Villa de Cayma, Arequipa – Peru

Known as “the Balcony of Arequipa”, this district is located less than half an hour north of the city, from where you can enjoy magnificent views and practice various sports.

In an environment of outstanding natural beauty on both sides of the Chili River, Cayma has a millenary history since ancient hunter villages settled in this area, where they found fauna, climate and vegetation suitable for living.

Due to the presence of ancient pre-Inca inhabitants in the area, it is possible to see some constructions of which there are still some remains, such as cultivation terraces and buildings that were used for religious ceremonies.

Cayma owes its name to the combination of the Quechua words “kay” and “manta”. The former means “here” and the latter is a word used to indicate a direction, so its etymology could be translated as “towards here”.

What to see and do in the village of Cayma?

Enjoy beautiful views of Arequipa. The Mirador San Juan de Dios is one of the main points from where the landscapes of the “White City” and its volcanoes can be appreciated.

Visit the Templo San Miguel Arcángel. It was built in 1730. The mestizo facade of its construction and the great collection of works of the Cusquenian school of painting that is in its interior stand out.

Walking around the Plaza de Armas of Cayma. This beautiful colonial style plaza has five entrances with carved arches in each of them. In its center is a bust of Juan Domingo Zamácola y Jáuregui, considered the protector of Cayma.

Practice adventure sports. In this district you can practice a great number of outdoor sports, such as trekking, canoeing and kayaking in the Chili River and climbing.

Visit the Señor de la Caña church. Also known as the Sanctuary of Challampa, this baroque style temple was built in 1888 by Simona Quino Paz, a nun from the Monastery of Santa Catalina.

Visit the Casa del Cacique Alpaca. This property belonged to the Alpaca family and was passed down from generation to generation until Matías, the last cacique who ruled the area.

Tour the Charcani Canyon. It is 15 kilometers long and in its depths circulate the waters of the Chili River, where you can practice rafting, canoeing and kayaking.

To get to know the Bolivar Dining Room. There is a dining room and a patio built in the 18th century, supposed to have been occupied by the Liberator Simón Bolívar. In this site you can appreciate original furniture of that time used by the hero.

How to get to the village of Cayma?

Cayma is located about 30 minutes by car from downtown Arequipa. You can get there by taking Avenida de La Marina that runs along the Chili River until you cross the Grau Bridge. Once you cross the bridge, take Avenida Francisco Bolognesi until you turn left on León Velarde. Then turn right on Alfonso Ugarte street and take Cusco street after the traffic circle. Continue on through Cusco -change its name to Miguel Grau and then to Arequipa- until you reach Cayma.

It can be reached by cab at a cost of approximately 15 to 20 Peruvian soles or by walking for approximately two hours.

Recommendations:

Admission and schedules. Cayma can be visited free of charge on any day and at any time.

What to bring? It is recommended to bring comfortable clothing, sun protection, hat or cap, snacks, camera and cash.

Time recommended to go. It is best to go between April and November, to avoid the rainy season.

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