Cumbemayo Day Trip

Spend a day exploring a fascinating Peruvian archaeological site on our Cumbemayo Day Trip. We'll leave Cajamarca behind and venture to its mysterious stone forests and aqueducts.

Cumbemayo Day Trip

Having picked you up from your hotel at 9:30 am, we'll set off for Cumbemayo. This archaeological site is home to a forest of large stone monoliths known as frailones. Archaeologists have dated the construction of this site to around 1000 BC, meaning it's over 3,000 years old.

We'll begin by visiting the Cumbemayo Aqueduct, the most important hydraulic engineering work from the pre-Columbian period. Water still flows along its 6-mile (9-kilometre) stretch. We'll discuss the aqueduct's purpose, which remains a mystery.

Although the Cajamarca region had a sufficient water supply, an aqueduct was an unnecessary addition. Historians believe the answer lies in the sanctuary, a large rock in the shape of a human head where human sacrifices were made. We will also see caves next to the sanctuary with engraved rocks; the meaning of these engravings is unknown.

On our return to your hotel, we will stop at the Bellavista viewpoint for views of the Cajamarca Valley. Our arrival back at your hotel is scheduled for 1 pm.