Viru Viru International Airport (VVI)
Santa Cruz, BO š§š“ Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
SLVR
IATA
VVI
Elevation
1224 ft
Region
BO-S
Local Time
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Loading...Airport Information
GPS Code: SLVR
Local Code: Not available
Location: -17.6448Ā° N, -63.135399Ā° E
Continent: South America
Type: Large International Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, receives mixed reviews from recent travelers. While generally considered functional and a primary gateway to Bolivia, many travelers describe it as outdated and lacking in modern amenities. Overall satisfaction often hinges on managing expectations for a smaller, older international airport.
What Travelers Love
- Security and Immigration Efficiency: Many travelers report quick processing through security and immigration, particularly during non-peak hours.
- Clean Bathrooms: The airport generally maintains clean restroom facilities.
- Essential Amenities: Basic services like cafes, eateries, currency exchange, and ATMs are available.
- Convenient Location: VVI is located approximately 17 km (10 miles) from Santa Cruz de la Sierra city center, with various transportation options readily available.
- Observation Deck: The airport features an observation deck that can be a positive for plane spotters.
Common Complaints
- Outdated and Basic Facilities: The airport's infrastructure is frequently described as small, outdated, and in need of investment, with uncomfortable seating in some areas.
- Limited Food and Retail Options: Choices for food and shops are scarce, especially after security or during early morning hours.
- Lack of Air Conditioning and Poor Wi-Fi: Some travelers note a lack of effective air conditioning and frequently report slow or unreliable Wi-Fi.
- Challenging Immigration and Customs Experience: There are reports of unorganized or unhelpful immigration staff, long waits, and even issues with visa processing, with some travelers suggesting a preference for bribes over efficient service. International transit on separate tickets often requires clearing immigration.
- Basic VIP Lounges: The available VIP lounges are generally described as small, basic, and lacking in amenities like showers or diverse food options, though they do offer seating and Wi-Fi.
- Mosquitoes: Some reviews specifically mention the presence of mosquitoes in the check-in hall.
Viru Viru International Airport serves as Bolivia's main international hub, providing necessary services but often falling short of modern international airport standards. Travelers should prepare for a functional but potentially dated environment, particularly regarding amenities and the efficiency of some administrative processes. It is advisable to pre-arrange transportation and be prepared for limited options once past security.
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Airport Routes
Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) offers 34 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Boliviana de AviaciĆ³n, ecojet, LATAM Peru and others. Popular destinations from Santa Cruz include Jorge Wilstermann Int'l, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez Int'l, Tocumen Int'l, Simon Bolivar Int'l (Maiquetia Int'l) and Adolfo SuĆ”rez Madrid-Barajas.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Jorge Wilstermann Int'l (CBB) 3
- Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez Int'l (SCL) 3
- Tocumen Int'l (PTY) 2
- Simon Bolivar Int'l (Maiquetia Int'l) (CCS) 2
- Adolfo SuƔrez Madrid-Barajas (MAD) 2
- SĆ£o Paulo-Guarulhos Int'l (GRU) 2
- Diego Aracena Int'l (IQQ) 2
- Silvio Pettirossi Int'l (ASU) 2
- AlcantarĆ (SRE) 2
- El Alto Int'l (LPB) 2
- Jorge ChƔvez Int'l (LIM) 2
- Miami Intl (MIA) 2
Newly Discovered
- Capitan Oriel Lea Plaza (TJA) new
- Jorge Wilstermann Int'l (CBB) new
- El Alto Int'l (LPB) new
- AlcantarĆ (SRE) new
- SĆ£o Paulo-Guarulhos Int'l (GRU) new
- Teniente Jorge Henrich Arauz (TDD) new
- Oruro (ORU) new
- Miami Intl (MIA) new
- Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez Int'l (SCL) new
- Jorge ChƔvez Int'l (LIM) new
- El Dorado Int'l (BOG) new
- Jorge Newbery (AEP) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Viru Viru International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Boliviana de AviaciĆ³n
BOV
/ OB
|
17 | 1479 | 17 | Feb 15, 2026 |
|
ecojet
ECO
/ 8J
|
4 | 170 | 4 | Feb 15, 2026 |
|
LATAM Peru
LPE
/ LP
|
1 | 67 | 1 | Feb 14, 2026 |
Copa Airlines
CMP
/ CM
|
1 | 61 | 1 | Feb 12, 2026 |
Avianca
AVA
/ AV
|
1 | 57 | 1 | Feb 14, 2026 |
GOL Linhas AĆ©reas Inteligentes
GLO
/ G3
|
1 | 33 | 1 | Feb 15, 2026 |
|
Paranair
AZP
/ ZP
|
1 | 32 | 1 | Feb 11, 2026 |
|
Ascension
ASZ
|
1 | 31 | 1 | Jan 1, 2026 |
|
LATAM
LAN
/ LA
|
1 | 22 | 1 | Feb 7, 2026 |
|
Ascension
ASZ
/ OB
|
2 | 17 | 2 | Dec 24, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
16/34 |
11483 ft | 148 ft | CON | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | APP | 119.7 MHz |
| CLD | CLNC DEL | 121.8 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.9 MHz |
| RDO | SANTA CRUZ RDO | 127.1 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 118.6 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Official airport taxis are the safest and most common option. They operate on a fixed-fare system based on zones. You should purchase a ticket from the authorized taxi counters located inside the arrivals hall before proceeding to the taxi rank outside. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Indrive are also available, but their pickup points can be less formal.
Rental Cars
Several car rental companies have service desks within the arrivals hall. Major international agencies like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar operate alongside local providers such as Localiza. It is advisable to book your vehicle in advance. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is often recommended, along with your passport and a valid credit card.
Public Transportation
The most economical option is public transport, which consists of minibuses ('micros') and shared taxis ('trufis'). These can be found on the main road just a short walk from the terminal building. They connect the airport to various points in Santa Cruz, including the Terminal Bimodal (main bus terminal). This option is best suited for budget travelers with light luggage as the vehicles can be crowded.