Learn about CumbeMayo
Cumbemayo, meaning Narrow River in Quechua, is located in the highlands 22 km (14 miles) southwest of Cajamarca. It is an area of naturally-eroded geological formations and man-made canals dating back three millennia, as well as even older petroglyphs.
Geology of Cumbemayo: Los Frailones
Arriving at Cumbemayo, one is immediately struck by a stone forest of massive volcanic pillars, some as high as 18 m (60 feet), sticking out from the landscape. They are in stark contrast to the gently-undulating, grass-covered plains around Cajamarca.
The erosive forces of wind and rain have shaped the pillars, resembling from afar the silhouette of monks in silent procession: hence the name frailones, Spanish for ‘friars’.
Cumbemayo’s stone forest is home to many man-made embellishments.
Archaeology of Cumbemayo
Cumbemayo has three fascinating archaeological features, thought to have been built between 1500 and 1000 BC:
The Aqueduct: Carved into the volcanic lava are canals that stretch about 8 km (5 miles) in total, and considered one of the most significant pieces of pre-Columbian hydraulic engineering. But it is thought that they served more than simple irrigation purposes:
The Cajamarca region gets enough rain to grow the crops needed, without the need for an elaborate hydraulic system.
The canals are much longer than needed with many detours and geometric designs … suggesting they were built for ceremonial reasons.
There are carvings (petroglyphs) on the canal walls, with a definite Chavin influence.
The Grotto: a cave at the base of a cliff, whose walls are also covered in petroglyphs with anthropomorphic motifs. To date, the pictures have not been deciphered
The Sanctuary: a rocky outcrop modelled in the shape of a human head.
Mysterious petroglyphs on the wall of The Grotto.
What our clients say about Cumbemayo:
“Cumbe Mayo rates very highly for Mike, who observed a distinctive “shimmering snake” optical effect at the “shrines” dotted along the water channel. They arose from reflections of sunlight on rippling water being projected onto a shadow formed by the way the rock above had been carved.”
How to visit Cumbemayo
It is possible to hike to Cumbemayo from Cajamarca, starting from the top of Santa Apolonia Hill. It is an uphill walk taking three to four hours, approximately.
There are many half-day local tours to Cumbemayo, departing from Cajamarca on a daily basis. These are aimed at Peruvians, and the guide will generally speak no or little English.
Alternatively, one can take a taxi to Cumbemayo, and they will either wait while one visits the site, or you could walk back down to Cajamarca.
For a more in-depth visit, PeruNorth can arrange a half-day trip from Cajamarca, with transportation and English-speaking guide, as an extension to our Chiclayo - Cajamarca itinerary, for example.
The half-day trip to Cumbemayo is included in our Cajamarca Cultural tour of either 4 or 5 days.