Cajamarca Peru The Ultimate Guide

Last Updated on April 27, 2021 by James Bustamante

One of the Peru destinations that provides a fun experience yet is relatively unknown by most travelers is Cajamarca in Peru. This highland region has hints of high rainforest terrains that provide a beautiful landscape for any visitor to photograph. This region is well known for its festivities, picturesque surroundings, warm people, The Cajamarca festival,  and delicious local delicacies.

Where is Cajamarca?

Cajamarca is located in the northern highlands of Peru, within the Andes mountain range at over 9,020 feet (2,750 meters) above sea level. Cajamarca is also the 5th most populated province in Peru with over 1.341 million inhabitants and the city of Cajamarca has a population of 201,329 people. 

How to get to Cajamarca?

There are many ways to get to Cajamarca from Lima although the quickest has to be by plane. A flight from Lima to Cajamarca will take around 1 hour and 22 minutes. 

Two airlines that flight that route are listed below:

• LATAM
• Star Peru

There is also the option of heading to Cajamarca from Lima by bus. This method takes around 13 – 14 hours from start to finish. The bus will typically leave Lima and go on a route through the Pananericama Norte until it reaches the city of Trujillo where they will stop to refuel. From Trujillo, the bus will head directly to the Cajamarca bus station. The buses that go to Cajamarca are:

• Civa
• MobilTours

We recommend taking a flight to Cajamarca though, its an overall safer experience, and 14 hours vs 1.22 hours is a big difference in how you decide to spend your time. Taking a bus up the coastline, to then enter the highlands might not be the most comfortable ride either.

The History of Cajamarca

The Pre-Inca civilization called the “Caxamarca” dominated this valley for many years up until the arrival of the Inca empire.  

There were several cultures that have lived in Cajamarca through the centuries. The Caxamarcas lived in this territory between 300 – 800 AD, after them, it was the Wari tribes.

The Incas finally arrived during the reign of Pachacutec, at this point, Cajamarca became an important cog in the administrative manners of the Tahuantinsuyo (The Inca Empire). 

Cajamarca is said to be one of the most symbolic regions in Peruvian history, this is because it was the setting for the battle between Atahualpa (The last Inca Emperor) and his men vs the conquistador Francisco Pizarro and his troops.

This took place in the Cajamarca main square. Atahualpa was of course defeated, imprisoned, and then executed in the same place the final battle was fought. 

In 1566 the Spanish, who controlled this region, were able to create a city over this Inca site. The city was called” La Villa San Antonio de Cajamarca La Grande del Perú,” and it was used as a hub for growing and harvesting as well as raising cattle and other domesticated animals. 

Cajamarca is also famous for its long-standing tradition of creating beautiful textile pieces. For many years there have been establishments whose main purpose is the creation of textiles with a native signature style.

During the 18th century, silver mines were discovered in Cajamarca, this made this region a strategic point during the time of Peruvian viceroyalty. 

The province of Cajamarca was officially established on February 11th, 1855. Today the major economic factors in Cajamarca are the cattle industry and of course, there is also Yanacocha, the most important gold mine in Peru and the biggest in all of South America.

What is The Weather Like in Cajamarca?

The city of Cajamarca has a temperate climate, the maximum average temperature is 71 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) and a minimum average of 42 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius).

This means that you won’t ever feel overly exhausted from the heat and it does not get too cold in the winters. The rainy season in Cajamarca starts in October and can last as far in the next year as of April.  For the most part, the people of Cajamarca enjoy plenty of sunshine and the rainy season showers are not a full-day occurrence. 

Typical Dishes From Cajamarca

Since Cajamarca is in the highlands, its local dishes are similar to what you would find in other parts of the Andes mountains however there are some key ingredients or cooking styles that are native to this region. Below are three traditional dishes to Cajamarca. 

Picante de Papa con Cuy Frito is a stew made from locally sourced guinea pigs made with a peanut and Panca pepper sauce with a side of sliced potatoes. 

Chicharron con Mote is a dish where the pork is cooked in its own fat and is accompanied by “Mote”, a type of corn grain that has been previously boiled. Mote is quite common in the Andean mountain range and several provinces use it to go with their main courses. 

Humitas are a small pastry made from corn that can either be sweet or savory. The sweet version of the “Humitas” is made with cinnamon, honey or sugar, and raisins. They are then wrapped in a corn husk leaf and steamed until cooked. 

Lastly, we have Caldo Verde which is a green-colored soup made with potatoes and aromatic herbs that are native to the region. 

Local Artisans

The local Cajamarcan Artisans are various and they specialize in different products. In Cajamarca, you’ll find Artisans that work with locally sourced wool, leather, wood carving, and clay artistry. They will commonly work on pieces of art that depict the local culture as well as Catholic celebrations. 

Local Festivities From Cajamarca

There are many festivities that take place in Cajamarca. Below we go over some of the better-known celebrations so you can plan your trip around them. 

The Cajamarca Carnival February – March

This might be the most well-known festivity outside of the city. It is one that Peruvians from the capital like to travel to Cajamarca for. This important celebration takes place between February and March of every year.

The “Cajamarquinos” organize a parade where they dance to the local music and accompany “Rey Momo” while people sing and basically rejoice in the streets. 

During the evenings this celebration will give beauty awards to the local women, more dancing, plenty of local food and lots of drinking. The entire celebration of Carnival in Cajamarca will last a month.

The Cruces Celebration

This festivity takes place between March and April but focuses on “Domingo de Ramos” as the main day for celebration. There is a coronation of the “cruces” and an officially designated butler who is in charge of the festivities. There are chants and songs being sung in Spanish, Quechua, and even some Latin.  This festivity has Spanish origins but is mixed with some of the native cultures.

Celebration of Juan Bautista

The celebration of San Juan Bautista takes place on June 24th of every year.  This festival is celebrated in the districts of Chota, Cutervo, and San Pablo. This particular festivity has catholic origins. Activities include festivities, religious readings, and artistic expos where local artesans are showcased along with their works. This is all done in honor of the patron saint Juan Bautista. 

Main Attractions in Cajamarca

Cajamarca has some truly great places to visit, among them is the Banos del Inca as well other interesting constructions. Check out our brief list of “what to see?” in Cajamarca below. 

Los Baños del Inca

Located 4.72 miles (6km) from the highland city, we have the famous Baños del Inca. These local hot springs reach temperatures of 158 degrees Fahrenheit (72 degrees Celsius) and have minerals that are said to possess therapeutic properties for various ailments. At this location you will find private pools that you can rent out for yourself and your party, there are also public thermal springs that anyone can enter.

This destination was originally called “Pultumarca”. There is a local story that states the Inca Atahualpa came to these hot springs to rest, this allegedly took place before having his final battle with Francisco Pizarro and his troops of Conquistadors. 

The Cajamarca Cathedral

The Cajamarca cathedral is also called the church of Matriz Santa Catalina. In 1665 the church was formed by the Spanish in 1682 it was upgraded to the category of the cathedral. This baroque-style temple is one of the nicest cathedrals you will find in the country. The details make it stand out among other churches, this includes hand-carved wooden beams, figures, detailed mosaics, and the gold coloring used for decoration. 

Layzon Archaeological Complex

Located at 5.69 miles (9 kilometers) from the highland city, you will find this Layzon complex. This place has ancient walls that exceed 19.65 feet (6 meters) in height, it also features monoliths made directly out of the stones.

There are 6 platforms that are connected by sets of stone stairs. This place was dedicated to what the local people considered the gods. You can reach this complex via a 20-minute drive from the city. 

Cutervo National Park

This reserve is located a bit far from the city however if you have the extra day or so to spend it is definitely worth it. This is a refuge where you can find all sorts of wildlife but what brings in the visitors are the Jaguars, Oncillas (leopardus tigrinus), giant river otters, and of course the rare rainforest birds you’ll find nowhere else.  The Cutervo national park is located over 14 hours away at 161.5 miles (260 kilometers) but if you are traveling to see wildlife, it might be one of the best places in all of Peru.

What Should I Pack for Cajamarca?

Cajamarca is an Andean destination so most of what you would pack for Cusco and the Machu Picchu Hike would also apply for Cajamarca. 

• Sunblock
• Chapstick or lip balm
• Insect Repellent
• Hat or cap for the sun
• Camera or Camera Phone

Everything else such as snacks, food, water can be purchased in stores, markets and supermarkets at Cajamarca.

Conclusion

Cajamarca is a great place to visit and gives access to highland rainforest terrains you won’t find in other parts of Peru. Along with its unique culture, cuisine, and high-profile celebrations, this Peruvian highland adventure is a fun destination for all travelers.

We suggest visiting this city once you are already finished with destinations in the South like Cusco or Lake Titicaca. Once you are done visiting Cajamarca you can head further north to the warm waters of Mancora in Tumbes, Peru. 

Frequently Asked Questions