN: Not published (likely suitable for light aircraft; confirm with airport authority)

Fire Category: CAT 3–4 (estimated for small airports with general aviation focus)

Tower Frequency: None (likely uses standard traffic advisory frequency, e.g., 122.8 MHz; confirm with Aeroclub)

Ground Frequency: None

Navaid: None (no on-site navaids documented; nearest VOR likely in Salta region)

AOE (Airport of Entry): No

Type of Aircraft Handled: Light aircraft (e.g., Cessna, Piper; high-altitude operations require performance considerations)

Terminal Capacity: None (no commercial passenger terminal)

Cargo Capacity: Minimal (limited to small packages for private flights)

Fuel Types: Avgas (confirm with Aeroclub; Jet A-1 unlikely)

FBO: None available

Equipment Available: Basic ground handling (e.g., tie-downs, chocks; confirm specifics)

Ground Handler Information: No formal ground handling services documented. Aeroclub La Quiaca or local airport authorities manage operations, providing basic support for general aviation (e.g., parking refuelling coordination). Contact Aeroclub at +54 3885 421 234 (unverified; general La Quiaca aviation contact). External ground handlers from larger airports (e.g., Salta) may be arranged for special operations, which is rare for La Quiaca’s scale.

Operational Information

Permit Approval Lead Time: 48 hours

PPR: Not required

Slots: Not required

Alternate Airports:  

  • SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~1,600 km)  
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~1,300 km)  
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~1,400 km)  
  • Recommended: SASA (Salta, ~350 km), SANT (Tucumán, ~500 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 3885 422 111 (La Quiaca Police, general line)

Fire: +54 3885 421 100 (La Quiaca Fire Department)

Customs: Not applicable (no customs service)

Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 3885 421 234 (Aeroclub La Quiaca, unverified)

Tourist Information

Immigration Rules: Valid passport; visa for some nationalities (USA, EU, Canada visa-free for 90 days)

Crew Requirements: Uniform, passport, visa (if applicable), Gendec for private flights

Ground Transport: Limited car rentals, local buses, non-metered taxis (fare to City: 1,200–2,500 ARS, negotiate)

Accommodation:  

  • Hotel de Turismo La Quiaca (modern, central)  
  • Hotel Frontera (comfortable, mid-range)  
  • Hospedaje El Norte (budget-friendly)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near La Quiaca Airport

La Quiaca, a vibrant Andean city just 2 km from the airport, pulses with the raw energy of Argentina’s high-altitude Puna, where ancient Quechua and Aymara traditions meet the stark beauty of the Altiplano. As the country’s northernmost City, it captivates with its proximity to Bolivia, colourful markets, and gateway to otherworldly landscapes. Attractions within 2–50 km are reachable by car or taxi in 5–60 minutes, offering exhilarating experiences.

Yavi

A historic gem 16 km away, Yavi dazzles with its colonial-era Iglesia de San Francisco, adorned with golden altars and 17th-century paintings. This tranquil village, nestled in a rugged valley, offers a glimpse into the Andes’ colonial past, with cobblestone streets and ancient petroglyphs nearby.

Distance: ~16 km (20–25 min by car).

Why Visit: This thrilling journey into Andean history is perfect for culture seekers and explorers.

Mercado de La Quiaca

The City’s bustling heart, this vibrant market explodes with colour, offering alpaca textiles, coca leaves, and sizzling street food like tamales. Straddling the Bolivian border, it’s a cultural crossroads where Quechua vendors and travellers create an electric atmosphere.

Distance: ~2 km (5–10 min by car).

Why Visit: Dive into the Altiplano’s vibrant soul, haggling for treasures and savouring local flavours.

Laguna Colorada

A surreal lake 50 km away in Bolivia (accessible via day trips), this crimson-hued wonder shimmers with flamingos and is framed by snow-dusted peaks. Its otherworldly beauty, part of the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve, sparks awe in the high-altitude wilderness.

Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car, border crossing required).

Why Visit: Heart-pounding adventure in a psychedelic landscape, a must for nature lovers.

Fiesta de la Virgen de Copacabana

Every August, La Quiaca ignites with this vibrant festival honouring the region’s patron saint. Colourful processions, traditional dances, and Andean music fill the streets, uniting locals and Bolivian pilgrims in a joyous celebration of faith and culture.

Distance: ~2 km (5–10 min by car, city centre).

Why Visit: Electric cultural experience that pulses with the Andes’ spiritual and festive spirit.

Abra Pampa

A highland town 50 km away, this Puna outpost offers sweeping views of salt flats and vicuñas grazing under vast skies. Its rustic charm and proximity to ancient ruins make it a thrilling base for exploring the Altiplano’s untamed beauty.

Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).

Why Visit: Exhilarating escape to the Andes’ remote frontier, blending raw nature and indigenous heritage.

Additional Notes

Connectivity: 350 km from Salta (5–6 hr by car/bus, Ruta Nacional 9). The nearest commercial airport is SASA (Salta, 350 km).

Accessibility: Urban attractions 2–5 km (taxi: 1,200–2,500 ARS); rural sites require car/tours. Buses to Salta (350 km), Tucumán (500 km).

Seasonal Highlights: August for Fiesta de la Virgen; summer (Dec–Feb) for festivals; spring (Sep–Nov) for mild weather and clear skies.

Practical Tips: Carry ARS; book accommodations (e.g., Hotel de Turismo) for festivals; savour quinoa stew at Comedor Andino. Contact Aeroclub La Quiaca (+54 3885 421 234) for ground handling. High altitude requires acclimatization.