A long layover in ZAPALA is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Zapala Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave APZ:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Argentina. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to ZAPALA takes about 30 minutes by Taxi/Remise. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is ARS. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some ARS in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into ZAPALA
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Remise | ~30 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~50 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi/Remise is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into ZAPALA might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$10 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$25 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Things to Do During Your Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In ZAPALA, two standouts are:
- Dr. Victorio de Stefano Mineralogical Museum — Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
- Plaza Centenario — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside APZ, you can spend time at Zapala Airport Waiting Area or try Airport Information Point. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near APZ
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into ZAPALA: El Fogón de Zapala and PizzerÃa El Trebol. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for APZ Snack & Coffee Corner or APZ Vending Zone. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at APZ aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in ZAPALA itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at APZ, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in ZAPALA itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Argentina that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at APZ include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Argentina also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in ZAPALA count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave APZ. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.