Cajamarca is a region in northern Peru, set in the Andes, and it is known first for two things: its mining resources, particularly gold, and its place in the history of the Spanish conquest. It was here that Spanish conquistadors captured the Inca emperor Atahualpa, an event that marks a turning point in the story of the Andes.
What a visit offers
- A historical focus, centred on the capture of Atahualpa and the encounter between the Inca and Spanish worlds.
- A look at the region's mining economy, which has long shaped its landscape and its towns.
- The chance to explore northern Peru beyond the country's better-known southern routes.
Visitors interested in history will find the region a natural place to slow down and read about the Spanish arrival in the Andes before moving on to other parts of the country. Those drawn to landscape and rural life will appreciate the highland setting and the sense of a region where mining and farming have grown side by side.
Planning your trip
Cajamarca works well as part of a wider journey through northern Peru. Because the region is less touristed than some Peruvian destinations, it suits travellers who want a quieter pace and more direct contact with local communities. Check current transport options and local conditions before you go, as they can change, and allow time to take in the surrounding countryside as well as the historic sites.
