Territory capital · Peru
Cajabamba
One day plus a night in Cajabamba: visit Quengococha lagoon (75 min drive) and Cochecorral waterfalls (90 min walk); stay in local hostels.
Cajabamba is a small Andean town in northern Peru, capital of its province. Its main draws are the Quengococha lagoon, the high‑altitude Cochecorral waterfalls and traditional festivals. A single day covers the natural sights; an extra night lets you rest after the altitude climb and enjoy local food.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PEN
- Best months
- May–Oct (check)
- avoid Jan–Mar (rainy season, check)
- Airport
- CJA
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Peru ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Peru's migration authority (Migraciones) or a Peruvian consulate; keep the entry record you receive, as hotels may ask for it.
- Peru ↗Machu Picchu entry is by timed ticket for a named circuit, with daily caps; in high season tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. Buy tickets only from the official Ministry of Culture seller or a licensed agency.
- Peru ↗The classic Inca Trail needs a permit booked through a licensed operator, often months ahead; the trail closes every February for maintenance.
- Peru ↗Altitude sickness is common above 2,500 m: ascend gradually, rest on day one, and ask a doctor before travel if you have heart or lung conditions.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Cajabamba105 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cajabamba, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN, S/).Peru-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel sell prepaid SIMs; register with your passport at official shops.Peru-wide
- Tap waterNot safe from the tap; bottled or filtered.Peru-wide
- TippingRestaurants: About 10% if service is not included.Peru-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Peru-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for tourists; stay aware of altitude effects and limited medical services.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin; carry tissue and coins for public toilets.Peru-wide
- Emergency numbers105 police · 116 fire · 106 SAMU ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; strikes can shut roads and shops.Peru-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCJA Mayor General FAP Armando Revoredo Iglesias Airport (Cajamarca) (Domestic flights; about 2 h bus to Cajabamba).
- Getting aroundMototaxis for short trips; regular taxis reach nearby villages and attractions.
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CJA Mayor General FAP Armando Revoredo Iglesias Airport (Cajamarca) (Domestic flights; about 2 h bus to Cajabamba)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Feb
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Mar
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Apr
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Aug
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Dec
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Best: May–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Jun (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Jan (15 rain days), driest Jun (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cajabamba: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
15 rd
Feb
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Mar
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
Jul
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Nov
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
14 rd
Dec
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Mototaxis for short trips; regular taxis reach nearby villages and attractions.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Quengococha Lagoon
goDoor to door: ≈1 h 15 min
Car from Cajabamba, about 75 min; road signs available.
Blue‑green water, mountain backdrop; short drive makes a half‑day visit.
Cochecorral waterfalls (Masmacocha)
goDoor to door: ≈3 h total
Walk from town, approx 90 min each way on marked trail.
200 m drop, over 1,000 steps; suitable for moderate hikers.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Flores Hostal
9 rooms, 22 beds; central street; basic amenities.
Aguilar Hostal
18 rooms, 27 beds; close to market; budget friendly.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- S/55–70 excl. bed
- Mid
- S/80–100 excl. bed
- High
- S/120–150 excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hostel dormitory bed1 × 1 night × PEN 30 | PEN 30 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × PEN 55 | PEN 55 |
| Mototaxi short ride (5 km)1 × PEN 8 · check | PEN 8 |
| Car hire for lagoon trip (day)1 × PEN 120 · check | PEN 120 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | PEN 21 |
| Trip total≈ PEN 234 per person per day, bed included | PEN 234 |
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Watch out
Safety
- Altitude 3,660 m may cause mild sickness; hydrate and ascend slowly.
- Limited medical facilities; carry basic supplies.
- Roads can be steep; drive carefully in rain.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 105
- Fire
- 116
- SAMU ambulance
- 106
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
CajabambaCajabamba
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police105
- Fire116
- SAMU ambulance106
Embassy
US consulate in Lima; other embassies also in Lima.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Mototaxi 5 km: ≈ S/8 per person (check)
- Car hire day (incl. driver): ≈ S/120 per group (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis-KOOL-peh)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (DON-deh ehs-TAH el BAH-nyoh)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cajabamba. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct (check) · avoid Jan–Mar (rainy season, check) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Cajabamba
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