Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Cobija. Capitán AnÃbal Arab Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 30 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at CIJ:
First, verify that you can enter Bolivia — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi takes about 30 minutes into Cobija, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — BOB is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some BOB in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
What’s Worth Seeing in Cobija
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Cobija, two standouts are:
- Plaza Germán Busch — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
- Mercado Central de Cobija — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside CIJ — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Airport Waiting Area Relaxation
- Local Souvenir Kiosk
Transport from Capitán AnÃbal Arab Airport to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from Capitán AnÃbal Arab Airport into town:
- Taxi: About 30 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 50 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Cobija: Restaurante Cabaña La Choza and El Patio Restaurante. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Aeropuerto Cafe or Snack Bar CIJ. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Cobija might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$6 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$21 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Cobija, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
WiFi at CIJ should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Bolivia and you’re good to go.
Bag Storage Near CIJ
Luggage storage options at CIJ can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Cobija for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at CIJ, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Cobija exploring the streets or relaxing at CIJ, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.