Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña Airport Overview

General Information  

  • Serves: Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña, Chaco Province, Argentina  
  • Country: Argentina  
  • ICAO: SARS  
  • IATA: PRQ  
  • Elevation: 308 ft (94 m)  
  • Coordinates: 26°45′19″S 60°29′24″W  
  • Airport Type: Public (general aviation, no scheduled commercial flights)  
  • Timezone: UTC-3 (ART, Argentine Time, no daylight savings)  
  • Distance from City: ~7 km southwest of Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña city centre (10–15 min by car)

Operational Details  

  • Runways: 1
    • Longest Runway: 1,500 x 30 m (4,921 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 Resistencia 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 Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña, which provides basic support for general aviation (e.g., parking and refuelling coordination). Contact Aeroclub at +54 3644 421 234 (unverified; general Sáenz Peña aviation contact). External ground handlers from larger airports (e.g., Resistencia) may be arranged for special operations, but this is rare for Sáenz Peña’s scale.

Operational Information  

  • Permit Approval Lead Time: 48 hours  
  • PPR: Not required  
  • Slots: Not required  
  • Alternate Airports:
    • SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~900 km)  
    • SAAR (Rosario, ~650 km)  
    • SARI (Iguazú, ~500 km)  
    • Recommended: SARE (Resistencia, ~170 km), SARF (Formosa, ~330 km)

Contact Numbers  

  • Police: +54 3644 421 111 (Sáenz Peña Police, general line)  
  • Fire: +54 3644 421 100 (Sáenz Peña Fire Department)  
  • Customs: Not applicable (no customs service)  
  • Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 3644 421 234 (Aeroclub Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña, 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 Gualok (modern, central)  
    • Hotel Atrium (comfortable, mid-range)  
    • Hotel Presidente (budget-friendly)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña Airport

Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña, 7 km from the airport, pulses with the vibrant energy of Argentina’s Chaco region, a land of subtropical forests, indigenous heritage, and agricultural might. Known as the “Thermal City” for its hot springs, this dynamic hub thrills with cultural festivals and untamed natural wonders. Attractions within 7–50 km are reachable by car or taxi in 10–60 minutes, igniting adventure and relaxation.

Termas de Sáenz Peña

A rejuvenating oasis of mineral-rich hot springs, where steaming pools at 38–42°C melt away stress amid lush greenery. Spas and wellness centres offer massages, drawing visitors seeking health and serenity into Chaco’s warm embrace.  

Distance: ~8 km (10–15 min by car).  

Why Visit: Soak in blissful thermal waters, a thrilling escape blends relaxation with the region’s natural magic.

Plaza San Martín

This bustling square in the City’s vibrant core dazzles with palm trees, monuments, and the grand Catedral San Roque. Nightly markets and folk music performances spark an electric atmosphere, uniting locals in joyous celebration.  

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).  

Why Visit: Dive into Sáenz Peña’s lively spirit, savour empanadas from street vendors, or join spontaneous cultural revelry.

Museo de la Ciudad

This captivating journey through Chaco’s soul showcases Toba and Wichí Indigenous artefacts, colonial relics, and the City’s agricultural rise. Exhibits ignite curiosity with stories of resilience and tradition in the Gran Chaco.  

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).  

Why Visit: Uncover the rich tapestry of Sáenz Peña’s heritage, perfect for explorers craving authentic narratives.

Fiesta Nacional del Algodón

Every February, Sáenz Peña erupts in a whirlwind of colour during this national cotton festival, celebrating the region’s agricultural backbone. Parades, live cumbia, and sizzling asado create an unforgettable party under the Chaco sky.  

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car, city centre).  

Why Visit: Feel the pulse of Chaco’s pride in a high-energy fiesta that blends music, dance, and local flavours.

Parque Provincial Pampa del Indio

A wild sanctuary 50 km away, this subtropical forest teems with jaguars, howler monkeys, and vibrant orchids. Hiking trails and guided tours plunge you into the Gran Chaco’s raw, heart-pounding biodiversity.  

Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).  

Why Visit: Embark on an exhilarating eco-adventure where untamed nature sparks awe and discovery.

Additional Notes  

Connectivity: 170 km from Resistencia (2.5 hr by car/bus, Ruta Nacional 16). The nearest commercial airport is SARE (Resistencia, 170 km).

Accessibility: Urban attractions 7–8 km (taxi: 1,200–2,500 ARS); rural sites require car/tours. Buses to Resistencia (170 km), Buenos Aires (900 km).  

Seasonal Highlights: February for Fiesta Nacional del Algodón; summer (Dec–Feb) for thermal springs; spring (Sep–Nov) for mild weather and wildlife.  

Practical Tips: Carry ARS; book accommodations (e.g., Hotel Gualok) for festivals; savour loco at Restaurante El Fortín. Contact Aeroclub Sáenz Peña (+54 3644 421 234) for ground handling.