San Marcos Province

San Marcos Province is an administrative region in Cajamarca, nestled in Peru's mountains and covering mountainous land that rises from around 1,500 to over 4,000 meters in elevation. It contains seven districts with the town of San Marcos serving as the administrative heart.

The province was created by Law No. 23508 on December 11, 1982, during Fernando Belaunde Terry's time in office. This establishment reorganized how the Cajamarca region was governed and divided.

The seven districts here hold their own celebrations with traditional Andean dances and regional music that shape community life. These gatherings show how residents express their connection to the mountains and their heritage.

The area connects to neighboring regions through a road network, though access can vary depending on the season. Visitors should prepare for mountainous terrain and bring appropriate gear for different elevations.

The Marañón River flows through the territory and creates zones with different growing conditions, where farmers cultivate crops at multiple elevation levels. This water source has shaped how communities live and farm across the generations.

Location: Cajamarca Department

Capital city: San Marcos

Shares border with: Cajabamba Province, Cajamarca Province, Celendín Province, Bolívar Province

GPS coordinates: -7.33528,-78.16972

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:43