10 Best Things to do in Cajamarca, Peru

Nestled in the mountains of Northern Peru, is the picturesque city of Cajamarca. This off-the-beaten path destination offers endless attractions for nature lovers and history buffs alike. From wandering the stone forest of Cumbemayo, to visiting the ancient room where the Inca empire fell, you won’t be short of things to do in Cajamarca.

We visited here on our journey south towards the Ancash Region after our stay in Chachapoyas. It was originally just going to be a stop-over to break up two long night buses. However, when we realised how much there was to see here we decided to extend our stay and explore. And we didn’t regret it!

After spending some time here, we realised how hard it was to find information online. Sure it’s easy to find out things to do in the area but how do you get there, and how much will it cost?

To make sure you aren’t in the same position, we have written this comprehensive guide to Cajamarca that includes what to visit, when to visit, how to visit, where to stay and everything in-between.

Is Cajamarca worth visiting?

If you have the time, it’s definitely worth adding Cajamarca to your Peru itinerary. Though it’s rarely visited by international tourists, it’s a popular vacation spot for local tourists for a variety of reasons:

Interesting history – Cajamarca is one of the most historically significant cities in Peru. In fact, it’s known for being home to the famous ‘ransom room’ that marked the end of the Inca civilisation. You can also find other interesting archeological sites surrounding Cajamarca that pre-date the Incas. 

Rich in culture – If you want to experience authentic indigenous Quechua culture, it’s easy to find it in and around Cajamarca. Here you will find small villages nestled within the hillsides, where the locals wear the traditional garbs and earn a living harvesting crops and practising traditional handicraft techniques.  

Unique nature – Cajamarca is located 2750 m above sea level within the Andes Mountain Range. The landscapes surrounding the city are breathtaking, with the most unique being Cumbemayo Stone Forest. 

Sound like somewhere you’d like to visit? Then let’s get into the top things to do in Cajamarca.

What to do in Cajamarca: 10 things you can’t miss

1. Cumbemayo 

Cumbemayo was among our favourite things to do in Cajamarca. These unique rock formations protruding from the rolling golden hills were an impressive sight in themselves. Some of these eroded, jagged rocks stand as high as 18 m tall! 

But what made it even more interesting was the ancient archeological features dating back over 3000 years. The highlights include an 8 km long aqueduct and petroglyphs etched periodically along the canal walls.

Living in this rugged terrain surrounding Cumbemayo are the local Quechua people. Here you can observe them in their traditional garb and get an authentic insight into their culture and daily lives.

Cumbemayo is around 20 km from the city of Cajamarca, meaning that you can easily visit in half a day. There is also a small entrance fee of S/11 ($3) per person. 

How to get to Cumbemayo

Just behind the mirador of Santa Apolonia in Cajamarca, you will find a colectivo station on the corner where the streets of Loreto and Contisuyo meet. Here you can jump in a shared van costing around S/5 ($1.50) that will leave once full to Cumbemayo. 

Alternatively, you can hike there from the top of Santa Apolonia Hill. This takes approximately 3-4 hours. We decided to take the colectivo to Cumbemayo and walk back down to Cajamarca after our visit. As it’s downhill most of the way, this option is a lot less strenuous. 

We really recommend the walk as it allows you to experience more of the beautiful natural surroundings and pass through traditional Peruvian farms, small local villages and meadows. 

If you decide on this option, make sure to take plenty of water and some snacks as there are very few shops along the way. 

Half-day tours from Cajamarca are another alternative. However, as it’s easy enough to get there yourself, we recommend going independently so you can explore at your own leisure.

2. Ventanillas de Otuzco

Another historically interesting attraction, located just 8 km from Cajamarca, is the Ventanillas de Otuzco. 

Though the site was a victim of looting during the colonial era, its structure and the human remains found here have allowed researchers to determine that it was a funerary complex, used as a cemetery or necropolis.   

Despite this, little is known about the civilisation that used it, or even how long ago it was used. Some archaeologists, however, believe it belonged to the culture of Cajamarca.

These mausoleums are made up of 337 little windows or niches carved into a large volcanic rock that sits on top of Llanguil Hill, hence the name ventanillas.  

Ventanillas de Otuzco is open for visitors between 9am-6pm everyday and to enter you must pay a fee of S/8 ($2) per person.   

How to get to Ventanillas de Otuzco

Just outside of Chicharron Doña Margarita restaurant, you can jump into a shared van travelling in the direction of Ventanillas Otuzco. It will drop you off directly outside the entrance and costs S/2 ($0.50) per person. 

3. Ventanillas de Combayo

Similar to the Ventanillas de Otuzco, is the less visited Ventanillas de Combayo. 

Combayo is actually a larger and more impressive funerary complex, with the same style of windows or niches carved into the rock. The reason that less people visit this site is because it’s further away from Cajamarca and less accessible.  

How to get to Ventanillas de Combayo

To visit independently, you need to take a colectivo that leaves from the second block of Av. Hoyos Rubio 2 between 5am and 4pm. This costs S/5 ($1.50) per person.

However, these vans leave pretty irregularly, so it may be more convenient to take an organised tour from Cajamarca.

4. El Cuarto del Rescate

The most historically significant place to visit can be found within the city of Cajamarca itself. El Cuarto del Rescate, also known as the Ransom Room is considered to be the place where the Inca Empire fell. 

It was in this room where Inca Emperor Atahualpa was held for ransom by Spanish conquistadors. To buy his freedom, Atahualpa promised to fill up one room with gold, and two others with silver and precious stone. 

Though he delivered on his end of the bargain, Atahualpa was killed anyway by Francisco Pizarro who then began his conquest of Peru. 

You can now visit the building where Atahualpa was held and view the ransom room from behind a red line. 

The ticket into El Cuarto del Rescate costs S/12 ($3.15) and also includes entrance into the Church of Belén and the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum.  

As the ticket is only valid for the day, it’s worth visiting all of these attractions on the same day. 

5. Museo de Arqueológico y Etnográfico

Included in your ransom room ticket, is the Archeological Museum. This is the perfect place to spend an hour or two, especially if you are looking for something to do on a rainy day.

The Museo de Arqueológico exhibits ceramics, bone remains, textiles and murals from both Inca and Pre-Inca times.  

6. Iglesia Belén

To complete your day full of culture and history in Cajamarca, visit the final place included in your ransom room ticket, the Church of Belén. 

This beautiful baroque church is intricately designed, with patterns and statues carved into its outer walls. The inside is just as pretty, with the walls and ceilings decorated. 

7. Walk to Mirador Santa Apolonia

If you’re looking for a free activity or want to enjoy a beautiful view over Cajamarca, we recommend walking up to Santa Apolonia Mirador. 

The walk takes 15 minutes, with the first section leading you up a staircase to a small white church. After this you can continue through a botanical garden to the top. 

At the top there are often local artisan markets, as well as two contoured rocks that were believed to be a meeting point for the Incas long ago. 

8. Plaza de Armas

You can’t go to a Peruvian city and not visit the iconic Plaza de Armas. This is a great place to relax on a bench and people watch, while admiring the two beautifully designed churches on its outer edges. 

It is also considered the most important plaza in South America as it marks the location where Inca Emperor Atahualpa was captured by Francisco Pizarro in 1532. 

9. Kuntur Wasi 

Kuntur Wasi, also known as the House of the Condor, is one of Peru’s oldest and most well-preserved archaeological sites. 

It is located up on a mountain top, overlooking the town of San Pablo and offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape. 

The construction of Kuntur Wasi is believed to date back to 1100 BC. The U-shaped temple with three elevated platforms, was used back in the day as a ceremonial site by not just one, but four distinct Andean cultures.

To enter this site, there is a small fee of S/9 ($2.30). 

How to get to Kuntur Wasi

Kuntur Wasi is one of the more difficult places to get to, so many people opt to take a tour from Cajamarca.

If you’d prefer to visit independently, you can take a shared van from the small colectivo terminal on Jirón Angamos, in front of Grifo Continental. They leave regularly and cost S/10 ($2.60) per person. 

The van will drop you in the small town of San Pablo. From here you’ll need to take a moto-taxi to the museum which costs S/3 ($0.80). 

The last van back to Cajamarca usually leaves San Pablo at 5:30pm. 

10. Baños del Inca 

If you fancy a day of relaxing in some natural hot springs, visit the small town of Baños del Inca. This is just a 15 minute drive from Cajamarca and offers a variety of pools that are rich in minerals said to have therapeutic properties.  

If you want to treat yourself, you can even visit the spa here and enjoy a massage. 

As there are a variety of pools, the entrance can cost anywhere from S/3 ($0.80) to S/25 ($6.60) depending on the ticket you choose.

How to get to Baños del Inca

As it’s just a short drive to Baños del Inca, you can take a taxi which usually costs around S/10 ($2.60) from the main Plaza. 

Otherwise, you can take a shared van from La Recoleta which costs S/1-S/2 ($0.25-$0.50).  

Celebrations in Cajamarca

Cajamarca is also known for its vibrant and unique carnival that begins at the end of February and lasts into the first few weeks of March each year. 

During this time, you can witness troupes of locals dressed in spectacular, colourful costumes, dancing and parading through the main streets and around the perimeter of the Plaza de Armas.

How to get to Cajamarca 

From Lima 

If you are visiting from Lima, it is possible to get a direct flight into Cajamarca airport with LATAM.

Alternatively, you can take a night bus which takes between 13 and 14 hours.

From Chachapoyas

If you are travelling from Chachapoyas, you can take a night bus with Virgen del Carmen. This takes around 11 hours. It’s worth noting that the buses are not the most modern or comfortable. 

From the Coast

If you are travelling from Trujillo or Chiclayo, the journey will be a little shorter, taking between 5-7 hours. Therefore, it is possible to take a bus during the day. Transportes Linea is one of the companies that offer these routes.

We recommend using BusBud to research bus routes, compare prices and book tickets.

Best time to visit Cajamarca

The best time to visit Cajamarca for ideal weather is in the dry season between May and September. 

However, Cajamarca is known as the ‘Peruvian Carnival Capital’, so to witness this vibrant and colourful event, make sure to visit in February to March. 

How long to spend in Cajamarca

We recommend spending 3 days in Cajamarca to make the most of everything it has to offer.

During these 3 days, spend a day visiting Cumbemayo, with a quick visit to Ventanillas de Otuzco in the afternoon. 

The following day explore Cajamarca itself, visiting the Ransom Room, the Archaeological museum, the Church of Belén and the Mirador Santa Apolonia. 

On the final day, relax at Baños del Inca or choose one of the attractions that are further away such as Kuntur Wasi or the Ventanillas de Combayo. 

Where to stay in Cajamarca

Low-Budget: Kinti Wasi Casa de Campo – This beautiful hostel is located a little outside Cajamarca in Baños del Inca. It offers city views, a garden, a shared lounge, a terrace, barbecue facilities and a delicious free breakfast. The price starts from S/40 ($11) per night.

Mid-Budget: Casa Pablo – This is a chilled out, cosy homestay with a perfect location close to the city centre. Prices here start from S/135 ($35) per night.

High-Budget: Costa del Sol Wyndham Cajamarca – Though Cajamarca doesn’t have your typical luxury hotels, this option provides a higher standard of accommodation boasting spacious rooms, a swimming pool, gym, spa and free breakfast. And the best part? It’s right on the edge of the Plaza de Armas Square. A room here will set you back around S/400 ($105) per night.

Final thoughts on Cajamarca

If you are spending more than a few weeks in Peru, you should definitely consider putting Cajamarca on your itinerary. This city holds so much historical significance and is surrounded by spectacular nature.

We hope that this guide has answered all of your questions to help you plan your trip to Cajamarca. As always, if there is anything we haven’t covered in this blog, feel free to drop us an email and we’ll be happy to help!

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