Where to Stay in Cajamarca

Cajamarca’s accommodation market is modest in size but dependable in quality — the city receives a steady stream of business travellers (the area has significant gold and copper mining operations) as well as cultural tourists, which has driven decent investment in mid-range properties. Budget options cluster near the central market; most boutique guesthouses occupy colonial buildings within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas.

Budget: Under PEN 100 / USD 27 per night

Hostal Plaza

On Avenida Amalia Puga, facing the Plaza de Armas, Hostal Plaza has private rooms from approximately PEN 55–80 per night as of 2026. The colonial building has a small courtyard; rooms are clean and simply furnished with private bathrooms. The location on the plaza is the best for convenience — everything is within walking distance. Wi-Fi is adequate. No breakfast, but the plaza café opens at 7:30 am.

Hostal Los Faroles

Two blocks from the Plaza de Armas on Amazonas, Los Faroles has budget rooms from approximately PEN 60–85 per night as of 2026. The guesthouse has a covered terrace and a small kitchen for guests. Well-maintained by a family who have run it for 15 years. A reliable choice for budget solo travellers.

El Cabildo Hostel

A purpose-built backpacker hostel on Calle Cruz de Piedra, El Cabildo has 4- and 6-bed dorms at approximately PEN 35–48 per person and private rooms from approximately PEN 80 as of 2026. The communal area has hammocks and a book exchange. Helpful management can arrange day tours to Cumbe Mayo and Ventanillas. Good water pressure — rare in budget accommodation.

Mid-Range: PEN 180–320 / USD 48–86 per night

El Ingenio Hotel

A hotel in a converted colonial hacienda 3 km from central Cajamarca on the road to Baños del Inca, El Ingenio has rooms with garden views from approximately PEN 190–260 per night as of 2026 including breakfast. The property has a small pool, a restaurant serving Cajamarca regional cuisine, and gardens with highland views. A taxi to the centre costs approximately PEN 8–12.

Hotel Laguna Seca

Located directly at the Baños del Inca springs, Hotel Laguna Seca is the only hotel where thermal water runs directly into private baths in each room. Rooms start from approximately PEN 250–340 per night as of 2026 including breakfast. The property has communal thermal pools, a spa, and a restaurant. If you are primarily in Cajamarca for the thermal experience, this is the correct choice. 5 km from the centre; shuttle to town is available.

Los Pinos Inn

A boutique guesthouse on Avenida La Mar, Los Pinos has 20 rooms in a colonial building with a garden courtyard from approximately PEN 200–270 per night as of 2026 including breakfast. Staff are attentive and the property feels more personal than the larger chain hotels. Some rooms have terraces. The breakfasts include fresh dairy products from local farms — one of the best hotel breakfasts in Cajamarca.

Costa del Sol Cajamarca

Part of the reliable Peruvian mid-range chain, the Costa del Sol on Calle Cruz de Piedra offers rooms from approximately PEN 240–310 per night as of 2026. The hotel has a café and competent service. It is one block from the Plaza de Armas. A safe, predictable choice for business travellers and those who want reliable amenities without surprises.

Luxury: PEN 420+ / USD 113+ per night

Hotel Casa Blanca

The top hotel in Cajamarca proper, Casa Blanca on Calle 2 de Mayo has junior suites from approximately PEN 420–560 per night as of 2026. The colonial building has been sensitively restored; the central courtyard garden is one of the most peaceful spaces in the city. The restaurant serves elevated versions of Cajamarca regional dishes. Afternoon tea with regional cheeses and manjar blanco is a house specialty.

Hacienda El Sauco

An 18th-century hacienda 20 km south of Cajamarca, El Sauco operates as a boutique hotel with rooms in converted farm buildings from approximately PEN 480–640 per night as of 2026 including meals. The hacienda raises cattle and produces its own cheese — guests can participate in morning milking. The surrounding highland landscape is exceptional. Transfers from Cajamarca city are arranged by the hotel.

Practical Tips

• Carnival season: The first 2 weeks of February see the city at full capacity. All budget and mid-range properties double in price; many require minimum 2–3 night stays. Book months ahead.
• Mining sector travellers: The presence of large mining operations near Cajamarca means mid-range hotels can fill with business travellers midweek. Thursday and Friday nights are sometimes tighter than weekends. Book ahead if arriving Thursday.
• Cold nights: Cajamarca at 2,750 m sees temperatures drop to 4–8°C year-round. Confirm rooms have blankets or electric heaters — budget options in older buildings can be cold.
• Parking: If you arrive by car (possible from the coast via Trujillo or Chiclayo), most mid-range hotels have secure parking — confirm when booking.

For what to see and do, read our Cajamarca things to do guide.

Cajamarca: More Resources

• Cajamarca Travel Guide — Getting here from Lima (flight) or Trujillo (bus), and city orientation.
• Things to Do in Cajamarca — Cuarto del Rescate, Baños del Inca thermal baths, Cumbe Mayo, and hacienda visits.
• Cajamarca Food Guide — Cuy, caldo verde, Cajamarca cheese, and the best restaurants in the centre.
• Trujillo Travel Guide — The northern coast city 6 hours away with Chan Chan and Moche archaeology.
• 1-Week Peru Itinerary — How to fit northern Peru into a one-week trip from Lima.
• Browse guided tours from Cajamarca — Cumbe Mayo, Ventanillas de Otuzco, Baños del Inca, and hacienda visits bookable in advance.