Cajamarca

Cajamarca is located in the northern highlands of Peru, and is the capital of the Cajamarca region.

Understand

It is approximately 2,700 m (8,900 ft) above sea level and has a population of about 100,000 people. Cajamarca has an equatorial climate so it is mild, dry and sunny, which creates very fertile soil. The city is well-known for its fine cheeses and dairy products. Cajamarca is also known for its churches, and hot springs, or Inca Baths. There are also several active mining sites in surrounding areas. Most of all, Peruvians remember Cajamarca as the place where the Inca Empire came to an end, since the Battle of Cajamarca along with the capture and execution of Inca emperor Atahualpa took place here.

Because of the high altitude, precautions should be taken. Be sure to take it easy the first day or two in town, drink lots of water and stay away from alcohol and caffeine.

Get in

Service to Cajamarca is via bus or air. There are daily flights from Lima, as well as luxury buses (about 16 hours). Several buses a day also make the trip from Trujillo (6 to 8 hours). Travelers can continue on to the town of Celendin, with connecting buses to Chachapoyas.

Get around

Most of the major sites in the city can be visited by foot. There are taxis available as well as local combi buses.

See

There are several churches in the area of the Plaza de Armas, one of which (San Francisco) includes the "Ransom Room" in which the Inca Atahualpa was held captive by Spanish conquistadors.

The steps on Santa Apolonia hill lead up to the "Inca Seat", where the Inca supposedly addressed his subjects. The hill offers a nice view of the city below.

Do

The Inca Baths are natural hot springs located on the outskirts of town, near the university.

There are a number of archaeological sites and other attractions outside the city, to which there are organized tours. These sites include Cumbe Mayo, a pre-Columbian aqueduct. Be sure to bring extra water.

Buy

Cajamarca is known for its fine dairy products and chocolate. A visit to one of the cheese shops is worth your time. There are also several street markets along the Rio San Lucas selling farm goods, cloth and various other items.

There is a decent drop-off laundromat behind the San Francisco on calle Belen. 5 sols per kilo. Closed Fridays.

Eat

The diet here consists largely of items in cream sauce, probably due to the large dairy industry. Several restaurants serve Cuy (guinea pig) for those feeling adventurous. Street vendors sell tamales and various other street food, especially around dinner time.

Pia dishes out tasty Pollo a la Brasa (rotisserie chicken) for a bargain price. It is located on Amazonas about a block away from the Plaza de Armas, near the secondary school.

El Cajamarques is one of the top restaurants in town. The food is quite good, but the real attraction is the courtyard containing exotic birds and wildlife.

Not recommended: El Batan Gran Buffet. This fancy restaurant has very attentive service, but the food is mediocre at best.

Drink

Various street vendors sell home-made juice which is worth a try.

Sleep

There are many inexpensive options for accommodations in Cajamarca. In addition to the various hotels and hostels in town, there are also a number of spa hotels in the outskirts of town.

Casa Blanca on the Plaza has a location that can't be beat. The rooms are clean, but most do not have a window. Price is about 100 sols per night for a double.

Hotel Prada is a few blocks from the Plaza. They offer clean rooms with or without bath. Double with bath 70 sols, without bath 35 sols.

Stay safe

Remember to take it easy on arrival, since the altitude can make you short of breath and cause headaches.

The central city is fairly safe, but as always keep an eye out for pickpockets and always hang on to your belongings.