Peru Guide
The North
Cajamarca
An attractive city that's almost Mediterranean in appearance, CAJAMARCA, at 2720m above sea level, squats below high mountains in a neat valley. Despite the altitude, the climate is surprisingly pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 6 to 23°C (43–75°F); the rainy season is between the months of December and March. The city's stone-based architecture reflects the cold nights up here – charming as it all is, with elaborate stone filigree mansions, churches and old Baroque facades. In contrast, the interiors of most buildings are actually quite austere in appearance with plain walls and roofs. Cajamarca is never overcrowded with tourists; in fact, it's unusual to see any foreign travellers outside of the main season, June to September.
As Cajamarca is the regional centre for a vast area, its street market is one of the largest and most intriguing in Peru – you can find almost anything here from slingshots, herbs and jungle medicines to exotic fruit and vegetables, as well as the usual cheap plastic imports. It is generally a busy, friendly place, but beware of pickpockets.
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