Cajamarca

Things to do here:
Visit archaeological sites	Local feasts and folklore
Visit historic buildings

Location: Northern Andes (highlands) at 2,750 meters or 9,000 ft. above sea level.

Climate: It's temperate and dry, warm during the day but cold at night. The mean temperature is 14°C (57°F) and it is rainy from December to March.

Landscapes: Cajamarca is famous for its picturesque countryside as valleys, forests and hamlets. One of its attractions are also the hot springs, the most famous one is the "Banos del Inca" (Inca's baths), dating from Incas time (15th century); another one is Yumagual, a former hacienda with hot springs by the river, its water mixes with the river water, allowing you to choose your preferred temperature for bathing. Another interesting place of Cajamarca is the "Frailones" (stone forest of the monks), it's a complex of imposing megalithic formations.

History: You can visit some remains of the Inca culture in Cajamarca. The most interesting ones are the Inca cemeteries of Otuzco and Combayo, both are necropolis with tombs carved into the rocky slope of a hill. Also the city of Cajamarca itself is important in the history of Peru, there the Spaniards captured the last Inca king in 1532, and later started the conquest of the whole empire after they executed him. An interesting spot is the “Ransom Chamber”, that was where the last Inca king, Atahualpa, offered to fill a room once with gold and another, twice with silver, in exchange for his freedom, he did it, and in spite of it the conquistadors condemned him to death by garrote. The room is still on feet, but don't expect to find gold there.

Customs and folklore: The most important festivity of Cajamarca is Carnival in February or March (dates vary). During those days it are parades of people wearing outfits, traditional dances, fireworks, music and lot of beer. It’s an unique opportunity to enjoy the warmth of its people, its folklore, its cheeses and milk sweets.