Alcantari Airport serves the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia. It operates at a high elevation, making it one of the higher airports in the country. The facility handles both domestic and international flights, connecting travelers to various parts of South America. Its runways are designed for smaller aircraft, which suits regional travel needs. The airport provides basic amenities such as ticket counters, waiting areas and food options. Weather conditions can change quickly due to its location near tropical forests, so pilots often adjust flight plans accordingly.
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type C
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) £1 ≈ BOB 15.88 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in Bolivia, particularly in larger cities, but cash is still widely used, especially in rural areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Bolivia, but leaving 10% in restaurants and small tips for taxi drivers or hotel staff is appreciated. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not common in Bolivia and is not widely accepted outside of private spaces or licensed establishments. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in designated smoking areas and licensed establishments but is prohibited in most indoor public spaces. |
| Dia del Trabajo (Labour Day) (May) |
Expect some business closures and public celebrations. |
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| Carnival (February) |
Expect lively celebrations, street parties, and crowded events. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 118 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | Cabify, Uber |
| Other: | Bolivia offers a range of natural attractions, including the Uyuni salt flats, the Amazon rainforest, and the high-altitude city of La Paz. |
Alcantarí Airport opened in 2016 to replace the older Juana Azurduy de Padilla Airport, which faced safety and space issues. It features a spacious passenger terminal with modern amenities, a long 3,600-meter runway allowing for night operations and covers about 345 hectares. Located high in the Andes at an elevation of around 2,900 meters, weather conditions such as frequent fog may disrupt flight schedules, so travelers should plan with flexibility.
The terminal provides basic services including check-in counters, baggage handling, some food and beverage options and limited shopping. While the airport serves both domestic and some international flights, it is mostly a hub for flights connecting major Bolivian cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba.
Transportation options from the airport to Sucre include taxis and minibuses; taxis cost around 7 USD to reach the city center about 50 minutes away, while minibuses offer cheaper fares but can be less comfortable with luggage. Car rentals are available for more independent exploration.
Overall, Alcantarí Airport is a practical and safer choice for visitors headed to Sucre, though the experience remains functional rather than luxurious. Its location amidst rich cultural and historical sites makes it an important entry point for Bolivian explorers.
Most travelers stay in Sucre’s city center, where there is a good variety of accommodations from budget hostels to boutique hotels offering charming colonial atmospheres. The airport area itself has fewer lodging options but is connected well enough to the city for convenient day trips and overnight stays.
To Sucre city centre:
Sucre city centre is about 30 kilometres north of the airport, reachable by taxi in roughly 50 minutes for about BOB 50 (£3.20). Minibuses operate on a cheaper fixed fare but have limited luggage space and fewer comforts. Taxis can be booked at the airport’s official counters for safety and convenience.
