The archaeological site of Cumbemayo is located 20 km southwest of the city of Cajamarca approximately 45 minutes by car, at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level. Cumbemayo is surrounded by a fantastic forest of stones, rare geological formations formed by wind and rain. The pillars are said to resemble the silhouette of pious monks forming part of procession, which is why the formation is also called "Los Frailones" (The Friars).
At Cumbe Mayo, we can also see an elaborate system of water canals. These aqueducts are considered one of the most remarkable hydraulic engineering works of pre-Columbian cultures.
Built approximately 1000 years before Christ by the Cajamarca culture they remain intact to this day.
Besides the aqueduct, Cumbe Mayo features a number of impressive petroglyphs that provide some insight into the ancient culture that built the infrastructure of Cumbemayo.
We start out from Cajamarca visiting Bellavista (natural vista-point), passing the pre-Inca temple of Lanzón. Later we arrive at the archaeological zone of Cumbe Mayo where we visit the rock formations "Los Frailones", various caves, impressive petroglyphs as well the hydraulic canals.