Cajamarca

A northern Andean region that witnessed the capture of the Inca emperor Atahualpa, with hot springs and ancient sites scattered through its valleys.

Cajamarca lies in the Andes of northern Peru. Its capital, Cajamarca, sits in a fertile mountain basin and is where the Spanish captured the Inca emperor Atahualpa in 1532; the city preserves the "Ransom Room" and colonial-era churches. Nearby are the Inca hot springs, the pre-Inca Cumbemayo aqueduct and rock carvings, and the Ventanillas de Otuzco cliff tombs, and the rural dairy products are also well known. The dry season, roughly May–September, is the best time to visit, and the local Carnival is exceptionally lively. Cajamarca's airport has flights to Lima.

Destinations

• Cajamarca

Itineraries

• Northern Peru Ancient Civilizations & Kuélap – A northern loop from coastal adobe cities to cloud forest fortresses, then over the mountains to Cajamarca