Cajamarca is in the northern highlands of Peru. The city is well known for its fine cheeses and dairy products. Cajamarca is also known for its churches, and hot springs, or Inca Baths.
It is approximately 2,700 m (8,900 ft) above sea level and has a population of about 100,000 people. Cajamarca has an equatorial climate so it is mild, dry and sunny, which creates very fertile soil. Yanacocha is considered to be the world's second largest gold producing mine, one of several active mining sites in surrounding areas. Most of all, Peruvians remember it as the place where the Inca Empire came to an end, because of the historic Battle of Cajamarca, along with the capture and execution of Inca emperor Atahualpa. Because of the high altitude, precautions should be taken.
From cheapest to most expensive; Walk - Most of the major sites in the city can be visited on foot. Micro bus - Micro buses, colectivos or combis, whatever you like to call them (Peruvians call them micro buses) are a very cheap and easy way to get around with most voyages costing S/1 (sol) or less and you don't need to haggle over the cost of the fare. They are however often crowded and somewhat dangerous. Mototaxi - Three-wheel converted motorcycles. Mototaxis are a little dangerous as they don't fare well in accidents. They are however very economical and lots of fun. Most trips in town are between S/2 and S/.3.00. Taxi - Most taxis are Daewoo Ticos or Toyota Corolla wagons.
1 Church San Francisco de Asis. The construction of this Catholic church began in 1699. The initial architect was Matías Pérez Palomino. The church is named after Francis of Assisi. (updated Aug 2026) 2 Museum San Francisco (Museo San Francisco). The museum of the church of San Francisco. (updated Aug 2026) 3 Museum Belen (Museo Arqueológico y Etnográfico del Conjunto Monumental Belén). Archaeological and ethnographic museum in the historical building of Belén. (updated Aug 2026) 4 Church La Recoleta (Iglesia y Convento de La Recoleta). (updated Aug 2026) 5 Viewpoint Santa Apolonia (Mirador Apu Rumitiana Santa Apolonia). From the hill you have a great view over Cajamarca.
Catarata de Plan Manzanas is a nice waterfall about 9 km away. Take a microbus (19 or 59A - S/1 each way leaving about every 30 minutes until about 21:00) to Huambocancha Alta and get off at Plan Manzanas (road or carretera Bambamarca). You'll need to ask the locals for directions as it's not a particularly well known attraction, don't give up just because the first person you ask doesn't know anything about it. The locals are very friendly and you'll probably be able to find one who'll take you to the waterfall and give you directions for an alternate route back to the road for a small fee (S/5-10). The trail will take you over the top of the falls.
The diet here consists largely of items in cream sauce, probably due to the large dairy industry. Several restaurants serve Cuy (guinea pig) for those feeling adventurous. Street vendors sell tamales and various other street food, especially around dinner time. Restaurant Tuna Jr. Malia Puga. This place is very popular and warm inside. There is a wood-fired oven and they make tasty personal pizzas starting from S/5.50. You´ll probably need two of them if you want more than a snack though. They also have a range of other dishes, drinks and wine. La Ideal Panaderia y Pasteleria. Jr. Malia Puga 966. A great place for coffee, cakes, hamburgers and delicious rolls.
Various street vendors sell home-made juice which is worth a try. Chicha de jora. A sweet homemade alcoholic drink made from corn. Hot Chocolate. Chocolate produced locally to make hot drinks with is widely available or have it made for you at one of the many restaurants. Myshky Cafe, Jirón Curz de Piedra, 646 (Half a block from the Plaza de Armas). 08:30-21:30. Coffee shop. Espressos, lattes, moccas, white moccas, etc. (all prepared with the best coffee beans from Jaén). Also offer frappés (ice-cold sweet drinks), chai latte, desserts and sandwiches.
Traffic is probably the visitor's biggest risk. Most drivers assume that you will get out of their way. Driving the wrong way on a one-way street is not uncommon, but stopping at stop signs is. So, look around before you cross the street! Remember to take it easy on arrival, since the altitude can make you short of breath and cause headaches. The central city is fairly safe, but as always keep an eye out for pickpockets and always hang on to your belongings. That being said, tourists should avoid traveling away from the city centre after dark.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €22 — book ahead for the popular ones.
Tours and tickets provided by Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Some links earn Stayonomy a commission.
In Sep, Cajamarca typically sees ~24°C daytime highs and 13 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-09-08. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy