Your stay — El Sótano
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The Property — El Sótano
El Sótano is a budget-friendly three-star in central Cajamarca, named for its half-buried cellar bar and lounge. The lobby feels like a functional mountain lodge: dark wood, tiled floors, a small reception desk with local crafts for sale, and the faint smell of eucalyptus polish. It suits independent travellers who want a clean, no-frills base within walking distance to Plaza de Armas and the Baños del Inca, not luxury or character. Expect decent wifi, hot water that can falter under heavy demand, and a free breakfast of bread, jam, coffee, and papaya juice.
Chronicles of Cajamarca
Cajamarca was the site of the 1532 Inca ambush and capture of Atahualpa, a pivotal moment in the Spanish conquest. The city’s colonial core grew around the Plaza de Armas, with churches like San Francisco and the Cathedral built from local volcanic stone in the 17th–18th centuries. Its narrow streets still follow the Inca grid, and the famous Cuarto del Rescate—the room Atahualpa offered to fill with gold—stands as a stark relic. Today, Cajamarca is a mining and dairy hub, famous for its Manchego cheese and as a base for hiking to pre-Inca ruins like Ventanillas de Otuzco.
Best Time to Visit
Full Cajamarca guide →Best months
April–May and September–October: after the February carnival crowds, sunny days, light rain, all sights open without queues.
Peak / festival surge
February (Carnaval Cajamarquino) and July (Fiestas Patrias and local patron saint celebrations). Hotel prices double; the city swells with Peruvian tourists. Book four months ahead.
Budget shoulder season
March and November–December: rain is moderate, carnivals over, prices drop 30–40%, streets quiet but markets still lively.
Weather & packing
Cajamarca sits at 2,750 metres—sunny afternoons can hit 20°C, but nights plunge to 4–6°C year-round. Pack layers: a fleece or light puffer, plus a waterproof jacket for the afternoon drizzle.
Live City Briefing — Cajamarca
- The Plaza de Armas restoration project finished in late 2024—stone benches, new lighting, and repaved walkways are now fully open.
- The municipal market near Cuarto del Rescate reopened after a two-year remodel; visitors can now buy fresh cheese, honey, and crafts without scaffolding.
- July is the start of the dry-ish season, but El Niño conditions may bring unseasonal afternoon showers this year—carry a small umbrella even on clear mornings.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to El Sótano, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (4th floor or above) for a quieter stay. The hotel's address on a main street in Cajamarca suggests that lower floors may be noisier due to street activity.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevador) as they may experience more noise from guests and the lift mechanism. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance may be noisier due to staff activity.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address does not provide information about the hotel's orientation or view options. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Be aware that the hotel's location on a main street in Cajamarca may result in some street noise, especially during peak hours. Additionally, the hotel's concrete floors may amplify noise from above and below.
Insider tips
When checking in, ask the staff about the hotel's parking options, as it may not be clear from the property data. They may be able to direct you to a nearby parking lot or provide alternative arrangements. Consider requesting a room with a window on the opposite side of the room to minimize street noise and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — El Sótano
Free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, but the building has a historic section with stairs-only access
Complimentary access to PressReader, but no physical newspapers
14:00 - 22:00, early bag drop from 08:00, late check-out until 13:00 with a fee of S/ 50
Available for a fee of S/ 10 per item, per 24 hours
Step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, but some rooms have limited wheelchair accessibility due to historic building constraints
On-site parking available for a fee of S/ 20 per night, public car park nearby (Jr. 28 de Julio 120) costs S/ 15 per day, EV charging available with prior notice
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: S/ 10 per night, per person, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: Advance payment of 100% of the stay, plus a card hold for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia El Nazareno (425 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Parroquia San Ignacion de Loyola (555 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Parroquia Teres de Calcuta (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Área Interna (Terrazas) — 727 m · ~9 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 726 m · ~9 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
Travellers can exchange currency at the airport or in town at casas de cambio (currency exchange houses), but rates may be poor; it's best to withdraw Peruvian Soles from an ATM with a debit/credit card. Be aware that airport bureaux may charge high fees.
Major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted in Cajamarca, especially in tourist areas and larger hotels. Contactless and mobile payments are also common in high-end shops and restaurants.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can be found at a local café for around 5-7 PEN (~1.50-2.20 USD)
A budget lunch option is a dish of chifa (Chinese-Peruvian fusion) for around 15-20 PEN (~4.50-6 USD) at a local eatery
An affordable dinner option is a traditional Peruvian dish like lomo saltado for around 25-35 PEN (~7.50-10.50 USD) at a mid-range restaurant
The local market area near the town square, Mercado Central, has a variety of street food options, including traditional Peruvian snacks and meals
Supermercados Peruanos and Wong are common supermarket chains found in Cajamarca
The local market area also has a variety of vendors selling affordable clothing and souvenirs
A day pass for public transportation costs around 2-3 PEN (0.60-0.90 USD) and can be purchased at the terminal; from the airport, the cheapest way to get to the city centre is by taxi for around 10-15 PEN (3-4.50 USD)
Bargain at local markets and with taxi drivers to get the best pricesAvoid eating at touristy restaurants and opt for local eateries insteadUse the local bus system to get around the city instead of taxis
Good to know — Cajamarca
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.39 · PEN
Emergency Contacts
Cajamarca105 or 181 for general information and tourist assistance
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Cajamarca, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at El Sótano
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 726 m · ~9 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Cajamarca Bus Terminal → Hostal Caribe
💡 Buy tickets from the driver or at a kiosk
Jaen Airport (JAU) → Cajamarca Bus Terminal
💡 Buy tickets at the airport or in advance at the terminal
Jaen Airport (JAU) → Hostal Caribe
💡 Negotiate the price before you start your journey
Cajamarca Bus Terminal → Hostal Caribe
💡 Flag down the colectivo on the main street
About Cajamarca
Wikipedia ↗
Fútbol Club Cajamarca, commonly known as FC Cajamarca or Cajamarca, is a Peruvian football club based in the city of Cajamarca, Peru. It was founded in 2023 and participates in the Liga 1, the top tier of the Peruvian football league system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at El Sótano?
Request a room on the upper floors (4th floor or above) for a quieter stay. The hotel's address on a main street in Cajamarca suggests that lower floors may be noisier due to street activity.
Which rooms should I avoid at El Sótano?
Avoid rooms near the lift (elevador) as they may experience more noise from guests and the lift mechanism. Additionally, rooms near the service entrance may be noisier due to staff activity.
Is El Sótano noisy?
Be aware that the hotel's location on a main street in Cajamarca may result in some street noise, especially during peak hours. Additionally, the hotel's concrete floors may amplify noise from above and below.
Which rooms have the best views at El Sótano?
Unfortunately, the address does not provide information about the hotel's orientation or view options. However, rooms on the higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at El Sótano?
When checking in, ask the staff about the hotel's parking options, as it may not be clear from the property data. They may be able to direct you to a nearby parking lot or provide alternative arrangements. Consider requesting a room with a window on the opposite side of the room to minimize street noise and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
What time is check-in at El Sótano?
Check-in at El Sótano is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does El Sótano have Wi-Fi?
Free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at El Sótano?
S/ 10 per night, per person, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near El Sótano?
A budget lunch option is a dish of chifa (Chinese-Peruvian fusion) for around 15-20 PEN (~4.50-6 USD) at a local eatery
What is the cheapest way to get around from El Sótano?
A day pass for public transportation costs around 2-3 PEN (0.60-0.90 USD) and can be purchased at the terminal; from the airport, the cheapest way to get to the city centre is by taxi for around 10-15 PEN (3-4.50 USD)
When is the best time to visit Cajamarca?
April–May and September–October: after the February carnival crowds, sunny days, light rain, all sights open without queues.
Top Attractions in Cajamarca
💡 Take a moment to appreciate the stunning stained glass windows and the intricate stone carvings.
💡 Look out for the stunning views of the surrounding Andean mountains from the top of the garden.
💡 Look out for the ornate fountains and the statue of Juan Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador who founded the city.
💡 Take a taxi or bus to the waterfall and hike down to the base for a refreshing swim.
💡 Look out for the impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including pottery and textiles.