Top Things to Do in Cajamarca

About the City

Nestled high in the Andean mountains, Cajamarca is a hidden gem boasting a fusion of history and natural beauty. It's the site where the mighty Inca Empire's fate took a dramatic turn, adding a layer of intrigue to its cobbled streets. Explorers can bask in the wonders of the Cumbe Mayo aqueducts, ancient hydraulic engineering that puzzles modern minds. The city itself is a vibrant canvas of colonial architecture and spirited plazas, bursting with the buzz of local markets and street performers. But life at high altitudes isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Visitors might find the thin air a bit hard to breathe, and the chilly climate demands layer upon layer of cozy clothing. And oh, the local delicacy of Cuy (guinea pig) might wrinkle a few noses unused to such adventurous cuisine. The hustle of daily life sometimes means a traffic snarl, creating a cacophony that contrasts starkly with the pastoral peace of surrounding fields. Yet, for all its quirks, the warmth of its people and the depth of its culture make Cajamarca a place where the echoes of the past meet the melody of the present. It's a city where every sunset over the misty mountains spells the end of another day in this enchanting Andean haven.

Things to Do in Cajamarca

Trucha a la Cajamarquina

Food & Drink

Get ready to hook into Cajamarca's famous trucha (trout)! Grilled, fried, or served up ceviche-style, it's a fresh catch that's sure to reel you in.

Trekking the Highlands

Outdoors

Lace up your hiking boots, 'cause it's time to hit the Peruvian trails! Discover the ancient Incan footpaths and breathe in the fresh Andean air. You'll feel on top of the world, literally, as you con...

Andean Flavor Fiesta

The Unexpected

Get wild with 'picante de cuy' and other local delicacies that'll have your tastebuds doing the salsa. Don't ask, just dig in!

Echoing Encounters at Ventanillas de Combayo

The Unexpected

Hear your voice bounce back in the pre-Incan tombs carved into cliffs. It's like nature's own microphone, way cooler than any karaoke bar!

Artisanal Ice Cream Indulgence

The Unexpected

Beat the heat with hand-churned goodies made from local exotic fruits. Trust me, these flavors are nothing like your typical vanilla!

Puzzling Petroglyph Pilgrimage

The Unexpected

Channel your inner Indiana Jones and decode the ancient rock carvings at Layzón. It's a full-on treasure hunt, minus the rolling boulders!

Mountain Bike Blitz

Outdoors

Pump those calves and let the mud fly with mountain biking madness! Cajamarca's varied terrain is your playground: from heart-pumping downhill sprints to scenic rides through the countryside, bikers o...

Pedal Power Sightseeing

Outdoors

Why walk when you can cycle? Grab a bike and pedal your way to freedom, exploring Cajamarca's scenic routes. From the countryside's rolling hills to the pre-Inca ruins, you'll cover more ground and do...

Pictorial Pursuit in Porcón

Outdoors

Ready your best photo poses and get that camera clickin'! Porcón is not just about adorable alpacas; it's a treasure trove of pine forests and greenery that'll have you snapping photos non-stop! Pro t...

Granja Porcón Farm Frolic

Outdoors

Get ready to kick up some dust and make friends with the fluffiest alpacas you've ever seen! At Granja Porcón, you can frolic around in the fields, learn about sustainable forestry, and if you're luck...

Manjar Blanco Mastery

Food & Drink

Get a spoonful of heaven with Cajamarca's creamy delight, Manjar Blanco! It's like someone turned milk into gold – sweet, thick, and perfect for spreading on just about anything or just sneaking a tas...

Step Back in Time at Cuarto del Rescate

Sights

Witness the smallest history museum with the weightiest story—Cuarto del Rescate. This is where Inca Atahualpa filled a room with gold to buy his freedom from the Spaniards. Spoiler: didn't work. But ...

Labyrinth of Leyendas

Sights

Navigate the cobbled streets and get a heavy dose of history at the Complejo Monumental Belen, where old medicine and religion shake hands. Peek inside the ancient medical wards and church, imagining ...

Museum-Hop to the Max

Sights

Got a passion for the past? Time travel through Cajamarca's museums, getting an eyeful of pre-Inca bling and tales of cultures long gone at the Museo Arqueologico.

Pampa del Soldado Stroll

Sights

Join the ghosts of battles past on a leisurely hike across Pampa del Soldado. Wander the sprawling field where the Battle of Cajamarca unfolded, and let your inner historian run wild.

Gold & Gloom Underground

Sights

Got a thing for eerie spots? Head down to the Cuarto del Rescate's tunnels where a ransom for Atahualpa was once piled up. Feel the chills and history with every step you take in the underground chamb...

Cuy Magico

Food & Drink

Get ready to crunch on some 'Cuy'—that's guinea pig for the uninitiated. Roasted to perfection over an open fire, this local delicacy is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and a must-try for...

Chicha de Jora Joyride

Food & Drink

Sip on the ancient Incan empire's favorite beverage—Chicha de Jora! It's a corn-based, slightly fermented beer that the Incas chugged down like water. Nowadays, it's still the go-to drink for a taste ...

Picante de Cuy (Guinea Pig Spiciness)

Food & Drink

Get ready to heat up your taste buds with Cajamarca's fiery take on guinea pig, a local delicacy that's not for the faint-hearted! Known as 'Picante de Cuy,' this dish is a sizzling mix of tender, gam...

A Sweet Sip of ‘Masato’

The Unexpected

Ditch the soda pop and grab a glass of masato – a traditional yuca drink that's sure to tingle your taste buds. It's like a party in a cup without the hangover!