Visit pre-Inca aqueducts

Admire 2,500-year-old water channels in an otherworldly setting of jagged rock formations.

Lying just outside Cajamarca in the Andean mountains of central Peru, the 2,500-year-old aqueducts of Cumbe Mayo demonstrate the sophistication of Peru’s ancient peoples as well as offering sublime views over a prehistoric-looking landscape.

These zigzagging stone water channels run for several kilometres and are said to be the oldest man-made structures in South America. From their isolated location you can appreciate the striking, needle-like rock formations that rise in turrets from the surrounding grasslands. Like much of northern Peru, it’s a scene that richly rewards the relatively few tourists who venture here.

In addition to the aqueducts, you’ll also visit nearby cave paintings and the pre-Inca ceremonial site of Layzon, which dates back to 200 BC.