Mercedes Airport Overview

Mercedes Airport (IATA: MDX, ICAO: SATM) is a public airport serving Mercedes in Corrientes Province, Argentina. Nestled in the lush Mesopotamia region, it is approximately 4 km west of the city centre. It is a key hub for this tranquil riverside community, known for its Gaucho traditions and proximity to the Iberá Wetlands. The airport primarily supports general aviation, enhancing regional connectivity for tourism and local activities.

General Information

Serves: Mercedes, Corrientes Province, Argentina

Country: Argentina

ICAO: SATM

IATA: MDX

Elevation: 341 ft (104 m)

Coordinates: 29°12′45″S 58°05′20″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: ~4 km west of Mercedes 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: 1,250 x 30 m (4,101 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 Posadas or Concordia region)

AOE (Airport of Entry): No

Type of Aircraft Handled: Light aircraft (e.g., Cessna, Piper)

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 are documented. Operations are managed by Aeroclub Mercedes, which provides basic support for general aviation (e.g., parking and refuelling coordination). Contact Aeroclub at +54 3773 421 234 (unverified; general Mercedes aviation contact). External ground handlers from larger airports (e.g., Buenos Aires) may be arranged for special operations, but this is rare for Mercedes’ scale.

Operational Information

Permit Approval Lead Time: 48 hours

PPR: Not required

Slots: Not required

Alternate Airports:  

  • SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~600 km)  
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~450 km)  
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~350 km)  
  • Recommended: SARP (Posadas, ~250 km), SAAC (Concordia, ~300 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 3773 422 111 (Mercedes Police, general line)

Fire: +54 3773 421 100 (Mercedes Fire Department)

Customs: Not applicable (no customs service)

Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 3773 421 234 (Aeroclub Mercedes, 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 the City: 1,200–2,500 ARS, negotiate)

Accommodation:  

  • Hotel La Recova (modern, central)  
  • Hotel Itá Pucú (comfortable, mid-range)  
  • Hospedaje El Gaucho (budget-friendly)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Mercedes Airport

Mercedes, a serene riverside city just 4 km from the airport, pulses with the tranquil spirit of Argentina’s Mesopotamia, where rolling plains meet the vast Iberá Wetlands. Renowned for its Gaucho culture, religious festivals, and access to one of South America’s most extensive wetlands, this charming hub captivates with its blend of tradition and natural splendour. Attractions within 4–50 km are reachable by car or taxi in 5–60 minutes, offering exhilarating experiences.

Fiesta Nacional del Chamamé

A vibrant January festival, this celebration of chamamé music fills Mercedes with accordion melodies, traditional dances, and sizzling asado. Held in the City’s amphitheatre, it draws locals and visitors for a joyous showcase of Corrientes’ cultural heritage.

Distance: ~4 km (5–10 min by car, city centre).

Why Visit: Thrilling immersion in Argentina’s folk music tradition, perfect for cultural revelry.

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Itatí

A stunning basilica 50 km away honours the Virgin of Itatí, attracting thousands of visitors during its July festival. Its impressive architecture and spiritual ambience, framed by the beautiful backdrop of the Paraná River, inspire awe.

Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).

Why Visit: Heart-pounding blend of faith and history, ideal for cultural and spiritual explorers.

Plaza 25 de Mayo

Mercedes’ historic heart, this bustling square radiates charm with its elegant Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes and shaded paths. Evening markets and gaucho performances ignite the air, inviting travellers to sip mate with locals.

Distance: ~4 km (5–10 min by car).

Why Visit: Electric hub to dive into the City’s cultural pulse and Mesopotamian warmth.

Museo del Hombre y su Entorno

A captivating museum showcasing Mercedes’ Gaucho heritage, Guaraní artefacts, and the region’s rural history. Its exhibits spark curiosity about the interplay of culture and environment in the Corrientes plains.

Distance: ~4 km (5–10 min by car).

Why Visit: Discover the rich history of Mesopotamia, a vital journey for history enthusiasts seeking authentic narratives.

Esteros del Iberá

A vast wetland 50 km away, this UNESCO candidate is home to caimans, capybaras, and over 300 bird species. Guided boat tours and trails immerse travellers in a biodiverse paradise, providing a thrilling encounter with untouched nature.

Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).

Why Visit: Exhilarating eco-adventure in one of South America’s most pristine natural wonders.

Additional Notes

Connectivity: 600 km from Buenos Aires (6–7 hr by car/bus, Ruta Nacional 14). The nearest commercial airport is SARP (Posadas, 250 km).

Accessibility: Urban attractions 4–5 km (taxi: 1,200–2,500 ARS); rural sites require car/tours—buses to Posadas (250 km), Concordia (300 km).

Seasonal Highlights: January for Chamamé Festival; summer (Dec–Feb) for wetlands tours; spring (Sep–Nov) for mild weather.

Practical Tips: Carry ARS; book accommodations (e.g., Hotel La Recova) for festivals; savour empanadas at Comedor El Payé. Contact Aeroclub Mercedes (+54 3773 421 234) for ground handling.