Cutimbo Archaeological Site
Discover Cutimbo, an ancient site with 8,000-year-old cave paintings and pre-Inca/Inca temples. Feel its sacred energy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Cutimbo Archaeological Site
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Cutimbo, an ancient site with 8,000-year-old cave paintings and pre-Inca/Inca temples. Feel its sacred energy.
"Incredible, ancient site with paleolithic cave paintings and Inca temples. Breathtaking views and very good holy energy here."
🚗 Arrange Independent Transport
Cutimbo isn't on commercial tours; hire a taxi and guide via your hotel for a seamless visit. :taxi:
💰 Affordable Admission
Entry is very reasonable: S/. 5 for adults, S/. 1 for students. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Paleolithic Cave Paintings
Witness ancient art from 8,000 years ago, a testament to the earliest inhabitants.
Funerary Temples
Explore intact round and square funerary towers from 1100 AD, offering a glimpse into ancient rituals.
Pre-Inca and Inca Temples
Discover the layered history of this vast complex, showcasing multiple ancient civilizations.
Breathtaking Panoramic Views
Soak in stunning vistas of the countryside and plateaus from this elevated archaeological site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Sacred Energy
Plan Your Independent Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrange Independent Transport
Cutimbo isn't on commercial tours; hire a taxi and guide via your hotel for a seamless visit. :taxi:
💰 Affordable Admission
Entry is very reasonable: S/. 5 for adults, S/. 1 for students. :moneybag:
🚶♂️ Explore with Respect
Feel the sacred energy of this ancient site and approach with reverence. :pray:
📸 Capture the Views
The breathtaking views are a highlight; bring your camera for stunning landscapes. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrange Independent Transport
Cutimbo isn't on commercial tours; hire a taxi and guide via your hotel for a seamless visit. :taxi:
💰 Affordable Admission
Entry is very reasonable: S/. 5 for adults, S/. 1 for students. :moneybag:
🚶♂️ Explore with Respect
Feel the sacred energy of this ancient site and approach with reverence. :pray:
📸 Capture the Views
The breathtaking views are a highlight; bring your camera for stunning landscapes. :camerawithflash:
🦉 Wildlife Encounters
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including nesting ospreys guarding the site. :bird:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cutimbo's incredible, ancient energy and breathtaking views, highlighting its well-preserved paleolithic cave paintings and funerary temples. Many appreciate the lack of crowds, making for a serene and respectful experience. The main drawback is the need for independent travel arrangements, as it's not part of commercial tours.
"Beautiful drive out to the site into the countryside and higher plateaus. Incredible, ancient site, first with paleolithic cave paintings from 8,000 years ago, definitely feel the sacred energy and go with respect to these places. Then another layer of funerary temples from 1100 ad, and then pre inca temples and then inca temples. Huge and intact. Breathtaking views and very good holy energy here. I was the only visitor with my guide. Hired a taxi and guide thru my hotel since no tours operate here. Meditated for a few minutes and listened to the ancients. Wished i could camp up there. Family of osprey guarding the place. Amazing place, dont think it gets visited alot, which probably helps it. Worth the try if you have time in the area."
Katie L
"Wonderful"
Henry Choque
"Incredible"
Iyanla Bivinet Ashi Jules Dollman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cutimbo is not typically included in commercial tours. The best way to get there is to arrange a taxi and guide through your hotel. This offers flexibility and ensures you have local expertise.
While you can technically visit without a guide, it's highly recommended to hire one to fully appreciate the history and significance of the various structures and cave paintings.
The travel time will depend on your starting point, but it's often a beautiful drive into the countryside. Factor in travel time when planning your day.
Public transport options are limited or non-existent for direct access to Cutimbo. Arranging private transport is the most practical solution.
If you have your own vehicle, you can drive to the site. However, having a local guide is still invaluable for understanding the archaeological context.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable. Adults typically pay S/. 5 soles, while schoolchildren and university students pay a reduced rate of S/. 1 sole.
Yes, students (schoolchildren and university students) receive a discounted admission price of S/. 1 sole.
Advance booking is generally not required for Cutimbo due to its less commercial nature. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival.
Specific opening hours can vary, but it's best to visit during daylight hours. Confirm with your hotel or guide for the most current information.
No, Cutimbo is generally not included in commercial tours, which is why independent arrangements are necessary.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cutimbo features a rich history with paleolithic cave paintings, pre-Inca temples, Inca temples, and well-preserved round and square funerary towers.
Yes, the site is described as huge and intact, offering a substantial area to explore and discover its ancient layers.
Exploring with a guide is highly recommended to understand the significance of each area, from the cave paintings to the various temple structures.
Many visitors find the site so captivating that they wish they could spend more time, even suggesting camping there. Plan for at least a few hours to fully appreciate it.
Cutimbo is often not visited by many people, which helps preserve its atmosphere and allows for a more personal experience. You might even be the only visitor.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed at Cutimbo, allowing you to capture the stunning views and ancient structures. Be mindful of any specific restrictions your guide might mention.
The panoramic views from the higher plateaus are breathtaking. Also, focus on the unique architecture of the funerary towers and any visible cave paintings.
Check local regulations regarding drone usage at archaeological sites. It's often restricted to protect the heritage and wildlife.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and dramatic shadows, enhancing the visual appeal of the ancient structures and landscapes.
While not explicitly stated, always be respectful of the site. Avoid using flash on cave paintings if they are accessible and sensitive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Given that Cutimbo isn't on standard tours, planning ahead is key. Hiring a guide who can engage children with stories and interesting facts will make the visit much more memorable. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities at the site are minimal. The beautiful drive to the site can also be an adventure in itself.
💰 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, consider if you can join forces with other travelers at your accommodation to share a taxi and guide. While it requires more effort than booking a package tour, the savings can be significant, and the experience of having the site largely to yourself is invaluable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Layers of History at Cutimbo
Moving forward in time, Cutimbo reveals layers of more recent, yet still ancient, civilizations. The site features funerary temples from around 1100 AD, characterized by their distinctive round and square towers, which remain in remarkably good condition. Further layers of history are represented by pre-Inca and Inca temples, demonstrating the site's continued importance as a sacred or ceremonial location through various cultural periods. This stratification of history makes Cutimbo a unique archaeological treasure.
The experience of visiting Cutimbo is often described as deeply spiritual. Visitors report feeling a strong sacred energy at the site, encouraging a sense of respect and contemplation. The vastness and intact nature of the complex, combined with its breathtaking views, contribute to an unforgettable encounter with the past.
Planning Your Independent Expedition
The most recommended approach for visitors is to arrange independent transport and a local guide. Many travelers successfully coordinate this through their hotels, which can often facilitate hiring a taxi and a knowledgeable guide. This ensures you have reliable transportation to the site and an expert to explain the rich history and significance of the various structures and cave paintings.
While the admission fee is very low (S/. 5 for adults, S/. 1 for students), the cost of private transport and a guide will be the primary expense. However, most visitors find the experience to be incredibly rewarding and well worth the investment for the unique insights and access it provides.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit