A Guide for Enthusiasts
Aviation photography offers a unique opportunity to capture the grandeur and elegance of flying machines in action. For those passionate about planes, Latin America is a treasure trove of fantastic locations to snap that perfect shot. Whether you are a seasoned aviation photographer or a beginner, the region offers a range of airports with stunning vantage points and high aircraft traffic.
Here’s a guide to some of the best airports in Latin America for aviation photography.
1. Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado (Bogotá, Colombia)
Located in Bogotá, Colombia, El Dorado is one of the busiest airports in Latin America, handling both domestic and international flights. Its strategic location in a mountainous region gives photographers a spectacular opportunity to capture planes in diverse lighting conditions, particularly during takeoff and landing. The airport offers great vantage points from nearby parks, and its wide range of aircraft operations—from regional flights to long-haul international routes—makes it a dream for aviation enthusiasts.
2. Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (Mexico City, Mexico)
Mexico City's international airport is a prime location for aviation photographers. Known for its massive traffic, Mexico City sees a mix of domestic, regional, and long-haul international flights, providing ample opportunities for capturing a variety of aircraft. The airport's proximity to the famous "Volcanoes" (Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl) can also provide unique, breathtaking backdrops. Plane spotting enthusiasts should head to the nearby Parque de la 2ª Sección de Chapultepec or take advantage of elevated points along Terminal 2.
✈️ Love aviation? Check out top planespotting cameras, binoculars and radios.
3. Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo-Guarulhos (São Paulo, Brazil)
Guarulhos, in São Paulo, is the busiest airport in Brazil and one of the busiest in Latin America. It serves as a hub for domestic flights within Brazil as well as international travel across Europe, the United States, and Asia. The airport is famous for its large number of aircraft movements, making it an ideal location for aviation photographers. The terminal's observation deck offers great views of the tarmac and runway, with some nearby hills offering elevated perspectives for capturing aircraft on approach or departure.
4. Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez (Lima, Peru)
Lima's Jorge Chávez Airport is another excellent spot for aviation photography. As the gateway to South America, it sees an impressive number of international flights. The airport is located right on the coast, which makes for some fantastic shots, especially with planes flying against a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Photographers can also capture planes arriving over the water, which creates a dramatic effect. The elevated areas near the airport give a clear view of the aircraft as they approach, providing a unique angle for photography.
5. Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Aeroparque Jorge Newbery is one of the most iconic airports in Argentina, offering incredible opportunities for aviation photography in the heart of Buenos Aires. Situated along the Río de la Plata, it is famous for its stunning views of the city skyline and the water. Aeroparque primarily handles domestic and regional flights, so photographers can often catch planes as they take off or land at lower altitudes, offering dramatic close-up shots. The airport is very close to the city, which means enthusiasts can capture images of planes in both natural light and with the urban backdrop. For the best views, photographers can head to the parks nearby or visit one of the airport's observation points.
6. Aeropuerto Internacional de Santiago (Santiago, Chile)
Santiago’s international airport, located in the foothills of the Andes, offers one of the most scenic locations for aviation photography in Latin America. The combination of mountainous backdrops and aircraft in the sky provides opportunities for striking, dramatic shots. With constant air traffic to destinations across Latin America and the world, this airport is a photographer's dream. The best vantage points can be found around the Pudahuel area or from nearby observation decks in the terminal buildings.
For aviation enthusiasts, Latin America provides some of the most exciting and scenic airports for plane spotting and photography. Whether you’re looking to capture wide-body jets soaring against mountain backdrops or smaller planes buzzing against coastal horizons, these airports offer something special. With the right equipment, patience, and a bit of luck, these locations are sure to help you capture the perfect shot of aviation in action.