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CAJAMARCA |
| Population |
233,000 |
| Altitude |
2,750 m |
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Capital
of the department of the same name
Distances:
Lima 863 km; Chiclayo 261 km; Trujillo 296 km
Climate: moderate and dry. Sunny during the daytime,
and cold at night, with an average temperature of 14ºC. Rainy
season from December to March
Cajamarca is situated at the bottom of a valley of red
ocher earth.
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is interesting to tourists for the historic events which took
place here, precipitating the decline of the Inca empire, and
also for the architecture of the colonial churches its, archaeological
remains, and for the deep green of the countryside resembling
a tropical oasis. Here, corn and crops alternate with extensive
forests of eucalyptus, pines and native species which cover
the surrounding mountains to the summits.
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the
road continues up to the famous Cuesta dek Gavilán (Pass of
the Sparro-Hawk, 3,800 m). This is the highest point on the
road from which the superbly verdant Cajamarca Valley can
be seen, whilst descending among extensive stands of eucalyptus
and pines
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| Plaza
de Armas: The main square is a large and gardened space,
with a fine colonial one-pice stone fountain (1562) built
on the site where Inca Atahualpa was executed by garroting. |
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Catedral
(or Templo de Santa Catalina): The cathedral is on the
northeastern side of the main square. This is an imposing
plateresque style church (late 18th century)
in parts of which stones from Inca palaces and walls
were used. This church contains very valuable colonial
paintings. The chapel to the right of the church dates
from 1686, and has the coat of arms of Cajamarca engraved
on its facade.
Iglesia de San Francisco: This church opposite
the cathedral, is one of the first built by the Spaniards.
It has a 16th century stone facade with three
baroque-plateresque style entrance doors. Observe the
gold monstrance. The painting of San Crispin and Crispiniano
in the sacristy are great works of art done in 1645
by an artist named Chávez.
The Capilla de los Dolores, a chapel to the right of
the church, is a superb example of Cajamarca plastic
art. The nobles of the period were buried in the underground
vaults.
Complejo Belén: one block from the main square.
Other
places to go: Iglesia of Belén, Cuarto del Rescate,
Colina Santa Apolonia and Silla del Inca, Colonial Doorways,
Museo Antropológico and Casa Museo Mario
Urteaga.
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SURROUNDINGS
Centro Demostratico Aylambo: this is a reforestation
are and a ceramics workshop 3.5 km South of the city managed
by the Technical University of Cajamarca, teaching clay based
ceramic manufacturing.
Baños del Inca: Thermal springs 6 km from
the city open to visitors. The medicinal waters (72ºC) have
been used since pre-Inca times. It is said that Atahualpa
was encamped here when he received word of the arrival of
the Spaniards. The municipal park across the way has a thermal
water pool. Country-restaurant. Micros (small buses) from
the mainsquare.La Collpa: 11 km southwest of Cajamarca.
This is a cooperative and dairy cattle breeding state where
the cows are called by name.Llacanora: 13 km southeast
of the city. This is a village with a typical highland environment
and splendid views.
Ventanillas de Otuzco: 7 km northeast of the city, 25
minutes on a good road out in the countryside. On this site
there are
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hundreds
of stone burial cut into the volcanic rock in the upper parts
of the mountain. Beautiful surroundings.
Cumbemayo: at 3,400 m and 15 km southwest of the city,
on the slopes of the Cumbe massif. This is a megalithic group
in an
area of 25,000 square meters probably built in 1200 by
the ancient Cajamarcas but with direct Chavín influence.
Bosque de Piedras (Frailones): a stone forest occupying an
extensive plain near Cumbemayo. Ventanillas
de Combabyo: 25 km from Cajamarca. An impressive pre-Inca necropolis.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Telephone area code from Lima: 044
Tourist Information Office: Belén Complex.
Post Office: Calle Lima 440
Travel Agencies: Cajamarca Tours (in Hostal Cajamarca).
It organizes tours in the city and to main tourist attractions,
crafts centers, and the Kuelap Fortress (three days)
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