The Complete Guide to a Layover in Huánuco

A long layover in Huánuco is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Alferez Fap David Figueroa Fernandini Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 60 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.

Before You Step Outside HUU

Three things to verify before you walk out of HUU:

  1. Can you legally enter Peru? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
  2. Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Local Taxis, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
  3. How will you pay? Local currency is the PEN. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.

What’s Worth Seeing in Huánuco

If you head into Huánuco, here are two things worth checking out:

Plaza de Armas de Huánuco is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.

Catedral de Huánuco is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.

If you’d rather stay inside HUU — 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 & Observation
  • Airport Snack Kiosk

Transport from Alferez Fap David Figueroa Fernandini Airport to Downtown

From HUU, the Local Taxis gets you to Huánuco in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Local Taxis offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.

Eating Well on a Huánuco Layover

  • In the city: Restaurante El Trapiche and Restaurante Turístico El Padrino are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Huánuco.
  • At the airport: Aeropuerto Cafetería (HUU) and Airport Vending Machines will get the job done without leaving the terminal.

How Much Money You’ll Need

Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Huánuco might cost in USD:

  • Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
  • A meal: ~$9 USD
  • Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
  • Estimated total: ~$24 USD

Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.

Staying Connected

Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and HUU is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Huánuco and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.

Storing Your Luggage at Alferez Fap David Figueroa Fernandini Airport

Specific locker facilities at HUU aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Huánuco itself.

If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.

Rest Areas & Lounges

Long overnight layover? Your options at HUU include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Peru 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 Huánuco count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave HUU. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.

Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.

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Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.

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