Cumbemayo Excursion
Our Cumbemayo tour discovers a pre-Inca aqueduct carved into living rock thousands of years ago, surrounded by a stone forest of surprising shapes in the highlands of Cajamarca.
Ancient engineering carved in rock
Summary
Cumbemayo is one of the oldest and most surprising archaeological sites in northern Peru. Located about 20 kilometers from Cajamarca, it preserves a pre-Inca aqueduct carved directly into volcanic rock, considered one of the oldest hydraulic works in the Americas.
On the Cumbemayo tour, you see how its channels, with zigzag lines and right angles, carried water from the highlands to the valley with astonishing precision. Next to the aqueduct, there is also a sanctuary with petroglyphs carved into a rock shaped like a human face.
Finally, the tour includes the stone forest, a group of rock formations shaped by erosion that locals call the frailones, or friars, because of their shape. You can combine it with the Cajamarca city tour; also, the Baños del Inca are ideal to relax in the afternoon.
Highlights
Itinerary
09:30 - 10:00
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in central Cajamarca before the drive.
Our team picks you up at your hotel. Then we begin the drive to Cumbemayo by tourist transportation.
10:00 - 10:45
Transfer to Cumbemayo
Climbing through the Cajamarca countryside while you enjoy the valley views.
We climb through the Cajamarca countryside, with views of the valley and its farmland, until we reach the Cumbemayo archaeological area.
10:45 - 11:30
Stone forest
Rock formations shaped by erosion.
Then we walk among the rock formations of the stone forest, known as the frailones because of their silhouette, and learn about the legends associated with them.
11:30 - 12:30
Sanctuary and aqueduct
Petroglyphs and channels carved into the rock.
Later, we visit the sanctuary with its petroglyphs and walk along the pre-Inca aqueduct, while we observe the precision of its channels carved into living rock.
12:30 - 13:30
Return to Cajamarca
Return by tourist transportation when the visit ends.
Finally, we return to Cajamarca and drop you off at your hotel or in the historic center.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in central Cajamarca
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Entrance to the Cumbemayo archaeological complex
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- 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
Altitude
Cumbemayo is at about 3,500 meters, higher than the city of Cajamarca. Therefore, the cold and wind can be intense, especially in the morning.
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
In the sanctuary there are narrow passages between the rocks, so walk carefully. Also, do not touch the petroglyphs or the channels, to help preserve them.
Gallery
FAQ
How old is the aqueduct?
It is estimated to be thousands of years old and to have been built long before the Incas; therefore, it is one of the oldest hydraulic works in the Americas.
How were the channels carved?
They were carved directly into the volcanic rock with stone tools, including right angles that regulated the speed of the water.
How demanding is the tour?
The Cumbemayo tour is easy, with short walks, although at a higher altitude than Cajamarca.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. It is a family-friendly tour, especially for children interested in history.
Can I combine it with another tour?
Yes. You can do the Cumbemayo tour in the morning and then visit the Baños del Inca or the historic center 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.
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