Santo Tomas

Cutervo National Park also extends into the district of Santo Tomás. Rock art can be found in the communities of Viza and Tayales in the district of Santo Tomás. At the provincial and regional levels, Cajita Cutervina is considered evidence of a process in which a musical identity took shape.

National Park and Waterfalls

Cutervo National Park also extends into the district of Santo Tomás. Its visitor zone includes the Circuito de Grutas trail, with the Blanca, Negra, and Guacharos caves. It also includes the Bosque de Palmeras and the Mirador y Catarata de Santa Rosa viewpoint and waterfall. Cascada Pichilora is another waterfall and is one of the district’s natural tourist attractions.

North of the district of Santo Tomás, Catarata Velo de Novia lies in the Quechua natural region. Its free fall is about 104 meters high, with a plunge pool approximately two meters deep below. The forest around the waterfall includes epiphytes, lithophytes, bromeliads, and orchids, including Masdevillia setacea glandulosa and Trizeuxis falcata. Its fauna includes majas (Agouti paca), hummingbirds (family Trochilidae), and armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus). June through September are considered the months when water levels are higher.

The route between the district of Santo Tomás and Catarata Velo de Novia is listed as a minibus ride covering 1.82 kilometers and taking 45 minutes. Check these route details before planning, as they may change. The natural highlights differ: the national park features caves and palm forest, while Catarata Velo de Novia is notable for its drop, forest flora, and seasonal water levels.

Rock Art and Cajita Cutervina

The rock art in the communities of Viza and Tayales in the district of Santo Tomás includes depictions of people, animals, and geometric shapes. It is considered visual evidence of the thoughts, beliefs, and everyday life of earlier Andean societies. Local mineral pigments were used to create the images.

At the provincial and regional levels, Cajita Cutervina is considered evidence of a process in which a musical identity took shape. Its complex musical practice combines rhythmic and melodic playing with two-part singing. The metal triangle used distinguishes it from similar Andean practices. Since 2019, the knowledge, techniques, and practices associated with performing it have been recognized as national cultural heritage.

In 2025, Luis Adolfo Fernández León was recognized as a distinguished figure of the district of Santo Tomás. The recognition honored his outstanding work to preserve and promote Cajita Cutervina.

Festive Occasions

Festive occasions in the district of Santo Tomás include a patron saint celebration in honor of Saint Thomas Aquinas on December 2 and a celebration of Santa Rosa on August 30. If you’d like to plan your trip around either date, check the current program locally.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Magdalena, Baños del Inca, Jaén, Huarango, San Juan, San Andres, Encañada, Chontabamba

For the broader travel overview: Cajamarca.