The road from Cajamarca to Chachapoyas, although incredibly beautiful, is not recommended. It is a relatively straightforward five-hour bus journey to Celendín, but from there, the remaining 230km to Chachapoyas can take up to 15 hours, as the road plunges down to the Marañon River before rising once again towards Chachapoyas. Full of hairpin bends, the views are spectacular, but the road is dangerous and slow. In the rainy season, it is strongly advised that this route be avoided. For those going to Chachapoyas, a much better route is from Chiclayo. Although the road is longer, it is in a much better state and far less perilous. The road from Chiclayo to Chachapoyas takes around 12 hours.
Celendín is a pretty town, although without much of interest for travellers. Generally it serves as a stopping point for travellers going from Cajamarca to Chachapoyas, in order to change bus. The most interesting time to visit is the beginning of July, as July 16 is the festival of the Virgen del Carmen. Celebrations begin two weeks before the actual date, with festivities in all neighbourhoods, agricultural fairs, and bull runs. There are several places to stay and eat in the town, and there are good bus connections to Cajamarca. There are only two or three buses a week to Chachapoyas, so check which days these are leaving on if you are planning on using this route.
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