From Cajamarca || Archaeological Complex of Cumbemayo ||

The ancient Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex near Cajamarca offers visitors a unique window into Peru’s pre-Columbian past. Perched amidst stunning Andean landscapes, this captivating site showcases remarkable stone monoliths, an impressive aqueduct system, and a sacred sanctuary – all testament to the ingenuity of early civilizations. Exploring Cumbemayo’s rich history and impressive engineering feats leaves one marveling at the sophistication of these long-vanished cultures. What other secrets might this remarkable archaeological gem still hold?

Key Points

• The tour departs from Cajamarca and takes visitors to the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex, located near the city.
• The 4-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and travel insurance, all for a price of €32.43 per person.
• Highlights of the tour include exploring stone monoliths known as "frailones," visiting the impressive Cumbemayo aqueduct, and admiring the panoramic views from the Bellavista viewpoint.
• The Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex dates back over 3,000 years and features various ancient wonders, such as a rock formation used for sacrifices and caves with mysterious rock engravings.
• The Cumbemayo aqueduct, spanning 9 kilometers, is a remarkable pre-Inca engineering achievement and continues to provide water for agricultural and domestic use.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex tour departs from Cajamarca, offering visitors a chance to explore this remarkable pre-Columbian site.

Priced at €32.43 per person, the 4-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, and travel insurance. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, allowing them to cancel up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.

Plus, the tour operator offers a "reserve now, pay later" option, letting travelers secure their spot without an upfront payment.

With a scheduled start time of 9:30 am, the tour promises an immersive experience at the Cumbemayo complex.

Pricing and Booking Information

One key aspect of the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex tour is its pricing and booking options. The tour costs €32.43 per person and lasts 4 hours.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a "reserve now, pay later" option, allowing visitors to secure their spot without upfront payment.

Highlights include:

1. Pickup at the hotel at 9:30 am

2. Entrance fees to all sites included

3. Travel insurance provided

4. Availability check and selection of date and group size

Itinerary and Highlights

After being picked up from the hotel at 9:30 am, visitors embark on a captivating journey to the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex.

The tour first explores the site’s renowned stone monoliths, known as "frailones." Next, visitors marvel at the Cumbemayo aqueduct, a significant pre-Columbian hydraulic marvel that still flows with water after over 3,000 years.

The tour delves into the complex’s history, revealing its origins around 1000 B.C. Visitors also discover a sanctuary with a human head-shaped rock, used for ancient sacrifices, and caves adorned with mysterious rock engravings.

The tour concludes with a stop at the Bellavista viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the Cajamarca valley.

Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex

Nestled amidst the rugged Andes mountains, the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex captivates visitors with its ancient wonders.

This remarkable site dates back over 3,000 years, showcasing the engineering prowess of its pre-Columbian builders.

Visitors can explore:

1. The stone monoliths, known as "frailones," which stand as silent sentinels of the past.

2. The impressive Cumbemayo aqueduct, an ingenious hydraulic system that still carries water through its 9-kilometer expanse.

3. The sanctuary featuring a human head-shaped rock, believed to be used for sacrificial rituals.

4. The mysterious rock engravings adorning the complex’s caves, hinting at the spiritual beliefs of its former inhabitants.

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The Cumbemayo Aqueduct

The Cumbemayo aqueduct stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the pre-Columbian peoples who inhabited this region over 3,000 years ago. Spanning an impressive 9 kilometers, this ancient waterway still carries water to this day, a true marvel of hydraulic engineering.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Length | 9 kilometers |

| Construction | Cut directly into the rock |

| Purpose | Channeled water for agricultural and domestic use |

| Significance | A technological achievement of the pre-Inca civilizations |

This aqueduct offers a fascinating glimpse into the sophisticated water management systems developed by the region’s early inhabitants, showcasing their remarkable ingenuity and understanding of the local environment.

Historical Context

The Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex dates back over 3,000 years, offering a captivating glimpse into the ingenuity and technological prowess of the pre-Inca civilizations that once thrived in this region.

Built around 1000 B.C., this impressive site features:

1. A sprawling aqueduct system that spans 9 kilometers and continues to channel water even today.

2. Mysterious rock engravings etched into the cave walls, leaving visitors to ponder their meaning and purpose.

3. A sacred sanctuary with a human head-shaped rock, hinting at the spiritual practices of the ancient inhabitants.

4. Towering stone monoliths, known as "frailones," that stand as testaments to the engineering feats of the past.

Sanctuary and Rock Engravings

One of the most intriguing features of the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex is its sacred sanctuary, marked by a striking human head-shaped rock that hints at the spiritual practices of the region’s ancient inhabitants.

This mysterious rock was likely used for sacrificial rituals, reflecting the profound religious significance of the site.

In addition, the complex boasts a series of caves adorned with enigmatic rock engravings, their precise meaning and purpose long lost to time.

These evocative remnants of the past beckon visitors to ponder the rituals and beliefs that once thrived in this remarkable archaeological wonder.

Guided Tour and Inclusions

Visitors exploring the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex can enjoy the site’s rich history through a guided tour led by knowledgeable local experts.

The guided tour includes:

1. Insights into the archaeological significance of the Cumbemayo aqueduct and other structures, providing context about their construction and purpose.

2. A live tour guide available in Spanish, with English interpretation provided upon request.

3. Hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience.

4. Included entrance fees to all sites within the archaeological complex, eliminating the need for additional out-of-pocket expenses.

Things To Know

What Is the Local Currency Used for This Tour?

The tour is priced in euros, so the local currency used for this tour is the euro. Participants can expect to pay €32.43 per person for the 4-hour archaeological excursion from Cajamarca to the Cumbemayo complex.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions – it’s suitable for all ages. Children can join the tour, and the guide will provide insights tailored to visitors of different ages to ensure everyone enjoys the archaeological experience.

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

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour doesn’t provide any snacks or beverages, so bringing your own is recommended to stay hydrated and fueled during the 4-hour excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers can customize the experience and add extra time to explore the Cumbemayo archaeological site in more depth or visit additional nearby attractions if desired.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. This allows you to have a more personalized experience with the guide and set your own pace. Just let the tour operator know when you’re booking.

Sum Up

Cumbemayo’s ancient wonders offer a captivating glimpse into Peru’s rich pre-Columbian heritage. Visitors can explore the impressive stone monoliths, discover the ingenious 9-kilometer aqueduct, and uncover the site’s sacred past, all while enjoying stunning panoramic views. This archaeological gem provides a fascinating window into the sophisticated water management and agricultural practices of early Andean civilizations.

You can check availability for your dates here: