It is the largest city in Peru's northern highlands. It is an area of popular culture, where the Carnaval celebration is held. In its surroundings you find the archaeological complex of Cumbemayo.

Its climate is mild and dry, with warm days and cold nights. The average temperature is 15° C. The surrounding mountains are semi arid, and it has a rainy season that runs from December to March, due to its proximity to the Equator.

It has an interesting colonial and baroque architecture style, which can be found in the houses of Bethlehem, La Recoleta and San Francisco, along with the architecture of the Cathedral.

In its surroundings you find the district of Baños del Inca, famous for its thermal springs and therapeutic properties that they contain. Furthermore, it is 20 kilometers from the archaeological complex of Cumbemayo where ceremonial altars and aqueducts made by the cultures that were there before the Incas. Another archaeological site is Kuntur Wasi, where they have found stone platforms, also pre Inca.

Three blocks from the main square of the city is the hill of Santa Apolonia, which corresponds to a viewpoint and where you can see a panoramic view of the city. TTo go up there are stone stairs, but you can also go up by car.

The main economic activity of the area is mining, with the Yanacocha mine one of the largest gold deposits in Peru.

History

Cajamarca was inhabited by cultures before the Incas, who organized a great culture, which can be seen in the archaeological sites of the surroundings and the samples of rock art that can be found in different sectors.

Its historical importance begins in 1532, where the Inca Atahualpa was captured and later executed by Francisco Pizarro and the Spanish conquistadors.

It was the first city in Peru where the manufacturings of coins began and were sent to Spain.

In 1821 it de was declared the independence of Peru and Cajamarca became one of the most important cities in northern Peru.

Where to go

Baños del Inca:

This health resort is located 6 kilometers from the city and is considered the most important thermal baths of South America. It was considered the first wonder of Peru.

It has comfortable facilities and services, and an artificial lake where you can go trout fishing.

Its thermal waters, which reach up to 79° C are known for their healing properties.

Also we find in the surrounding archaeological sites like the cave paintings of Callaqpuma that are more than 3000 years old.

The Cajamarca Carnival:

It is the most important carnival held in Peru. It is celebrated with costumes, water games and patrols and parades of the most traditional neighborhoods of the city that parade the streets to the beat of popular music.

The carnival begins on Saturday, where carnival characters such as King Momo and Ño Carnavalón are presented. The most important day is Monday, where the parades take place in the Plaza de Armas, the best costume is chosen and the Corso de Carnaval is celebrated, with floats and queens.

The celebration ends on Ash Wednesday at the Baños del Inca.

Cumbe Mayo:

It is located 20 kilometers from Cajamarca, is a natural area that has an impressive stone forest resembling the silhouette of monks, so they are known as frailones.

It is a work built by the Cajamarca culture 1000 years before Christ, to transport water to the Atlantic. It is believed that it also had ceremonial purposes.

Ventanillas de Otuzco:

It is a particular necropolis developed by ancient cultures, who buried their dead in niches carved into the rock located on high cliffs, reaching between 8-10 meters deep. This particular structure stands out among the greenery of nature in the area.

Upon arrival of the Incas the cemetery was converted into a convenient barn, to preserve their seeds and keep them fresh.

To do

This town has attractive surroundings where you can see the remains of ancient cultures, as well as a beautiful colonial architecture in its historical center and colorful celebrations.

Some of its most emblematic buildings are the Cathedral, San Francisco church, Church of Bethlehem, and several mansions and monuments.

In Cajamarce the best Carnival in Peru is celebrated and is known for being one of the cities that best preserves the food of the Incas.

At its core it has a natural viewpoint on the hill of Santa Apolonia, where you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views. It also has the best thermal center of South America, the Baños del Inca (Inca Baths), which has therapeutic waters and excellent services for rest and relaxation.

In Cumbemayo you can see the immense architectural work built by the Cajamarca culture, as in the Ventanillas de Otuzco. Cajamarca is a city that offers joy to its people and the possibility of discovering the secrets of the first settlers in the area.

Recommendations

Economy:

In Cajamarca you can change money at banks or authorized exchange houses. There is also a network of ATMs in the city and credit cards are accepted.

Transportation:

In the city you can use the public transportation that includes buses and combis (rural vans), at an affordable price. You can also take taxis, with which you must negotiate a price before starting the ride since they do not have taxi meters.

The airport in Cajamarca is the Mayor General FAP Armando Revoredo Iglesias Airport, where domestic flights arrive from most major cities in Peru.

Communication:

The telephone code in Cajamarca is 76. To call from abroad you must dial 51 before it, which corresponds to the international code of Peru.

Where and what to eat