Cerro Santa Apolonia
A small hill southwest of the old town. Climbing the stone steps rewards you with views over the city's red-tiled rooftops, and the summit holds the pre-Inca carving known as the Inca Throne.
Cerro Santa Apolonia sits right beside the old town. It takes about 15 minutes to climb from Plaza de Armas via stone steps, passing a small chapel and gardens along the way. From the top, you can see the whole Cajamarca basin and the red-roofed old town. The rock outcrop holds a carved stone seat known as the Inca Throne, which predates the Incas. Tickets are needed to climb and can be bought with the Cuarto del Rescate combined ticket. Cajamarca sits at about 2,750 m (9,000 ft), and the steps are steep, so newly arrived visitors should take it slowly to avoid altitude sickness. The views are best at sunset.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Belén Monumental Complex
- Ransom Room (El Cuarto del Rescate)
- Plaza de Armas of Cajamarca
- Cajamarca Cathedral (Santa Catalina)
- Church and Convent of San Francisco
- Baños del Inca
- Layzón
- Cumbe Mayo