Solo Female Travel in Cajamarca

Cajamarca, nestled in the northern highlands of Peru, is a charming city famously known as the location where last Inca emperor, Atahualpa, was captured by conquistadors. Boasting a unique blend of rich history and unspoiled natural beauty, this highland city is home to stunning colonial architecture, beautiful churches, and vibrant, lively markets. Cajamarca is famous for its hot springs, known as Los Baños del Inca, where Atahualpa was said to have bathed on the eve of his confrontation with Francisco Pizarro. With its preserved archaeological sites, such as Cumbemayo and Otuzco, narrow, cobbled streets and the striking 'Hill of Santa Apolonia', offering panoramic views of the city, Cajamarca is an historical jewel waiting to be discovered.

Cajamarca is currently ranked #13 best place in Peru for solo female travellers. Check the full ranking.

Travel rating

3.7 /5

Based on our research

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Is Cajamarca good for solo travel?

Safety:Safe

Cajamarca in Peru is generally safe for solo female travelers, with locals being friendly and willing to help. Most areas are safe to walk around, even at night. However, as always, it's important to take standard precautions. Be aware of pickpockets especially in crowded places, keep your valuables hidden and avoid deserted areas after dark.

Transport:Moderate

Cajamarca has a decent road network, catering mostly to taxis and collectivos (shared taxis) that are affordable but their operations aren't always formalised. There's a lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure which might make walking around town slightly challenging. Public transport isn't well regulated and can be unpredictable at times. It's not consistently accessible and can be hard to navigate if you're not a local, or if you are not fluent in Spanish. It's advisable to use caution as a solo traveler and try to avoid night travel.

Things to do:Interesting

Cajamarca is full of rich culture and history. You can explore its colonial architecture and archeological sites including 'Cumbe Mayo' and 'Ventanillas de Otuzco'. Natural hot springs 'Los Baños del Inca' also offers a unique experience. It's a city that suits those with passion for history, nature, or culture. However, accessibility may be an issue for some and not all activities are feasible for everyone.

Food:Above average

Cajamarca offers a great variety of local and traditional dishes, making the food scene quite diverse. The region is especially well-known for dairy products including cheese and manjar blanco. Additionally, unique dishes like cuy chactado, cooked guinea pig, and humitas, a savoury steamed snack similar to a tamale, feature prominently in local diet. While not a dedicated culinary destination, the quality and diversity of food is certainly above average. Care is required to avoid tourist-targeted stalls with basic food varieties.

Budget:Affordable

Cajamarca is quite budget-friendly for a solo female traveler. Accommodation, food, and local transportation are reasonably priced. The city's attractions, such as its historic churches and thermal baths, are either free or have nominal entrance fees. However, the cost can slightly increase if you opt for guided tours or specialized activities.