Moises Benzaquen Rengifo Airport

Overview

Moises Benzaquen Rengifo Airport (IATA: YMS) is a domestic airport serving the city of Yurimaguas, located in the Loreto Region of northern Peru. Named after a prominent Peruvian politician and businessman, the airport is a vital transportation link for the Alto Amazonas province, connecting this remote jungle city with larger urban centers like Lima and Iquitos. The airport primarily handles regional flights operated by Peruvian airlines, using turboprop aircraft suited for short runways. It serves both local residents and travelers bound for the Amazon rainforest, including ecotourists, researchers, and cargo shipments. The airport's modest size reflects the population of Yurimaguas (around 60,000) and its role as a secondary hub in the Amazon transport network.

Location & Access

Moises Benzaquen Rengifo Airport is situated approximately 3 kilometers (2 miles) west of Yurimaguas city center, along the Carretera a la Aeropuerto road. The airport lies on the south bank of the Huallaga River, a major tributary of the Amazon, which defines the region's geography. Yurimaguas itself is often called the "Pearl of the Huallaga" and serves as a river port and overland junction for the Amazon basin.

Access to the airport is straightforward for passengers arriving in Yurimaguas. Most visitors reach the city via long-distance bus from Tarapoto (about 2-3 hours) or by riverboat from Iquitos (several days). Within Yurimaguas, taxis and mototaxis (three-wheeled motorcycle taxis) are readily available for the short trip to the airport. The journey from the city center takes approximately 10 minutes by vehicle. There is no public bus service directly to the airport, but rides are inexpensive and easily arranged through hotels or street hailing.

For those driving, the airport has a confirmed wheelchair-accessible car park, though parking is limited and free. The road to the airport is paved but can be subject to flooding during the rainy season (December to May). Passengers should allow extra time during heavy rains.

Facilities

Moises Benzaquen Rengifo Airport offers essential facilities focused on accessibility and convenience. The terminal is compact, with services catering to the needs of a regional airport.

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The airport provides a fully wheelchair-accessible environment, including a designated car park with accessible spaces, an accessible entrance (ramp or level access), and an accessible toilet. This ensures smooth movement for passengers with reduced mobility.
• Baggage Storage: A baggage storage service is available, useful for travelers who wish to explore Yurimaguas without carrying luggage during layovers or before checking into accommodations. It is a secure, staffed facility within the terminal.
• Toilets: Standard toilet facilities are available, including the accessible unit mentioned above. They are maintained to basic cleanliness standards typical for a regional airport.
• Other Services: The airport has a small check-in area, a waiting lounge with seating, and a snack bar or kiosk (not explicitly confirmed, but common at similar airports). There is no duty-free shop or business lounge. Flight information is displayed on a single board and announced over a PA system.

Note that Wi-Fi is not confirmed, and ATM or currency exchange is unlikely; passengers should bring sufficient cash for incidentals.

About the Region

Yurimaguas lies in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, at the confluence of the Huallaga and Paranapura rivers. The region is characterized by dense rainforest, rich biodiversity, and a humid tropical climate. The city is a gateway for jungle expeditions, river trips, and visits to indigenous communities. The nearby Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, one of Peru's largest protected areas, is a major attraction for wildlife spotting (river dolphins, macaws, monkeys). Yurimaguas also has a vibrant local market selling crafts, fresh fruit, and fish.

The economy relies on agriculture (rice, plantains, cacao), fishing, and increasingly tourism. The airport is crucial for transporting goods like timber and agricultural produce, as well as connecting passengers to the larger Amazon hub of Iquitos. Travelers often use Yurimaguas as a starting point for multi-day riverboat journeys into the jungle interior.

Practical Information

• Hours of Operation: The airport is not open 24 hours. It operates only during scheduled flight times, typically from early morning until mid-afternoon. Passengers should plan to arrive no earlier than 2 hours before departure, as the terminal may be closed at other times.
• Contact: Phone: +51 65 352150 (likely the airport administration). No official website is listed; for flight schedules, check with airlines such as LATAM Peru or regional carriers.
• Address: Aeropuerto Moises Benzaquen Rengifo, Carretera a la Aeropuerto, Yurimaguas, Peru.
• Important Notes: The airport has limited services, so bring snacks and water. There is no lodging on site, but many hotels in Yurimaguas offer airport transfers. Flights are prone to delays due to weather; check with your airline for updates. The phone number is best used for general inquiries; English may not be spoken widely.

Whether you're heading into the Amazon or departing for the coast, Moises Benzaquen Rengifo Airport serves as a functional, no-frills entry point to one of Peru's most biodiverse regions.