Sleeping in Airports

Best Airports in South America 2016

Date: October 15, 2016

In our annual survey, we asked travellers to rate airports in the South America based on their overall airport experience. They ranked their experiences on these factors:

  • Comfort (Rest Zones & Gate Seating)
  • Services, Facilities & Things to do
  • Food Options
  • Immigration/Security
  • Customer Service
  • Cleanliness

The best airports in South America are those that provide passengers with an comfortable airport experience. Although ultra-indulgent amenities are a bit sparse, the following terminals make sure that your airport experience is, above all else, friendly and efficient. Wi-Fi, charging ports, decent food options, and comfortable couches combine to put these airports a tier above the others in the region.

Here are the Top 5 Best Airports in South America based on overall airport experience, as determined by voters in our 2016 Airport Survey.

1. Montevideo General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport (Carrasco), Uruguay (MVD)

Best Airports of 2016: Montevideo Airport

The airport is small but very modern and spacious – survey respondent

Montevideo’s International Airport has been steadily climbing our Best Airports in South America list since completing renovations back in 2010. As functional as it is beautiful, travellers were pleased by how easily and safely they could navigate the clean terminal. And the staff? Well they are said to only enhance the overall experience. Sleep-wise, the terminal also fares well, with a prime lounging destination on the third floor terrace. While the food prices may be a touch steep, the availability of free Wi-Fi helps to offset the pain of that expense. ( Photo courtesy of zoeftigseating / Instagram )

Airport Services/Facilities: Pay-per-use Lounges ($) • Free WiFi • Luggage Storage ($). For more information, visit our Carrasco Airport Guide.

2. Bogota El Dorado International Airport, Colombia (BOG)

Best Airports of 2016: Bogota Airport

This airport is very modern, clean and best of all kindest staff I have ever met. If you ever think about connecting, BOG will definitely be your best bet! – survey respondent

Bogota International Airport secures its second place spot because it is consistently clean, comfortable, and friendly. A quick immigration process whisks travellers into a terminal where charging points are plentiful and the Wi-Fi is free. Clean bathrooms and comfortable chairs are equally as welcomed – and with a few improvements to the dining options in the international section, BOG will be well on its way. ( Photo courtesy of jasonlct / Instagram )

Airport Services/Facilities: Free WiFi • Luggage Storage ($). For more information, visit our Bogota Airport Guide.

3. Guayaquil José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport, Ecuador (GYE)

Best Airports of 2016: Guayaquil Airport

The airport is great, everything is sparkly clean with lots of spaces – survey respondent

Guayaquil Airport dropped from first place in this year’s survey’s results – though we can’t be sure why. Voters inundated our survey results with praise for GYE’s outstanding customer service, excellent infrastructure and sparkly-clean facilities. Free Wi-Fi, plenty of affordable restaurants, charging points, and ultra-efficient immigration was icing on the proverbial cake. ( Photo courtesy of yennys / Instagram )

Airport Services/Facilities: Pay-per-use Lounges ($) • Free WiFi • Showers ($) • 24-Hour Food Options ($) • Luggage Storage ($). For more information, visit our Guayaquil Airport Guide.

4. Buenos Aires Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery, Argentina (AEP)

Best Airports of 2016: Buenos Aires Aeroparque Airport

Seating is better in the international area (some people even slept on cushioned benches of closed restaurants) – survey respondent

Buenos Aires Aeroparque Airport wins big points by being clean and easy to navigate. Located just outside the city centre, travellers appreciate the luggage storage, free Wi-Fi, cellphone charging ports. We figure that if AEP set up a few more chairs and updated their decor in older section of the terminal, the airport could be well on its way! ( Photo courtesy of tinmapache / Instagram )

Airport Services/Facilities: Free WiFi • Luggage Storage ($). For more information, visit our Buenos Aires Aeroparque Airport Guide.

5. Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (Medellin), Colombia (MDE)

Best Airports of 2016: Medellin Airport

This airport is small, friendly and efficient. Security screening moves really quickly. – survey respondent

This small and efficient airport impressed our voters with quick security, and a friendly environment. Work cubicles are fantastic for the busy traveller, and there is ample seating for those who’d rather relax. And for everyone – there is free and fast internet to keep you entertained while waiting for your flight. Though there are a few customer services glitches that need working out, one voter claimed Medellin Airport was the best in Colombia. ( Photo courtesy of aaveterinaria / Instagram )

Airport Services/Facilities: Free WiFi • 24-Hour Food Options ($). For more information, visit our Medellin Airport Guide.

Top 10 Best Airports in South America

Below is a list of the Top 10 Best Airports in South America as voted by travellers in our 2016 Airport Survey:

  1. Montevideo General Cesáreo L. Berisso International Airport (Carrasco), Uruguay (MVD)
  2. Bogota El Dorado International Airport, Colombia (BOG)
  3. Guayaquil José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport, Ecuador (GYE)
  4. Buenos Aires Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery, Argentina (AEP)
  5. Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (Medellin), Colombia (MDE)
  6. Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport, Argentina (EZE)
  7. Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport, Peru (LIM)
  8. Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport, Brazil (GIG)
  9. Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Ecuador (UIO)
  10. Santiago de Chile Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, Chile (SCL)

Since you’ve now learned about the best airports, it’s time to move on to the Worst Airport of South America!