From Cajamarca: Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex

Discover the captivating Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex, a remarkable site dating back to 1000 BC, on this enriching 4-hour excursion from Cajamarca. Explore the enigmatic stone forest, marvel at the pre-Columbian engineering of the Cumbemayo aqueduct, and soak in the stunning panoramic views from the Bellavista viewpoint. With a bilingual guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and all entrance fees included, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure into the rich history and stunning landscapes of Peru’s past.

Key Points

• Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex is a 4-hour guided tour from Cajamarca, priced from Kč 807 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The complex dates back to around 1000 BC and features a stone forest, an ancient aqueduct, and mysterious rock engravings.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, site entrance fees, and travel insurance, but excludes meals, souvenirs, tips, and personal expenses.
• Highlights of the tour include the captivating stone forest, the impressive Cumbemayo aqueduct, and a stop at the panoramic Bellavista viewpoint.
• The purpose of the aqueduct and the meanings of the rock engravings remain enigmatic, offering insights into the technological and spiritual practices of ancient civilizations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex excursion from Cajamarca is a 4-hour activity that takes visitors on a journey through over 3,000 years of history.

Priced from Kč 807 per person, the tour includes a live guide in Spanish and English. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and visitors can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour explores the stone forest, aqueduct, sanctuary, and caves, culminating in a stop at the Bellavista viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the Cajamarca valley.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, site entrance fees, and travel insurance are all included.

Historical Significance

Cumbemayo dates back to approximately 1000 BC, over 3,000 years old.

This archaeological site features a stone forest with large monoliths known as frailones and the Cumbemayo aqueduct, a significant pre-Columbian hydraulic engineering work.

The purpose of the aqueduct remains a mystery, but historians suggest it may have been linked to a sanctuary for human sacrifices.

Nearby caves contain rock engravings whose meanings are still unknown.

The historical significance of Cumbemayo is undeniable, offering a glimpse into the technological advancements and spiritual practices of ancient civilizations.

• 3,000 years of history

• Impressive stone monoliths

• Enigmatic aqueduct system

• Mysterious cave engravings

• Pre-Columbian engineering feats

Unique Features

Among the unique features of Cumbemayo is the aqueduct that spans an impressive 9 kilometers and continues to flow with water even today.

The purpose of this pre-Columbian hydraulic engineering work remains a mystery, though historians suggest it may have been linked to a sanctuary for human sacrifices.

Nearby caves also contain rock engravings whose meanings are still unknown.

Cumbemayo’s significance lies not only in its age, dating back to around 1000 BC, but also in the many enigmas surrounding its structures and their original functions.

Itinerary Details

Guests will be picked up from their hotel in Cajamarca at 9:30 am to begin the Cumbemayo excursion.

The tour will visit:

• The captivating stone forest, home to the towering monoliths known as frailones.

• The impressive Cumbemayo aqueduct, a marvel of pre-Columbian engineering.

• The mysterious sanctuary, where the purpose of the aqueduct remains a puzzle.

• The caves adorned with enigmatic rock engravings.

• The panoramic Bellavista viewpoint overlooking the Cajamarca valley.

The full experience ends with return to the hotel by 1:00 p.m.

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Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cajamarca, along with a guided tour of the archaeological sites. Entrance fees to all sites are covered, and travel insurance is included. However, extraordinary expenses are not.

| What’s Included | What’s Not |

| — | — |

| Hotel pick-up/drop-off | Meals |

| Guided tour | Souvenirs |

| Entrance fees | Tips |

| Travel insurance | Personal expenses |

| All site visits | N/A |

Exploring this ancient wonder is made easy and worry-free with these comprehensive inclusions.

Getting to Cumbemayo

To reach the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex, visitors will first need to make their way to the city of Cajamarca.

From there, the tour will pick up guests at their hotel before setting off on the approximately 30-minute drive to the site.

Along the way, travelers can look forward to:

• Scenic vistas of the Cajamarca valley

• A glimpse of rural Andean life

• The anticipation of uncovering an ancient wonder

• The thrill of exploring a mysterious pre-Columbian engineering marvel

• The awe of standing amid a stone forest of towering monoliths

Exploring the Archaeological Site

As visitors arrive at the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex, they’ll be immediately struck by the towering stone monoliths, known as "frailones," that rise up from the rugged landscape.

Exploring this ancient site, they’ll discover the impressive Cumbemayo aqueduct, an engineering marvel that continues to flow with water even today.

Nearby caves contain mysterious rock engravings, whose meanings remain elusive to historians.

At the sanctuary area, visitors can ponder the site’s possible role in pre-Columbian rituals and human sacrifices.

The panoramic views from the Bellavista viewpoint offer a breathtaking finale to this captivating archaeological adventure.

Practical Information

Visitors can easily reach the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex from Cajamarca.

The 4-hour guided tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and travel insurance. Prices start at Kč 807 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights of the tour include:

• Witnessing the impressive 9-kilometer aqueduct that continues to flow with water

• Exploring the mysterious caves with ancient rock engravings

• Admiring the vast stone forest and towering monoliths

• Stopping at the Bellavista viewpoint for panoramic vistas

• Discovering the complex’s connection to pre-Columbian human sacrifices

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Pets on the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex excursion. The tour is focused on exploring the historical and cultural significance of the site, and bringing pets would not be appropriate or permitted.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, the tour offers a private option. Guests can book a private excursion to the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex which provides a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide.

Do I Need Any Special Permits or Permissions?

No special permits or permissions are required for the Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex tour. The guided excursion includes all necessary entrance fees, providing visitors access to explore the site’s historical and cultural wonders.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any dietary restrictions. Participants can enjoy the excursion without worrying about special accommodations. There’s no mention of dietary requirements for this archaeological complex visit.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Archaeological Site?

The tour doesn’t allow visitors to extend their stay at the archaeological site. The itinerary is fixed, with a return to the hotel by 1:00 pm. Extending your time there isn’t an option on this guided excursion.

Sum Up

Exploring the ancient Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex is a captivating journey into Peru’s rich history. This fascinating tour from Cajamarca takes visitors through a stone forest and an engineering marvel, the Cumbemayo aqueduct, culminating in stunning panoramic views. With knowledgeable guides and hassle-free logistics, this 4-hour excursion offers an enriching experience for those seeking to uncover the mysteries of Peru’s pre-Columbian past.

You can check availability for your dates here: