Cumbemayo: the amazing stone forest hidden at the top of Cajamarca

In the middle of nature and at 3,500 meters above sea level. lies one of the most impressive places within Cajamarca, the Cumbemayo stone forest. This archaeological center located 40 minutes from the city, hides among its forests, lithic sculptures that adorn the great Cajamarca valley. Rocks carved by erosion impress every tourist who visits these places, where the beginning of the pre-Inca aqueduct stands out, a work of hydraulic engineering that has existed for more than 3,000 years, whose length is approximately 8 kilometers.

From the beginning of the route you can see rock formations in the distance that beautify the view along with the blue sky. Stone figures such as rabbit, rooster, camel, rest on the top of each erosion, leaving more rocks to the imagination of each visitor. Bordered by great vegetation, it hides within them caves with engravings or petroglyphs, which highlight their religious belief in the vital foundation of life, water.

Pre-Inca aqueduct

This impressive work, carried out by Cajamarcan ancestors, is expected to have been built around 1500 BC, and is considered one of the oldest existing structures in South America. The stone canals extended along Cumbemayo, make up one of the legacies left in the Peruvian Andes that are preserved to this day, under the protection of the Ministry of Culture. Given what has been found over time within this archaeological site, what stands out is the engravings on the stones that border the aqueduct, which have been the subject of research for various archaeologists. The finds such is the altar, sacrificial table, stepped stones and several engravings sculpted on the stones suggest that an Andean sanctuary was offered as a thank you to the gods for the arrival of water to the lands of Cajamarca.

Discovery

The renowned stone forest was discovered by chance, when in 1937, a worker from the San Cristóbal hacienda, where Cumbemayo belonged at that time, was carrying out his cleaning duties. After revealing this space with dazzling lithic figures, the archaeologist Julio C. Tello, in that same year, took the lead in slowly investigating the complex and revealing each of the secrets that he kept in its corners. A destination that, without a doubt, leaves more than one visitor amazed at the work of the first settlers and its splendid architecture, to make this place one of the favorites of tourists.

Historical and cultural importance

Cumbemayo has great historical and cultural importance for the Cajamarca region, since the pre-Inca water channels present at the site are evidence of the use of hydraulic engineering developed by ancient civilizations. Likewise, these canals were built to transport water from high mountains to low-lying areas, and their existence highlights the knowledge and skill of the people of that time; In addition, the petroglyphs and caves found in Cumbemayo are valuable testimonies of the art and culture of the ancient civilizations that left their mark in the area.

Geology and formation of Cumbemayo

This impressive place is surrounded by rocks and unique geological formations that date back thousands of years, which is why these rocks are mainly composed of diorite, a type of intrusive igneous rock with fine, dark-colored grains; What's more, the formation of this area takes place due to volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years.

• Rocks and geological formations
  Cumbemayo Cajamarca is home to a wide variety of rocks and geological formations that are fascinating from a scientific point of view. Among the most common rocks in this area are diorite, andesite and slate. These rocks were formed millions of years ago due to volcanic activity and subsequent cooling; You can also see unique geological formations, such as monoliths and grooves in the rocks (these formations are the result of erosion and landscape modeling over thousands of years).
  
  
• Erosion process and landscape modeling
  The rocky landscape of Cumbemayo Peru has been shaped over centuries by the process of erosion, the action of wind, water and time that has shaped the rocks and created impressive geological formations. Firstly, thanks to erosion, deep grooves were carved into the rocks creating a unique and captivating appearance; Secondly, the action of water over the years has formed natural channels and waterfalls that can be observed in the area. Therefore, this continuous process of erosion and landscape modeling is what has turned Cumbemayo into a place of great geological and tourist interest.

How to get?

The Stone Forest Peru is 20 km away southwest of Cajamarca, leaving on Avenida de Perú in the direction of the Bella Vista viewpoint, the city's watchtower. From here we will continue going up the road until we reach 3,580 meters high where Cumbemayo is located.

Information about the place

Cumbemayo is an impressive stone forest located at the top of Cajamarca Peru. This place is located at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters above sea level and has an area of 1,500 hectares, which is why it is known for its unique and mysterious landscape.

• Location and Altitude
  Cumbemayo is located at the top of Cajamarca, in northern Peru. Its location is about 20 kilometers southwest of the city of Cajamarca. The place rises to an altitude of around 3,500 meters above sea level, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  
  
• Cost of Entry
  The entrance prices are 8 soles for adults, 4 soles for students and 1 sole for children. It is also recommended to bring cash since it is not always possible to pay with a credit or debit card. Also, keep in mind that you can find tours with a fixed route that includes admission and a guided tour, which cost around 25 soles (they also have a cheaper service for 15 soles, which only covers transportation and the guide).
  
  
• Access hours
  Access hours to Cumbemayo are Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is important to note that access may be limited during certain periods of the year due to adverse weather conditions or special events.

The route

This brief excursion at altitude allows us to surround the most notable enclaves of Cumbemayo, the archaeological remains of a 9 km long aqueduct, a pre-Inca ceremonial altar and caves with engravings and petroglyphs. At the same time we can tour the narrow gorge made up of stylized rock formations, of volcanic origin, known as the Frailones. The Cumbemayo stone forest is a captivating space, with a history that takes us to a ceremonial center of great importance in ancient times that encompasses different cultures, from Cajamarca, through Chavín to the Incas. Currently it is still a pilgrimage center for all types of visitors who choose it to camp because of its aura of mystery and mysticism.

Attractions and activities in Cumbemayo

In Cumbemayo, visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting attractions and activities, starting with the tour through the stone forest, where you can see impressive rock formations with peculiar shapes due to erosion. Likewise, tourists can visit the pre-Inca water channels, which are an amazing example of the hydraulic engineering of the ancient civilization; Last but not least, visitors can enjoy observing petroglyphs and caves, which reveal the presence of ancient cultures in the area.

• Tour through the stone forest
  The tour through the stone forest in Cumbemayo is a fascinating experience, where visitors can walk among the rock formations, some of which have unusual and whimsical shapes, a product of natural elements over the years, creating fascinating landscapes and surprising.
  
  
• Observation of petroglyphs and caves
  In Cumbemayo, Peruvian tourists and visitors can enjoy observing petroglyphs and caves, these artistic representations engraved in the rock reveal part of the history and culture of the ancient civilizations that inhabited the region. The petroglyphs show designs and symbols that represented beliefs, activities and figures important to these cultures. What's more, the caves also have a special meaning, since it is believed that they were used as places for rituals and ceremonies.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Cumbemayo is during the dry season, which runs from May to September, since, during these months, rain is less frequent and there is a greater chance of enjoying pleasant, clear weather. But keep in mind that it doesn't matter what dates you visit this place, since it is beautiful at any time of the year, so it is worth visiting even during the rainy season.

Best Tours in Cusco

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.

• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
• Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
• Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
• 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
• 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
• 3 Day Inca Trail
• Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
• Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
• Ausangate trek 7 days

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.