By evening in Cajamarca the air cools quickly at this altitude, and the centre fills with people walking between the Plaza de Armas and the surrounding streets. Vendors sell home-made juice and hot drinks made with locally produced chocolate, and the city settles into its night at an unhurried pace.
Cajamarca's nightlife is modest and sociable rather than spectacular. It suits travellers who want an easy evening of food, drink and conversation in a colonial centre, rather than a long night of large clubs. Much of what there is to do after dark happens around the main square and the streets close to it.
Where to go out in Cajamarca
1. The Plaza de Armas and its surrounding streets
The historic centre is the natural starting point for an evening. The streets immediately around the Plaza de Armas hold the city's restaurants and cafés, and this is where you will find locally produced chocolate made into hot drinks, as well as coffee.
It suits a relaxed night: a meal, a hot drink, a walk around the square. One named option in this area is Myshky Cafe on Jirón Curz de Piedra, half a block from the Plaza de Armas, which serves espresso, latte, mocha and similar coffee drinks, along with frappés, chai latte, desserts and sandwiches.
2. Street vendors and local drinks
Various street vendors sell home-made juice, which is worth trying. This is a casual, low-key way to spend part of an evening rather than a destination in itself.
It suits anyone wandering the centre who wants something quick and local. Among the drinks associated with the city are chicha de jora, a sweet home-made alcoholic drink made from corn, and hot chocolate made from locally produced chocolate, which is widely available or can be made for you at one of the many restaurants.
3. The Mollepampa district
In the Mollepampa district you can view pottery. This is a quieter, more daytime-oriented activity, but it gives a sense of the city beyond the main square if you are spending more than one evening in Cajamarca.
It suits a slower itinerary rather than a night out in the conventional sense.
4. Baños del Inca
The nearby town of Baños del Inca is known for its hot springs and is one of the attractions of the Cajamarca area. An evening built around the baths is a different kind of night out from the bars and cafés of the centre.
It suits travellers who prefer to end the day relaxing rather than drinking. Check locally before setting out, as the sources do not give opening hours or prices for the baths.
5. Carnival-time celebrations
During Carnaval de Cajamarca, the city's nightlife and daytime life merge into street celebration, with parades, floats and the queens of carnaval. The atmosphere is loud, wet and communal.
It suits anyone who does not mind getting soaked and covered in paint. Be prepared to get wet on all occasions from water bombs and kids' water pistols.
How a night out unfolds
The sources do not describe a detailed evening timetable for Cajamarca. What they do show is that eating and drinking are spread through the day and into the evening: cafés such as Myshky Cafe keep daytime hours, street vendors sell juice in the streets, and restaurants serve hot chocolate and other drinks. During Carnaval, the pattern shifts entirely, with the day of water and paint followed by two parade days, the first through the Plaza de Armas and the second along the concourse with floats and the queens of carnaval. Beyond this, the sources do not say how late venues stay open, so plan around what you find on the ground.
Festivals and events worth timing a trip around
- Carnaval de Cajamarca — held every year in February or March, with a day of water and paint followed by two parade days. Tickets for seats on the concourse range from around S/15 to S/30.
- Feria de Todos los Santos — a traditional festival on November 1.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to drink in Cajamarca?
Chicha de jora, a sweet home-made alcoholic drink made from corn, is one local option. Hot chocolate made from locally produced chocolate is widely available, and street vendors sell home-made juice.
Where can I get coffee in the evening?
Myshky Cafe on Jirón Curz de Piedra, half a block from the Plaza de Armas, serves espresso, latte, mocha and similar drinks, plus frappés, chai latte, desserts and sandwiches. The sources list its hours as 08:30–21:30.
When is Carnaval de Cajamarca held?
It is held every year in February or March. The three most important days are the day of water and paint, when participants cover themselves and each other in paint while onlookers throw water, followed by two parade days.
Do I need to worry about getting wet during Carnaval?
Yes. Be prepared to get wet on all occasions from water bombs and kids' water pistols.
Plan your evening around the Plaza de Armas and the streets nearby, and check locally for current opening hours and any festival dates before you go.