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Cajamarca

Peru · City · PEN · -7.163800, -78.512100
Family friendly 6.4/10 · Rank 1276 of 2 709
Best season: May-September

Best for

Suitable for history, culture and nature lovers

Best season

May-September

Daily budget
$46.00 (≈ 4 140 ₽ · ≈ 170 PEN)
For 7 days
$322.00 (≈ 28 980 ₽ · ≈ 1 191 PEN)
Cajamarca is a city in the northern highlands of Peru, known for its thermal baths and as the site of the capture of the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa. Its Baroque churches and archaeological sites make it a cultural gem of the northern Andes. The city is also a starting point for trips to the Kuélap ruins and other attractions of the region.
Summer
21.2°C
Winter
7.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Cajamarca residents are friendly, traditional and hospitable people proud of their historical heritage

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Rich history
  • Archaeological sites
  • Thermal springs
  • Affordable prices
  • Excellent cuisine

Cons

  • High altitude
  • No sea access
  • Cool climate
  • Limited nightlife
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
13.5°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
18.4°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
21.2°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
12.6°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
17.3°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
7.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
December-March
Attractions

Ransom Room

Historic room where Inca Atahualpa was imprisoned and offered to fill it with gold and silver for his release

Ventanillas de Otuzco

Ancient necropolis with niches carved into the rock, resembling windows

Cumbemayo

Archaeological complex with an Inca aqueduct and unique rock formations

Baños del Inca

Thermal springs used by the Incas, popular today

Santa Apolina Viewpoint

Panoramic viewpoint with views of the city and surroundings

Best areas

Historic Centre

Colonial streets with the square, cathedral and museums

Baños del Inca

Area with thermal springs and hotels

Must-try food

Caldo de Gallina

Chicken soup with potatoes, vegetables and spices

Chicharrón

Crispy pieces of fried pork, a popular snack

Humitas

Corn tamales with cheese and spices

Manjar Blanco

Traditional corn and spice dessert

Where to go next

Cumbemayo

Inca archaeological complex 30 minutes away

Ventanillas de Otuzco

Ancient necropolis 30 minutes away

Baños del Inca

Thermal springs 15 minutes away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Аэропорт Кахамарка (CJA).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$8.00
≈ 720 ₽ · ≈ 30 PEN
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$33.00
≈ 2 970 ₽ · ≈ 122 PEN
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$55.00
≈ 4 950 ₽ · ≈ 204 PEN
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 9 000 ₽ · ≈ 370 PEN
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$70.00
≈ 6 300 ₽ · ≈ 259 PEN
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$30.00
≈ 2 700 ₽ · ≈ 111 PEN
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$2.70
≈ 243 ₽ · ≈ 10 PEN
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$8.00
≈ 720 ₽ · ≈ 30 PEN
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 180 ₽ · ≈ 7 PEN
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 180 ₽ · ≈ 7 PEN
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.80
≈ 72 ₽ · ≈ 3 PEN
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$5.00
≈ 450 ₽ · ≈ 19 PEN
Burger
Average price for a burger
$4.00
≈ 360 ₽ · ≈ 15 PEN
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$2.00
≈ 180 ₽ · ≈ 7 PEN
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$4.00
≈ 360 ₽ · ≈ 15 PEN
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽ · ≈ 37 PEN
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.60
≈ 54 ₽ · ≈ 2 PEN
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$2.00
≈ 180 ₽ · ≈ 7 PEN
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$35.00
≈ 3 150 ₽ · ≈ 130 PEN
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 720 ₽ · ≈ 30 PEN
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽ · ≈ 56 PEN
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$25.00
≈ 2 250 ₽ · ≈ 93 PEN
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 700 ₽ · ≈ 111 PEN
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$8.00
≈ 720 ₽ · ≈ 30 PEN
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$8.00
≈ 720 ₽ · ≈ 30 PEN
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Frequently asked questions
Cajamarca: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Cajamarca: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +21.2°C, during the day — up to +18.4°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Cajamarca: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +7.0°C, during the day — up to +17.3°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Cajamarca: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on December-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Cajamarca: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $46.00 (≈ 4 140 ₽ · ≈ 170 PEN) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Cajamarca: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $8.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $33.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $55.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $100.00 per night, an apartment — $30.00 per night, a villa — $70.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Cajamarca: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $2.70, dinner at a restaurant — $8.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.80. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Cajamarca: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $10.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.60, a short taxi ride — $2.00, car rental — $35.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Cajamarca: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Ransom Room — Historic room where Inca Atahualpa was imprisoned and offered to fill it with gold and silver for his release; Ventanillas de Otuzco — Ancient necropolis with niches carved into the rock, resembling windows; Cumbemayo — Archaeological complex with an Inca aqueduct and unique rock formations; Baños del Inca — Thermal springs used by the Incas, popular today; Santa Apolina Viewpoint — Panoramic viewpoint with views of the city and surroundings. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Cajamarca: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Caldo de Gallina — Chicken soup with potatoes, vegetables and spices; Chicharrón — Crispy pieces of fried pork, a popular snack; Humitas — Corn tamales with cheese and spices; Manjar Blanco — Traditional corn and spice dessert. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Cajamarca: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Historic Centre — Colonial streets with the square, cathedral and museums; Baños del Inca — Area with thermal springs and hotels. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Cajamarca: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Cajamarca: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Аэропорт Кахамарка (code CJA). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $10.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Cajamarca: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — PEN. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $46.00 (≈ 4 140 ₽ · ≈ 170 PEN). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Cajamarca: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Cajamarca: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Cajamarca: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Cumbemayo — Inca archaeological complex 30 minutes away; Ventanillas de Otuzco — Ancient necropolis 30 minutes away; Baños del Inca — Thermal springs 15 minutes away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.4/10
Overall rank: 1276 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 424

Best season

May-September

Useful information

Currency: PEN
Coordinates: -7.163800, -78.512100