The history of the city of Celendín begins in the Colonial era, when it was founded and inhabited by Spanish families.

They were joined, in the 18th century, by Portuguese and converted Jewish settlers, who had first arrived in northern Brazil.

They began by renting a Hacienda called 'La Pura y Limpia Concepcion de Zelendin'.

During the first week of July 2012, four citizens protesting a mining project were killed by police forces under orders of the government, led at the time by Ollanta Humala.

It is a short walk from the town center and affords good views of Celendin and the surrounding countryside.