General Pico Airport Overview

General Pico Airport (IATA: GPO, ICAO: SAZG) is a public airport serving General Pico in La Pampa Province, Argentina. It is located in the heart of the Pampas region, about 5 km southwest of the city centre. This airport connects a bustling agricultural city known for its grain fields, cattle ranches, and vibrant community to the rest of Argentina. It’s mainly used for small private planes, supporting tourism and local business.

General Information

Serves: General Pico, La Pampa Province, Argentina

Country: Argentina

ICAO: SAZG

IATA: GPO

Elevation: 459 feet (140 meters)

Coordinates: 35°41′46″S 63°45′31″W

Airport Type: Public (small planes, no regular passenger flights)

Domestic/International: Domestic (no international services)

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

Distance from City: ~5 km southwest of General Pico city centre (10–15 min by car)

Official Airport Website: None (check www.anac.gov.ar for general info)

Ground Handling Website: None (handled by Aeroclub General Pico; see contact below)

Operational Details

Runways: 1

Longest Runway: 2,350 x 30 meters (7,710 x 98 feet), asphalt

PCN: Not listed (good for small planes; check with airport)

Fire Category: CAT 3–4 (basic firefighting for small airports)

Tower Frequency: None (uses common radio frequency, like 122.8 MHz; check with aeroclub)

Ground Frequency: None

Navaid: None (no navigation aids here; the nearest one is in Santa Rosa)

AOE (Airport of Entry): No

Type of Aircraft Handled: Small planes (like Cessna or Piper)

Terminal Capacity: None (no passenger terminal)

Cargo Capacity: Tiny (only tiny packages for private flights)

Fuel Types: Avgas (check with aeroclub; Jet A-1 probably not available)

FBO: None available

Equipment Available: Basic tools (like tie-downs and wheel chocks; ask for details)

Ground Handler Information: There is no official ground handling team. The Aeroclub General Pico takes care of basic stuff like parking and refuelling. Call them at +54 2302 421 234 (not confirmed; general contact for General Pico Aviation). For big operations, you might need help from a larger airport like Santa Rosa, but that’s rare.

Operational Information

Permit Approval Lead Time: 2 days

PPR: Not needed

Slots: Not needed

Alternate Airports:  

  • SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~550 km)  
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~400 km)  
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~1,200 km)  
  • Recommended: SAZR (Santa Rosa, ~120 km), SAZB (Bahía Blanca, ~350 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 2302 422 111 (General Pico Police)

Fire: +54 2302 421 100 (General Pico Fire Department)

Customs: Not available

Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 2302 421 234 (Aeroclub General Pico, not confirmed)

Tourist Information

Immigration Rules: Bring a valid passport; some countries need a visa (USA, EU, Canada don’t for 90 days)

Crew Requirements: Wear a uniform, bring passport, visa (if needed), and flight paperwork

Ground Transport: Few car rentals, some buses, taxis without meters (ride to City: 1,200–2,500 ARS, agree on price first)

Accommodation:  

  • Hotel Euskadi (nice, central)  
  • Hotel Pico (comfy, medium price)  
  • Hostal La Pampa (cheap)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near General Pico Airport

General Pico, a lively city 5 km from the airport, is energetic in Argentina’s Pampas. Known for its farming, gaucho culture, and friendly vibe, it’s a great spot to experience rural life. Fun places can be reached within 5–50 km by car or taxi in 10–60 minutes.

Plaza San Martín

The City’s main square, 5 km away, is a fun spot with trees, a statue, and people hanging out. It’s great for grabbing a snack or seeing local markets.

Distance: ~5 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: It is a nice place to feel General Pico’s friendly energy.

Museo Regional Maracó

A cool museum is 5 km away, which shows old farm tools, gaucho gear, and stories about the Pampas’ history and General Pico’s growth.

Distance: ~5 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: It is fantastic for learning about the City’s farming and gaucho past.

Parque Recreativo Benicio Delfino

A green park is 7 km away with a lake, picnic spots, and paths for walking or biking. It’s a chill place for families or a relaxing day outside.

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Fun for outdoor activities and enjoying nature.

Estancia La Pampa

A traditional ranch 30 km away where you can see gaucho horse shows, ride horses, or eat a big asado barbecue. It’s a taste of Pampa’s life.

Distance: ~30 km (30–40 min by car).

Why Visit: Trying gaucho stuff and eating yummy food is super exciting.

Laguna La Arocena

A quiet lake 40 km away, great for fishing, birdwatching, or just chilling by the water. It’s a peaceful escape in the Pampas.

Distance: ~40 km (40–50 min by car).

Why Visit: Great for relaxing and spotting birds in a calm spot.

Additional Notes

Connectivity: It’s 550 km from Buenos Aires (6–7 hr by car or bus on Ruta Nacional 5). The closest airport with regular flights is SAZR (Santa Rosa, 120 km).

Accessibility: City spots are 5–7 km away (taxi: 1,200–2,500 ARS); farther places need a car or tour. Buses go to Santa Rosa (120 km) or Buenos Aires (550 km).

Seasonal Highlights: Summer (Dec–Feb) is excellent for lake fun; spring (Sep–Nov) for parks and mild weather; winter (Jun–Aug) is quiet.

Practical Tips: Bring ARS cash; book a place to stay (like Hotel Euskadi) for busy times; try Asado at Restaurante El Gaucho. Call Aeroclub General Pico (+54 2302 421 234) for help with planes.