Introduction
When visiting the department of Cajamarca, we are exposed to a three-dimensional gaze, because - as we know - there are three main events that organize our history: the Inca period, the colony and the contemporary age. And it is these three elements that we find in Cajamarca.
We can get to the main square, for example, and be contemplating the Inca Atahualpa's rescue room, and then look for a little spot and go eat a tasty spicy papa con cuy. What Cajamarca presents us with is a true wonder. We can see with our eyes the passing of time and how this department has served as a containment so that our memory will never forget.
I invite you to read a little more about this beautiful place!
Geography
Cajamarca is located in the northwest of the country. It limits to the north with Ecuador, to the east with Amazonas, to the south with La Libertad and to the west with Lambayeque and Piura.
Cajamarca was founded on February 11, 1855, has an area of 33 317.54 km2, ranking 15 in terms of surface area nationwide. This department is home to 1,529,755 inhabitants (INEI, 2016), being the sixth most densely populated department.
Due to its altitude it is part of the Quechua region, which makes its climate temperate and dry. This is why we can find very sunny mornings and at night feel that the temperature drops. Although it has an average temperature of 15.6 ° C, we can find a more tropical climate in some cities, since it is also close to the jungle.
History
Cajamarca is one of the oldest cities that was already formed even before the arrival of the Spanish for the conquest.
The Incas as early as 1465 had decided to take Cajamarca to use it as a bridge city, which allowed the extension of their domains. It is in 1532, in the main square of this place, where the Inca Atahualpa is captured, offering Pizarro a room full of gold and two of silver, which has made this event the largest rescue in history.
Festivities
- Aniversario de creación de la Ciudad de Cajamarca: It is commemorated every February 11. The celebration begins with the traditional Mass and Te Deum in the Main Cathedral of the city. After this, we proceed to the offering of flowers in memory and recognition of the heroic deed of its founders, who incited the people of Cajamarca to confront the troops who wanted to subdue it.
- Carnavales de Cajamarca: It is celebrated on February 22. Cajamarca is known as the Capital of Carnival in Peru. This is the most important party in this department. Corsicans are presented, in addition to the coronation of queens. Added to this is the preparation of typical dishes and drinks, as well as the respective cortamontes.
- Semana Santa en Cajamarca: Traditional event, which can occur in early April as well as late March, depending on the liturgical calendar.
- Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen en Celendín: On July 16 of each year, the festival in honor of the Virgen del Carmen, considered as its patron saint, is celebrated in various areas of the Cajamarca region, especially in the town of Celendín.
- Feria FONGAL de Cajamarca: From July 24 to 31. The Agricultural, Agroindustrial, Craft and Tourist Fair is held. This activity brings together producers from the region. In this fair there are gastronomic festivals, local dances, as well as various competitions.
- Festividad del Señor de Huamantanga: It is celebrated from 05 to 23 September, being celebrated in the Cajamarca region. On this date, festivals, fireworks and the well-known Patronal Fair of National Integration Señor de Huamanga are held.
- Semana Turística: It takes place between the first and second week of October. It is carried out with the aim of strengthening the identity and knowing the resources of the region. The complete program can be found on the Cajamarca Regional Government website.
Festivities (photos)
Gastronomy
- Caldo Verde: Also known as Yaku Chupe, a typical Cajamarca dish. Cheese, potatoes, eggs, paico, mint and parsley are used. It can be served with a portion of Andean court.
- Picante de papa con cuy frito: Various nutritional products are mixed in this dish. Garlic cloves, pepper, salt, ground chili pepper and cumin are used to taste. Potato stew is served, garnished with ají panca, peanuts and salt. It is usually accompanied with a chopped onion and hot pepper seasoned in lemon.
- Chicharrón con mote: In this region, the pork is usually browned with its own fat. It is seasoned with pepper and salt, until it takes on its own flavor. It is accompanied with a glass of chicha de jora.
- Sopa de chochoca o de cecina: Nutritious soup containing beef, jerky, celery, leek, potatoes, and cornmeal.
- Caldo de cabeza de carnero o cordero: Also known as Uman Caldo, which is a parboiled made from lamb's head.
- Humitas dulces: Made from corn. It is usually used as a starter or also a companion to some dishes such as Pachamanca.
Gastronomy (photos)
Tourist places
- Ventanillas de Otuzco: Located 8 km. from the city of Cajamarca. It shows how extraordinary the pre-Hispanic necropolis of Peru was. They are a series of rocks that form a wall on which several quadrangular funerary niches are carved. Most of these niches are empty because they were looted by huaqueros or gold prospectors.
- La ciudad de Cajamarca: The city of Cajamarca lets us see the historical line, that is, the passage of the different cultures that marked this region. In this sense, as soon as we step on Cajamarca we find the slopes: Inca, colonial and contemporary. We also find in this place the Bethlehem church, the Chapel, the hospital, archaeological museum, the rescue room, etc.
- Cuarto de Rescate del Inca Atahualpa: Located next to the San Francisco Church, next to the Inca baths. This place has stood the test of time. If we visit this place, we will see that on the wall there is a line that indicates the height where the arm of the Inca Atahualpa reached, which he filled with the intention of being released.
- Baños del Inca: Located 6 km. from the city. This place is considered the capital of thermal baths in Peru. These waters have a high mineral content. This means that it has healing properties that travelers have attracted from the beginning.
- Cerro Santa Apolonia: Viewpoint that stands out throughout the city. It consists of three hundred stairs, by which one can have access. Despite how tiring it can be, when you reach the top it will all have made sense: the view is more than wonderful.
Tourist places (photos)
Economic resources
The economic activity that generates the most income in Cajamarca is mining. We find among the most characteristic: the Yanacocha gold deposit, being the second mine worldwide due to its production and the extension of its deposit.
Regarding agriculture, we find that Jaén is the main producer of coffee and one of the largest producers of rice. This department is also characterized by the production of sugar cane, brandy and chancaca. In addition, Celendín is considered a large producer of lentils, corn and pastures.
Cajamarca is also considered the first region to produce cattle. Producer, also of trout and silverside. In terms of industry, we find cheese, butter and yogurt.
Conclusion
