Audio Guide of the Ransom Room

It is generally open **Tuesday to Sunday**, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (it closes on Mondays for maintenance). I recommend checking before you go, as hours may vary on local holidays.

General admission is approximately 5 soles (local currency) for adults, and it is often included in a tourist ticket that gives you access to other sites. You should buy the ticket at the box office of the **Bethlehem Monumental Complex** (a few blocks away), as they usually do not sell it at the door of the Room itself.

The visit is quite short and generally takes between **20 and 30 minutes**. It is a single room with a great deal of history, ideal to combine with a walk through the Main Square of Cajamarca.

It is the only remaining Inca vestige in the city and the place where the Inca **Atahualpa** was held prisoner. Here he offered to fill the room with gold and silver in exchange for his freedom, marking a decisive turning point in the history of the conquest of Peru.

The best time is during the dry season (May to October) to avoid rain. As for the time of day, try to go **early in the morning** (around 9:30 a.m.) to avoid the crowds from organized tours and better appreciate the architectural details.

Access is from the street (Jirón Amalia Puga) and is at ground level, which makes entry easier. However, the interior preserves the original stone floor, so it is recommended to go with a companion if using a wheelchair.

You are in the historic heart of the city; just 50 meters away you have the Main Square and the Cathedral. You can also walk to the Bethlehem Monumental Complex or climb up to the Santa Apollonia viewpoint for a panoramic view.

**Do not touch the Inca walls**; it is a strict conservation rule and the guards are very attentive. I also suggest bringing an audio guide or reading about the capture of Atahualpa before entering so you can truly understand the magnitude of what you are seeing.