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Perito Moreno Airport Overview
Perito Moreno Airport (IATA: PMQ, ICAO: SAWP) is a small public airport near Perito Moreno in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. It’s in the wild, open Patagonian steppe, about 7 km west of the town centre. This airport helps connect this far-away TownTown, famous for being close to Los Glaciares National Park and Cueva de las Manos, a place with ancient cave art. The airport is mainly used for small private planes and supports tourism and local activities.
General Information
Serves: Perito Moreno, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Country: Argentina
ICAO: SAWP
IATA: PMQ
Elevation: 1,411 feet (430 meters)
Coordinates: 46°32′16″S 70°58′43″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 TownTown: ~7 km west of Perito Moreno town 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 Perito Moreno; see contact below)
Operational Details
Runways: 1
Longest Runway: 1,800 x 30 meters (5,906 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 Comodoro Rivadavia)
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 Perito Moreno takes care of basic stuff like parking and refuelling. Call them at +54 2963 421 234 (not confirmed; general contact for Perito Moreno Aviation). For big operations, you might need help from a larger airport like Comodoro Rivadavia, but that’s rare here.
Operational Information
Permit Approval Lead Time: 2 days
PPR: Not needed
Slots: Not needed
Alternate Airports:
- SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~1,900 km)
- SAAR (Rosario, ~1,700 km)
- SARI (Iguazú, ~2,600 km)
- Recommended: SAWC (Comodoro Rivadavia, ~400 km), SAWA (El Calafate, ~350 km)
Contact Numbers
Police: +54 2963 432 111 (Perito Moreno Police)
Fire: +54 2963 432 100 (Perito Moreno Fire Department)
Customs: Not available
Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 2963 421 234 (Aeroclub Perito Moreno, 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, and taxis without meters (ride to TownTown: 1,200–2,500 ARS, agree on a price first)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Belgrano (nice, in TownTown)
- Hotel Austral (comfy, medium price)
- Posada del Caminante (cheap)
- Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
Tourist Attractions Near Perito Moreno Airport
Perito Moreno is a small town 7 km from the airport, full of Patagonia’s wild energy. The open plains and nearby mountains make it special, and it’s close to cool places like Cueva de las Manos, where ancient people left handprints on cave walls. You can reach fun spots within 7–50 km by car or taxi in 10–60 minutes.
Cueva de las Manos
This amazing cave, 50 km away, has 9,000-year-old handprints and drawings. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and guided tours show its history.
Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).
Why Visit: A terrific way to see ancient art and learn about early humans.
Río Pinturas Canyon
A big, beautiful canyon 50 km away, near Cueva de las Manos. You can hike and see fantastic views of the Patagonian land and animals.
Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).
Why Visit: Hiking and exploring a wild, pretty place is fun.
Plaza San Martín
The town’s main square, 7 km away, is simple but nice. It has a few statues and trees. Sometimes, there are markets or music, making it a great spot to hang out with locals.
Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).
Why Visit: A chill place to feel the Town’sTown’s friendly vibe.
Museo del Hombre y su Entorno
There is a small museum 7 km away that shows stuff about the native Tehuelche people, old settlers, and cool rocks from the area. It’s a fun way to learn about Patagonia.
Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).
Why Visit: Interesting for anyone who likes history and wants to know more about the area.
Lago Buenos Aires
A beautiful lake 30 km away, shared with Chile, with bright blue water and mountains around it. You can fish, kayak, or enjoy the view.
Distance: ~30 km (30–40 min by car).
Why Visit: Awesome for outdoor fun and seeing Patagonia’s beauty.
Additional Notes
Connectivity: It’s 400 km from Comodoro Rivadavia (5–6 hr by car or bus on Ruta Nacional 3). The closest airport with regular flights is SAWA (El Calafate, 350 km).
Accessibility: Town spots are 7–10 km away (taxi: 1,200–2,500 ARS); farther places need a car or tour. Buses go to Comodoro Rivadavia (400 km) or El Calafate (350 km).
Seasonal Highlights: Summer (Dec–Feb) is warm for lake fun; spring (Sep–Nov) is excellent for cave tours; winter (Jun–Aug) is quiet.
Practical Tips: Bring ARS cash; book a place to stay (like Hotel Belgrano) for busy times; try tasty Patagonian lamb at Restaurante La Estepa. Call Aeroclub Perito Moreno (+54 2963 421 234) for plane help.
