A layover in Mariquita is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Mariquita Airport sits just 30 minutes from the city center by Taxi / Local Transport, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave MQU:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Colombia. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Mariquita takes about 30 minutes by Taxi / Local Transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is COP. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some COP in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Things to Do During Your Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Mariquita, two standouts are:
- Casa de la Segunda Expedición Botánica — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
- Catedral San Sebastián de Mariquita — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Mariquita.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at MQU, check out Aircraft and Surroundings Observation or Relax in the Waiting Area to keep yourself occupied.
Eating Well on a Mariquita Layover
- In the city: Restaurante La Casona and La Fonda Paisa Mariquita are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Mariquita.
- At the airport: Aeropuerto Mariquita Cafeteria and Empanada and Drinks Stand will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Transport from Mariquita Airport to Downtown
From MQU, the Taxi / Local Transport gets you to Mariquita in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Local Transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Mariquita Side Trip
Quick budget math for your Mariquita layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$8 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$23 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Mariquita.
Luggage Storage at MQU
Dedicated luggage storage at MQU may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Mariquita’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at MQU, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Mariquita itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Colombia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at MQU include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Colombia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Mariquita with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Mariquita may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.