Cajamarca, Peru Travel Guide

Discover the historical charm, natural beauty, and rich culture of Cajamarca, the hidden gem of the Peruvian Andes, boasting colonial architecture and vibrant festivals.

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Cajamarca

Cajamarca, nestled in the northern highlands of Peru, is a city rich in history and culture. Known for its pivotal role in the Spanish conquest, this charming city offers a glimpse into Peru's colonial past. The well-preserved colonial architecture, such as the San Francisco Church and the Ransom Room, transports visitors back in time, providing a unique historical perspective. The city is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, including the majestic Andes Mountains and lush green valleys. Visitors can take a short trip to the Baños del Inca, natural hot springs that have been used since Inca times for their therapeutic properties. Another must-see is the Cumbe Mayo, an ancient aqueduct and archaeological site, offering stunning views and a sense of ancient engineering marvels. Cajamarca is also famous for its vibrant festivals, particularly the Carnaval de Cajamarca, which is one of the most colorful and lively celebrations in Peru. The local cuisine is another highlight, with specialties like 'Cuy' (guinea pig) and 'Chicharrón' that provide a taste of authentic Peruvian flavors. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Cajamarca has something to offer everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cajamarca.

Visit the Ransom Room early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more personal experience.
Bring a swimsuit for a relaxing dip in the Baños del Inca hot springs.
Try local dishes like 'Cuy' and 'Chicharrón' at traditional restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring Cumbe Mayo, as the terrain can be uneven.
Plan your visit during the Carnaval de Cajamarca to experience the city's most vibrant festival.

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Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Cajamarca

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Plaza de Armas of Cajamarca

Explore the vibrant Plaza de Armas in Cajamarca, a cultural gem surrounded by stunning architecture and lush gardens, perfect for relaxation and discovery.

4.6

Mirador Santa Apolonia

Discover the beauty of Cajamarca from Mirador Santa Apolonia, a serene viewpoint offering breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage.

4.5

ALAMEDA DE LOS INCAS

Explore the rich history of the Incas at Alameda de los Incas, a must-visit tourist attraction in Cajamarca, Peru, blending culture, art, and nature.

4.5

Hacienda La Colpa

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and culture at Hacienda La Colpa, a premier farmstay in Jesùs, Peru.

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Best landmarks in Cajamarca

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Plaza de Armas of Cajamarca

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Mirador Santa Apolonia

Discover breathtaking views and rich history at Mirador Santa Apolonia, a top tourist attraction in Cajamarca, Peru, perfect for relaxation and exploration.

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Ventanillas de Otuzco

Explore the ancient tombs of Ventanillas de Otuzco, a breathtaking archaeological site nestled in the stunning landscapes of Peru.

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ALAMEDA DE LOS INCAS

Explore the rich history and vibrant landscapes of Alameda de los Incas, a serene park celebrating Peru's Inca heritage in Cajamarca.

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Best restaurants in Cajamarca

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Restaurant Salas

Experience authentic Peruvian flavors at Restaurant Salas in the heart of Cajamarca – a culinary gem for all food lovers.

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El Zarco Restaurante

Experience the vibrant flavors of Peru at El Zarco Restaurante in Cajamarca – where tradition meets taste in every bite.

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El Asador Restaurante

Experience the best of Peruvian cuisine at El Asador Restaurante in Cajamarca, known for its flavorful grilled meats and inviting atmosphere.

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El Warique de Chelo

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Arlekin Discotec

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El Buey Grill Bar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious grilled dishes at El Buey Grill Bar, a must-visit for tourists in Cajamarca.

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Full Skee

Experience the vibrant flavors of Cajamarca at Full Skee, where delicious grilled dishes meet a lively atmosphere for an unforgettable dining adventure.

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Mccuy's

Experience the lively atmosphere of McCuys, a top gastropub in Cajamarca, offering delicious food, live music, and exciting karaoke nights.

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Best nightclubs in Cajamarca

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OM Club

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Agora Disco Club

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Barra Vip Discoteca

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Club Turístico Alondra

Discover the electrifying nightlife of Cajamarca at Club Turístico Alondra - where music and dance come alive.

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Best shops in Cajamarca

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Plaza de Armas of Cajamarca

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Mercado Central

Experience the heart of Cajamarca at Mercado Central, a bustling market filled with fresh produce, local cuisine, and unique handicrafts.

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Fabrica Queso Huacariz

Experience the authentic taste of Cajamarca at Fabrica Queso Huacariz, a dairy store known for its artisanal cheeses and local flavors.

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Tiendas EFE Cajamarca La Florida

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Explore Cajamarca on the Map

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Cajamarca Essentials

Cajamarca is accessible via the Mayor General FAP Armando Revoredo Iglesias Airport, which is a domestic airport with flights from Lima. The flight from Lima to Cajamarca takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Lima or other major cities. The bus journey from Lima to Cajamarca typically takes around 16 hours. Several bus companies operate this route, offering varying levels of comfort and service.
Cajamarca has a variety of transportation options including taxis, colectivos (shared taxis), and mototaxis. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Colectivos follow fixed routes and are a budget-friendly option. Mototaxis are a convenient way to navigate the narrower streets but may be less comfortable. For exploring the surrounding areas, it is also possible to rent a car from local agencies.
The official currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). While credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available in Cajamarca, but it's a good idea to withdraw enough cash before heading to more remote areas. Currency exchange services are also available in the city.
Cajamarca is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to remain cautious. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded places like markets and bus stations. While most areas are safe, certain neighborhoods like La Tulpuna and Los Baños del Inca have higher crime rates targeting tourists, so exercise extra caution when visiting these areas.
In case of emergency, dial 105 for the police, 116 for fire services, and 106 for medical emergencies. The main hospital in Cajamarca is Hospital Regional Docente, and there are several private clinics as well. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing very revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your hat and sunglasses when entering a church. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite handshake. A 'Buenos días' (Good morning) or 'Buenas tardes' (Good afternoon) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like cuy (guinea pig) and drink chicha de jora. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Cajamarca like a local, visit the Baños del Inca, natural hot springs that have been used since Inca times. Explore the Mercado Central to buy fresh produce and local crafts. Participate in local festivals such as Carnaval de Cajamarca, which is one of the most vibrant in Peru. Engage with locals; they are generally friendly and willing to share insights about their culture and traditions. Don't miss the Ransom Room (Cuarto del Rescate), an important historical site related to the capture of the Inca Emperor Atahualpa.

When is the best time to visit Cajamarca?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Cajamarca

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Cajamarca. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHola
  [Ola]
- GoodbyeAdiós
  [A-dios]
- YesSí
  [Si]
- NoNo
  [No]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [Por fa-vor/De na-da]
- Thank youGracias
  [Gra-thias]
- Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Lo siento
  [Dis-cul-pe/Lo sien-to]
- How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [Ko-mo es-tas]
- Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Byen. I tu]
- Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [A-blas in-gles]
- I don't understandNo entiendo
  [No en-ti-en-do]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [Me gus-ta-ría ver el me-nú, por fa-vor]
- I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [No co-mo car-ne]
- Cheers!¡Salud!
  [Sa-lud]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [Me gus-ta-ría pa-gar, por fa-vor]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
  [A-yu-da]
- Go away!¡Vete!
  [Ve-te]
- Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [Ya-ma a la po-li-cía]
- Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [Ya-ma a un doc-tor]
- I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [Es-toy per-di-do]
- I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [Es-toy en-fer-mo]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [Me gus-ta-ría com-prar]
- I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [So-lo es-toy mi-ran-do]
- How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [Cuán-to cues-ta]
- That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [E-so es muy ca-ro]
- Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [Pue-des ba-har el pre-cio]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [Ke o-ra es]
- It's one o'clockEs la una
  [Es la u-na]
- Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [Las diez i me-dia]
- MorningMañana
  [Ma-ña-na]
- AfternoonTarde
  [Tar-de]
- EveningNoche
  [No-che]
- YesterdayAyer
  [A-yer]
- TodayHoy
  [Oi]
- TomorrowMañana
  [Ma-ña-na]
- 1Uno
  [U-no]
- 2Dos
  [Dos]
- 3Tres
  [Tres]
- 4Cuatro
  [Cua-tro]
- 5Cinco
  [Cin-co]
- 6Seis
  [Seis]
- 7Siete
  [Sie-te]
- 8Ocho
  [O-cho]
- 9Nueve
  [Nue-ve]
- 10Diez
  [Diez]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/una...?
  [Don-de es-ta un/una]
- What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [Kual es la di-rec-ción]
- Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [Pue-des mos-trar-me en el ma-pa]
- When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo sale el siguiente (bus)?
  [Cuán-do sa-le el si-guien-te (bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a....)
  [Un bo-le-to a]

History of Cajamarca

Cajamarca was an important city within the Inca Empire. It served as a key administrative, military, and religious center. The city’s strategic location in the northern highlands allowed the Incas to control the surrounding regions effectively. The Incas constructed impressive stone structures and terraces, which can still be seen today.
In 1532, Cajamarca became the site of a pivotal moment in history when Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro captured the Inca Emperor Atahualpa. This encounter marked the beginning of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Atahualpa was held for ransom in the 'Ransom Room,' where he offered to fill the room with gold and silver in exchange for his release. Despite delivering the treasure, Atahualpa was executed, leading to the fall of the Inca Empire.
During the Spanish colonial period, Cajamarca flourished as a prosperous city. The Spanish introduced European architectural styles, which are evident in the city's colonial buildings, churches, and plazas. Notable examples include the Cathedral of Cajamarca and the Church of San Francisco. These structures reflect a blend of Spanish and indigenous influences, showcasing intricate baroque details and local craftsmanship.
The Battle of Cajamarca, fought on November 16, 1532, was a significant event where a small force of Spanish conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro, defeated the larger Inca army. The battle resulted in the capture of Atahualpa and paved the way for Spanish dominance in the region. The aftermath of the battle had far-reaching consequences, leading to the eventual collapse of the Inca Empire.
Cajamarca is renowned for its vibrant cultural festivals, which reflect the city’s rich heritage. The most famous is the Carnaval de Cajamarca, celebrated in February or March. This festival features colorful parades, traditional music, dance, and elaborate costumes. Another important event is the Festival of Corpus Christi, showcasing religious processions and indigenous traditions. These festivals provide insight into the city's cultural diversity and community spirit.
Today, Cajamarca is a thriving city that balances its historical legacy with modern development. It serves as a cultural and economic hub in the northern highlands of Peru. Visitors can explore its historical sites, vibrant markets, and enjoy the local cuisine, which includes delicacies such as 'cuy' (guinea pig) and 'chicharrón' (fried pork). The city also offers access to natural attractions like the Baños del Inca, thermal baths used since Inca times for their healing properties.