Matecaña International Airport (PEI) is the main air hub for Pereira, the capital of Colombia’s Risaralda department and a key gateway to the Coffee Cultural Landscape. Located in the heart of the Coffee Axis (Eje Cafetero), this modern airport connects both domestic and international travelers to one of Colombia’s fastest-growing regions.
With rising tourism and foreign investment in Pereira, Matecaña has become a crucial link for business, leisure, and real estate activity, welcoming visitors looking to explore everything from coffee plantations and mountain towns to investment opportunities in real estate.
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Location & Accessibility
Matecaña International Airport (PEI) is located just 5 kilometers west of downtown Pereira, making it one of the most accessible airports in Colombia. Its central position in the Coffee Axis also places it within close reach of Armenia, Manizales, and Salento, offering seamless access to the region’s top destinations.
🗺️ Key Travel Distances from PEI
- 🏙️ Downtown Pereira: 10 minutes by taxi
- 🌄 Salento: 1 hour by car
- ☕ Coffee farms and eco-lodges: 45–90 minutes
- 🚖 Manizales & Armenia: Approximately 1.5 hours by road
🚕 How to Get to and from the Airport
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Readily available with fares to the city center around \$5 USD.
- Private Transfers & Hotel Shuttles: Popular with tourists staying in boutique hotels and eco-lodges.
- Rental Cars: Convenient for travelers planning to explore the Coffee Triangle.
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Airlines & Destinations
Matecaña International Airport (PEI) serves as a regional hub, offering a growing number of domestic and international connections. Its increasing flight routes reflect Pereira’s emergence as a strategic destination for tourism, investment, and business in Colombia’s Coffee Region.
✈️ Domestic Flights
PEI connects travelers to major cities across Colombia, including:
- Bogotá (BOG) – Frequent daily service (Avianca, LATAM, EasyFly)
- Medellin (MDE & EOH) – Direct flights to both José María Córdova and Olaya Herrera airports
- Cartagena (CTG) – Direct routes for beach getaways
- Santa Marta, San Andrés, Cali – Seasonal and regular routes depending on demand
🌎 International Connections
Matecaña’s growing international service makes it easier than ever to access Colombia’s Coffee Region from abroad. Popular direct international routes include:
- Panama City (PTY) – Copa Airlines hub connection
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Spirit Airlines offers direct flights to and from the U.S.
- Miami (MIA) – Seasonal and expanding service expected
🛫 Airlines Operating at PEI
- Avianca
- LATAM
- EasyFly
- Copa Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
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Passenger Experience & Amenities
Matecaña International Airport may be mid-sized, but it offers a modern and efficient experience for travelers. Recent renovations have transformed the terminal into a clean, safe, and well-organized space, making it one of the best-rated regional airports in Colombia.
🧳 What to Expect at PEI
- Modern Terminal: Renovated in recent years with updated architecture and spacious check-in areas.
- Security & Immigration: Generally fast and well-managed, especially compared to larger Colombian airports.
- Transportation Services: Taxis, ride-shares, and rental cars available right outside the terminal.
🍴 Dining & Shopping Options
- Coffee Shops & Quick Bites: Sample local brews before your flight at Juan Valdez or smaller cafés.
- Gift Shops: Souvenirs and artisan goods from the Coffee Axis are available post-security.
- ATMs & Currency Exchange: Multiple options in both arrivals and departures.
🌐 Free Wi-Fi & Connectivity
- Travelers can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal—a must for digital nomads and business travelers.
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Recent Upgrades & Expansion
Matecaña International Airport has undergone major renovations and infrastructure upgrades, positioning it as one of the most modern and efficient regional airports in Colombia. These changes aim to support increasing passenger traffic, tourism growth, and foreign investment in the Coffee Region.
🛠️ Terminal Modernization
The new terminal, inaugurated in recent years, includes:
- Expanded check-in and baggage claim areas
- Enhanced immigration and customs processing
- Improved accessibility and signage for travelers
🚧 Runway and Airside Improvements
- Runway upgrades to accommodate larger aircraft and more frequent flights
- Enhanced lighting, radar, and navigational systems for improved safety
📈 Capacity and Future Plans
- The airport now handles over 1.5 million passengers annually, with capacity to grow.
- Plans include further expansion of parking, commercial areas, and international gate access.
🌿 Sustainable Features
Matecaña has incorporated eco-conscious design elements, such as:
- Natural lighting and ventilation systems
- Waste management and energy efficiency measures
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Economic Impact on Pereira & the Coffee Axis
Matecaña International Airport plays a critical role in the economic development of Pereira and the surrounding Coffee Region, serving as a catalyst for tourism, trade, and real estate growth.
💼 1. Boosting Tourism
PEI has made the Coffee Region more accessible to international and domestic travelers, helping cities like Pereira, Salento, and Manizales become year-round tourism destinations.
- 📈 Growth in eco-tourism, coffee tours, and cultural tourism.
- 🏨 Increase in boutique hotels, short-term rentals, and guided experiences.
🏙️ 2. Supporting Local Businesses
More air traffic means more opportunities for restaurants, shops, transport companies, and tour operators in Pereira. The airport helps circulate new capital into the local economy, fostering job creation and entrepreneurship.
🏘️ 3. Real Estate & Investment Growth
PEI’s growth has driven a surge in real estate demand, particularly among:
- 📦 Foreign investors seeking affordable properties with high rental potential
- 🧳 Digital nomads and remote workers relocating to Pereira for its climate and lower cost of living
- 🏡 Local professionals seeking modern housing options near the airport or city center
📊 Pereira’s growing connectivity is a key driver behind the rise in property values and rental activity across the region.
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How EVERYPLACE Can Help
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- Local Expertise: We specialize in real estate across Pereira and the Coffee Axis, giving you insight into the best neighborhoods and property types.
- Full-Service Real Estate Support: From property tours to paperwork, we streamline the buying process for international and domestic clients.
- Property Management Services: Already own a property or planning to rent it out? Our property management team will keep it occupied, maintained, and profitable.
- Personalized Service: Whether you’re searching for a short-term stay or a long-term investment, we tailor our support to your goals.
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