Getting to Cajamarca
An hour by air from Lima, or a night on the road. Both routes are well travelled.
Where Cajamarca Is
Cajamarca sits in the northern Peruvian Andes, at roughly 2,750 metres, in a green valley about 850 km north of Lima. It is nowhere near the southern circuit. Cusco and Machu Picchu are a long way in the other direction, which is a large part of why it stays as quiet as it does.
That leaves two realistic ways in: a short flight from Lima, or a bus. Anyone already travelling through northern Peru will most likely arrive by road from Trujillo or Chiclayo.
Routes Into the City
Journey times below are approximate, so confirm current schedules with the carrier before booking.
Cajamarca's airport sits just outside the city, which makes for a short transfer in.
By air from Lima
Around 1 hour 20 minutes
The fastest way in. Several carriers run daily services from Lima to Cajamarca's Mayor General FAP Armando Revoredo Iglesias Airport (airport code CAJ), which sits just outside the city. Book ahead around carnival in February, when the route fills.
Flights land close enough to town that the transfer is short.
By bus from Lima
Roughly 14 to 16 hours
A long overnight haul up the coast and then inland into the mountains, and a well-established route with multiple departures. Considerably cheaper than flying, and the sleeper-class seats on the better services make it a genuine option rather than an endurance test.
Overnight departures are the norm, arriving in the morning.
By bus from Trujillo
Roughly 6 to 7 hours
The most common approach for anyone already working through northern Peru. The road climbs steadily from the coast into the highlands and the scenery does most of the work.
Frequently combined with Chiclayo on a northern circuit.
By bus from Chiclayo
Roughly 6 hours
The other standard northern connection. Similar in length and character to the Trujillo route, and useful if you are heading on toward Chachapoyas afterwards.
Also reachable from Cajamarca in the opposite direction.
Getting Around Once You Arrive
The centre is walkable. Everything else is a short ride out.
- Photo by John PC CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo by Pitxiquin2 CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo by Polmartin14 CC BY-SA 4.0
Before You Book
Allow for the altitude on day one
At around 2,750 metres Cajamarca is well below Cusco, but arriving by air from sea-level Lima is an abrupt change. Some visitors notice breathlessness or a headache on the first day. Take it slowly, drink water, and go easy on alcohol. Anyone with a heart or lung condition should take medical advice before travelling to altitude.
Time of year matters
The dry season runs roughly May to October and is the easier window for the outdoor sites and the mountain roads. The wet season is greener but muddier, with more disrupted afternoons.
Carnival fills the city
Cajamarca hosts the largest carnival in Peru, in February. Flights and accommodation book out well in advance, so plan around it in one direction or the other.
How long to stay
Two full days covers the city and two or three of the surrounding sites without rushing. Three days lets you add Cumbemayo as a half-day trip.
Arrived, or nearly?
Sort out where to stay, then what to see and where to eat.
