The province of Cajamarca is characterized by gentle slopes and a relatively low height compared to the rest of the Peruvian Andes. The territory is composed of numerous valleys and gorges. The city of Cajamarca brings together three ingredients that make it an unforgettable destination: a magnificent colonial architecture, beautiful scenery and a rich history, having been the scene of a momentous episode in the history of the continent.
The origin of the city of Cajamarca dates back to about 3 thousand years ago with the first human groups called the Huacaloma, the Layzón, the Cumbe Mayo and the Otuzco. The city of Cajamarca was established as the capital of the province, as Marshal Ramón Castilla pronounced it in his Supreme Decree on February 11th, 1855.
Tourist Attractions
Cajamarca Cathedral (also called the Santa Catalina Church)
The Royal Decree of December 26th, 1665 ordered the establishment of a parish for the Spanish people in the city of Cajamarca. It was built in the old House of Justice. In 1682, the temple would be upgraded to a Cathedral category. It is one of the most outstanding samples of Peruvian Baroque, featuring a façade that harmoniously combines columns, cornices and thinly carved niches. In the three naves, the main altar and the pulpit, both carved in wood and covered with gold leaf stand out the most.
Cumbemayo Archeological Complex
Discovered in 1937, the complex is surrounded by a forest of interesting rocks that seem to reproduce the silhouettes of pious monks (hence they are familiarly called "frailones”). Other highlights are the Aqueduct (1000 BC), which is a unique work of hydraulic engineering; the Sanctuary, a cliff that looks like a giant human head, and Las Cuevas (The Caves), where there are engravings or petroglyphs.
The Windows of Otuzco
The necropolis of Otuzco is popularly known as the "Windows of Otuzco" because of their particular aspect; the square or rectangular niches were carved into a rocky area of volcanic origin in consecutive rows. By the action of looting, it is difficult to determine its exact age, but some evidence allows associating them with the Cajamarca culture, which had influence in the region between the years 300-800 AD
The Inca Baths
Originally called Pultumarca, these “baths” are hot springs at temperatures above 72 º C (158 º F), with minerals that have therapeutic properties for treating disorders of the bones and the nervous system. There are private pools, public pools and other therapeutic treatment services. Tradition tells us that this is where the Inca was resting before his confrontation with Pizarro.
Porcon Farm
It is located 30kilometers north of the city of Cajamarca (approximately 1 hour by car). The Porcon Farm is a successful example of cooperative operation. Its members have decided to open its doors to tourism and show their way of life and participate in farming, livestock and forestry, in addition, you can enjoy hiking through the woods and countryside. Porcon gathers agritourism, nature and cultural exchange in one place.
Activities at the Porcon Farm are a fascinating alternative to enjoy the magical attraction of the mountains of Cajamarca, take a horseback ride among the green grass and woods that lead to an intimate encounter with nature, where you can walk down the road enjoying the pacific sun. In Porcon Farm you will find a private fishing centre where you will be able to catch trout throughout the year. You can also go camping, build your own tent and cook your own food in an area that has been designated for this practice.
The Collpa Ranch
This is a former ranch located 11 kilometers away from the city of Cajamarca. It is dedicated to raising cattle and sheep, and it surrounded by green landscapes and some reforested hills. A few meters from the premises of the former ranch are the chapel, the workshops and the designated areas for milking, we can also observe an artificial lagoon, decorated with small bridges and surrounded by gardens. Currently there are hundreds of tourists visiting this beautiful ranch.
At the ranch, they sell high quality products, such as different kinds of cheese, manjar blanco (three-milk, light caramel sauce), natural yoghurt, ceramics, and typical costumes.
Sight-seeing viewpoint of Santa Apolonia
Santa Apolonia hill has a height of 2,764 meters above sea level.
It is located to the west side of the valley and the city of Cajamarca. It was formerly known as Rumi Tiana ("Seat of Stone").
The Chavin culture is what determined the hill’s peak the peak in the year 1.200 BC. The Chavin culture built platforms and some underground structures to use them as tombs. The tombs built in Santa Apolonia were meant for important for people of Cajamarca. During the seventh century, the town of Cajamarca used the Santa Apolonia hill to worship rain, lightning and the stars. This place has been kept as a sacred site used exclusively for worship matters for many centuries. The top of the hill is 500 meters higher than the city.
You can enter this beautiful, natural sight-seeing platform through Dos de Mayo street, which is found two blocks away from the Main Square. Among the steps and gardens there is a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima where the faithful worship. On May 13th, there is a holiday in this hill because, on that day, the day of the Virgin of Fatima is celebrated in the chapel of Santa Apolonia.
