Cajamarca is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Cajamarca?
You should plan to spend around $88 (S/.331) per day on your vacation in Cajamarca. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $48 (S/.180) on meals
- $16 (S/.61) on local transportation
- $47 (S/.179) on hotels
A one week trip to Cajamarca for two people costs, on average, $1,229 (S/.4,634). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$614
S/.2,317
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,229
S/.4,634
-
One Month
Per person
$2,633
S/.9,930
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,229
S/.4,634
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,457
S/.9,268
-
One Month
For a couple
$5,265
S/.19,860
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cajamarca cost?
A one week trip to Cajamarca usually costs around $614 (S/.2,317) for one person and $1,229 (S/.4,634) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Cajamarca on average costs around $1,229 (S/.4,634) for one person and $2,457 (S/.9,268) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cajamarca will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Cajamarca on average costs around $2,633 (S/.9,930) for one person and $5,265 (S/.19,860) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Cajamarca expensive to visit?
Cajamarca is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
Although Cajamarca can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $39 (S/.145) per day, mid-range travelers spend $88 (S/.331) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $178 (S/.672) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cajamarca.
Within South America, Cajamarca is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Lima or Brasilia.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cajamarca Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Cajamarca?
The average Cajamarca trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cajamarca travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cajamarca cost?
Cajamarca on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$10
(S/.38)
|
$24
(S/.89)
|
$51
(S/.193)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7
(S/.27)
|
$16
(S/.61)
|
$31
(S/.117)
|
|
Food 2
|
$21
(S/.77)
|
$48
(S/.180)
|
$97
(S/.367)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$11
(S/.43)
|
$26
(S/.97)
|
$49
(S/.186)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
(S/.13-39)
|
$8-24
(S/.30-90)
|
$15-46
(S/.57-172)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit Cajamarca on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $39 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Most visitors to Cajamarca will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $88 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $178 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices.
Accommodation Budget in Cajamarca
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Cajamarca can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Cajamarca in the off-season is $53, but in the peak travel season it will average around $99. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Cajamarca to range from $24 to $151. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cajamarca for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $47 (S/.179). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $24 (S/.89) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cajamarca? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cajamarca include:
- Wyndham Costa Del Sol Cajamarca starting at $64
- Hotel Tartar starting at $83
- Posada del Puruay starting at $50
By skipping and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Cajamarca
In Cajamarca, the public transit system is not very good.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $16 (S/.61) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cajamarca. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cajamarca is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$16
S/.61
How much does it cost to go to Cajamarca? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Cajamarca will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Cajamarca
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Cajamarca can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cajamarca is $48 (S/.180) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$48
S/.180
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cajamarca is around $48 (S/.180) per person, with previous travelers spending from $21 to $97. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cajamarca are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $19
- Dinner: $14 to $33
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
Food around town is quite good and many of the dishes make use of the impressive dairy industry in town. Most dishes are covered in a rich cream sauce. There are also some food stands around town that offer interesting options for the more adventurous types. These stands are a great way to try some interesting and unique local specialty dishes without spending much money.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Opt for a reusable water bottle to avoid buying drinks everywhere. It's beneficial for the earth as well.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cajamarca
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cajamarca typically cost an average of $26 (S/.97) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$26
S/.97
There are a good number of sights around town with some of the most important being located around the Plaza de Armas. The area has several churches including San Francisco, where you will find the "Ransom Room", where the Inca Atahualpa was held by Spanish conquistadors.
The steps on Santa Apolonia hill go up to the "Inca Seat". This is where it is believed the Inca addressed the town, and today there is a beautiful view of the city.
About 9 kilometers outside of town is Catarata de Plan Manzanas. This waterfall is worth a visit, if only to enjoy the nearby countryside. There is a microbus from town to Huambocancha Alta. Get off at Plan Manzanas and then ask a local for directions to the waterfall. They are usually helpful and friendly. There's a trail to the top of the falls and it's about a 30 minute walk one way from the road to the waterfall. You should allow at least half a day for the entire trip.
A most interesting time to be in town is for the annual Carnaval de Cajamarca, which is held every February through March. It's a fun time to experience the city, and the highlight for many people is the day referred to as the day of water and paint. During this time people cover themselves in paint and onlookers and spectators throw water on them. It's a lively event to witness.
The Banos del Inca (The Inca's Baths) are also worth a visit. The natural hot springs are five kilometers east of the city in the town of Banos del Inca. Other archaelogical sites in the area include Cumbe Mayo and Ventanillas de Otuzco.
There are also many day trips in the area including visits to Llacanora, a picturesque town with waterfalls, and Granja Porcon, which in an Evangelical farming colony that also has a zoo.
A nice way to explore destinations in Cajamarca is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 2 Days Private Tour in Cajamarca for $272 details
- Half-Day Private Cajamarca City Tour for $54 details
- Half-Day Private Tour to Cumbemayo, The Stone Forest for $86 details
Nightlife Budget in Cajamarca
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $16 (S/.60) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cajamarca per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$16
S/.60
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Traveling in Cajamarca
Cajamarca, Peru
Located in the northern highlands of Peru, Cajamarca is a town of about 100,000 people. The city's mild weather and fertile soil is ideal for agriculture, which is a major industry in the area. The city is also well known for its cheeses and dairy products. Cajamarca is the site of the Battle of Cajamarca which led to the execution of the Inca emperor Atahualpa and the end of the infamous Inca empire. Today, the area is appealing to visitors in part because of its lovely churches, nice hot springs, and interesting Inca Baths.
The city's high altitude of 2,700 meters above sea level mean it is necessary to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness, which can be quite serious. Cajamarca's climate is subtropical highland with rainfall most common in the spring and summer months between October and March. The rest of the year is relatively dry. There is dramatic temperature variation throughout the day with pleasant daytime temperatures and cold nights and mornings. There is very little temperature variation throughout the year. The warmest month is January, when average highs are around 72 degrees Fahrenheit and lows are around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest months are June and July with average highs around 71 degrees Fahrenheit and average lows around 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
Neighborhoods & Around
Cajamarca is a compact city that is relatively easy to walk around. Many of the city's sights are in the area around Plaza de Armas. There are also a few street markets along Rio San Lucas. Budget accommodation is available around town, and spa resorts are found on the outskirts of town.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.