Cajamarca: Thermal Waters, Rock Formations and History

The province of Cajamarca can be explored through a variety of experiences: the thermal waters of Baños del Inca, the pre-Hispanic landscape of Cumbemayo and historic buildings each offer a distinct focus. When planning your trip, it may help to first consider which of these themes interests you most. This way, you can choose a vacation rental location based on the places you actually plan to visit.

Thermal Waters in Baños del Inca

Baños del Inca is home to the Poza del Inca. The pool is four meters long and four meters wide, with a depth of 1.70 meters. The thermal springs also define the area: the water reaches temperatures above 70 °C. Hot water is mixed with cold water in bathing pools. The springs are also associated with use by the Inca Atahualpa. If you choose thermal waters as a focus for your trip, you will find a specific destination here that brings nature and history together. If you plan to take a bath, check current visitor arrangements in advance.

Cumbemayo: Archaeological Landscape and Access

The pre-Hispanic archaeological monument of Cumbemayo includes a forest of volcanic rocks known as Los Frailones or Monjes de Roca. The site combines its archaeological significance with a striking rocky landscape. Cumbemayo can be reached from Cajamarca via an unpaved road heading southwest. The route is approximately 19 kilometers long and follows the same road toward the district of Chetilla. Since road conditions can change, it is advisable to check the current state of the route before setting out.

Buildings and Traditional Names

The La Recoleta church and monastery complex consists of a church and a monastery. Both were built of stone and adobe in the second half of the 17th century. Another cultural landmark is the Mirador del Cerro Santa Apolonia: the remains of a presumed sanctuary stand at its summit, commonly known as “Silla del Inca.” The cautious description “presumed sanctuary” is part of this tradition; “Silla del Inca” is the commonly used name.

Tours in Granja Porcón

Three tours have been established in Granja Porcón for experiential, ecological and cultural tourism. The three themes offer different ways to shape an excursion and complement the province’s archaeological and historical highlights. Since the tours may change, it is best to check their current status before planning your visit.

More Themes in the Wider Cajamarca Destination

At the level of the wider Cajamarca destination, large-scale nature themes also play a role. The Santuario Nacional Tabaconas Namballe protects a representative area of páramo. The Refugio de Vida Silvestre Bosques Nublados de Udima protects a representative area of cloud forests on the western side of the Peruvian Andes, as well as the associated dry forest and Jalca ecosystems. These protected areas offer a broader perspective on the Cajamarca destination.

Agricultural sites are also part of this wider regional context. At Finca Agroturística Santa Fe, visitors can take walks around the farm, including a visit to the Santa Fe waterfall. You should check current visitor arrangements locally in advance. Finca La Arboleda has ten hectares of land used for agriculture; coffee is its main product. Thus, beyond nature and cultural experiences, agriculture and regional products are also part of the wider Cajamarca destination.

When looking for a vacation rental, the differences between the excursion destinations can be useful: Baños del Inca is known for its thermal waters, while Cumbemayo offers an archaeological landscape reached by an approximately 19-kilometer unpaved road from Cajamarca. Historic buildings and the tours in Granja Porcón provide further options. Consider which experiences you want to shape your trip, and compare accommodation locations with the places you would like to visit.

Discover More Destinations

Also discover Cajamarca, Llacanora.

For the overview of the wider destination: Cajamarca.