Cajamarca, Historic colonial center in Northern Peru
Cajamarca is a city in Cajamarca Department in the northern Andes of Peru, sitting at 2,750 meters (9,022 feet) elevation in a mountain valley. The colonial buildings made of carved stone cluster around a central plaza, from which several streets branch off toward residential neighborhoods and the market zone.
Francisco Pizarro captured Inca ruler Atahualpa here in 1532, marking the beginning of Spanish control over the Inca empire. The Spanish then built churches and public buildings on the foundations of the original Inca structures.
The main plaza becomes a gathering spot in the evenings, where residents sit on benches chatting in small groups or stroll along the pathways. On the side streets, women sell fresh dairy products from the surrounding countryside, including cheese and yogurt that have been made here for generations.
The elevation can cause fatigue for arriving visitors at first, so taking time to adjust over the first days is recommended. Most sites lie within walking distance in the center, while more distant spots like Cumbe Mayo require transport.
The Cumbe Mayo aqueduct outside the city consists of channels carved into volcanic rock more than 3,000 years ago. The precision of the cuts shows an understanding of water pressure and slope that continues to impress engineers today.
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