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Cajamarca

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Landmark
—°16
Cajamarca (Peru)

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Cajamarca is a site of immense historical significance, as it was here that the last Inca ruler, Atahualpa, was captured. The 'Cuarto del Rescate' (Ransom Room) is the only Inca structure remaining in the city. The town charms with its magnificent Baroque churches and its Plaza de Armas, one of the most beautiful in the country. The nearby Inca Baths (Baños del Inca) offer relaxation in hot medicinal springs once used by Inca royalty. Beyond history, the region is famous for its dairy industry and excellent cheeses. The landscape is characterized by rolling green hills and archaeological sites like the Windows of Otuzco. Cajamarca is accessible by air or bus. The best time to visit is from May to September during the dry season, but the Carnival in February is also a lively, if wet, experience.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141414141414141515151514
Rain mm584978542067311394743

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Cajamarca is freely explorable. Historic sites like the Cuarto del Rescate and the Inca Baths are open to visitors.
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Typical hours
Main attractions are typically open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., some with a lunch break.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at most sites, but may be restricted at the Inca Baths. Avoid flash in churches.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow half a day to a full day for the city and its main sights.
➕
Combine with
Combine the city visit with a trip to the Baños del Inca hot springs or the Santa Apolonia viewpoint hill.
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Getting there
Cajamarca has an airport with flights from Lima. Long-distance buses from Lima (about 14 hours) or Trujillo are also available.
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Insider tip
Try local cheese specialties like Queso Mantecoso and visit the market for fresh dairy products.

Geography

Population
201,329 (2026)
Coordinates
-7.15750, -78.51750

Facts

  • Site of Atahualpa's capture.
  • Contains the famous Ransom Room.
  • Famous for the Baños del Inca baths.
  • Leader in Peru's dairy production.
  • Baroque cathedral with no towers.
  • Carnival capital of Peru.
  • Near the Windows of Otuzco site.
  • Located at approx. 2,750m altitude.

Explore nearby

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Huaca de la LunaHuaca de la Luna56 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cajamarca (16)

Iglesia de San Francisco⛪ religious

Situated on the main square, the Iglesia de San Francisco is a colonial religious complex famous for its historical catacombs.

Catedral de Cajamarca⛪ religious

The Cathedral of Cajamarca features a highly detailed Baroque facade carved entirely from volcanic rock, though its bell towers remain famously unfinished.

Plaza de Armas Baños del Inca🌳 park

This lively central square is the focal point of the Baños del Inca district, renowned for its nearby natural thermal springs.

Huacaloma🏺 historical

Huacaloma is an early Formative period archaeological site featuring ceremonial platforms dating long before the Inca empire.

La Recoleta⛪ religious

La Recoleta is a serene colonial church complex in Cajamarca recognized for its peaceful cloisters and historic religious art.

Nueva Acrópolis - Cajamarca🏛 museum

The Nueva Acrópolis in Cajamarca serves as a cultural institution exhibiting philosophical and historical exhibits to the local public.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-13:00

Medical Museum🏛 museum

This specialized medical museum showcases historical surgical instruments and documents the evolution of healthcare practices in the region.

Museo Arqueologico UNC🏛 museum

Administered by the National University, this archaeological museum exhibits an impressive collection of Cajamarca-style tripod ceramics.

Ruinas🏺 historical

These exposed stone foundations offer a glimpse into the ancient pre-Hispanic settlements that once dotted the Cajamarca valley.

Ruinas Ventanillas de Otuzco🏺 historical

The Ventanillas de Otuzco ruins feature hundreds of square burial niches intricately carved directly into the volcanic cliff face.

Centro de Convenciones Cesar Paredes🎭 culture

The Cesar Paredes Convention Center is a spacious modern auditorium that regularly hosts theatrical performances and academic conferences.

Coliseo San Ramon🎭 culture

The Coliseo San Ramon is a large indoor arena utilized for public sporting events, community gatherings, and musical spectacles.

Streetfood🎭 culture

This bustling streetfood sector features a sensory overload of sizzling grills preparing regional delicacies like anticuchos and tamales.

Thron des Inca📍 landmark

Carved out of natural rock at the Santa Apolonia viewpoint, this ancient seat is traditionally believed to be the throne of the Inca emperor.

Complejo Turístico Baños del Inca📍 landmark

A prominent thermal baths complex featuring natural hot springs that were historically used by the Inca elite.

La Cosecha📍 landmark

A local Christian worship space offering regular religious services to the Cajamarca community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Cajamarca: where is it located?
Cajamarca is located in Peru.
Cajamarca: what is there to see?
Highlights include Iglesia de San Francisco, Catedral de Cajamarca, Plaza de Armas Baños del Inca.
Cajamarca: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Cajamarca: why is it worth visiting?
Cajamarca is a site of immense historical significance, as it was here that the last Inca ruler, Atahualpa, was captured.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna — Cajamarca (Peru)
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Nature

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🗺️
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