Río Cuarto Airport Overview

Río Cuarto Airport (IATA: RCU, ICAO: SAOC), also known as Área de Material Río Cuarto Airport, is a public airport serving Río Cuarto in Córdoba Province, Argentina. It is located in the fertile Pampas region, about 10 km northeast of the city centre. This airport connects a key agricultural and industrial city known for farming and universities and nearby Sierras de Córdoba to the rest of Argentina. It handles small private planes and regular passenger flights, supporting tourism and local business.

General Information

Serves: Río Cuarto, Córdoba Province, Argentina

Country: Argentina
ICAO: SAOC
IATA: RCU
Elevation: 1,381 feet (421 meters)
Coordinates: 33°05′09″S 64°15′41″W
Airport Type: Public (small planes and regular passenger flights)
Domestic/International: Domestic (no international services)
Timezone: UTC-3 (Argentina Time, no daylight savings)
Distance from City: ~10 km northeast of Río Cuarto city centre (15–20 min by car)
Official Airport Website: None (check www.aa2000.com.ar or www.anac.gov.ar for general info)
Ground Handling Website: None (handled by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 or Aeroclub Río Cuarto; see contact below)

Operational Details

Runways: 1
Longest Runway: 2,300 x 45 meters (7,546 x 148 feet), asphalt
PCN: Not listed (good for small to medium planes, like Boeing 737; check with airport)
Fire Category: CAT 6–7 (firefighting for airports with passenger flights)
Tower Frequency: 118.4 MHz (check with airport)
Ground Frequency: 121.9 MHz (check with the airport)
Navaid: Yes (Río Cuarto VOR/DME, Ident: RCU, on-site)
AOE (Airport of Entry): No
Type of Aircraft Handled: Small to medium planes (like Cessna, Piper, Boeing 737)
Terminal Capacity: Small passenger terminal (handles regular flights)
Cargo Capacity: Limited (primarily for passenger flights; small packages for private flights)
Fuel Types: Avgas, Jet A-1 (check availability with the airport)
FBO: None available
Equipment Available: Ground handling tools (like passenger stairs and baggage carts; ask for details)
Ground Handler Information: Operations managed by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 for passenger flights and Aeroclub Río Cuarto for small planes, handling parking, refuelling, and passenger services. Call Aeroclub Río Cuarto at +54 358 421 234 (not confirmed; general contact for Río Cuarto aviation) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 at +54 11 3987 4150 (general line). External ground handlers may be available for special operations.

Operational Information

Permit Approval Lead Time: 2 days
PPR: Required for non-scheduled flights (contact airport)
Slots: May be needed during busy times (check with airport)

Alternate Airports:  

  • SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~550 km)  
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~300 km)  
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~1,200 km)  
  • Recommended: SACO (Córdoba, ~200 km), SAOR (Villa Mercedes, ~200 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 358 422 111 (Río Cuarto Police)
Fire: +54 358 421 100 (Río Cuarto Fire Department)
Customs: Not available
Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 358 421 234 (Aeroclub Río Cuarto, not confirmed); +54 11 3987 4150 (Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, general line)

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: Car rentals available, shuttles, metered taxis (ride to City: 1,500–3,000 ARS)

Accommodation:  

  • Hotel Menossi (nice, central)  
  • Hotel Opera (comfy, medium price)  
  • Hostal La Posada (cheap)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Río Cuarto Airport

Río Cuarto, a lively city 10 km from the airport, is energetic in Argentina’s Pampas. Known for its farming, vibrant student scene, and nearby hills, it’s a great spot for culture and nature. You can reach fun places within 10–50 km by car or taxi in 15–60 minutes.

Plaza Roca

The City’s main square, 10 km away, is bustling with trees, a big church (Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción), and people chilling out. It’s great for snacks or markets.

Distance: ~10 km (15–20 min by car).
Why Visit: Fun spot to feel Río Cuarto’s lively vibe.

Museo Histórico Regional

A cool museum 10 km away with old tools, photos, and stories about Río Cuarto’s past, from indigenous times to its farming boom.

Distance: ~10 km (15–20 min by car).
Why Visit: Awesome for learning about the City’s history and roots.

Parque Sarmiento

A green park 12 km away with paths, a lake, and spots for picnics or sports. It’s a chill place for families or a relaxing day outside.

Distance: ~12 km (15–20 min by car).
Why Visit: Great for outdoor fun and enjoying nature.

Sierras de los Comechingones

Rugged hills 50 km away, perfect for hiking, horseback riding, or seeing waterfalls like El Salto. The views are amazing.

Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).
Why Visit: It is super exciting for adventure and exploring scenic hills.

Estancia Santa Catalina

A traditional ranch 30 km away where you can watch gaucho shows, ride horses, or eat a big asado barbecue. It’s a real Pampas experience.

Distance: ~30 km (30–40 min by car).
Why Visit: Fun to try gaucho life and eat yummy food.

Additional Notes

Connectivity: It’s 550 km from Buenos Aires (6–7 hr by car or bus on Ruta Nacional 8). SACO (Córdoba, 200 km) is the closest airport with more flights.

Accessibility: City spots are 10–12 km away (taxi: 1,500–3,000 ARS); farther places need a car or tour. Buses go to Córdoba (200 km) or Villa Mercedes (200 km).

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

Practical Tips: Bring ARS cash; book a place to stay (like Hotel Menossi) for busy times; try milanesa at Restaurante El Ciclón. Call Aeroclub Río Cuarto (+54 358 421 234) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (+54 11 3987 4150) for plane help.