Discover Namora: Cultural Heritage, Guitars and Natural Attractions

Namora combines a historically shaped townscape with cultural traditions and natural attractions nearby. These different themes provide a concrete framework for planning your trip.

Plaza de Armas and Townscape

The Plaza de Armas de Namora is the center of the town’s civic, political and tourist life. Its surroundings were designated a Monumental Townscape under Ministerial Resolution No. 303-87 on June 26, 1987, and form part of Peru’s national cultural heritage. Around the plaza are historic buildings, including the Church of Santa Rosa de Namora and houses with preserved balcony railings and decorative moldings around door and window openings. Along with the plaza, the balconies and façade details give the townscape further distinctive architectural features.

The plaza also serves as a ceremonial venue for official celebrations. These include the district anniversary, national holidays, the patron saint festival of Santa Rosa de Namora and Carnival celebrations. If you would like to plan your visit around a festival, check the relevant dates in advance. Bicycle trips are also among the activities associated with the Plaza de Armas.

Guitar Making in the District of Namora

Another cultural perspective is offered by the making of Namoran guitars in the district of Namora, particularly the construction of the instruments. The knowledge, skills and practices involved are passed down from generation to generation. The tradition was declared part of Peru’s national cultural heritage in 2022. This broadens the cultural perspective beyond the architectural heritage around the plaza to include a craft rooted in the district.

Natural Attractions Nearby

El Cumbe Waterfall, also known as Catarata El Cumbe, is located in the hamlet of Cau Cau, 8 km east of Namora, at an altitude of 2,826 meters. Its water plunges from a height of about 23 meters through an opening between rock walls. The Río La Quinua feeds the waterfall, which is surrounded by lush vegetation. January to April, during the rainy season, is considered the best time to visit because water levels are higher then. The level varies from year to year.

Laguna de Quelluacocha is located in the hamlet of Quelluacocha, northeast of the district of Namora, about 8 km away. The lagoon is home to wild Quelluas, considered endangered wild ducks, and totora grows in the central part of the lake. Activities associated with the lagoon include excursions, walks and trekking around the lake. If you plan to take part in these activities, check in advance whether they are currently operating and what the trail conditions are like.

El Piticunga lies west of the district of Namora, between Quelluacocha and La Masma. This formation is an anthropomorphic karst rock whose shape resembles a human and is recognized as such by local residents. Together with the waterfall and lagoon, it adds a geological feature to the natural attractions nearby.

Travel Planning Information

Namora is 24 km from Cajamarca; the stated travel time for the journey is about 45 minutes. Actual travel time depends on road and traffic conditions. The natural attractions offer different factors to consider when planning your trip: at El Cumbe, the seasonally higher water level is relevant, while for excursions and walks at Laguna de Quelluacocha, check current operations and trail conditions.

Discover more destinations: Encañada, San Agustin, Magdalena, Santo Tomas, Huarango, Jaén, Chontabamba, San Juan.

For the broader travel overview: Cajamarca.