Santiago del Estero Airport Overview

Santiago del Estero Airport (IATA: SDE, ICAO: SANE), also known as Vicecomodoro Ángel de la Paz Aragonés Airport, is a public airport serving Santiago del Estero in Santiago del Estero Province, Argentina. It’s located in the warm Chaco region, about 6 km northwest of the city centre. This airport connects the capital of Argentina’s oldest City, known for its colonial history, folk music, and hot springs, to the rest of the country. It handles small private planes and regular passenger flights, supporting tourism and local business.

General Information

Serves: Santiago del Estero, Santiago del Estero Province, Argentina

Country: Argentina

ICAO: SANE

IATA: SDE

Elevation: 656 feet (200 meters)

Coordinates: 27°45′55″S 64°18′36″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: ~6 km northwest of Santiago del Estero city centre (10–15 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 Santiago del Estero; see contact below)

Operational Details

Runways: 1

Longest Runway: 2,800 x 45 meters (9,186 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 (Santiago del Estero VOR/DME, Ident: SGO, 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 Santiago del Estero for small planes, handling parking, refuelling, and passenger services. Call Aeroclub Santiago del Estero at +54 385 421 234 (not confirmed; general contact for Santiago del Estero 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, ~950 km)  
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~600 km)  
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~900 km)  
  • Recommended: SANU (San Juan, ~400 km), SANT (Tucumán, ~150 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 385 422 111 (Santiago del Estero Police)

Fire: +54 385 421 100 (Santiago del Estero Fire Department)

Customs: Not available

Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 385 421 234 (Aeroclub Santiago del Estero, 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 Carlos V (nice, central)  
  • Hotel Savoy (comfy, medium price)  
  • Hostal del Norte (cheap)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Santiago del Estero Airport

Santiago del Estero, a historic city 6 km from the airport, is energetic in Argentina’s Chaco region. Known as the “Mother of Cities” for its colonial roots, it’s famous for folk music, tasty food, and nearby hot springs. You can reach fun places within 6–50 km by car or taxi in 10–60 minutes.

Plaza Libertad

The City’s main square, 6 km away, is lively with old buildings like the Catedral Basílica and shady trees. It’s an excellent spot for people-watching or grabbing a snack at nearby cafes.

Distance: ~6 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: This is a fun place to feel the City’s history and chill vibe.

Museo Histórico Provincial

A cool museum 6 km away shows old artefacts, colonial items, and stories about Santiago del Estero’s past as Argentina’s first City.

Distance: ~6 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Awesome for learning about the City’s super old history.

Parque Aguirre

A big park 7 km away with green fields, a lake, and spots for picnics or biking. It’s a relaxing place to hang out or enjoy local festivals.

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Great for outdoor fun and chilling in nature.

Termas de Río Hondo

A famous hot spring town 50 km away, perfect for soaking in warm pools or visiting spas. It’s also known for car racing at its international track.

Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).

Why Visit: Relaxing in hot springs or checking out races is super fun.

Fiesta Nacional del Canasto

A colourful festival in November, 6 km away, celebrates local crafts with woven baskets, folk music, and yummy food. It’s a big party in the city centre.

Distance: ~6 km (10–15 min by car, city centre).

Why Visit: Exciting for music and crafts and joining the local celebration.

Additional Notes

Connectivity: It’s 950 km from Buenos Aires (10–11 hr by car or bus on Ruta Nacional 9). SANT (Tucumán, 150 km) is the closest airport with more flights.

Accessibility: City spots are 6–7 km away (taxi: 1,500–3,000 ARS); farther places need a car or tour. Buses go to Tucumán (150 km) or Córdoba (400 km).

Seasonal Highlights: November for Canasto Festival; summer (Dec–Feb) for park fun; spring (Sep–Nov) for nice weather and hot springs.

Practical Tips: Bring ARS cash; book a place to stay (like Hotel Carlos V) for festivals; try local tamales at Restaurante El Fogón. Call Aeroclub Santiago del Estero (+54 385 421 234) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (+54 11 3987 4150) for plane help.