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Cajamarca is located in the
northern highlands of Peru.
It is approximately 2,700 m (8,900 ft) above sea level and has a
population of about 100,000 people. Cajamarca has an equatorial climate so
it is mild, dry and sunny, which creates very fertile soil. The city is
well-known for its fine cheeses and dairy products. Cajamarca is also
known for its churches, and hot springs, or Inca Baths. Yanacocha is the
world's largest gold producing mine, one of several active mining sites in
surrounding areas. Most of all, Peruvians remember Cajamarca as the place
where the Inca Empire came to an end, since the Battle of Cajamarca along
with the capture and execution of Inca emperor Atahualpa took place here.
Because of the high altitude, precautions should be taken. Be sure to take
it easy the first day or two in town, drink lots of water and stay away
from alcohol and caffeine
Service to Cajamarca is via bus or air. There are daily flights from Lima,
as well as luxury buses (about 16 hours). Several buses a day also make
the trip from Trujillo (6 to 8 hours). Travelers can continue on to the
town of Celendín, with connecting buses to Chachapoyas. It is possible to
travel through the highlands by road to Chota & back down to
Chiclayo, & south east through Cajabamba to Huamachuco & down to Trujillo.
Transportes Linea have frequent buses from/to Chiclayo, Trujillo & Lima.
Cruz del Sur also runs daily luxury buses to Cajamarca from Chiclayo,
Trujillo & Lima.
There are many inexpensive options for accommodations in Cajamarca. In
addition to the various hotels and hostels in town, there are also a
number of spa hotels in the outskirts of town.
Casa Blanca on the Plaza has a location that can't be beat. The rooms are
clean, but most do not have a window. Price is about 100 soles per night
for a double.
Hotel Prada is a few blocks from the Plaza. They offer clean rooms with or
without bath. Double with bath 70 soles, without bath 35 soles.
For those looking a good hotel options, consider :
Laguna Seca Hotel and Spa in the Baños del Inca area. Rooms include
access to hot springs.
Posada del Puruay Farmhouse converted to a hotel. Five kilometers out of
town. Good restaurant is known for its fondue.
Hotel Costa del Sol Good Peruvian chain hotel, located on the Plaza de
Armas. |
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