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El Buitre Airport Mountain Airport illustrationMountain Airport
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small airport

El Buitre Airport

Arica, Chile
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SCAE
ICAO
328 ft
Elevation
AirlinesAirports profile

Small general aviation airfield serving northern Chile's Arica region.

Location
Arica, Chile
El Buitre Airport (ICAO: SCAE) is a small general aviation airfield located near Arica, a city in the far north of Chile close to the border with Peru. It serves primarily private and light aircraft operations rather than scheduled commercial passenger services. Arica's main commercial air gateway is Chacalluta International Airport (ARI/SCAR), which handles scheduled airline traffic to Santiago and other Chilean cities. El Buitre functions as a secondary, non-commercial facility in the region. The airfield is situated in Chile's Arica y Parinacota Region, one of the driest areas on Earth due to its proximity to the Atacama Desert, which influences operational conditions at the field.
Notable facts
  • ›ICAO code is SCAE; it has no assigned IATA code.
  • ›Primarily serves general aviation and private light aircraft.
  • ›Located in the Arica y Parinacota Region of northern Chile.
  • ›Arica's scheduled commercial flights operate from the separate Chacalluta International Airport (ARI).
  • ›The surrounding region is one of the driest on Earth, part of the Atacama Desert zone.
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

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City & Place Guide

Chile's sunniest city where desert meets Pacific coast

Arica sits at Chile's far northern tip, just kilometers from the Peruvian border, earning the nickname 'City of the Eternal Spring' for its year-round mild, sunny climate. The city blends indigenous Aymara culture with a relaxed coastal vibe, offering beaches, ancient history, and dramatic desert landscapes all within easy reach.

As a major border city and free-trade zone, Arica is lively and affordable. It serves as a practical gateway to the altiplano, the Atacama Desert, and Lake Chungara, one of the world's highest lakes. The city's colonial heritage, visible in landmarks designed by Gustave Eiffel, adds unexpected architectural character to its sunny streets.

  • •El Morro de Arica — iconic clifftop fortress with panoramic Pacific views and a key battle memorial
  • •Catedral de San Marcos — iron church prefabricated by Gustave Eiffel, a rare architectural gem
  • •Museo de Sitio Colón 10 — displays remarkably preserved Chinchorro mummies, the world's oldest
  • •Playa El Laucho — calm, family-friendly beach ideal for swimming close to the city center
  • •Parque Nacional Lauca — stunning altiplano park with flamingos, vicuñas, and Lake Chungara
  • •Mercado Central — bustling market showcasing fresh seafood, local produce, and Aymara crafts

Getting around: Arica is compact and walkable in the center, with shared taxis called colectivos being the most popular and affordable local transport. City buses cover broader neighborhoods cheaply, while standard taxis are widely available for direct trips. Rideshare apps have limited presence, so colectivos and taxis are the practical go-to options. Rental cars are recommended for excursions to Lauca or the altiplano.

Best time: Arica is pleasant year-round, but May through October offers cooler, drier conditions ideal for sightseeing and highland day trips.

Local food: Try ceviche de mariscos, chupe de camarones (shrimp chowder), and picante de mariscos, all influenced by Peruvian flavors and best enjoyed at the Mercado Central.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

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Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification