Operational

Perito Moreno Airport

Perito Moreno, Argentina

PMQ SAWP

Airport Information

Country Argentina
Continent South America
ICAO/IATA SAWP / PMQ
Elevation 1410 ft (430m)
Coordinates -46.5379, -70.9787

Current Weather

Current weather: Partly Cloudy
3.8°C
Partly Cloudy
June 27
11:11
Local Time
4
km/h NW
10
km visibility
77%
humidity

Runways

Runway 07/25

GRE
Length 2,790 ft (850m)
Width 130 ft (40m)
Surface GRE
Status
Operational

Runway 10/28

ASP
Lighted
Length 5,577 ft (1700m)
Width 98 ft (30m)
Surface ASP
Status
Operational

Runway 11/29

GRE
Length 4,405 ft (1343m)
Width 100 ft (30m)
Surface GRE
Status
Operational

About Perito Moreno Airport

Perito Moreno Airport, also known as Comandante Armando Tola International Airport, is a small airport located in the town of El Calafate, in the Santa Cruz Province of Argentina. Named after the Argentine explorer and scholar Francisco Pascasio Moreno, the airport serves as a gateway to the stunning Patagonian region, particularly the famous Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier.

The airport is situated approximately 21 kilometers east of El Calafate, making it a convenient point of entry for tourists interested in exploring the natural wonders of the area. The airport has a single terminal building with basic facilities such as a café, duty-free shop, and car rental services. Despite its modest size, Perito Moreno Airport is an important transportation hub for the region, connecting travelers to major cities in Argentina such as Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.

The airport's runway is equipped to handle small to medium-sized aircraft, with flights operated by airlines such as Aerolineas Argentinas, LATAM Argentina, and low-cost carriers like Flybondi and JetSmart. The airport operates domestic flights to various cities within Argentina, as well as seasonal international flights to destinations like Santiago, Chile, and São Paulo, Brazil.

One of the main attractions of El Calafate and the surrounding area is the Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive glacier located in Los Glaciares National Park. The glacier is one of the few in the world that is still advancing, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking to witness the natural beauty of Patagonia up close. Visitors can take boat tours that navigate through the icy waters of Lake Argentino, providing stunning views of the glacier's towering ice walls and crystal-clear blue hues.

Aside from the Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. The town itself is charming and welcoming, with a variety of restaurants, shops, and accommodations to suit every budget. In recent years, El Calafate has become a popular destination for eco-tourism, with many travelers seeking to experience the pristine wilderness of Patagonia in a sustainable way.

Perito Moreno Airport plays a crucial role in facilitating tourism to the region, providing a convenient and efficient way for visitors to access El Calafate and its surrounding attractions. The airport's location in the heart of Patagonia makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the natural wonders of the area, from towering glaciers to ancient forests and rugged mountains.

Overall, Perito Moreno Airport is a gateway to one of the most breathtaking regions in Argentina, offering travelers the opportunity to experience the raw beauty of Patagonia in all its glory. Whether you're a nature lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, El Calafate and its airport provide a perfect escape to a world of awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable experiences.