Chachapoyas Tourist Information and Services

By Lorraine Caputo

As befitting the capital of a Department, Chachapoyas offers a full-range of services. As money facilities do not exist in other settlements in the region, it is important to stock up on soles here. The Banco del Crédito (BCP) on the Plaza de Armas changes US dollars and travelers cheques (Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m.  - 1 p.m., 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Saturday 0930-1300), and has a Master Card/ Visa ATM. Several stores around the plaza change cash US dollars and Euros.

The post office, Serpost, (Jr. Ortiz Arrieta 638) is open Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Chacha has a plethora of internet cafés and locutorios (telephone offices), with at least one every block.

The helpful tourism office is at Jr. Ortiz Arrieta 588, on the Plaza; (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.). There are at least a half-dozen tour agencies vying for your business. Shop around, as prices can vary and last-minute discounts may be had.

The city claims two hospitals. Boticas (pharmacies) are plentiful.

Two laundries also operate, charging 3 soles /$1 per kilo; the better is Speed Clean (Jr. Ayacucho 964).

The large daily market is open dawn to 4 p.m. At Rusti-K (Jr. Ortiz Arrieta 676), you can buy products and crafts from the area villages' collectives.