Colonial History Tour
Our Cajamarca city tour visits the setting of the encounter between the Incas and the Spanish: Atahualpa's Ransom Room, the Belén Monumental Complex and the Santa Apolonia Hill viewpoint.
Where the history of Peru changed
Summary
Cajamarca was the setting for one of the most decisive episodes in the history of the Americas: in 1532, the Inca Atahualpa was captured here by Francisco Pizarro, which marked the beginning of the end of the Inca Empire.
On this Cajamarca city tour, you visit the Ransom Room, the only Inca building preserved in the city, where, according to tradition, Atahualpa offered to fill the room with gold and silver in exchange for his freedom. Also, you discover the Belén Monumental Complex, with its church featuring a Baroque facade carved in stone and its former colonial hospitals.
Finally, the tour ends at Santa Apolonia Hill, a viewpoint overlooking the whole city and the valley, home to the carved rock known as the Inca’s Chair. You can complement it with Cumbemayo; also, the Baños del Inca hot springs are perfect for the afternoon.
Highlights
Itinerary
09:00 - 09:15
Meeting at your hotel
We pick you up at your hotel in central Cajamarca before the walk.
Your guide meets you at your hotel, and then we begin the walking tour of Cajamarca’s historic center.
09:15 - 10:00
Main Square
Setting of Atahualpa's capture.
First, we explore the Main Square, where the encounter between Atahualpa and Pizarro took place; then we see the Cathedral and the Church of San Francisco, with their stone-carved facades.
10:00 - 10:45
Ransom Room
The city's only Inca building.
Later, we visit the Ransom Room, where your guide tells you the story of Atahualpa’s captivity and his promise to fill the room with gold and silver.
10:45 - 12:00
Belén Monumental Complex
Baroque church and former colonial hospitals.
Then we explore the Belén Monumental Complex, with its Baroque church, the former men’s and women’s hospitals and its exhibition halls.
12:00 - 12:45
Santa Apolonia Hill
Viewpoint over the city and the Inca's Chair.
Then we climb the steps of Santa Apolonia Hill to enjoy the panoramic view of Cajamarca and see the carved rock known as the Inca’s Chair.
12:45 - 13:15
Return to your hotel
End of the tour in the historic center, close to your hotel.
Finally, we walk back down to the historic center, where the tour ends, just steps from your hotel.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in central Cajamarca
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Entrance ticket to the Ransom Room and the Belén Monumental Complex
- Entrance to Santa Apolonia Hill
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Transportation (the tour is on foot)
- Meals
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Comfortable layered clothing
Warm jacket
Comfortable sneakers
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
Water
Cash for personal expenses
Passport or identification document
Weather
Cajamarca has a mild, dry climate, with temperatures between 6 and 21 °C. Days are sunny and nights cool; however, afternoon rain is common from December to March.
Best season
The tours operate all year. From May to October dry, sunny weather prevails; also, in February the Cajamarca Carnival is held, one of the most famous in Peru.
Recommendations
Some museums close one day a week, so we coordinate the date when you book. Also, the climb up Santa Apolonia Hill has steps, so it is best to walk at a relaxed pace.
Gallery
FAQ
What is the Ransom Room?
It is the only Inca building preserved in Cajamarca. According to tradition, Atahualpa offered there to fill the room with gold and silver in exchange for his freedom.
Is the tour on foot?
Yes. All the sites on the Cajamarca city tour are in or near the historic center, so the tour is done on foot.
How demanding is it?
The Cajamarca city tour is easy. However, the climb up Santa Apolonia Hill has sloping steps.
Is there an afternoon departure?
Yes. The tour can also be done in the afternoon, although it is subject to availability.
Can I combine it with other tours?
Yes. Since it is a half-day tour, you can combine it with the Baños del Inca or the Traditional Route in the afternoon.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, so you can choose the option that suits you.
You might also be interested in
