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How to get there
Flight: daily flights from Lima
Bus: daily connections from/to Lima (12 h), Trujillo (6 h), Chiclayo
(7 h), Cajabamba (5 h)
Best time to travel
Rainy season from December to March
Activities
Trekking and Biking are perfectly enjoyable for all sport fans
Festivals
Cajamarca is said to be the capital of carnival. In February and
March the whole town goes crazy and celebrates.
Accommodation
The hotel intern travel agency of Laguna Seca arranges diverse and
attractive tours in the locality, which we are more than happy
to reserve for you.
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Altitude: 2720 m
Inhabitants: 95,000
This charming town lies within the wonderful and fertile valley
in the Northern Andes and is part of the historical cultural heritage
of South America. The colonial style is reflected in Cajamarca's
buildings: the cathedral, the churches of San Fransicso, Belén
and la Recoleta as well as the houses are constructed in the Spanish
architectural style. Take at least half a day to discover the complete
beauty of the city.
Cajamarca provides unique opportunities for hikers. On old Inca
trails you can stroll through a fascinating landscape that is almost
untouched by humans. It is home to a grand array of flora as well
as to rare bird species. Mining, livestock husbandry and the production
of wool makes the whole Cajamarcan region a prosperous centre in
the North of Peru.
The decrease of the Inca realm: Cajamarca as a historical sight.
Cajamarca was an administrative, military and religious centre
of outstanding importance in Inca times. On 16 November 1532 the
town was host to a tragic scene in American history: On this day
a small group of soldiers with Francisco Pizarro as their leader captured Atahualpa,
the Inca sovereign. This marked the beginning of the decline of
the great Inca culture. In order to regain his freedom
Athahualpa offered to fill his cell up with precious metal, once with gold and twice silver to the height of his extended hand on the wall. After
two months the 'Cuarto de Rescate' or 'Rescue Room' was filled with the
ransom but Pizarro did not keep his promise and executed
Atahualpa anyway.
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Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral
The Plaza de Armas is one of the most beautiful and also one of
the biggest squares in Peru. It took 350 years to build it until
being finished in 1960. The nicely decorated façade is made
of volcanic stone. The holy shrine La Preciosa inside the church
is made entirely of gold and silver.
Church San Francisco
The inside of the church provides gorgeous imbroideries as well
as barock altars entirely covered with gold. Next to the church
the chapel La Virgen de Dolores is situated. It is known to be one
of Cajamarcas most beautiful chapels and is an excellent example
of stone masonry.
Cuarto del Resacte
The most important sight in the town is Atahualpas prison the Cuarto de Rescate, which is a symbol
of the confrontation between two completely different cultures.
A red line on the wall signifies how high the gold reached that
was carried there by the Inca as ransom for their king.
Santa Apolonia Hill
Santa Apolonia Hill is an outstanding point to overview Cajamarca
and the whole valley. The entire hill is a temple of pre-Inca times.
The Silla del Inca on the top of the hill is said to be the Inca's
throne.
Several agencies in Cajamarca arrange guided city tours as well
as tours in the region.
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