Cajamarca sits high in the northern Andes, in the valley of the Mashcon river, and is known for its colonial religious architecture, its dairy products, and the hot springs at the nearby town of Baños del Inca. The historic centre is compact and walkable, with the Plaza de Armas and the surrounding streets holding most of the city's accommodation, restaurants and services.
For a visitor, the practical choice is between basing yourself in the historic centre, where most sights and services are within walking distance, or staying on the outskirts, where spa hotels and quieter properties sit further from the action. This guide covers the areas named in the source material, what kind of traveller each suits, and what to expect at different price levels.
Best areas to stay in Cajamarca
1. Historic centre (around the Plaza de Armas)
The historic centre is the most practical base for a first visit. Accommodation here ranges from inexpensive hostels to mid-range and splurge hotels, and several properties sit directly on or within a couple of minutes' walk of the Plaza de Armas. This is where you find the colonial architecture, the main concentration of restaurants and services, and easy access to the rest of the city.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk to the sights rather than rely on transport. If you are sensitive to noise, ask for a room away from the street or facing away from the plaza, as central properties can be lively.
2. Barrio San Pedro
San Pedro is a named barrio within the city, and at least one mid-range property is located here, on Jr. José Gálvez. It offers a quieter, more residential feel while still being part of the urban centre, within reach of the Plaza de Armas.
It suits travellers who want to be close to the centre without being on top of it, and those staying longer who prefer a neighbourhood setting. Expect mid-range guesthouse-style accommodation rather than large hotels.
3. Baños del Inca (outskirts)
Baños del Inca is the nearby town known for its hot springs, and it is where you find spa hotels on the outskirts of Cajamarca. This is the choice for travellers whose priority is the thermal baths and a quieter, more resort-like stay rather than proximity to the colonial centre.
It suits those with their own transport or those willing to commute into the city, and travellers looking for spa and pool facilities. The trade-off is distance: you are away from the Plaza de Armas and the main concentration of restaurants and services.
4. Outlying and rural areas
Beyond the city, the source notes spa hotels on the outskirts and at least one farmhouse-converted property several kilometres out of town, along the road toward Porcón Hualgayoc. These are rural or semi-rural stays with their own restaurants and grounds.
They suit travellers with a car, those seeking quiet and open space, and anyone wanting facilities such as horseback riding or fishing on site. The practical point is that you will need transport for everything, as these properties are well outside the walkable centre.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Inexpensive hostels and guesthouses, including some with private bathrooms, hot water and cable TV. Many are concentrated in and around the historic centre.
- Mid-range: Comfortable hotels and hostals, some in colonial buildings, with private bathrooms, WiFi, TV and breakfast. A number sit on or near the Plaza de Armas or in the surrounding central streets.
- Splurge: Larger hotels, including Peruvian chain properties, with amenities such as pools, spas, gyms, restaurants and bars. These are found on and around the Plaza de Armas and on the outskirts, including at Baños del Inca.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the historic centre around the Plaza de Armas. It puts the colonial architecture, restaurants and services within walking distance, and it offers the widest choice across all price levels. You can reach the rest of the city and arrange trips to Baños del Inca and the surrounding sites from here.
Frequently asked questions
Where do most visitors stay in Cajamarca?
Most accommodation is concentrated in the historic centre, with many properties on or within a short walk of the Plaza de Armas. This is also where you find the widest range of budget, mid-range and splurge options.
Should I stay in the centre or at Baños del Inca?
Stay in the centre if you want to walk to the sights and have restaurants and services nearby. Choose Baños del Inca if your priority is the hot springs and spa facilities, accepting that you will be away from the colonial centre.
Is Cajamarca a good place for budget travellers?
Yes. The source notes many inexpensive accommodation options in town, alongside the various hotels and hostels, so budget travellers have plenty of choice in the central areas.
Do I need a car to stay on the outskirts?
If you stay at the spa hotels on the outskirts or at the rural properties several kilometres from town, you will need transport, as these are outside the walkable centre.
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