Cajamarca Cathedral, or the Church of Santa Catalina

A Royal Decree dated December 26, 1665, ordered the establishment of a Spanish parish in the city of Cajamarca, and on the site of the old Casa de Justicia, the church was built which, in 1682, would be elevated to the category of cathedral. This is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in Peru and its façade is a harmonious combination of finely-carved columns, cornices and niches. The three naves contain the main altar and pulpit, both carved from wood and covered with gold leaf

Ransom Chamber

This is the only vestige of Inca architecture in the city. It was built of stone, with its walls slightly inclined to give it the trapezoidal form characteristic of Inca constructions. The Inca Atahualpa, who was imprisoned in this chamber, promised Francisco Pizarro that he would fill it once with gold and twice with silver in exchange for his freedom.

San Francisco Church

This church was built in 1699 with the carved stones from the so-called “House of the Serpent”, the property of a Cajamarca chieftain, Calixto Astopilco, and with stone from Santa Apolonia Hill. In 1952, under the main altar of the church, a series of catacombs were found to contain the remains of several members of the Franciscan order, as well as members of the indigenous nobility. As well as the church, the convent can also be visited, together with the Museum of Religious Art and the Shrine of “Virgen Dolorosa” [Lady of Sorrows], the city’s patron saint. The image of the Virgin is located in the Chapel of the “Capilla del Sagrario” [Tabernacle] (1685), adjacent to the church of San Francisco, remarkable for its baroque carvings. The high relief carvings of this church depict scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and the choir stall is carved from wood. The monumental complex of Belén dates from the 18th century and is composed of a church, the ex-Hospital de Varones [“Men’s Hospital”] (Medical Museum) and the ex-Hospital de Mujeres [“Women’s Hospital”] (Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography), previously known as the “Hospital de Nuestra Señora de la Piedad”. The church, built in the baroque style, is characterized by its finely-carved stone portal, the uncompleted towers, arches and the side buttresses.

Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex

20 kilometers to the southwest of Cajamarca (45 minutes by car): Discovered in 1937, this complex is surrounded by an interesting series of rock formations which seem to produce the shadows of friars, and for this reason they are commonly known as the “Frailones”. Other places of interest include the aqueduct (1000 BC), a remarkable example of hydraulic engineering, the so-called Santuario [Sanctuary], a rock outcrop that resembles a huge human head, and Las Cuevas, a series of caves with ancient rock carvings

Ventanillas de Otuzco

Located 8 kilometers to the northwest of the city of Cajamarca (10 minutes by car), the necropolis of Otuzco is popularly known by the name “Ventanillas de Otuzco” [“Windows of Otuzco”] because of its unusual appearance. It consists of a series of square or rectangular niches that were carved from the surface of the volcanic rock in rows. Because the tombs have been sacked, it is difficult to be certain of their exact age, but some evidence points to them being from the Caxamarca culture, which dominated the region between 300 AD and 800 AD.

Santa Apolonia Natural Viewing Point

Located in the highest part of the city, and once known by its Quechua name Rumi Tiana (“Stone Seat”), this is the best place from which to enjoy views of the city and valley of Cajamarca. On the slopes of the hill, vestiges remain of pre-Hispanic construction, including the so-called “Inca’s Seat”, formed by a block of stone that emerges from the living rock and which was finely-carved to give it its current form. Among a series of stairways and gardens is the chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Fátima.

Porcón Farm

The Atahualpa Jerusalén Agricultural Cooperative is located 30 kilometers north of the city of Cajamarca (a one hour drive). The members of this cooperative have decided to open their doors to tourism, and visitors can observe their way of life and participate in their agricultural, livestock and forestry work. Also, it is possible to hike in the surrounding forest and countryside. Porcón Farm brings together agricultural tourism, nature and cultural exchange in a single place.