There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Yurimaguas into a quick city adventure. From YMS, the Taxi can get you into town in around 30 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Pre-Departure Checklist
A few things to sort out before you leave YMS:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Peru. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Yurimaguas takes about 30 minutes by Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is PEN. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some PEN in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
What to See and Do in Yurimaguas
If you head into Yurimaguas, here are two things worth checking out:
Plaza de Armas de Yurimaguas is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Paseo de las Lanchas (Riverfront) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at YMS, check out Relaxation in Main Waiting Area or Observing Aircraft Operations to keep yourself occupied.
Transport from Moises Benzaquen Rengifo Airport to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from Moises Benzaquen Rengifo 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.
Where to Grab a Meal
- In the city: El Chef Amazonico and La Colpa Restaurante are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Yurimaguas.
- At the airport: Aeropuerto Kiosk and Local Snacks & Beverages Stand will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Yurimaguas might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$8 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$23 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Yurimaguas, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at YMS, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Yurimaguas itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Peru that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at YMS may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Yurimaguas’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.
Sleep & Lounge Options at YMS
Long overnight layover? Your options at YMS 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
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Yurimaguas genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.