Magdalena combines significant sugarcane and grape production with a procession and several routes through the Andean landscape. This raises a practical question as you plan your trip: should your stay focus mainly on the townscape and local products, or would you also like to include archaeological sites and a particular route?
Local Products and Townscape
Magdalena is known for its significant local production of sugarcane and grapes. Featured sugarcane products include aguardiente, chancaca, and sugarcane honey. Grape growing also has a long tradition in the town; the wine produced from the grapes is regarded as a reflection of the community’s dedication. This means that specific sugarcane products sit alongside grape growing and wine as distinct aspects of local production.
A regional description from 2019 depicts houses partly made of rammed earth, open doors, and bottles of aguardiente displayed on tables. The townscape thus combines architectural features with a product that is also highlighted in local production.
Procession on July 22
A tourism program description dated December 18, 2024, mentions a procession on July 22 in honor of the Virgen Santa María Magdalena, passing through the town’s main streets. Chunchos dance groups typical of the district take part. Palla groups accompany the procession and sing songs in honor of the patron saint. If you would like to plan your trip around this celebration, check the latest festival dates in advance. Dance and song are two distinct elements of the same procession.
Archaeology and Nearby Places
Paredones, also known as Chectarume, is in the hamlet of La Viña on the right bank of the Río Jequetepeque, about 6 km from the district of Magdalena. The archaeological site includes the remains of a residential center and a military complex. It offers a distinct focus for travelers interested in archaeological sites.
Another archaeological attraction is the Cumbemayo complex in the district of Magdalena, not in the town itself. It includes volcanic rock formations shaped by erosion, known as Los Frailones or Monjes de Roca. Camping during the dry season is listed as an activity at the complex. If you plan to camp, check current access arrangements in advance.
About 10.5 km from the town of Magdalena, the Puente Colgante Huaquillas connects the hamlet of Huaquillas with the Anexo Chingavilán. The suspension bridge is also remembered locally as part of the old route that connected the district of Chilete with the province of Cajamarca. As well as archaeological sites, you can include a historic local connection in your travel plans.
Getting There and Finding Accommodation
A regional description from 2019 identifies the Ciudad de Dios–Cajamarca road as the main access route to Magdalena and describes it as paved, with two lanes in each direction, and in good condition. Check current road conditions before you travel. From the Pan-American Highway, the route to the district capital passes through Ciudad de Dios, Tembladera, Chilete, Huaquillas, and La Viña.
A 2019 route description gives a route from Cajamarca along the coastal road via Abra del Gavilán, Chotén, and San Juan to Choropampa, and onward to the district capital; the journey is estimated to take about one and a half hours. Another route goes along the road to Cumbe Mayo. Two kilometers before the archaeological center, the Andean road branches off and passes through Acshupata, Corral Blanco, San Cristóbal, Cumbico, and Ñamas. It descends via Cerro Trinchera, with views of the valley and the town of Magdalena. This route is listed as taking an average of two hours and covering 72.5 km.
When looking for a vacation rental, you can base your choice on the focus of your trip: Magdalena’s townscape and local products, the procession, or a particular route to nearby sites. If you are planning your trip around the celebration, check the latest dates; for planned drives, take road conditions and the specific route into account.
Discover more destinations: Encañada, San Juan, Jaén, San Agustin, Chontabamba, Baños del Inca, Santo Tomas, Namora.
For the main travel overview: Cajamarca.
