From Cajamarca || Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex

Tucked away in the Andes mountains near Cajamarca, the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex offers a captivating journey through ancient engineering and culture. Boasting a stunning stone forest, towering monoliths, and a remarkable aqueduct, this 3,000-year-old site showcases the ingenuity of early civilizations. Guided tours provide a rich understanding of the complex’s history, including its sacred significance and mysterious connection to human sacrifices. With both Spanish and English options, visitors can uncover the secrets that lie within this must-see destination for history enthusiasts.

Key Points

• Cumbemayo, an archaeological site located just outside Cajamarca, showcases a 3,000-year-old stone forest, monoliths, and an ancient aqueduct system.
• The Cumbemayo tour, priced at $35 per person, offers a 4-hour guided exploration of the site in Spanish and English.
• The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and travel insurance, with an easy reservation process and flexible booking options.
• Visitors can witness the impressive Cumbemayo aqueduct, explore caves with enigmatic rock engravings, and learn about the site’s rich history and significance.
• The tour itinerary includes a scenic stop at the Bellavista viewpoint, providing panoramic views of the Cajamarca valley.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Cumbemayo Tour

The Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex is located just outside of Cajamarca, and the tour offers visitors a chance to explore this unique pre-Columbian site.

Priced from $35 per person, the 4-hour tour is led by live guides in Spanish and English. Highlights include the stone forest, monoliths, and the ancient Cumbemayo aqueduct, an impressive hydraulic engineering feat dating back over 3,000 years.

Guests will also see caves with enigmatic rock engravings. The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and travel insurance, with a 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund.

Booking is easy, allowing participants to reserve their spot and pay later.

Booking Information

One can easily reserve a spot on the Cumbemayo tour and pay nothing upfront.

Simply check the tour’s availability to see the starting times. Then, select the desired participants and date.

There’s no need to prepay – just secure your spot and pay later.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund if plans change.

With this flexible booking process, travelers can conveniently plan their Cumbemayo adventure without any upfront commitments.

Tour Highlights

Visitors can explore Cumbemayo’s remarkable stone forest and encounter its large monoliths, known as "frailones."

Plus, they’ll have the chance to witness the Cumbemayo aqueduct, an impressive pre-Columbian hydraulic engineering marvel built around 1000 BC, over 3,000 years ago.

The tour also allows visitors to:

• Discover the aqueduct’s mysterious function and its connection to the sanctuary for human sacrifices.

• View caves with enigmatic rock engravings.

• Gain insights into the rich history and significance of this archaeological site.

Itinerary Details

The Cumbemayo tour begins with a pick-up at the agreed meeting point at 9:30 am. The tour includes transfer to all sites and return to the hotel. Travelers will stop at the Bellavista viewpoint to take in the scenic views of the Cajamarca valley. The expected return time is 1:00 p.m.

| Itinerary Details | | |

| — | — | — |

| Pick-up | Agreed meeting point | 9:30 am |

| Tour Includes | Transfer to sites, return to hotel | |

| Expected Return | Cajamarca | 1:00 pm |

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Inclusions and Extra Information

The Cumbemayo tour includes pick-up, a guided tour of the archaeological sites, entrance fees to all sites, and travel insurance.

Additional expenses may apply, so it’s best to inquire before booking if you require an English-guided tour. This comprehensive package ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing you to fully learn about the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Cumbemayo region.

Key highlights include:

• Exploring the captivating stone forest and massive monoliths

• Discovering the enigmatic Cumbemayo aqueduct, a remarkable pre-Columbian engineering feat

• Uncovering the mysteries behind the site’s connection to human sacrifices

• Admiring the enigmatic rock engravings within the caves

History and Significance of Cumbemayo

Cumbemayo’s history dates back over 3,000 years, with the construction of its impressive aqueduct system around 1000 BC. This pre-Columbian hydraulic engineering feat is a testament to the ingenuity of the region’s ancient inhabitants.

The Cumbemayo aqueduct, carved into the natural rock formations, served as a vital water source and distribution system. Nearby, the site also features a sacred sanctuary where human sacrifices were likely performed.

Mysterious rock engravings and the striking stone "forest" of large monoliths, known as frailones, add to Cumbemayo’s archaeological significance and intrigue.

Today, this remarkable complex offers visitors a glimpse into the ancient Andean civilizations.

Exploring the Stone Forest and Monoliths

What makes the stone forest and monoliths at Cumbemayo so captivating? Towering up to 7 meters tall, the monoliths, known as "frailones", stand as enigmatic sentinels in this otherworldly landscape.

Visitors can wander through the surreal stone forest, marveling at the strange formations sculpted by nature over millennia.

The highlights include:

• Exploring the mysterious aqueduct and its possible connection to human sacrifices

• Discovering the intricate rock engravings that hint at the site’s sacred significance

• Taking in the sweeping views of the Cajamarca valley from the Bellavista lookout point.

This pre-Columbian archaeological gem offers a glimpse into the engineering prowess and spiritual beliefs of ancient Peruvian civilizations.

The Cumbemayo Aqueduct and Its Mysteries

Though often overshadowed by the impressive stone forest and monoliths, the Cumbemayo aqueduct stands as a remarkable feat of pre-Columbian engineering.

Built around 1000 BC, this ancient water channel is over 3,000 years old. Spanning several kilometers, the aqueduct showcases the advanced hydraulic knowledge of its builders.

Its precise engineering and strategic placement suggest it may have served a ritual or ceremonial purpose, potentially linked to the nearby sanctuary for human sacrifices.

Exploring the aqueduct’s mysterious function adds another layer of intrigue to the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex, inviting visitors to unravel its ancient secrets.

Things To Know

Is Photography Permitted During the Tour?

Yes, photography is permitted during the Cumbemayo tour. Visitors are encouraged to capture the stunning stone formations, ancient aqueduct, and rock engravings throughout the archaeological complex to document their experience.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities at the Archaeological Sites?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at the archaeological sites visited during the Cumbemayo tour. Guests can use the restrooms located near the main entrance and visitor center at the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks on the Cumbemayo tour. The tour doesn’t include any meals, so packing a picnic lunch or snacks is recommended to enjoy during the 4-hour excursion.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Cumbemayo?

The best time to visit Cumbemayo is during the dry season, typically between May and October. The weather is mild and sunny, making it ideal for exploring the site’s stone forest and ancient aqueduct.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues. While some sites can be reached, the uneven terrain and stairs may present challenges. Visitors with concerns should inquire about accessibility options before booking.

Sum Up

The Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex offers a captivating window into the advanced engineering and rich cultural heritage of ancient civilizations. Visitors can explore the mystifying stone forest, towering monoliths, and the ingenious aqueduct system, which showcases the ingenuity of early hydraulic technologies. With guided tours available in both Spanish and English, this must-see destination provides a profound understanding of the site’s sacred significance and connection to human sacrifices, making it a truly remarkable experience for history enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: