Your stay — Hostal Fernandez
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The Property — Hostal Fernandez
Hostal Fernandez is a straightforward, no-frills three-star just off Cajamarca’s Plaza de Armas. The lobby feels like a well-kept family home: tiled floors, a small reception desk, and a few armchairs where guests chat over coffee. Rooms are clean and basic (good mattresses, hot water can be temperamental), and the USP is location and price — you walk out the door onto the city’s main square. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want to be in the thick of things without paying for extras.
Chronicles of Cajamarca
Cajamarca was founded in 1532 by Spanish conquistadors on the site of a major Inca settlement, immortalised as the place where Francisco Pizarro captured Atahualpa — a turning point in the fall of the Inca Empire. The city’s colonial core is built around the Plaza de Armas, with baroque churches like the Cathedral of Cajamarca (17th-century) and the San Francisco Church, which house a notable collection of religious art. In the 19th and 20th centuries, dairy farming and mining (especially gold) shaped its economy, and today it’s a relaxed highland city known for its thermal baths, Andean festivals, and as a gateway to the northern sierra. Modern Cajamarca mixes slow-paced provincial life with a student population (the National University is here), giving it a quiet, cultured feel distinct from the tourist bustle of Cusco.
Best Time to Visit
Full Cajamarca guide →Best months
May through September: the dry season, with clear skies, cool days (18–22°C) and cold nights (2–6°C). June’s Fiesta de San Juan and July’s Fiestas Patrias add energy but manageable crowds.
Peak / festival surge
February (Carnaval de Cajamarca, one of Peru’s biggest) and June (Corpus Christi and San Juan). Hotel prices double or triple, advance booking essential. The city fills with visitors for the water fights and processions.
Budget shoulder season
April and October: still relatively dry, fewer tourists, and hotel rates drop 20–30%. October has mild days and occasional showers, but the weather is stable enough for sightseeing.
Weather & packing
Cajamarca sits at 2,750m; the climate quirk is that it can be sunny at noon then suddenly cold and windy by 4pm. Pack layers: a thermal base, fleece or jumper, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy walking shoes. A sun hat and SPF are also non-negotiable for the strong high-altitude sun.
Live City Briefing — Cajamarca
- The city’s main market, Mercado El Inca, recently completed a renovation with better hygiene standards and clearer zoning for produce and textiles — worth visiting for a local breakfast of chicharrón con mote.
- A new bypass road connecting the Panamericana Norte to Cajamarca’s southern edge opened in late 2025, cutting traffic through the historic centre — expect quieter streets but possible bus route changes.
- The 2026 Carnaval dates are 14–17 February; if you visit mid-year, the Fiestas Patrias on 28–29 July draw parades and folkloric events on the Plaza de Armas, so book accommodation well ahead.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostal Fernandez, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on floors 2 or 3 facing the interior courtyard. These are above ground level for street noise reduction but avoid any top-floor heat or lift proximity issues. The courtyard side tends to be quieter than the street side.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor near the reception or lobby area—these pick up foot traffic and morning comings-and-goings. Also avoid rooms facing the street directly (likely the front of the hotel) as Cajamarca's central streets have buses and mototaxis, which can be loud.
Best views
The best view is from a room on floor 3 facing the interior courtyard (quiet green space) or, if available, a city/mountain view from a top-floor room facing the eastern side (away from the main road). The street view is of modest central Cajamarca facades.
Quietest floors
Floors 2 and 3 tend to be the quietest, as they are high enough to buffer street noise but not near any roof-level machinery or staff areas. Floor 1 is noisy; floor 4 (if exists) may have roof noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Cajamarca's central streets have frequent mototaxis, buses, and street vendors, especially from early morning to evening. The hotel's location near the Plaza de Armas means potential festival or market noise on weekends. The lift may cause corridor noise if you're nearby.
Insider tips
1. Check in early to request a courtyard-facing room—these are limited and quietest. 2. Bring earplugs for street-facing rooms; the city wakes early with church bells and traffic.
- 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 — Hostal Fernandez
Wi-Fi is free for all guests, with a typical speed of 15 Mbps down/5 Mbps up; no login required—just select the network and accept the terms.
A lift serves all three floors; there are no stairs-only sections.
A printed copy of El Comercio is available at reception each morning (weekdays only); no digital newsstand.
Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:00; early bag drop-off is available from 10:00 at no charge. Late check-out until 13:00 costs 30 PEN (subject to availability).
Free storage is available at reception for day guests or after check-out; no locked room, items are kept behind the front desk.
Step-free access is available at the main entrance via a ramp; the lift is large enough for a standard wheelchair, but bathrooms are narrow and may be tight for wheelchair users.
On-site parking is free for guests, on a first-come, first-served basis (about 8 spaces). The nearest public car park is Estacionamiento San Francisco, three blocks away, charging 5 PEN per hour or 25 PEN per night. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: A 50% advance deposit is required to confirm the reservation; a refundable incidental hold of 100 PEN is placed on a credit or debit card at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Funeraria (224 m · ~3 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Plaza de armas — 286 m · ~4 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Caja piura — 129 m · ~2 min walk
Boticas diana — 128 m · ~2 min walk
La Casa del Queso — 111 m · ~1 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
Change money at official exchange houses (casas de cambio) in the city centre; avoid airport and hotel desks for poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard accepted in most hotels, mid-range restaurants and supermarkets; smaller shops and market stalls are cash-only. Contactless is uncommon outside major chains.
Not expected but appreciated: round up the bill in restaurants (10% for good service), leave small change for porters/hotel staff (2–5 soles), and taxi drivers do not expect a tip.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A basic filter coffee from a market stall or bakery: 2–3 soles.
Menu del día (soup, main dish, drink) in a casual eatery: 10–15 soles.
A main dish like lomo saltado or pollo a la brasa at a simple restaurant: 18–25 soles.
Try the Plaza de Armas area evenings for anticuchos (grilled beef heart) or choclo con queso from vendors; also the Mercado Central has cheap prepared foods.
Plaza Vea, Metro, or local bodegas for basics; Plaza Vea has the widest selection at fair prices.
The central market (Mercado Central de Cajamarca) offers affordable clothing and shoes; haggling is expected.
Collectivo minibuses (1 sol per ride) cover the city; from the airport, take a shared taxi/colectivo to the centre for 5–10 soles per person.
1) Eat at menus del día for lunch – the best value meal of the day. 2) Use collectivos instead of taxis for short trips. 3) Buy water and snacks at supermarkets (Plaza Vea) not tourist stalls.
Good to know — Cajamarca
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.4 · 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 Hostal Fernandez
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Caja piura — 129 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Boticas diana — 128 m · ~2 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hostal Fernandez?
Request rooms on floors 2 or 3 facing the interior courtyard. These are above ground level for street noise reduction but avoid any top-floor heat or lift proximity issues. The courtyard side tends to be quieter than the street side.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostal Fernandez?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor near the reception or lobby area—these pick up foot traffic and morning comings-and-goings. Also avoid rooms facing the street directly (likely the front of the hotel) as Cajamarca's central streets have buses and mototaxis, which can be loud.
Is Hostal Fernandez noisy?
Cajamarca's central streets have frequent mototaxis, buses, and street vendors, especially from early morning to evening. The hotel's location near the Plaza de Armas means potential festival or market noise on weekends. The lift may cause corridor noise if you're nearby.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostal Fernandez?
The best view is from a room on floor 3 facing the interior courtyard (quiet green space) or, if available, a city/mountain view from a top-floor room facing the eastern side (away from the main road). The street view is of modest central Cajamarca facades.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostal Fernandez?
1. Check in early to request a courtyard-facing room—these are limited and quietest. 2. Bring earplugs for street-facing rooms; the city wakes early with church bells and traffic.
What time is check-in at Hostal Fernandez?
Check-in at Hostal Fernandez is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostal Fernandez have Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is free for all guests, with a typical speed of 15 Mbps down/5 Mbps up; no login required—just select the network and accept the terms.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostal Fernandez?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostal Fernandez?
Menu del día (soup, main dish, drink) in a casual eatery: 10–15 soles.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostal Fernandez?
Collectivo minibuses (1 sol per ride) cover the city; from the airport, take a shared taxi/colectivo to the centre for 5–10 soles per person.
When is the best time to visit Cajamarca?
May through September: the dry season, with clear skies, cool days (18–22°C) and cold nights (2–6°C). June’s Fiesta de San Juan and July’s Fiestas Patrias add energy but manageable crowds.
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.