When and where is the Cajamarca Tattoo Expo?

The event runs July 18-20, 2026, at the Gran Hotel Cajamarca in Cajamarca, Peru. The venue is in the city center near the Plaza de Armas. The convention typically operates from midday until evening on all three days.

What happens at the Cajamarca Tattoo Expo?

The expo includes live tattooing sessions where artists work on clients, tattoo competitions judged by guest artists, and vendor booths selling tattoo machines, inks, and aftercare products. Artists from Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil typically attend and work on-site.

How do I get tickets to the Cajamarca Tattoo Expo?

Tickets are sold at the entrance during the event and through participating tattoo shops in Cajamarca and Lima. Check local tattoo studios for pre-sale options. Prices vary for single-day and full-weekend passes.

What should I bring to the Cajamarca Tattoo Expo?

Bring warm clothing for the high altitude (2,700 meters), cash for vendors and entry fees, and valid ID. Sunscreen is useful due to strong UV at altitude. If you plan to get tattooed, eat beforehand and bring reference materials for your design.

Is the Cajamarca Tattoo Expo good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The event is smaller than Lima conventions, making it easier to navigate. Staff and artists are accessible, and the hotel venue provides a contained space with food and restrooms nearby. The atmosphere is relaxed compared to larger city events.

Cajamarca Tattoo Expo (2026)

Name: Cajamarca Tattoo Expo (2026)
Start: 2026-07-18
End: 2026-07-20
Location: Gran Hotel Cajamarca

The Cajamarca Tattoo Expo is a three-day tattoo convention held July 18-20, 2026, at the Gran Hotel Cajamarca in northern Peru. The event brings together tattoo artists from across Peru and international guests for live tattooing, competitions, and trade booths. Cajamarca sits in the northern highlands of Peru at approximately 2,700 meters above sea level. The city is known for its colonial architecture and Inca history, and the expo adds a modern layer to this cultural setting. The Gran Hotel Cajamarca provides an indoor venue with space for multiple tattoo stations, vendor booths selling equipment and supplies, and areas for judging competitions. Attendees can watch artists work on clients in real time during the live tattooing sessions. The competition categories typically include black and grey, color, traditional, and new school work, with judging panels made up of participating artists. Vendor booths offer tattoo machines, inks, needles, and aftercare products from both Peruvian distributors and international brands. The event runs from midday to evening across all three days. Tickets are available at the door or through local tattoo shops in Cajamarca and Lima. Visitors should bring cash as many vendors do not accept cards. The venue is located in the city center, within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas and several restaurants serving local dishes like cuy and chicha de jora. Cajamarca has a small but active tattoo community. The expo provides a rare opportunity for collectors in northern Peru to access artists from Lima, Arequipa, and abroad without traveling to the capital. Past editions have drawn artists from Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil, reflecting the connected nature of South American tattoo culture. Visitors should prepare for the altitude. Cajamarca is significantly higher than Lima or coastal cities, and the July weather is cold and dry. Warm clothing is necessary, especially in the evenings. The hotel venue offers rooms for those who want to stay on-site, though cheaper accommodation is available in the surrounding streets.