Cajamarca
South America · Peru
Did you know?
- Local cream sauces reflect a strong dairy industry.
- The carnival is celebrated in February or March.
- Atahualpa was captured in this highland city.
See also
Overview
Cajamarca combines colonial churches, hot springs and local cheeses in a highland setting. Nearby archaeological sites and waterfalls give visitors reasons to explore beyond the city center.
Languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish
Why go?
Cajamarca is a highland city at 2,700 m, known as the place where the Inca Empire ended with the capture of Atahualpa. It offers mild, dry climate, fine cheeses, hot springs, and several colonial churches. The city is also a base for exploring pre-Inca archaeological sites and nearby waterfalls.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
Daily flights from Lima, plus frequent buses from Lima (16 hr), Trujillo (7 hr), Chiclayo. Transportes Linea, Cruz del Sur, LATAM, LC Perú serve the city.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Walking covers most major sites. Micro buses (S/1 or less), mototaxis (S/2-3), taxis (S/7 in town, S/15 to airport or Baños del Inca) are available. Taxi companies include Taxi Seguro, Super Seguro, Taxi Unidos.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Mild, dry and sunny equatorial climate year-round. Carnaval de Cajamarca is held in February or March. Be prepared for cold nights and strong sun during the day.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Many inexpensive hostels and hotels in town, plus spa hotels on the outskirts. Budget options from S/40 for a matrimonial at Hostal Cruz de Piedra to S/60-95 at Hospedaje Posada de Belén. Mid-range options like Los Pinos Inn from S/110.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Local diet features cream sauces due to dairy industry. Cuy (guinea pig) is available. Street vendors sell tamales. Restaurants include Tuna (pizza from S/5.50), La Ideal (coffee, cakes), Pia (rotisserie chicken), El Cajamarques (exotic birds), and Chifa Hong Kong (Chinese). For drinks, try chicha de jora (corn alcohol) and hot chocolate. Coffee shops like Myshky Cafe and Bella's Cafe.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Visit churches around Plaza de Armas, including San Francisco with the Ransom Room. Climb Santa Apolonia hill for views. Hot springs at Baños del Inca (S/6 entry, S/2 microbus). Day trips to Cumbe Mayo aqueduct (tours S/18), Ventanillas de Otuzco (S/5 entry, S/1 microbus), and waterfalls like Catarata de Plan Manzanas. Carnaval de Cajamarca in Feb/March is a major event.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Traffic is the biggest risk; drivers often ignore road rules. Altitude precautions: take it easy the first day, avoid alcohol and caffeine, drink water. Central city is fairly safe but avoid outskirts after dark. Watch for pickpockets.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Cajamarca, continue to Jaén, Chachapoyas and Kuelap fortress (12 hr, S/50), Trujillo. Also possible to go to Celendín and Chachapoyas.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Amalia Puga Hostal
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Amazonas Hostal
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Ana Maria Hostal
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Atahualpa Hostal
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Becarra Hostal
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Cajamarca Hostal
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Campero San Antonio Hostal
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Casa Blanca Hotel
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Budget hostels from S/40 for a matrimonial room.
Food
Cream sauces, cuy, tamales, cheese, chocolate, chicha de jora.
Money
Local currency is Peruvian sol (S/). Budget prices: microbus S/1, hostel from S/40, meal from S/5.50.
Safety
Traffic is dangerous; altitude can cause headaches and shortness of breath. Pickpockets in crowded areas.
Transport
Microbuses S/1, mototaxis S/2-3, taxis S/7 in town, S/15 to airport or Baños del Inca.
Weather
Mild, dry, sunny; cold nights; bring sunscreen and warm clothes.