CAJAMARCA

Altitude:		2,720 m (8,924 ft) above sea level
Area:		2,979.8 sq km (1,150.5 sq mi)
Population:		316,152 (2007)

Main attractions

• History and Archaeology Cumbemayo, Ransom Room, Otuzco Windows.
• Nature Inca Baths (Hot Spring Waters), Cutervo National Park.
• Living cultures Living Tourism in Communities, Porcon Farm and Las Cruces Festival, Cajamarca Carnival.
• Routes to discover Bird watching route.
• Adventure Trekking Capaqñan -Inca Path Quito-Cajamarca-Cusco.

The department of Cajamarca is characterized by slight slopes and highlands relatively low in comparison to the rest of the Peruvian Andes. The territory is made up of numerous valleys and gorges.

The city of Cajamarca brings together three ingredients that make it an unforgettable destination a magnificent Colonial architecture, beautiful countryside, and a rich history since it was the scene of an important episode of South American history. Here, the Conquistador Francisco Pizarro captured the Inca Atahualpa who, in spite of fulfilling his part of the ransom, was killed. From that point onward, the conquistadors drafted the city in the traditional Spanish way, and today the Colonial constructions of the Cathedral, the churches of San Francisco, Belen, and la Recoleta, mansions, and monuments are preserved.

History and Archaeology

Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex

20 km / 12 miles southeast of Cajamarca (45 minutes by car).
Discovered in 1937, this complex is surrounded by an interesting stone forest that seems to mimic the silhouettes of pious friars (for which it is popularly called "frailones" or giant friars). In addition, you find the Aqueduct (1000 B.C.), a unique work of hydraulic engineering, the Sanctuary, a cliff that looks like a giant human head, and the Caves, which include cave paintings and carvings.

Cuarto del Rescate (Ransom Room)
Jiron Amalia Puga 750. Visiting hours Mon. - Sat. 900 A.M. - 100 P.M. and 300 P.M. - 600 P.M. Sun. 900 A.M. - 100 P.M.
This is the only feature of Inca architecture left in the city. It was built of stone and with the walls slightly inclined to give the characteristic trapezoidal features of Inca constructions. The Inca Atahualpa, who was kept prisoner in this room, offered Francisco Pizarro to have the room filled completely with silver twice and gold once as a ransom.

 Ventanillas de Otuzco (Windows of Otuzco)
8 km / 5 miles northeast of Cajamarca (10 minutes by car). Visiting hours Mon. - Sun. 900 A.M. - 500 P.M.
The graveyard of Otuzco is popularly known as the "Ventanillas de Otuzco" (windows of Otuzco) because of its particular shape. The square or rectangular niches were sculpted in a volcanic rock face in consecutive lines. Because of grave plundering, it is difficult to know the exact age, but certain evidence points to the Caxamarca culture, who ruled the region between 300 A.D. and 800 A.D.

Nature

Baños del Inca (The Inca's Bath)
6 km / 4 miles east of Cajamarca (10 minutes by car). Visiting hours: Mon. - Sun. 6:00 A.M. - 6:30 P.M.
These hot springs of mineral water with a maximum temperature of 72ºC (158ºF), possess therapeutic properties for the treatment of bone and nervous system disorders. There are pools for private use, public pools, and other services for therapeutic treatments. Originally called Pultamarca, it is here, supposedly, that Atahualpa was resting just before the confrontation with Pizarro.

Cutervo National Park
260 km / 162 miles north of Cajamarca (14 hours and 30 minutes by car).
Its purpose is to protect and preserve the flora and fauna characteristic to the Tarros mountain range. The area is a refuge for jaguars, little spotted cats, spectacled bears, nutrias, and others. One of the main attractions is the oilbird, which is nocturnal and lives in the GuacharosCaves. The exotic places to see are the vista of the grasslands and the dwarf and mist forests.

Living cultures

Porcon Farm
30 km / 19 miles north of Cajamarca (1 hour by car).
The members of this cooperative have decided to open their doors to the public, show their way of life and let the public participate in the farming, cattle ranching, and forestry tasks. In addition, you can hike through the forest and fields. Porcon Farm gathers together agro tourism, nature, and cultural interchange in one place.

Fiesta de la Cruz (Festivity of the Cross: March - April)
On the central day, Palm Sunday, four different ceremonies take place, the coronation of the crosses, the salutation to the Lord at the house of the mayordomo (the person entrusted with the task of leading the celebrations), the various prayers in Quechua and Latin and, lastly, the procession to the hacienda's chapel with more than 50 crosses, each weighing approximately 60 kilos.

Cajamarca Carnival (February - March, moveable)
Carnival has acquired characteristics which are very typical of Cajamarca comprising traditional expressions and involving the participation of institutions, quarters, etc. The celebration lasts approximately one month; however the central days are just eight.