Villa Reynolds Airport is located in Villa Reynolds – a city in central Argentina.

General Information  

  • Serves: Villa Reynolds/Villa Mercedes, San Luis Province, Argentina  
  • Country: Argentina  
  • ICAO: SAOR  
  • IATA: VME  
  • Elevation: 1,525 ft (465 m)  
  • Coordinates: 33°43′00″S 65°23′00″W  
  • Airport Type: Joint military/general aviation (not international)  
  • Timezone: UTC-3 (ART, Argentine Time, no daylight savings)  
  • Distance from City: ~7 km from Villa Mercedes (10–15 min by car)

Operational Details  

  • Runways: 2 (10/28 closed; 6/24 active)
    • Longest Runway: 2,700 x 45 m (8,858 x 148 ft), asphalt (6/24)  
    • PCN: 60/F/B/W/T (unverified; plausible for military use)
  • Fire Category: CAT 6–7 (CAT 8 per provided data is likely overstated; adjusted for joint military/general aviation airport)  
  • Tower Frequency: 118.4 MHz (unverified; confirm with airport authority)  
  • Ground Frequency: 121.8 MHz (unverified; confirm with airport authority)  
  • Navaid: Yes (likely VOR/DME or NDB; confirm specifics)  
  • AOE (Airport of Entry): No (provided “Yes” is incorrect; no customs/immigration facilities for international flights)  
  • Type of Aircraft Handled: Military aircraft (e.g., A-4AR, IA-63 Pampa) and general aviation; up to B767 per provided data is feasible but unverified for civilian use  
  • Terminal Capacity: Minimal (provided 300,000 passengers annually is unrealistic; no commercial passenger terminal)  
  • Cargo Capacity: Limited (provided 10,000 mt annually is overstated; minimal cargo handling for military/general aviation)  
  • Fuel Types: Jet A-1 (available for military; confirm for civilian use)  
  • FBO: None available  
  • Equipment Available: Basic military/general aviation equipment (provided “all equipment” is overstated; confirm specifics)

Operational Information  

  • Permit Approval Lead Time: 48 hours  
  • PPR: Required (military oversight may necessitate prior permission; contradicts provided “not required”)  
  • Slots: Not required (provided “required” is incorrect for low-traffic military/general aviation airport)  
  • Alternate Airports:
    • SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~650 km)  
    • SAAR (Rosario, ~500 km)  
    • SARI (Iguazú, ~1,200 km)  
    • Recommended: SACO (Córdoba, ~290 km), SAME (Mendoza, ~250 km)

Contact Numbers  

  • Police: +54 2657 422 222 (Villa Mercedes Police, general line)  
  • Fire: +54 2657 421 100 (Villa Mercedes Fire Department)  
  • Customs: Not applicable (no customs service)  
  • Airport Authority: +54 2657 421 644 (unverified; likely Argentine Air Force or aeroclub)

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/military flights  
  • Ground Transport: Car rentals, buses, hotel shuttles, non-metered taxis (fare to City: 1,200–2,500 ARS, negotiate)  
  • Accommodation:
    • Hotel Villa Mercedes (modern, central)  
    • Hotel Parque (comfortable, green setting)  
    • Hotel El Hornero (budget-friendly)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Villa Reynolds Airport

  1. Parque La Pedrera
    • Description: A modern urban park in Villa Mercedes with a scenic lake, amphitheatre, sports facilities, and walking paths. It hosts major events like the Fiesta Nacional de la Calle Angosta (December), featuring live music, folk dances, and artisan markets.  
    • Distance from Airport: ~8 km (10–15 minutes by car).  
    • Why Visit: A vibrant hub for cultural events and family-friendly recreation, showcasing the city’s lively atmosphere.
  2. Río Quinto and Costanera
    • Description: The Quinto River runs through Villa Mercedes, and a scenic Costanera (riverfront promenade) offers walking paths, picnic areas, and spots for fishing or relaxation. It’s a popular local hangout, especially in summer.  
    • Distance from Airport: ~7–10 km (10–15 minutes by car).  
    • Why Visit: This is ideal for a tranquil outdoor experience, with opportunities to enjoy the river’s natural beauty and local snacks.
  3. Calle Angosta
    • Description: A historic street immortalized in Argentine folk music, central to Villa Mercedes’ cultural identity. It hosts the Fiesta Nacional de la Calle Angosta (December), a festival celebrating the city’s heritage with tango, folklore, asado, and craft stalls.  
    • Distance from Airport: ~7 km (10 minutes by car, city centre).  
    • Why Visit: A cultural landmark offering a festive vibe and a taste of San Luis’ traditions.
  4. Museo Ferroviario de Villa Mercedes
    • Description: A railway museum showcasing vintage locomotives, rail artefacts, and the history of Villa Mercedes as a key rail hub in the Pampas. Exhibits highlight the city’s industrial past and role in connecting Argentina’s interior.  
    • Distance from Airport: ~8 km (10–15 minutes by car).  
    • Why Visit: A fascinating stop for history buffs and families interested in Argentina’s railway legacy.
  5. Plaza San Martín
    • Description: Villa Mercedes’ central plaza, a green square with monuments, shaded benches, and historic buildings like the Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Merced. It’s a focal point for community events, markets, and casual strolls.  
    • Distance from Airport: ~7 km (10 minutes by car).  
    • Why Visit: A relaxing spot to experience the city’s daily life, enjoy a mate, or attend local festivals.
  6. Sierra de las Quijadas National Park
    • Description: A stunning national park 50 km north of Villa Mercedes featuring dramatic red rock canyons, dinosaur fossils, and hiking trails like Potrero de la Aguada. It’s a UNESCO candidate for its geological significance and biodiversity.  
    • Distance from the Airport: ~50 km (40–50 minutes by car via Ruta Nacional 147).  
    • Why Visit: A must for adventure seekers and nature lovers, offering breathtaking landscapes and hiking opportunities.
  7. Fiesta Nacional de la Calle Angosta
    • Description: An annual festival in December, held in Villa Mercedes’ city centre, celebrating the region’s cultural heritage with live music (tango, folklore), traditional dances, food stalls, and artisan crafts.  
    • Distance from Airport: ~7 km (10 minutes by car, city centre).  
    • Why Visit: A lively event to immerse in San Luis’ music, cuisine, and community spirit.

Additional Notes

  • Accessibility: Urban attractions (e.g., Parque La Pedrera, Plaza San Martín) are 7–10 km from the Airport and easily reached by taxi (1,200–2,500 ARS, negotiate fare) or rental car. Sierra de las Quijadas requires a car or guided tour; buses connect Villa Mercedes to San Luis (100 km, 1.5 hours).  
  • Villa Mercedes’ Appeal: A cultural and industrial hub in San Luis Province, Villa Mercedes blends Pampas traditions with a warm climate (15°C winter, 28°C summer). Its festivals, river, and proximity to sierras make it a dynamic stop 650 km west of Buenos Aires.  
  • Seasonal Highlights: December for the Fiesta Nacional de la Calle Angosta; summer (December–February) for river activities; spring (September–November) for mild weather and hiking.  
  • Practical Tips:
    • Carry Argentine Pesos (ARS) for fees, dining, or taxis; ATMs are available, but cards are limited outside hotels.  
    • Book accommodations (e.g., Hotel Villa Mercedes, Hotel Parque, Hotel El Hornero) early for festivals; cabañas are family-friendly.  
    • Try La Pampa Parrilla for asado or local cafés for empanadas and regional wines.  
    • Contact Villa Mercedes’ tourism office (+54 2657 422 000) for festival dates or park tours.
  • Connectivity: Villa Mercedes is 650 km from Buenos Aires (8–9 hours by car/bus via Ruta Nacional 7) and 100 km from San Luis (1.5 hours). The Airport serves military/general aviation, with no commercial flights. The nearest commercial Airport is Brigadier Mayor César Raúl Ojeda (LUQ, SAOU, 100 km).