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Paso de los Libres Airport Overview
Paso de los Libres Airport (IATA: AOL, ICAO: SARL) is a public airport serving Paso de los Libres in Corrientes Province, Argentina. Situated in the lush Mesopotamia region, it is approximately 7 km northeast of the city centre. It is a vital hub for this vibrant border city, known for its proximity to Brazil and lively carnival. The airport primarily supports general aviation, enhancing regional connectivity for tourism and cross-border activities.
General Information
Serves: Paso de los Libres, Corrientes Province, Argentina
Country: Argentina
ICAO: SARL
IATA: AOL
Elevation: 230 ft (70 m)
Coordinates: 29°41′22″S 57°09′08″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: ~7 km northeast of Paso de los Libres city centre (10–15 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: 1,260 x 30 m (4,134 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 Concordia or Posadas 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 documented. Aeroclub Paso de los Libres manages operations, providing basic support for general aviation (e.g., parking refuelling coordination). Contact Aeroclub at +54 3772 421 234 (unverified; general Paso de los Libres aviation contact). External ground handlers from larger airports (e.g., Buenos Aires) may be arranged for special operations, but rare for Paso de los Libres’ scale.
Operational Information
Permit Approval Lead Time: 48 hours
PPR: Not required
Slots: Not required
Alternate Airports:
- SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~500 km)
- SAAR (Rosario, ~400 km)
- SARI (Iguazú, ~450 km)
- Recommended: SAAC (Concordia, ~200 km), SARP (Posadas, ~350 km)
Contact Numbers
Police: +54 3772 422 111 (Paso de los Libres Police, general line)
Fire: +54 3772 421 100 (Paso de los Libres Fire Department)
Customs: Not applicable (no customs service)
Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 3772 421 234 (Aeroclub Paso de los Libres, 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 Alejandro Primero (modern, central)
- Hotel Las Vegas (comfortable, mid-range)
- Posada del Río (budget-friendly)
- Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
Tourist Attractions Near Paso de los Libres Airport
Paso de los Libres, a vibrant border city just 7 km from the airport, pulses with the lively spirit of Argentina’s Mesopotamia, where the Uruguay River marks the frontier with Brazil. Renowned for its exuberant carnival and cultural blend with neighbouring Uruguaiana, this dynamic hub captivates with its festive energy and natural beauty. Attractions within 7–50 km are reachable by car or taxi in 10–60 minutes, offering exhilarating experiences.
Carnival of Paso de los Libres
A dazzling February spectacle, this vibrant carnival transforms the City into a whirlwind of glittering floats, samba dancers, and pulsating rhythms, reflecting a unique Argentine-Brazilian fusion. The Corsódromo buzzes with energy, drawing crowds for a joyous celebration.
Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car, city centre).
Why Visit: Thrilling immersion in a cross-border carnival, perfect for festive revelry.
Puente Internacional
The iconic bridge linking Paso de los Libres with Uruguaiana, Brazil, 10 km away, offers stunning views of the Uruguay River and a chance to explore Brazilian culture. Cross-border markets and eateries spark an electric atmosphere of regional unity.
Distance: ~10 km (15–20 min by car).
Why Visit: Heart-pounding adventure blending two nations, ideal for cultural explorers.
Plaza San Martín
The City’s historic heart, this bustling square radiates charm with its elegant Parroquia San José and shaded paths. Evening markets and live chamamé music ignite the air, inviting travellers to sip mate with locals.
Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).
Why Visit: Electric hub to dive into the City’s cultural pulse and Mesopotamian warmth.
A captivating museum showcasing the history of Paso de los Libres’ carnival, with vibrant costumes, floats, and artefacts that tell the story of this cultural cornerstone. Its exhibits spark curiosity about the region’s festive heritage.
Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).
Why Visit: This is a must for festival enthusiasts craving authentic narratives. It offers a deep dive into the carnival’s storied past.
Termas de Federación
A soothing thermal spa 50 km away, featuring mineral-rich hot springs at 38–42°C, nestled in a tranquil riverside setting. Wellness treatments and pools offer a rejuvenating escape amid the lush Entre Ríos landscape.
Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).
Why Visit: This exhilarating blend of relaxation and nature is perfect for unwinding in a subtropical oasis.
Additional Notes
Connectivity: 500 km from Buenos Aires (5–6 hr by car/bus, Ruta Nacional 14). The nearest commercial airport is SAAR (Rosario, 400 km).
Accessibility: Urban attractions 7–10 km (taxi: 1,200–2,500 ARS); rural sites require car/tours—buses to Concordia (200 km), Posadas (350 km).
Seasonal Highlights: February for Carnival; summer (Dec–Feb) for river activities and thermal springs; spring (Sep–Nov) for mild weather.
Practical Tips: Carry ARS; book accommodations (e.g., Hotel Alejandro Primero) for carnival; savour chipá at Comedor La Frontera. Contact Aeroclub Paso de los Libres (+54 3772 421 234) for ground handling.
