Cajamarca

City and capital of the province and department of the same name in northern Peru, over 600 km/373 mi northwest of Lima; population (2005) 129,100. Cajamarca lies 2,650 m/8,694 ft above sea-level and is famous as the site of the capture and execution of the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa (in 1533). Many imposing colonial buildings remain, including the cathedral and churches of San Francisco, Belem, and La Immaculada.

Important pre-Inca archaeological remains are to be found at Cumbe Mayo, 20 km/12 mi southwest of the city. There are warm sulphur baths at Baños del Inca, which is also the centre of a dairy cattle area.

Cajamarca

Department in northern Peru, bordering on Ecuador; area 35,417 sq km/13,675 sq mi; population (1996) 1,343,501. The department lies partly in the Andean highlands, and partly in the Marañon river valley. It is predominantly rural; wheat, rice, wool, and dairy foods are the main products. The province of Hualgayoc was an important mining area in colonial times. Modern mining in the region centres on two sites; vast copper deposits are located at Michiquillay, and coal is found in the Alto Chicama area.