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La Araucanía International Airport International Hub illustrationInternational Hub
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ZCOlarge airport

La Araucanía International Airport

Temuco, Chile
Explore Temuco city guide Navigate to this airport
3
Routes out
2
Destinations
SCQP
ICAO
333 ft
Elevation
AirlinesAirports profile

Gateway to Chilean Patagonia and the Araucanía region.

Opened
1970
Location
Temuco, Chile
La Araucanía International Airport, designated by IATA code ZCO and ICAO code SCQP, serves Temuco, the capital of Chile's Araucanía Region. It is the primary commercial airport for the south-central zone of Chile, connecting the region to Santiago and other domestic destinations. The airport underwent significant modernization and expansion in the 2010s, resulting in a new terminal and improved facilities to handle growing passenger traffic. Its international designation allows it to receive direct flights from neighboring countries, particularly Argentina. Temuco is an important cultural and economic hub, home to a large Mapuche indigenous population, and the airport plays a key role in supporting tourism to nearby natural attractions such as Villarrica and Conguillío national parks.
Terminals
The airport operates a single passenger terminal that was modernized and expanded to improve capacity and services for domestic and international travelers.
Getting to & from
The airport is located approximately 6 kilometers from central Temuco and is accessible by taxi, ride-hailing services, and bus transfers.
Airlines here
LATAM Airlines and Sky Airline are the principal carriers operating at La Araucanía, offering regular domestic services to Santiago and other Chilean cities.
Notable facts
  • ›The airport is officially named in honor of the Araucanía Region and its indigenous Mapuche heritage.
  • ›A major terminal expansion project was completed around 2017–2018 to modernize infrastructure.
  • ›The airport serves as an important gateway for tourists visiting nearby Lake District and Andean national parks.
  • ›International routes have historically included connections to Argentine cities such as Buenos Aires.
  • ›It is one of the busiest airports in southern Chile by passenger volume.
Official website 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 Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Route map (2 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

Sky Airline
H2
LAN Airlines
LA
LATAM Airlines
LA

Routes

ZCO → CCPH2 · 319
ZCO → SCLH2 · 319
ZCO → SCLLA · 319

Aircraft operating here

Airbus A3193 routes
Hotels near ZCO

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City & Place Guide

Gateway to Patagonia steeped in Mapuche culture and nature

Temuco is a bustling mid-sized city in Chile's Araucanía region, roughly 670 km south of Santiago. It serves as the cultural and commercial hub of Mapuche indigenous territory, blending urban energy with deep ancestral traditions, colorful markets, and lush surrounding landscapes.

The city is a practical base for exploring nearby volcanoes, lakes, and hot springs. Villarrica and Conguillio National Parks are within easy reach, making Temuco a favorite among nature lovers and adventure travelers heading into the Lake District or Patagonia beyond.

  • •Mercado Municipal — vibrant indoor market showcasing Mapuche crafts, produce, and street food
  • •Monumento Natural Cerro Ñielol — forested hill reserve with native flora and city views
  • •Museo Regional de la Araucanía — excellent collection of Mapuche history, art, and artifacts
  • •Feria Pinto — sprawling outdoor market reflecting everyday life and local commerce
  • •Parque Nacional Conguillío — dramatic volcano, lava fields, and ancient araucaria forests nearby
  • •Temuco Cathedral — striking modernist landmark anchoring the central Plaza Aníbal Pinto

Getting around: Temuco has an extensive local bus network covering the city and surrounding towns at low fares. Colectivos (shared taxis running fixed routes) are fast and affordable for short trips. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and inDriver operate here, and regular long-distance buses connect Temuco to Santiago and southern destinations from the main terminal on Avenida Caupolicán. The city is also a stop on Chile's Tren Austral heritage rail service during summer months.

Best time: Spring (October–November) and summer (December–February) offer the warmest, driest weather ideal for exploring parks and outdoor attractions.

Local food: Try cazuela de vacuno (hearty beef stew), milcao (potato cakes), catutos (Mapuche wheat dumplings), and fresh merkén-spiced dishes at the Mercado Municipal.

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

Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via ZCO? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for Chile from official government sources.

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La Araucanía International Airport
Encyclopaedia

La Araucanía International Airport, also known as Temuco Airport, is the main airport in the Araucanía Region and southern Chile. It is 21 kilometres (13 mi) south of the city of Temuco, in the commune of Freire, Cautín Province.

Read full article on Wikipedia

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