Peru at its best in Cajamarca

Cajamarca is a wonderful town situated in the northern highlands of the beautiful South American nation of Peru. This town is quite pleasant there are attractions aplenty here. The best part of the place is its numerous structures which are all about the ancient colonial architecture.

The city forms the headquarters of the Cajamarca region of the nation and is situated around 2,700 meters above the sea level. The city is home to some 135,000 people and the specialties of the city besides its numerous ancient landmarks are its dairy products and cheeses.

The city is also famous the world over for its lovely churches and Inca Baths, which when translated into a simpler form imply, hot springs. However, the most important characteristic of the city is its history, which tells us that the city was the site where the Inca Empire terminated. This is the city where the Battle of Cajamarca took place and resulted in the capture, the abuse and finally the murder of Atahualpa.

Let’s go through the attractions of the city in brief.

Plaza de Armas:
This site is full of history and has also witnessed probably one of the most important historic events of the city. This is the site where Atahualpa was executed.

However, in the present day, the place still has the 350-year-old fountain, besides the gardens and topiary.

The year 2006 saw the remodeling of the area. The Armas is surrounded by some spectacular structures all around. There is a huge cathedral, which came into existence in 1776.

San Francisco Church:
This church is bang opposite the Plaza de Armas. This 17th century masterpiece is famous the world over for its elaborate altars and interior stone carvings. Besides, there is a museum attached to the church as well which displays exhibits of icons and colonial paintings.

Los Baños del Inca:
These sulphurous thermal springs are a must visit on your next trip to Cajamarca. The specialties of these baths are they are more like a municipal complex, with tons and tons of facilities on offer.

The baths have medicinal benefits as well. Some benefits are gastric, dermatological and anti-stress.

It is believed Atahualpa had tried these waters on one of his wounds, which he had contracted via a war injury. It is recommended you visit the place in the morning as the place is less crowded.

Cumbe Mayo:
Cumbe Mayo is all about adventure. The site in on a mountainous range and is situated at a height of 3600 meters above sea level. Located some 20 kms in the southwestern direction of the city, Cumbe Mayo is famous the world over for its spectacular and well-built pre-Inca channels. These magical channels run across the mountain tops.

Complejo Belén:
These groups of buildings comprise an ornate church, the Institute of Culture and the tourism office of the city. The Ornate church is considered by many to the finest in the entire city.

The Cuarto de Rescate:
The The Cuarto de Rescate is the room where Atahualpa spent his days as a prisoner.

Llacanora:
Llacanora is a famous for the beautiful sceneries it has on offer to its visitors. This typical Andean village is situated some 13 kms away in the southeastern direction from Cajamarca.

La Collpa:
This place used to be a large estate once upon a time. However, in the present day, the place is cooperative farm of the nation’s Ministry of Agriculture. La Collpa is very near to the Llacanora and breeds bulls, besides the cows are also hand milked here. Other features of the area include a wonderful lake, where one can just sit and relax and enjoy the wonderful sights.

A specialty of La Collpa is the cows are called by name, and the best part is they also respond according to their names.

Ventanillas de Otusco:
Ventanillas de Otusco is part of the pre-Inca cemetery. The complex has a huge gallery of secondary burial niches.

Carnaval:
The carnival celebrations are celebrated with enthusiasm in the city of Cajamarca. The dates for the carnival celebrations differ from year to year and are usually held anywhere between the middle of February and the first week of March.

Some of the attractions during this festival, which marks the beginning of the Lent season for Catholics around the world are the election of the Queen of the Carnival, besides, there are Concurso de Coplas, which is actually a popular singing contest. Then there’s the Jueves de Compadres, which is a friendship contest. Some of the other attractions of the festival include Jueves de Compadres, Concurso de Patrullas y Comparsas, Corso de Carnaval, Unsha, Velorio del Ño Carnavalón and Entierro del Ño Carnavalón.

Listed below are some of the questions which may be on your mind.

How do I reach Cajamarca?

The city of Cajamarca is served by the Gral. FAP. Armando Revoredo Iglesias Airport. You need to align here and then book the services of a private cab to take you to your respective destination.

The city is also served by the major bus lines of the country. Some of the majors are Cruz del Sur and Transportes Linea.

Where do I stay during my Cajamarca holiday vacation?

The city boasts of good accommodation facilities to its visitors. Besides, there are a variety of budget options to choose from as well. Some of the more popular landmarks of the city are Costa Del Sol, El Portal Del Marques, Laguna Seca, Posada Del Puruay, Hostal Los Pinos, Hotel El Ingenio, Hotel Casa Blanca, Hacienda San Vicente and Gran Hotel San Ignacio.

When is the best time of the year to visit Cajamarca?

You may visit the city at any time of the year. However, it is normal trend seen here that the months from June to August are very crowded. These months coincide with the peak tourism season of the city and the hotel rates and other general rates also tend to peak.

It is recommended you visit the place during the months of May through November as the temperatures are cool and ideal for a holiday.

In conclusion, the city of Cajamarca is a wonderful holiday destination. With so many historical masterpieces on its soil, I’m sure you will never encounter a dull moment. Add to that the unique carnival celebrations during the first half of the year.

Secondly, the city has made a mark on the world tourism map and provides good facilities to its visitors. Hence you can expect a good holiday.

So, what are you waiting for, just go ahead and plan that all important holiday in Cajamarca.