Major city · Peru
TarmaSanta Ana de la Ribera de Tarma
Give Tarma 2 nights as a cool, dry base between Lima and the central jungle: ruins, the Huagapo cave and the Inca trail, not a big-city stop.
Tarma sits at about 3,050 m in the Junín department, on the dry western side of the Andes, roughly 6 hours by bus from Lima and 3 hours from Huancayo. It is a market town with a colonial plaza, a free city museum, Inca and Chanca ruins within a day's reach, and one of Peru's largest caves 27 km away. Most travellers use it as a two-night break on the Lima–central jungle route, or as a base for the Camino del Inca walk and the Gruta de Huagapo. It is not a replacement for Cusco or Huaraz: the sights are low-key, spread across the province, and reached by collectivo or taxi.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PEN
- Best months
- Apr–Oct (dry, clear)
- avoid Dec–Mar (rain), and the wet-season cave and trail closures
- Airport
- LIM
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Peru ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Peru's migration authority (Migraciones) or a Peruvian consulate; keep the entry record you receive, as hotels may ask for it.
- Peru ↗Machu Picchu entry is by timed ticket for a named circuit, with daily caps; in high season tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. Buy tickets only from the official Ministry of Culture seller or a licensed agency.
- Peru ↗The classic Inca Trail needs a permit booked through a licensed operator, often months ahead; the trail closes every February for maintenance.
- Peru ↗Altitude sickness is common above 2,500 m: ascend gradually, rest on day one, and ask a doctor before travel if you have heart or lung conditions.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Tarma105 ▾
- Police (national)105
- Fire116
- Ambulance (SAMU)106
- Local police, Tarma+51 64 321 921
- Hospital Félix Mayorca Soto+51 64 32 1401
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Tarma, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN, S/).Peru-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel sell prepaid SIMs; register with your passport at official shops.Peru-wide
- Tap waterNot safe from the tap; bottled or filtered.Peru-wide
- TippingRestaurants: About 10% if service is not included.Peru-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Peru-wide
- SafetyTarma is a calm Andean market town and the usual risks are altitude, cold nights and unlit paths, not crime.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin; carry tissue and coins for public toilets.Peru-wide
- Emergency numbers105 police (national) · 116 fire · 106 ambulance (samu) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; strikes can shut roads and shops.Peru-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLIM Jorge Chávez International, Lima (No airport at Tarma; most arrivals come by bus from Lima, about 6 h, or from Huancayo, about 3 h.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable in 15 minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a caféS/ 3–6
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across the centreS/ 5–10
- Museum or sight ticketGruta de Huagapo entryS/ 1–5 (check)
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomPEN 150
- Mid-range bedDouble room, hot water and private bath, a night, per roomPEN 150
- High-end bedDouble room, hot water and private bath, a night, per roomPEN 300
A day, not counting the bed: Budget PEN 90 · Mid PEN 180 · High PEN 320
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LIM Jorge Chávez International, Lima (No airport at Tarma; most arrivals come by bus from Lima, about 6 h, or from Huancayo, about 3 h.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Feb
Avoid
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Mar
Avoid
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Dec
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Best: Apr–Oct. Avoid: Dec–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Jul (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Jun (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Tarma: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
18 rd
Feb
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
17 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
16 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
2 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
2 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
3 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
6 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
Nov
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Dec
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
16 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable in 15 minutes. For Acobamba, Tarmatambo, Palcamayo and the Huagapo cave, use a collectivo or shared taxi from the market area, or hire a taxi by the hour; the last cars back from Palcamayo leave around 18:00–18:30, so plan the cave as a morning trip.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Gruta de Huagapo, Palcamayo
goDoor to door: About 2 h each way
Collectivo to Palcamayo (about 45 min), then 45 min on foot or by car to the cave
Entry fee at the gate; go in the morning and catch a car back before 18:00.Entry fee at the gate; go in the morning and catch a car back before 6:00 PM.
Tarmatambo
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min
Collectivo or taxi south of town, then walk
Stone buildings and terraces; combine with the Camino del Inca walk back to Tarma.
Acobamba (Yanamarca, Wilcashmarca)
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Collectivo toward Acobamba, then walk
Chanca ruins with a three-storey building; paths are unsigned, so ask locally.
San Ramón and the central jungle
overnightDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Bus or minivan down the road northeast, about 66 km (41 mi)Bus or minivan down the road northeast, about 41 mi (66 km)
2,000 m of descent into hot, humid country; sleep one night rather than return the same day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Around the Plaza de Armas
Walk to the cathedral, market and Museo de la Cultura; most hostales and mid-range hotels are within 5 minutes.
Av. Ramón Castilla and Jr. Huánuco
Second cluster of restaurants, bakeries and hotels, 5–10 min walk from the plaza.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- S/ 90–150 excl. bed
- Mid
- S/ 150–260 excl. bed
- High
- S/ 260+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, hot water and private bath1 × 2 nights × PEN 150 | PEN 300 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × PEN 180 | PEN 720 |
| Collectivo Tarma → Palcamayo, one way2 × PEN 4 · check | PEN 8 |
| Guided tour from a Tarma hotel (half day)2 × PEN 50 · check | PEN 100 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × PEN 30 | PEN 60 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | PEN 119 |
| Trip total≈ PEN 327 per person per day, bed included | PEN 1,307 |
2026 estimate in soles; long-distance buses excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | S/ 3–6 |
| Menu del día (soup, main, drink) | S/ 8–15 |
| Market meal at Mercado Asunción | S/ 3–8 |
| Little cake at a bakery near the market | S/ 1–2 |
| Collectivo ride within the province | S/ 3–8 |
| Taxi across the centre | S/ 5–10 |
| Gruta de Huagapo entry | S/ 1–5 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Altitude: 3,050 m. Sleep the first night low and easy; headaches and breathlessness are common on arrival.
- Cave and trail access can close in the wet season (Dec–Mar): check locally before setting out.
- Collectivos fill early and stop running in the late afternoon; do not plan a return after dark.
- Bring cash: many small hotels, collectivos and market stalls do not take cards.
- Sun and cold swing hard in one day: strong UV at midday, near-freezing nights in Jun–Jul.
Emergency numbers
- Police (national)
- 105
- Fire
- 116
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 106
- Local police, Tarma
- +51 64 321 921
- Hospital Félix Mayorca Soto
- +51 64 32 1401
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
TarmaSanta Ana de la Ribera de Tarma
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police105
- Fire116
- Ambulance (SAMU)106
- Local police, Tarma+51 64 321 921
Embassy
No embassies in Tarma; the US, UK, Canada and Australia all run embassies in Lima. Consular help for the central Andes is handled from Lima.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Lima → Tarma, bus: about S/ 25, 6 h (check)
- Lima → Tarma, minivan: about S/ 40, 5 h (check)
- Tarma → Huancayo, bus: about 3 h (check)
- Tarma → La Merced: about S/ 7, 1 h 30 min (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dees-KOOL-peh)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Dónde sale el colectivo a Palcamayo? — Where is the collectivo to Palcamayo? (DON-deh SAH-leh el koh-lek-TEE-voh ah Pal-kah-MAH-yoh)
- Necesito una habitación por dos noches — I need a room for two nights (neh-seh-SEE-toh OO-nah ah-bee-tah-SYON por dos NO-ches)
- ¿Hay agua caliente? — Is there hot water? (eye AH-gwah kah-LYEN-teh)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Tarma. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct (dry, clear) · avoid Dec–Mar (rain), and the wet-season cave and trail closures · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LIM arrivals: overnight bus times field-checked, taxi fallback, first-night low-altitude rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Plaza de Armas, the market and Museo de la Cultura, Tarmatambo, Palcamayo and the Huagapo cave.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Museo de la Cultura, Santa Ana Cathedral, Tarmatambo, Gruta de Huagapo) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wet-season and altitude fixtures so gates A–D can go green.