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Cajamarca, capital of the Cajamarca region, is held to be the most important city in Peru´s northern highlands. It was the place of origin for the pre-Inca culture of Cajamarca-wich includes the famous Windows of Otuzco – and was a great administrative and relaxation center for the sovereing during during the Inca empire. It was here in 1532 that the future of 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 imprisioned the Inca in Cajamarca and later executed him there.

Besides the Inca Baths nearby, and its waters that feature a Wide variety of minerals with healing properties, the city has a variety of archaeological buildings that incluye the Ransom Room, were Atahualpa was held prisioner; Beautiful colonial architecture, seen in the Catedral and in the San Francisco church; and a rich variety of folk arts. Cajamarca is called Peru´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 añil a few minutes away by road from the city. To the south (30 minutes) lies the picturesque village of Llanacora, and there are hikes to Granja Porcon, a faro with agro-tourism programs and a unique art and craft tradition.

To the northeast of the city (15 minutes) are the Ventanillas de Otuzco, a citadle of funeral ´windows´ of the ancient Cajamarcas. Further along (45 minutes) are the ´window´ of Combayo, in better condition that tose of Otuzco. To the southwest (40 minutes) is the archaeological site of Cumbemayo, of Chavin origin.

The Cutervo Nacional Park includes orchids and different palms, and endangered species of wildlife (Guacharos, cock-of-the-rocks, and spectacled bears).

 

Altitude: Cajamarca: 2,720 meters (8,922feet).

 

How to Get There:

By air: daily flights from Lima, (1 hour).

Overland: from Trujillo, 295 Km / 183 miles (6 hours).            

 

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