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Peru🇵🇪 | citiesCajamarcaThermal springs, Atahualpa’s ransom room, market cheese, cool highlands | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Cajamarca
👍 Recommendedcity ranked #10
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Cajamarca is famous for its Baños del Inca, thermal springs where water leaves the ground at around 70°C, and for the room where the Inca Atahualpa was held captive in 1532. The city sits in the northern Andes of Peru, at about 2,750 meters. Come for cheese, colonial churches and cool mountain air; skip it if you want nightlife or big-name ruins. I ordered a slab of fresh queso Cajamarca with a glass of chicha de jora at a market stall for roughly US$2, and it beat every restaurant lunch I had after. Experienced travelers eat at the markets because the producers sell directly there. Spend your first day wandering the Plaza de Armas, then climb Santa Apolonia for the view.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #10 city in PeruWhy Cajamarca should be on your travel list

Cajamarca works for backpackers because the compact colonial center is entirely walkable, and the history here is the kind you can stand inside. This is where the Inca empire collapsed, and the old stones still show it. The city also sits in dairy country, so the cheese, manjar blanco and hearty highland cooking are better than in most towns this size. The real draw is its role as a base: the surrounding hills hold pre-Inca rock-cut tombs, odd pre-Inca burial niches and hot springs a short ride out. Hostels are friendly and quiet rather than party-driven, so it suits slow travelers and history fans. It also links neatly with the northern circuit toward Chachapoyas, so most people stay two or three nights, longer if they want day trips.

💡 HighlightsWhat this place is best known for

  1. El Cuarto del Rescate (Ransom Room): the stone chamber where Atahualpa was held and promised to fill it with gold. Entry is around US$1.50 to 3 on a combined ticket, 30 minutes. Mornings are quieter.
  2. Plaza de Armas: the colonial heart, with a carved stone fountain and the cathedral facing it. Free, 30 to 60 minutes. Evenings fill with locals.
  3. Baños del Inca: thermal springs just outside the center, with private tubs. Roughly US$1 to 3, 1 to 2 hours. Go early morning or late afternoon.
  4. Cerro Santa Apolonia: a hilltop park with stairs, gardens and a carved rock seat called the Inca’s Chair. About US$0.50, 1 hour. Clear mornings give the best city view.
  5. Belén Complex: a baroque church and former hospital with intricately carved ceilings and small museums. About US$1.50 to 3, 1 hour.
  6. Iglesia San Francisco
… read more 👉
  1. El Cuarto del Rescate (Ransom Room): the stone chamber where Atahualpa was held and promised to fill it with gold. Entry is around US$1.50 to 3 on a combined ticket, 30 minutes. Mornings are quieter.
  2. Plaza de Armas: the colonial heart, with a carved stone fountain and the cathedral facing it. Free, 30 to 60 minutes. Evenings fill with locals.
  3. Baños del Inca: thermal springs just outside the center, with private tubs. Roughly US$1 to 3, 1 to 2 hours. Go early morning or late afternoon.
  4. Cerro Santa Apolonia: a hilltop park with stairs, gardens and a carved rock seat called the Inca’s Chair. About US$0.50, 1 hour. Clear mornings give the best city view.
  5. Belén Complex: a baroque church and former hospital with intricately carved ceilings and small museums. About US$1.50 to 3, 1 hour.
  6. Iglesia San Francisco and its museum: a stone church with catacombs and religious art. Around US$1.50 to 3, 45 minutes.
  7. Mercado Central: for cheese, tamales and fresh juices among local shoppers. Free entry, meals US$1.50 to 3, 1 hour. Mornings are busiest.
Near Cajamarca, good day trips include the Ventanillas de Otuzco burial niches, the Cumbemayo aqueduct and rock forest, and the Ventanillas de Combayo. If time is short, skip the Iglesia San Francisco museum and keep the Ransom Room and Santa Apolonia.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do in Cajamarca

2 Days Private Tour in Cajamarca

2 Days Private Tour in Cajamarca

5.0(33) 48h
From €336
per personViator
Cajamarca: Cumbemayo - the Stone Forest

Cajamarca: Cumbemayo - the Stone Forest

4.8(4) 5h
From €23
per personViator
5 Day Adventure from Cajamarca to Chachapoyas and Kuelap

5 Day Adventure from Cajamarca to Chachapoyas and Kuelap

5.0(2) 120h
From €1,089
per personViator
Half-Day Private Cajamarca City Tour

Half-Day Private Cajamarca City Tour

5.0(1) 3h
From €52
per personViator
Half-Day Private Tour to Cumbemayo, The Stone Forest

Half-Day Private Tour to Cumbemayo, The Stone Forest

5.0(1) 4h 30m
From €74
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

Cajamarca’s center is compact, so you can cover every district on foot and skip taxis, which only add cost on steep cobbles.
  • Plaza de Armas and the Historic Center: The colonial grid exists because the Spanish laid it out around the plaza where the Inca ruler Atahualpa was captured. Start here, then wander the cathedral, San Francisco church and the Belén complex. Bakeries, cafés and cheap lunch menus cluster within two blocks. Go early, before the tour groups.
  • Cerro Santa Apolonia: This green hill rises just above the center, with a stairway climb of about 15 minutes to the viewpoint. The carved stone seat called the Inca’s Chair sits at the top. Smart travelers go in the morning for clearer views, and carry water because the altitude (about 2,750 m) leaves you winded.
  • Barrio San Sebastián and
… read more 👉
Cajamarca’s center is compact, so you can cover every district on foot and skip taxis, which only add cost on steep cobbles.
  • Plaza de Armas and the Historic Center: The colonial grid exists because the Spanish laid it out around the plaza where the Inca ruler Atahualpa was captured. Start here, then wander the cathedral, San Francisco church and the Belén complex. Bakeries, cafés and cheap lunch menus cluster within two blocks. Go early, before the tour groups.
  • Cerro Santa Apolonia: This green hill rises just above the center, with a stairway climb of about 15 minutes to the viewpoint. The carved stone seat called the Inca’s Chair sits at the top. Smart travelers go in the morning for clearer views, and carry water because the altitude (about 2,750 m) leaves you winded.
  • Barrio San Sebastián and Jirón del Batán: Quieter streets with local restaurants and small bars. Nightlife stays modest, mostly live music and pisco spots, so pick a pub near the plaza and walk home in a group.
  • Baños del Inca: About 6 km east, this thermal district has steaming springs and a lively market. Reach it by combi rather than taxi, and soak in the evening when the air is cool.

⌛️ 1 dayHow to make the most of one day

The center is small enough to cover on foot, with a short taxi for the springs and a rest in the afternoon when the sun is strong.
8:00 AM: Mercado Central Start with a breakfast of tamales and fresh juice among locals, then browse the cheese stalls before the crowds thicken.
9:30 AM: Plaza de Armas and Cathedral Walk two blocks to the plaza and check the carved stonework on the church facades.
10:30 AM: Ransom Room and Belén Complex Visit the room where Atahualpa was held, then stroll to Belén to see the carved ceilings.
1:00 PM: Lunch Try a local restaurant for cuy or a simple cheese-and-potato plate, then rest.
3:00 PM: Baños del Inca Take a short taxi to soak in a private tub. The water is hot, so start with short sessions.
5:00 PM: Cerro Santa Apolonia Climb the stairs for the city view, then … read more 👉
The center is small enough to cover on foot, with a short taxi for the springs and a rest in the afternoon when the sun is strong.
8:00 AM: Mercado Central Start with a breakfast of tamales and fresh juice among locals, then browse the cheese stalls before the crowds thicken.
9:30 AM: Plaza de Armas and Cathedral Walk two blocks to the plaza and check the carved stonework on the church facades.
10:30 AM: Ransom Room and Belén Complex Visit the room where Atahualpa was held, then stroll to Belén to see the carved ceilings.
1:00 PM: Lunch Try a local restaurant for cuy or a simple cheese-and-potato plate, then rest.
3:00 PM: Baños del Inca Take a short taxi to soak in a private tub. The water is hot, so start with short sessions.
5:00 PM: Cerro Santa Apolonia Climb the stairs for the city view, then walk down.
7:00 PM: Local dairy shop Finish at a small dairy shop in the center to buy cheese and manjar blanco for the road.

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

May to September is the driest stretch in Cajamarca, with sunny days around 20 to 23°C (68 to 73°F) and nights that drop to 3 to 6°C (37 to 43°F).
  • Dry Season (May to September): Best for hiking and day trips. Daylight lasts about 12 hours all year, and prices rise slightly around Inti Raymi in June.
  • Carnival (February or March): Cajamarca’s biggest party, with water fights and parades. Hostels fill and rates climb 20 to 40 percent.
  • Wet Season (November to April): Afternoon downpours turn trails muddy, but hills glow green and rooms are cheaper. Highs sit near 19 to 21°C (66 to 70°F).
Book ahead for Carnival, and pack a warm layer in any month.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

The streets within four blocks of the Plaza de Armas are the best bet for a budget bed in Cajamarca, with dorms and cheap private rooms at about US$7 to 12.
Staying here means you can walk to restaurants, ATMs, tour agencies and the bus offices for combis. Streets are lit and busy until late evening, so walking back after dinner feels comfortable. Weekend nights can be loud if your room faces a bar, so ask for a back room.
The second option is Baños del Inca, the thermal district about 6 km east. Guesthouses are quieter and sometimes cheaper, and you can reach the springs on foot. The downside is … read more 👉
The streets within four blocks of the Plaza de Armas are the best bet for a budget bed in Cajamarca, with dorms and cheap private rooms at about US$7 to 12.
Staying here means you can walk to restaurants, ATMs, tour agencies and the bus offices for combis. Streets are lit and busy until late evening, so walking back after dinner feels comfortable. Weekend nights can be loud if your room faces a bar, so ask for a back room.
The second option is Baños del Inca, the thermal district about 6 km east. Guesthouses are quieter and sometimes cheaper, and you can reach the springs on foot. The downside is a 15 to 20 minute combi ride to the center, and combis thin out after about 9 pm. Pick the center for a first visit, and Baños del Inca if you want a slower stay with daily soaks.
Best hostels in Cajamarca


Best quality hotels in Peru

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

A shared combi or colectivo ride around Cajamarca costs about US$0.30 to 0.50, paid in cash (coins) to the driver or his assistant as you board or get off. Most backpackers walk the compact center, then hop vehicles for outlying sights. Traffic jams near the plaza at midday, so walking often beats wheels.
  • Walking: The historic center takes about 10 minutes to cross. Cobbles are uneven and the altitude is noticeable, so go slowly and wear sturdy shoes.
  • Combis and colectivos: Cheap minibuses run set routes to Baños del Inca and other districts, usually from about 6 am to 9 pm. Look at the signboard in the windshield and ask the driver, since stops are informal. They are crowded but fast, and a smart traveler carries small coins because drivers rarely have change.
  • Taxis: Cars cost about US$1 to
… read more 👉
A shared combi or colectivo ride around Cajamarca costs about US$0.30 to 0.50, paid in cash (coins) to the driver or his assistant as you board or get off. Most backpackers walk the compact center, then hop vehicles for outlying sights. Traffic jams near the plaza at midday, so walking often beats wheels.
  • Walking: The historic center takes about 10 minutes to cross. Cobbles are uneven and the altitude is noticeable, so go slowly and wear sturdy shoes.
  • Combis and colectivos: Cheap minibuses run set routes to Baños del Inca and other districts, usually from about 6 am to 9 pm. Look at the signboard in the windshield and ask the driver, since stops are informal. They are crowded but fast, and a smart traveler carries small coins because drivers rarely have change.
  • Taxis: Cars cost about US$1 to 2 within the city and have no meters, so agree the fare before getting in. Experienced travelers ask the hostel to call a trusted driver at night.
  • Mototaxis: Three-wheelers charge about US$0.80 to 1.50 for short hops in outer neighborhoods. They bounce through narrow lanes but cost less than a taxi. Negotiate first.
  • Day-trip transport: For Ventanillas de Otuzco, Cumbemayo and Cajamarca’s nearby sites, use a combi from the center (US$0.50 to 2) or join a guided tour (US$8 to 15). Tours save time at Cumbemayo, where the route is hard to find alone.

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Backpacking in Cajamarca costs about US$33 to 38 per day, with a total of US$35 in high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm (high season)US$8 to 12Dorms are few; basic private rooms often cost the same.
Dorm (off-season)US$6 to 9Discounts are easy to negotiate from November to April.
MealsUS$8 to 12Set lunch menus at the market cost US$1.50 to 3; dinners cost more.
Local transportUS$1 to 3Combis cost under US$0.50 per ride; taxis are US$1 to 2.
City transport passNot availablePay cash per ride; no pass exists.
Activities and entry feesUS$4 to 8Ventanillas costs about US$1.50 and Baños del Inca thermal baths cost US$1 to 5; tours cost US$8 to 15.
MiscellaneousUS$2 to 4Snacks, water, laundry and SIM data.
Total Daily BudgetUS$35Based on high season dorm at US$10 and midrange spending.
Eat the … read more 👉
Backpacking in Cajamarca costs about US$33 to 38 per day, with a total of US$35 in high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm (high season)US$8 to 12Dorms are few; basic private rooms often cost the same.
Dorm (off-season)US$6 to 9Discounts are easy to negotiate from November to April.
MealsUS$8 to 12Set lunch menus at the market cost US$1.50 to 3; dinners cost more.
Local transportUS$1 to 3Combis cost under US$0.50 per ride; taxis are US$1 to 2.
City transport passNot availablePay cash per ride; no pass exists.
Activities and entry feesUS$4 to 8Ventanillas costs about US$1.50 and Baños del Inca thermal baths cost US$1 to 5; tours cost US$8 to 15.
MiscellaneousUS$2 to 4Snacks, water, laundry and SIM data.
Total Daily BudgetUS$35Based on high season dorm at US$10 and midrange spending.
Eat the set lunch menu at the market and have a lighter dinner to cut food costs nearly in half.


source: peru.travel
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsWhere to go beyond the main area

Cajamarca works well as a base, since the main sights lie within 1 hour and local combis or tours leave daily.
Cumbemayo:
A pre-Inca aqueduct, about 3,000 years old, carved into volcanic rock at about 3,500 m, plus a forest of stone formations. Tours take about 3 to 4 hours round trip and cost US$8 to 12. Go in the dry season and bring a jacket, as the wind bites. First-timers often skip the hat and sunscreen, and the sun is fierce.

Ventanillas de Otuzco:
Hundreds of burial niches cut into a hillside, about 30 minutes from the center. Combis cost under US$1 each way, and entry is around US$1.50. Pair it with Baños del Inca for a half-day loop.

Granja Porcón:
A cooperative farm and pine forest about 1 hour away, with llamas, trout dishes and hiking. Tours cost US$10 to 15 including lunch. … read more 👉
Cajamarca works well as a base, since the main sights lie within 1 hour and local combis or tours leave daily.
Cumbemayo:
A pre-Inca aqueduct, about 3,000 years old, carved into volcanic rock at about 3,500 m, plus a forest of stone formations. Tours take about 3 to 4 hours round trip and cost US$8 to 12. Go in the dry season and bring a jacket, as the wind bites. First-timers often skip the hat and sunscreen, and the sun is fierce.

Ventanillas de Otuzco:
Hundreds of burial niches cut into a hillside, about 30 minutes from the center. Combis cost under US$1 each way, and entry is around US$1.50. Pair it with Baños del Inca for a half-day loop.

Granja Porcón:
A cooperative farm and pine forest about 1 hour away, with llamas, trout dishes and hiking. Tours cost US$10 to 15 including lunch. Visit in the morning, since afternoon clouds roll in during the wet season.

Cascada de Llacanora:
A short combi ride of 30 minutes (about US$1) brings you to a village and a small waterfall walk. Entry is under US$1. Wear shoes with grip, as the path is slick after rain.

🍲 FoodLocal Cuisine & Drinks

Cajamarca sits in dairy country, so cheese and manjar blanco (dulce de leche) are the local specialties. Fresh queso Cajamarca shows up in breakfasts with bread, and sweet shops near the plaza sell manjar in jars.
Try caldo verde, a green soup of potato, cheese and herbs, and cuy frito (guinea pig) served with potatoes. Sopa chillonguera is another regional soup. For something warm in the evening, ask for yonque, a local sugarcane spirit, or a hot canelazo.
The Mercado Central is the best place for cheap lunch menus (US$1.50 to 3) and fresh juices. Bakeries around the plaza sell tamales and sweet empanadas for under US$1. Cafés serve strong local coffee, and the evening crowds drift toward the pubs along the pedestrian streets.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Cajamarca

Cajamarca is calm and welcoming, and most problems are petty theft or tourist overcharging. Keep phones and cameras tucked away in the crowded market and on combis, where pickpockets work. Solo travelers can walk the plaza area at night, but the dark streets around the edges and Cerro Santa Apolonia after dusk are better skipped. Use a radio taxi or one your hostel calls after about 10 pm. Taxis have no meters, so agree on the fare first. Altitude headaches are a more common nuisance than crime, so drink water and rest on day one. Hikers heading to remote sites like Cumbemayo do best in a guided group.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Cajamarca

Two to three days is enough for Cajamarca. Spend one day on the plaza, Belén complex and Cerro Santa Apolonia, then another on Cumbemayo (3 to 4 hours by tour, US$8 to 12) or Ventanillas de Otuzco. Add a third day for Baños del Inca thermal pools or Granja Porcón.
Cajamarca is a comfortable place for solo backpackers, with low violent crime and a walkable center that feels calm in the evening. Petty theft in the market and on combis is the main risk, so keep valuables hidden. Taxis cost about US$1 to 2 within the city, and using one after 10 pm is wise.
Cajamarca is known for being where the Inca ruler Atahualpa was captured by Pizarro in 1532, and the Ransom Room still stands. It is also famous for Baños del Inca hot springs, Carnival in February or March, and dairy products like cheese and manjar blanco. Cumbemayo’s ancient aqueduct lies about 20 km southwest of the city.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Peruvian cities near Cajamarca

Explore more nearby:

  • Trujillo—Chimú adobe, Moche temples, pastel colonial grid, reed boats| 120 km away
  • Chiclayo—Moche tombs, Lambayeque museums, mototaxis, market herbalists| 153 km away
  • Tarapoto—Jungle foothills, cacao tastings, river swimming holes, mototaxi rides| 248 km away

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Cajamarca suits history lovers, slow eaters and anyone happy with quiet evenings instead of clubs. It is not a place for adrenaline or big nightlife. I would give it three nights, soak at the springs, and bring a warm layer for the cool evenings.

✈️ When did I visit Peru?
Peru I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Peru, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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