Cajamarca
The spa of the Incas
Cajamarca, capital of the Cajamarca region, is the most important city in Peru's northern highlands. It was the place of origin for the pre-Inca culture of Cajamarca - which includes the famous Windows of Otuzco - and was a great administrative and relaxation center for the sovereign during the Inca empire. It was here in 1532 that the future of the empire was decided, when the Inca Atahualpa was visiting the hot springs of what is known today as the Inca Baths or Baños del Inca. The
Spanish imprisoned the Inca in Cajamarca and later executed him there.
Besides the Inca Baths nearby, whose waters feature a wide variety of minerals with healing properties, the city has a variety of archaeological buildings that include the Ransom Room, where Atahualpa was held prisoner; beautiful colonial architecture, seen in the Cathedral and in the San Francisco church; and a rich variety of folk arts. Cajamarca is called Peru's carnival capital because of the brightly colorful dance groups and bands that perform during the carnival days between
February and March.
Many of the tourist attractions are only a few minutes away by road from the city. To the south (30 minutes) lies the picturesque village of Llacanora, and there are hikes to Granja Porcon, a farm with agro-tourism programs and a unique arts and crafts tradition.
To the northeast of the city (15 minutes) are the Ventanillas de Otuzco, a citadel of funeral 'windows' of the ancient Cajamarcas. Further along (45 minutes) are the 'windows' of Combayo, in better condition that those of Otuzco. To the southwest (40 minutes) is the archaeological site of Cumbemayo, of Chavin origin. The Cutervo National Park includes orchids and different palms, and endangered species of wildlife (guacharos, cock-of-the-rocks, and spectacled bears).
Altitude
Cajamarca: 2,720 masl (8,923 ft).
How to Get There
- By air: daily flights from Lima (1 hour).
- Overland: from Trujillo, 295 km /183 miles (6 hours); from Chiclayo, 265 km / 164 miles (6 hours).
Lodging
Up to four-star hotels in the city of Cajamarca, basic accommodation in other towns. Tourist and eco-lodge in the farming community of Granja Porcon.
Activities
Archaeology, eco-tourism, agro-tourism, wildlife watching, hot springs, trekking.
Tourist Services
Restaurants throughout the city of Cajamarca. Overland transport, guided tours, full services for visiting attractions in the area and nearby towns.
Minimum Length of Stay
Three days to tour the city and environs.
Recommendations
Avoid over-exertion in first hours after arrival. Eat easily-digestible food and drink coca tea to ward off high-altitude sickness.
Nearby Attractions
Archaeological sites of Cumbemayo, Ventanillas de Otuzco, agro-tourism at Granja Porcon.
Season / Climate
The best time to visit is between April and October, to avoid the rainy season. Warm during the day and cold at night.
Festivals
- Cajamarca Carnival (February). Carnival is one of the city's most important celebrations.
- Fiesta de las Cruces (March/April, movable). A procession of over 50 heavily decorated crosses to celebrate Palm Sunday.
- Festival of St. John the Baptist (June 24). Religious and social activities, arts and crafts exhibitions.
- Cajamarca FONGAL Fair (July 24-31). Regional agricultural, livestock and industrial fair.
- Señor de Huamantanga (September 23-25). Regional trade fair.
Gastronomy
- Picante de Papa con Cuy Frito: guinea pig stew in peanut and hot chili pepper sauce.
- Chicharrón con Mote: pork fritters served with steamed corn.
- Humitas: sweet cornmash dessert stuffed with cinnamon and raisins.
- Caldo Verde: potato soup with locally-grown aromatic herbs.
Arts & Crafts
Cajamarca artisans work with a variety of materials: wool, leather, wood, cactus thread, clay and stone, which they use to portray their customs and traditions.
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