Travelers who choose Canta as a destination will find an urban center with a historic character, along with cultural and landscape highlights nearby. The Plaza de Armas offers a tangible introduction to the town’s history and layout; Cantamarca, Obrajillo and the Cordillera de la Viuda offer other perspectives. If you are looking for hotels in Canta, you can plan your stay around whether you want to focus on the Plaza and the town’s history, or also visit nearby destinations and observe nature.
The Plaza de Armas and the historic center
The Plaza de Armas de Canta is the main urban center of the provincial capital. It lies at an altitude of 2,819 meters in the Quechua natural region. A central ornamental fountain, walkways, green spaces and street furniture define the square. Its layout dates back to the viceregal period: it was laid out in a grid following the Spanish urban model. Here, you can observe both the town’s urban design and part of Canta’s historical development.
The Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción and other institutional and protected heritage buildings line the Plaza. The Iglesia de Canta was built in the 18th century and retains an Andean colonial style. This gives you different ways to explore the area’s architectural history: the Plaza’s grid layout from the viceregal period and the church’s later construction date.
Festivals and historic sites nearby
Every September, the annual celebration in honor of Santo Patrón Niño Mariscal Chaperito takes place in the Plaza; the exact date may vary. During the celebration, the image is carried through Canta’s main streets. The program includes a solemn Mass, band competitions, fireworks and bullfights. If you want to plan your trip around this festival, check the specific event dates rather than relying on September alone.
The archaeological site of Cantamarca is nearby. During the Late Intermediate Period, it was the capital of the Curacazgo of Canta. After the Inca conquest around 1450, it was reorganized and expanded as a regional administrative center. This transformation from capital to administrative center makes Cantamarca interesting from a historical perspective: the site represents a succession of political functions, not just a single era.
Obrajillo also adds to the picture of the area’s architectural history. The Plaza de Obrajillo preserves traditional wooden balconies, adobe and stone facades, and cobbled streets. The colonial Iglesia de San Juan Bautista in Obrajillo was built in 1613. These features give the town a different architectural character from Canta’s grid-planned square.
Landscape and activities around Canta
Canta is a starting point for visits to the Cordillera de la Viuda. This biodiverse landscape lies along the route toward Canta and is suitable for birdwatching. There are trails in the Cordillera that are not signposted. Bear this in mind when navigating, and check the state of the signage before your visit; it may change after infrastructure work.
Another nearby destination is Cascada Huamanmayo, also known as El Velo de la Novia. The waterfall is about 20 meters high. You can reach it via a hiking trail within Fundo Huamanmayo. Laguna de Siete Colores offers boat rides and a natural viewpoint overlooking the adjoining Chuchuncococha. It is also included in many tours to Canta. These offer different ways to experience nature: birdwatching in the Cordillera, a waterfall reached by hiking trail, and boat rides and views at the Laguna.
Discover Turismo vivencial
Turismo vivencial in Canta gives visitors the chance to take part in agricultural work and learn Andean weaving techniques. It also includes tastings of organic products such as cheese, bread and handmade jams. These activities combine practical insights into agriculture with crafts and regional products. They offer a different side of the destination from its historic squares, churches and archaeological sites.
Choosing Canta as a place to stay gives you a clear focus for your trip: the square and churches introduce the town’s history, Cantamarca and Obrajillo add historic and architectural highlights, and the landscape around Canta offers places for wildlife watching and nature excursions. Canta is also a starting point for visits to the Cordillera de la Viuda. So if you are looking for hotels here, you can first decide which of these aspects you want to shape your stay.
For the broader travel overview: Canta.
