Cajamarca, Peru

Cajamarca from Bellavista lookout

Cajamarca is located in the northern highlands of Peru, 8,920 feet above sea level, with a population of over 200,000 people. It has an equatorial climate, mild, dry, and sunny, which creates very fertile soil. The area is well known for its cheeses and dairy products. This is only a partial view of the extensive and level plain below. The "bump" in the left of center in the photo is Santa Apolonia hill. There is a carved stone on top where it is thought the Inca emperor sat to review his troops.

Cathedral of Cajamarca

The Cathedral is on the plaza, facing the San Francisco Church directly across the plaza. Construction began on the Cathedral in the late 17th century and was only recently finished.

The façade is considered one of the remarkable achievements of Latin American art.

San Francisco Church

This fountain in the plaza was built in 1692 to commemorate the landing of Columbus in America.

A typical street in Cajamarca, near the plaza. My hotel is just behind me. 

The courtyard of my hotel, in typical Spanish colonial style. The courtyard is open with no roof. These old houses make up most of central Cajamarca. The fountain has running water on Sundays.

Many streets are for pedestrians only