Cajamarca

Cajamarca is a city in the northern highlands of Peru, located in the inter-Andean valley of the same name. It serves as the capital of the Cajamarca Region.

History: Cajamarca is historically significant as the site where the Inca emperor Atahualpa was captured and later executed by the Spanish conquistadors under Francisco Pizarro in 1532. This pivotal event marked the beginning of the end of the Inca Empire. Pre-Columbian Cajamarca was a significant cultural and political center, inhabited by the Cajamarca culture prior to the Inca conquest.

Geography: The city sits at an altitude of approximately 2,750 meters (9,022 feet) above sea level. The surrounding landscape is characterized by fertile valleys and rolling hills.

Economy: Agriculture is a major component of the regional economy, with dairy farming being particularly prominent. Mining, particularly gold mining, also contributes significantly to the economy of the Cajamarca region. Tourism, drawn by the city's historical importance and nearby natural attractions, is an increasingly important sector.

Culture and Tourism: Key tourist attractions in Cajamarca include:

• El Cuarto del Rescate (The Ransom Room): The room where Atahualpa was held prisoner and offered to fill with gold and silver in exchange for his freedom.

• Baños del Inca (Inca Baths): Thermal baths traditionally associated with the Inca emperor Atahualpa.

• The Plaza de Armas: The central square of the city, surrounded by colonial-era buildings.

• Cumbemayo: A pre-Inca aqueduct and rock formations located outside the city.

Demographics: Cajamarca is a growing urban center with a diverse population.

Transportation: The city is served by the Armando Revoredo Iglesias Airport, which provides air links to other parts of Peru. It is also connected by road to other major cities.