Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Chachapoyas. Chachapoyas 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
Three things to verify before you walk out of CHH:
- Can you legally enter Peru? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
The Best Way Into Chachapoyas from CHH
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| local transport | ~30 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~50 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the local transport 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.
Luggage Storage at CHH
Dedicated luggage storage at CHH may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Chachapoyas’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.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Chachapoyas, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Chachapoyas.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Chachapoyas, we’d suggest Plaza de Armas de Chachapoyas and Museo Etnográfico de Chachapoyas (Yacumama). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
If you’d rather stay inside CHH — 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:
- Relax in the Main Waiting Area
- Airfield Observation Point
Food & Dining Options
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Chachapoyas: Restaurante El Batán del Tayta and Mishkipata Restaurante. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Aeropuerto Café CHH or Express Snack & Beverage Counter. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Staying Connected
WiFi at CHH 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 Peru and you’re good to go.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at CHH, 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
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Chachapoyas count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave CHH. 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.