ÍNDICE
The Cajamarca region is one of the regions of Peru with the greatest natural, historical and cultural wealth. In this town, the economic and labor drivers start from hard work, since more than 60% of the residents are dedicated to agriculture, and another important sector is mining.
This is not an aspect that limits them at all, since this region is known nationally as “the land of joy” and this, added to its great festivities and beautiful landscapes, make it one of the most touristic regions in the country.
Within its population, of more than one million inhabitants, a great ethnic variety can be seen, since a large part of its inhabitants comes from the Cupisniques, the Caxamarcas, the Cañaris, and even Andalusian Spaniards.
Visiting the enchanting region of Cajamarca, Peru, is an experience that promises to immerse you in a tapestry of captivating landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and authentic local interactions. Nestled amidst the breathtaking Andes Mountains, Cajamarca offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty.
From the awe-inspiring ancient Inca baths at the Baños del Inca to the historical site of the Battle of Cajamarca where history took a decisive turn, every corner of this region is steeped in stories waiting to be discovered. The warmth and hospitality of the locals, coupled with the vibrant markets showcasing traditional crafts and flavors, ensure that your journey to Cajamarca will be an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s soul-stirring past and vibrant present.
Provinces of the Cajamarca region
➡️ Cajamarca is divided into thirteen provinces, which are…
- Province of Cajamarca (homonymous capital of the department)
- Cajabamba Province
- Province of Celendín
- Province of Santa Cruz
- Cutervo Province
- Hualgayoc Province
- Chota Province
- Province of Contumaza
- Province of Jaen
- Province of San Miguel
- Province of San Pablo
- Province of San Ignacio
- Province of San Marcos
It should be noted that these provinces are divided into 123 districts.
Cajamarca area map
The Cajamarca region is currently the core of mining, industrial, commercial, cultural and tourist production in said area, which is why it has the greatest economic scope of all the departments of the northern Peruvian highlands.
Geography of Cajamarca
Among the things that make Cajamarca stand out from the others is its great hydrographic wealth as it has a considerable number of rivers, such as:
- Marañón River.
- Cajamarquino River.
- The Gallito Ciego Dam (Jequetepeque).
- Chancay River, from which the Tinajones Dam is born. Near the latter is also located the Carhuaquero Hydroelectric Plant.
Regarding its borders, the geographical and physical limits of the department of Cajamarca are the following:
- Republic of Ecuador to the north
- Departments of Lambayeque and Piura in its western hemisphere
- Department of Amazonas to the east
- Department of La Libertad to the south
The rivers that flow through its lands and the bed of its prehistoric lake have given the Cajamarcan lands enormous fertility, from which its inhabitants take great advantage.
The Western Cordillera of the Andes also represents an important part of it, as it crosses it from north to south. This causes the altitude to be quite variable, however, it remains one of the areas of Peru with the flattest topography.
In any case, the presence of the mountain range gives the Cajamarca area a significant diversity of environments and, due to its changes in altitude, brief climatic belts are generated.
This great diversity is one of the most beautiful details of the Cajamarca area, along with the beautiful landscapes that arise as a consequence.
Tourist Attractions in this place
The Cajamarca area is one of the best places in Peru to visit. Its beautiful forests, good weather, pleasant people, delicious food and fun festivals combine with its tourist attractions to be a good destination for everyone.
What can you visit in Cajamarca (Peru)
- Las Ventanillas de Otuzco, funeral buildings with incredible architecture at 1,650 meters above sea level.
- Cutervo National Park, more than 8 thousand hectares of amazing flora and fauna.
- The Rescue Room of the Inca Atahualpa.
- Cumbemayo and the Frailones.
- Los Baños del Inca (natural thermal waters).
Typical Climate in the Cajamarquina area
☀️ The climate in the Cajamarca Region is very different from that of Lima and the coastal cities. There is no humidity, on the contrary, it is a very dry, sunny and temperate climate with very cold nights almost all year round. This is due to its altitude, between 2,300 – 3,500 meters above sea level.
Its average minimum temperature is 6°C and the average maximum is 21°C, making its average annual temperature 15.6°C.
Due to the fact that its climatological seasons are not as marked as in other Regions, it is generally stated that the department of Cajamarca has two seasons or two types of climates, the rainy season and the dry season.
➨ The rainy season, which would coincide with the coastal summer, runs from December to March; During this time it is quite hot and the rains are considerably constant and heavy. In the dry season (autumn and winter), from May to September, rainfall decreases and the climate becomes temperate again.
According to many statistics, the Cajamarca Region has the best climate in the entire mountain range of Peru, since its proximity to the Ecuador makes temperatures quite pleasant and regulated. In addition, it is also classified as the Region with the most forestation in the country.
Flora and fauna
🐦 Due to its extensive forestation, in the city of Cajamarca large groups of animals live inside its forests.
- Hundreds of types of birds.
- Jaguarundi felines (jaguarandís).
- glasses eyes
- coastal foxes
- wild cats
- Cougars
- Otters
- Armadillos
- brown turkeys
- Deer and many other species.
As you can see in the following video, in the Department of Cajamarca we find different animals in danger of extinction, so the conservation of the fauna of this department is of vital importance if we do not want to lose precious animal species typical of our country. Peru.
🌷 In the area of flora, some of the most common and characteristic species are the following:
Cedars, husks, oak, walnut, jacaranda, matico, alder, palo blanco and willow; However, there is a negative side and that is that deforestation is beginning to take place in the country, so these species are progressively decreasing.
Economy
The bases of the economy of the Cajamarca area are mainly mining, with 36% of the GVA, and agriculture, forestry and hunting, represent 13% of the GVA.
Mining is definitely the most important activity in the region, so when its production stagnates, so does the economic progress of the department.
Typical food of the region
In the area of gastronomy, the Cajamarca area is not far behind. Its typical dishes fill all palates with happiness. Among its most recognized dishes are the following:
- The pot.
- Broth with vegetables and pork, beef and mutton
- The Fried Cuy, accompanied by rocoto and Creole sauce
- El Caldo Verde, delicious soup based on Cajamarquino cheese complemented with mountain range
- The classic Chicharrón con Camote, exquisite fried pork
- Lamb’s Head Broth
- Chochoca Soup with Cecina
- the humite
- And as desserts, the classic blancmange and fig preserves.
Most Important Festival of the Region
Clearly, Cajamarca has various festivities native to its culture, but the one that stands out the most is Carnival, one of the largest festivities in the entire country, celebrated 40 days before Ash Wednesday.
The purpose of this festival is to pay homage to ‘King Momo’ and, to celebrate, they decorate the city with striking parades, while citizens dress up and carry out parades with music, dances and various activities. Chicha de jora cannot be missed in these colorful streets either.