|
|
|
Attractions in Cajamarca
Atracctions surrounding areas Inca Baths - Cajamarca
At a distance of 6 km eastwards from the City of Cajamarca along a paved road, one arrives at these hot springs, which were enjoyed by Inca Atahualpa when the Spanish Conquistadores arrived. This is a unique place, as it is rather surprising to learn of the variety of minerals contained in its waters. At the Inca Baths (2,667m.a.s.l.) the so-called Poza del Inca (Individual Inca Bath) has been preserved intact, as well as the stone canals and some fountains dating back to those days. New pools have been built both for groups and individuals, to which visitors have access. Residents comment on the medicinal or healing properties of these waters, with a temperature of about 70°C. In effect, they are considered ideal to treat some bone diseases and to relax. It is easy to reach the Inca Baths, as there is public transportation to the site. Llanacora - Cajamarca Llacanora is a nice and cozy little town located at a distance of 13 km from the City of Cajamarca, or 30 min away. This is an excellent place to make contact with the handcraft tradition and the natural wealth of the Region. Llacanora (2,606m.a.s.l.) is not only known because its people make very long cane bugles, but also because it is possible to go on peaceful 20-min walks from there, ending in two beautiful water falls. La Colpa - Cajamarca Only 11 km from Cajamarca is the old Hacienda of La Colpa, engaged in cattle breeding. This is where one can witness the unique event known as "The Calling of the Cows"; upon hearing a worker clearly shout out their names, each animal approaches in an orderly fashion to be milked. The place is quiet and peaceful and has a chapel, the hacienda house, an artificial lagoon and large well kept gardens. Otuzco - Cajamarca On Llanguil Hill, only 8 km northeast from the City of Cajamarca, there are living rock excavations, appearing at a distance to be multiple array of windows. The so-called Ventanillas (Niches) of Otuzco (2,850m.a.s.l.) are actually part of an old cemetery of the Cajamarca Culture, which niches are neatly arranged in rows. Apparently, this was an important place for honoring ancestors, which remains may have been removed from their original tombs to be deposited in this necropolis. Archaeologists have been able to identify two types of niches; the simple type, for the majority, and the multiple types, comprised of a corridor flanked by lateral niches. Permanent public transportation is available to reach this site. If it is preferred, the trip can be made on a bicycle enjoying the beautiful Cajamarca countryside. Necropolis of Combayo - Cajamarca This is a funerary complex similar to that of Otuzco, although better preserved, located in Combayo (3,000m.a.s.l.), 20 km north from Cajamarca. There, on the slopes of San Cristóbal, numerous niches were built belonging to the Cajamarca Culture. Public transportation does not go as far as the so-called Ventanillas (Niches) of Combayo but individual excursions are conducted, being necessary to take warm clothes as the afternoons are chilly. Returning to Cajamarca, only 3 km from the city, one can visit the livestock farm of Tres Molinos and taste manjarblanco (liquid fudge sweet), butter and the typical cheeses of Cajamarca. It is also possible there to take a ride on a famous Peruvian Paso Horse. Visiting the gardens filled with ornamental plants and especially hydrangeas is a must. Porcon Farm - Cajamarca
The Atahualpa Jerusalem Cooperative or Porcón Farm, as it is also known, is an excellent sample of peasant work, offering visitors the opportunity of participating in different agricultural or livestock tasks. Actually, in addition to the traditional crops of the former hacienda, the livestock business has been successfully developed, including cattle and camelidae. There are also deer, ocelots, monkeys and eagles. In Porcón, 30 km northeast from
Cajamarca (116 km from Lower Porcón) at 3,400m.a.s.l, an exemplary reforestation process has been carried out, responsible for the recovery of 10,000 ha of forest. Twenty kilometers before reaching Porcón, it is worth stopping in the village of Huambocancha to buy beautiful items carved in volcanic stone.
|
|
