Cajamarca is the capital of the Cajamarca region. It is located in northern Peru, situated in one of the largest valleys of the Andean Highlands, known as the Cajamarca Valley. Surrounded by towering mountains, the city enjoys a spectacular landscape and stands out as one of the most important cities in the northern highlands.
The beauty of Cajamarca stands out for a combination of hidden valleys, colonial-style architecture, and historically rich sites. The Plaza de Armas of Cajamarca, the heart of the city, is one of the most emblematic places, surrounded by historic monuments and sacred churches. Considered one of the most important sites in South America, it not only shines for its architectural beauty but also preserves transcendental historical events that marked the region's history. The main tourist attractions within the plaza and its surroundings include the Cathedral of Cajamarca, the Church of San Francisco, the Belén Complex, and the Ransom Room. These places stand out for their imposing colonial historical constructions, featuring golden altars, works of art, religious artifacts, and tile decorations, all framed by baroque-style facades.
Just three blocks from the Plaza de Armas is the Santa Apolonia Viewpoint, ideal for appreciating a panoramic and beautiful view of the city, amidst green fields and natural landscapes from the top of the hill. In this viewpoint, there is the Inca’s Seat, a natural rock formation that, according to legend, was used by Inca Atahualpa as a seat before his capture by Spanish colonizers. To reach the top of the viewpoint, it is necessary to ascend a stone staircase, although it can also be accessed by vehicle.
The main economic activity of Cajamarca is mining and agriculture, two key sectors for the region's development. Mining has gained great relevance, especially thanks to the Yanacocha deposit, one of the largest open-pit gold deposits in the world, located near the city. On the other hand, agriculture benefits from the valley's fertile lands, with predominant crops such as corn, potatoes, quinoa, coffee, and vegetables. In addition to these crops, Cajamarca stands out as one of the country's main dairy producers, thanks to its thriving dairy zone. It is one of the largest distributors of milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products. This sector, along with agriculture and mining, is essential for Cajamarca's economy and has been fundamental to its growth.
The climate is characterized by sunny days and cool nights. Generally, it is a temperate and dry climate due to its location in the valley. The highest temperatures are recorded in September, while July is the month with the lowest temperatures. Rainfall tends to intensify in March. The most ideal time to visit Cajamarca is between May and September; during this period, temperatures are more pleasant and allow visitors to explore the city without any issues.
The bus terminal is located at Av. Atahualpa 299, where different buses arrive. On kupos.pe, you can find routes from Lima, Piura, Trujillo, among others. Purchase your ticket directly on the website or the App, paying with any card.
On kupos.pe, you will find all the transportation options to arrive and move around Cajamarca with total comfort.
The Best Carnival in Peru
Without a doubt, Peru has a strong carnival tradition in many of its regions. However, Cajamarca is considered one of the best places to experience this festivity. Known as the Capital of the Peruvian Carnival, the celebration here is lived with unmatched enthusiasm and joy. The city fills with dances, music, games, and traditional gastronomy, inviting everyone to join the fun in its streets. To learn more about this festivity and its scheduled dates, you can click here.
The Impressive Stone Forest
At the highest point of Cajamarca, a wonderful hidden place awaits. This is the Cumbemayo Stone Forest. This destination is ideal for a walk surrounded by nature, where the trail is lined with vegetation, caves with ancient carvings, and petroglyphs. From a distance, visitors can already admire the imposing rock formations, many of which have silhouettes resembling animals such as rabbits, roosters, and camels, leaving the interpretation of their enigmatic shapes to the imagination of each visitor.
A Feast of Tradition and Flavor
Cajamarca is known for its exquisite desserts and sweet flavors, thanks to its large milk production. Among the most representative sweets are those made with manjar blanco, such as alfajores, milhojas, cocadas, and pastries. Also standing out is dulce de higo, a delicacy mainly prepared during Holy Week, and turrón de leche, made with sweet corn kernels shaped like nougat. Additionally, it is common to combine fruits with manjar blanco, such as higo relleno, a true gem of flavor.
On the other hand, Cajamarca’s traditional cuisine is influenced by Incan and Spanish cultures, featuring dishes such as preparations with corn, ceviche, puchero, and cuy, all made with fresh, local ingredients that enhance their authentic and characteristic flavor of the region.
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