Cutervo Province is one of the thirteen provinces of the Cajamarca Region in northern Peru. Its capital is the city of Cutervo. The province covers an area of approximately 3,100 km² (1,200 sq mi) and, according to the 2017 national census, has a population of about 150,000 inhabitants.
Geography
The province lies in the Andean highlands, with elevations ranging from roughly 1,500 m to over 3,500 m above sea level. It is bordered by the provinces of Chota to the north, Antonio Raymondi (in the Amazonas Region) to the east, and San Ignacio to the south and west. The terrain is characterized by steep valleys, high plateaus, and cloud forests.
Administrative divisions
Cutervo Province is subdivided into fifteen districts:
- Cutervo (capital)
- Callayuc
- Choros
- Cujillo
- La Ramada
- Pimpingos
- Querocotillo
- San Andrés de Tupicocha
- San Juan de Licupis
- San Luis
- Santa Cruz
- Santo Domingo de la Capilla
- Santo Tomás
- Socota
- Huambo
Each district has its own local municipal government.
History
The area was originally inhabited by indigenous groups, primarily the Kichwa-speaking peoples. The province was formally created during the Republican era of Peru; official records indicate its establishment in the mid‑19th century as part of the administrative reorganization of the Cajamarca Region.
Economy
The economy of Cutervo Province is largely based on agriculture and livestock. Staple crops include potatoes, maize, beans, and quinoa, while cattle, sheep, and goats are common in the highland pastures. Small‑scale mining, particularly of gold and copper, also occurs in certain districts, though it represents a minor portion of provincial income.
Natural environment
Cutervo National Park, located within the province, is notable for being Peru’s oldest national park (established in 1961). The protected area encompasses more than 850 km² of cloud forest, puna grassland, and high Andean ecosystems. It harbors a diverse array of flora and fauna, including several endemic bird species and the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus).
Infrastructure and services
The provincial capital, Cutervo, is connected to the regional capital, Cajamarca, by a paved highway that facilitates transport of goods and passengers. Health services are provided by a provincial hospital in Cutervo and smaller health posts in surrounding districts. Educational institutions range from primary schools to secondary schools, with some districts offering technical training programs.
Demographics
The population is primarily of mixed mestizo descent, with Quechua‑speaking communities present especially in rural districts. Spanish is the dominant language of public life, while indigenous languages persist in household and cultural contexts.
References
- Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática (INEI), Perú: Census data, 2017.
- Gobierno Regional de Cajamarca: Administrative and geographic information.
- Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado (SERNANP): Data on Cutervo National Park.
All information presented reflects publicly available, verifiable sources up to the knowledge cutoff date of June 2024.
