One of the most common questions before visiting the Callejón de Huaylas is how to get to Yungay. The good news is that there are several ways to do it and none of them is complicated: you can travel overland from Lima on a journey of roughly eight hours, fly to Huaraz and continue by road, or arrive in your own car enjoying the scenery. This guide gathers the approximate times, the advantages of each option and practical advice so that the trip is comfortable, safe and well spent.
The details that change. Timetables, frequencies and fares for buses and flights vary with the season and with each company. Here we give you reference ranges based on public sources from 2026; before you buy, always confirm on the company's website or at its ticket office.
Where Yungay is
Yungay is a province of the department of Áncash, in the Callejón de Huaylas, the valley of the Santa river that runs between the Cordillera Blanca to the east and the Cordillera Negra to the west. The present-day town is at about 2,458 metres above sea level and at the foot of the Huascarán snow-capped peak. It lies some 50 to 60 kilometres north of Huaraz, the tourist capital of the valley, and close to Carhuaz, Mancos and Caraz.
It is important to know that today's Yungay is New Yungay, built a short distance from the old town after the 1970 earthquake. If you are interested in that history, we have a guide in Campo Santo de Yungay: history and visit.
Option 1: from Lima to Yungay by bus
This is the option most used by Peruvian travellers. There are companies covering the Lima–Huaraz route with several departures a day, and at least one direct Lima–Yungay service.
Journey times. According to public data from 2026, the direct Lima–Yungay bus from the Plaza Norte terminal takes around 8 hours and 10 minutes and has one departure a day. Routes to Huaraz usually take close to eight hours; from Huaraz, the continuation to Yungay adds roughly one hour.
Reference fares. Direct tickets to Yungay have been reported at between about 21 and 26 dollars, while fares to Huaraz vary depending on the company and the type of seat (semi-sleeper or fully reclining bed seat). Prices change on public holidays and in high season.
How to choose a bus.
- Prefer bed-seat or semi-sleeper services for the overnight journey.
- Buy in advance for long weekends, Holy Week, Fiestas Patrias and the year-end holidays.
- Ask whether the bus goes straight to Yungay or whether you must change in Huaraz.
- Keep a warm layer in your hand luggage: in the highlands the temperature drops in the early hours.
- Keep your valuables with you and check the luggage policies.
Recommendations for the overnight trip. Many travellers leave at night and arrive in the morning. It is an efficient way to make the most of your day, but it also means climbing close to three thousand metres in a few hours. Plan a quiet morning on arrival, drink water, have a light breakfast and avoid intense effort for the first few hours. There is more advice in altitude sickness: how to prevent it.
Option 2: from Lima to Huaraz by plane, then to Yungay
If you are short of time, flying is an alternative. There are flights from Lima to Anta airport, which serves Huaraz, with a flight time of close to one hour; travel comparison sources estimate about three hours in total, counting transfers. Availability and frequency depend on the airline and on the season, so it is best to check them before you plan.
How to continue from the airport to Yungay. From the airport you can take a taxi or a private transfer to Yungay (the journey by road is roughly an hour and a half to two hours, depending on the starting point and traffic), or go first to Huaraz and take public transport from there.
Advantages. You save hours of travel and arrive rested. Disadvantages. It costs more, there are fewer frequencies, it depends on the weather and, because you arrive directly at altitude, acclimatisation is more abrupt. If you fly, plan a very gentle first day.
Option 3: from Huaraz to Yungay by public or private transport
From Huaraz there are minibuses and shared taxis (colectivos) heading to Yungay and other towns in the Callejón. The trip takes roughly an hour to an hour and twenty minutes along the road that follows the Santa river. You can also hire a taxi or a private transfer, which is more comfortable if you arrive with luggage or in a group.
Tips:
- Ask about the nearest departure and confirm the price before you get in.
- Carry cash in soles.
- At peak times the colectivos leave full; allow some margin if you have a timetable to keep.
Option 4: in your own car
Arriving by car gives you the freedom to stop, take photos and visit towns along the way. The most common route from Lima goes up the coast to the north and climbs into the highlands via Pativilca, continuing to Huaraz and then Yungay; the total distance is about 450 kilometres and the journey takes between eight and ten hours, with stops.
Driving tips.
- Check the brakes, tyres, oil and coolant before setting out.
- Avoid driving at night on mountain stretches with bends and fog.
- Fill the tank before climbing and carry cash for tolls.
- Check the state of the road the day before; in the rainy season there can be landslides or diversions.
- Carry the vehicle documents and valid insurance.
- Altitude affects engine performance and driver fatigue: rest every two or three hours.
If you stay somewhere with private and secure parking, such as Comtury Lodge, you will be able to leave the car inside the property during your stay.
Option 5: from Trujillo, Chimbote and other cities
From the north coast there are routes that climb through the highlands towards Áncash. For example, from Chimbote you can reach Huaraz by road and continue to Yungay. If you are coming from Trujillo, it is best to ask the transport companies that connect with Huaraz; the journey can be long and include winding stretches. In every case, confirm timetables and duration with the companies.
What the road is like
The climb from the coast to the Callejón de Huaylas is a journey in itself. You will pass from desert to valleys, gorges and small villages, and in the final part you will see the Cordillera Blanca for the first time. On clear days, Huascarán appears like a wall of snow above the valley. If you travel by day, it is an experience worth having.
How long it takes to get there (summary)
| From | Means | Approximate time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lima | Direct bus to Yungay | 8 h 10 min | One departure a day according to 2026 data |
| Lima | Bus to Huaraz + transport to Yungay | 9 to 10 h in total | More frequencies and options |
| Lima | Flight to Huaraz + transfer | 3 to 4 h in total | Depends on frequencies and weather |
| Lima | Own car | 8 to 10 h | With stops; avoid driving at night |
| Huaraz | Minibus, colectivo or taxi | 1 to 1 h 20 min | Frequent departures |
How to get to Comtury Lodge in Yungay
Our address is Jirón 2 de Mayo 1019, Yungay, Áncash, about eight minutes on foot from the Plaza de Armas. If you arrive by bus or colectivo, ask the driver to drop you in the area of the square, and from there a local taxi will bring you over in a few minutes. If you prefer, write to us on WhatsApp at +51 943 529 322 with your estimated arrival time and we will guide you. Parking is private and secure inside the property.
What to do when you arrive
To acclimatise calmly, our advice is simple: leave your luggage, hydrate, walk gently to the Plaza de Armas, have something hot to drink and rest. Avoid very heavy meals and alcohol for the first 24 hours. The next day you will be able to visit the Campo Santo or the Llanganuco lakes with better energy. If you need a guide to a plan, see things to do in Yungay or the 3-day itinerary.
What to bring for the journey
Besides your main luggage, it is worth carrying in your hand bag: water, light snacks, a warm layer, sunscreen, a charger, documents, cash, personal medication and a scarf or sweater for the bus. The complete list is in what to pack for Yungay and the Cordillera Blanca.
Safety and comfort tips
- Travel with an ID document and, if you are a foreigner, your passport.
- Do not leave valuables in sight on the bus or in the car.
- Use registered taxis and confirm the price before you get in.
- Let your accommodation know your arrival time.
- If you have any heart, lung or blood pressure condition, consult your doctor before going up to altitude.
- Check the weather and the state of the roads before setting out.
Example arrival itinerary from Lima
So that you can see how it works in practice, here is a realistic example of day zero and the first day leaving Lima on an overnight bus:
- Evening in Lima: you leave the terminal with a warm layer, water and light snacks. You have a light dinner before boarding.
- Early hours: the bus goes up the north coast and then climbs into the highlands. Try to sleep, and if you wake up dizzy, sip water slowly.
- Early morning: you arrive in Yungay or Huaraz. If you get off in Huaraz, you take a colectivo or taxi for roughly an hour to Yungay.
- First breakfast: something warm and light, without too much coffee or alcohol.
- Midday: you drop off your luggage, rest and walk calmly to the square.
- Afternoon: if you feel well, you visit the Campo Santo; if not, you rest in the garden.
- Evening: a simple dinner, good hydration and an early night.
With this outline, on the second day you will have better energy for the Llanganuco lakes or any higher excursion.
How to get around Yungay and to the attractions
Once in Yungay, the town is explored on foot or by mototaxi and taxi. For excursions you can use taxis hired by the hour, colectivos that leave for Llanganuco in season, or agencies that offer transfers and a guide. If your accommodation has its own parking and you have come by car, you can get around on your own, bearing in mind that the road to Llanganuco is about 28 kilometres long, mostly unpaved, and calls for careful driving. See the detail in Llanganuco lakes.
For the hikes that require an authorised agency, such as Laguna 69, the agencies usually pick travellers up in Huaraz and sometimes in Yungay; confirm the pick-up point when you book. We explain the procedure in the Laguna 69 guide.
What to book before travelling (quick list)
- Outbound and return tickets, or at least the outbound one if you prefer flexibility.
- Accommodation for the first nights, especially in high season.
- Excursions with an authorised agency, if you plan Laguna 69 or multi-day treks.
- Travel insurance, if you are travelling from abroad.
- An acclimatisation plan: a quiet first night in Yungay or Huaraz before going up above 4,000 metres.
Frequently asked questions about getting to Yungay
How many hours is it from Lima to Yungay?
Around eight hours on a direct bus, according to 2026 data; somewhat more if you go through Huaraz. By car, between eight and ten hours with stops.
Is there a direct bus from Lima to Yungay?
Yes, there are direct services, with one departure a day according to public sources. Check the company, the timetable and the departure terminal before you buy.
Can I fly to Yungay?
There is no airport in Yungay. You can fly to Huaraz (Anta airport) and continue by road.
How much is the ticket from Lima to Yungay?
The 2026 reference values for the direct bus are between about 21 and 26 dollars. They change by company, type of seat and date.
How long does it take from Huaraz to Yungay?
Roughly one hour, up to an hour and twenty minutes, by public or private transport.
Is it safe to travel by bus at night?
It is common and many companies offer it, but it is best to choose reputable companies, look after your belongings and travel rested. If you would rather avoid the night, there are daytime departures at some times.
Are there colectivos from Yungay to Llanganuco?
In season there are colectivos and taxis from Yungay to the Llanganuco lakes. Ask in the square or at your accommodation. More details in Llanganuco lakes: complete guide.
Conclusion
Getting to Yungay is simple and is part of the experience: eight hours by bus from Lima, a short flight to Huaraz or a drive with spectacular scenery. Choose according to your time and your budget, plan a quiet first day for the altitude and check timetables and fares before you buy. Once you have your dates, write to us through the form or on WhatsApp at +51 943 529 322 and we will help you with your arrival. We look forward to welcoming you at Jirón 2 de Mayo 1019, Yungay.
Cover photo: Suizaperuana · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
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