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Remote jungle gateway on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast.
Location
Pococi, Costa Rica
Barra del Colorado Airport (IATA: BCL, ICAO: MRBC) is a small general aviation and regional airport serving the remote Barra del Colorado area in the Pococi canton of Limón Province, Costa Rica. Situated near the Nicaragua border along the Caribbean coast, it primarily facilitates access to the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, a major destination for sport fishing and ecotourism.
The airport features a short unpaved or gravel airstrip capable of handling small propeller-driven aircraft. It is one of the few practical means of reaching the area, as the surrounding lowland rainforest and river delta terrain make road access extremely difficult or nonexistent for most of the year.
Service is provided primarily by small Costa Rican domestic carriers operating charter and scheduled light aircraft flights, mainly from Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José. The facility is modest, with minimal terminal infrastructure reflecting its remote, low-traffic nature.
Terminals
The airport has a single small terminal building with basic passenger facilities befitting its remote, low-volume operations.
Getting to & from
Ground transport options are extremely limited due to the absence of paved roads connecting Barra del Colorado to the main highway network, making boat travel the primary surface alternative.
Airlines here
Nature Air (now defunct) and charter operators such as Aero Bell have historically provided service; small domestic carriers currently offer limited scheduled and charter flights.
Notable facts
- ›Serves as a primary gateway to the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, renowned for tarpon and snook sport fishing.
- ›The surrounding region is accessible mainly by air or river boat due to the dense lowland rainforest terrain.
- ›The airstrip is short and unpaved, limiting operations to small propeller aircraft.
- ›Located very close to the Costa Rica–Nicaragua border on the Caribbean coast.
- ›The area experiences very high annual rainfall, which can affect flight operations.
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 Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
