Pichoy Airport – ZAL

Pichoy Airport is a regional public airport that serves the commune and city of Valdivia, Chile. Located 20 miles northeast of the city in the Mariquina commune, the airport also serves the surrounding areas within the Los Ríos region of the country. It provides flights to Santiago, Chile via various airlines Sky Airline, JetSmart, and LATAM Chile. While flights are quite limited, the Pichoy Airport usually sees an average of 49,261 passengers every year, which makes it the 12th busiest airport in the country.

Best Time to Visit

Found at an elevation of 59 feet above mean sea level, ZAL-Pichoy Airport features a single runway that measures 6,890 feet in length with an asphalt surface. This runway can handle large turboprop commuters as well as short- and medium-haul flight aircraft. It also supports most single engine, light twin, business jet, and commuter aircraft. Aside from Valdivia, surrounding cities include Curiñanco and Niebla.

What to Do & Area Attractions

There are plenty of great Chile hotels within Valdivia, but there aren’t any in the immediate vicinity of Pichoy Airport. However, just over 10 minutes away by car is Hostal Don Luis in Mariquina, Chile. A 30-minute drive offers good options, like the riverfront B&B Villa del Rio and a casino hotel, the Hotel Dreams Pedro De Valdivia.

Many alternative airports are located quite far from Pichoy Airport, such as the nearest options Pucon Airport in Pucon, Chile and Maquehue Airport in Temuco, Chile. For international flights, travelers will have to go to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Chile.