Where should I stay in Cajamarca for 3 days?

For a 3-day trip, staying central saves time. Top options include Gran Hostal Diego, Hospedaje Los Jasmines, Hostel Faisal. Each has a free TripSage briefing with insider room tips and local intelligence.

How do I get around Cajamarca?

Cajamarca has Cajamarca Urban Bus and Expreso Línea as main transport options. Buy tickets from the driver or at a kiosk

Peru · 2026 itinerary

Cajamarca 3-Day Itinerary

Q: Is 3 days enough for Cajamarca?

Three days in Cajamarca is enough to see the main highlights. You won't see everything, but you'll experience the character of the city and its key attractions. For a deeper visit, 5–7 days gives more breathing room.

Q: What is the best time to visit Cajamarca?

See our best time to visit Cajamarca guide for a month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds and prices.

A day-by-day plan for Cajamarca: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Best hotels Things to do Best time to visit

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning

Cathedral of Cajamarca

A beautiful 16th-century church built on the site where the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa, was imprisoned and executed.

🕐 9am-5pm

Free entry

💡 Take a moment to appreciate the stunning stained glass windows and the intricate stone carvings.

Hotels near Cathedral of Cajamarca →

Afternoon

Cajamarca Botanical Garden

A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring a variety of plants and flowers native to the region.

🕐 9am-5pm

Free entry

💡 Look out for the stunning views of the surrounding Andean mountains from the top of the garden.

Hotels near Cajamarca Botanical Garden →

Evening

Where to eat

Rustika · ££

Polleria Junior's · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Cajamarca

Morning

Plaza de Armas

The main square of Cajamarca, surrounded by historic buildings, including the Cathedral of Cajamarca, a 16th-century church.

🕐 24/7

💡 Look out for the ornate fountains and the statue of Juan Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador who founded the city.

Midday

Santa Apolonia Waterfall

A stunning waterfall located just outside the city, perfect for a day trip or picnic.

🕐 24/7

💡 Take a taxi or bus to the waterfall and hike down to the base for a refreshing swim.

Evening

Dining tonight

Chifa Sam Sin

Piconi

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning

Cajamarca Archaeological Museum

A museum showcasing the history and culture of the Cajamarca region, with exhibits on the Inca Empire and the Spanish conquest.

💡 Look out for the impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including pottery and textiles.

Final meal

Chifa Kam Men

Pollos a la brasa

Getting Around Cajamarca

Cajamarca Urban Bus From approx. 1 PEN (£0.25) 10 min

Buy tickets from the driver or at a kiosk

Expreso Línea From approx. 10 PEN (£2) 20 min

Buy tickets at the airport or in advance at the terminal

Taxi from Cajamarquilla Airport From approx. 15-20 PEN (£3-£4) 10 min

Negotiate the price before you start your journey

Colectivo From approx. 2 PEN (£0.50) 5 min

Flag down the colectivo on the main street

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Cajamarca?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Cathedral of Cajamarca and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Cajamarca?

See our full best time to visit Cajamarca guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Gran Hostal Diego, Hospedaje Los Jasmines, Hostel Faisal. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.