Cagayan de Oro, the capital of Misamis Oriental, is considered to be the premier city in Northern Mindanao. The city is also base to multinational companies and is the center of education in the region.

There are several accommodations in the city ranging from budget-type to first-class. There are also numerous malls, supermarkets and department stores in Cagayan de Oro. Among its tourist attractions are Macahambus Cave & Gorge, whitewater rafting, Catanico Falls, Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village, and Cagayan de Oro River.

Cagayan de Oro, as the gateway to North Mindanao, is very accessible. From Manila, it is an hour and twenty-five minutes away by plane and from Cebu it is an hour and ten minutes. The Lumbia Airport caters daily flights to and from Manila and Cebu. By sea, there are regular trips to Manila, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Jagna, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Iligan, and Iloilo. By land, there are regular bus trips to Gingoog, Davao, Butuan and Surigao in the CARAGA Region, Valencia and Malaybalay in Bukidnon, Iligan, Ozamis, and other parts of Mindanao.