Cajamanca / Huanchanco
We have to go back the other way, a loop is not possible.
The weather is beautiful and it allows us to appreciate the beautiful landscape that we could not see during our climb.
On the road following the river grow mango trees for miles ... Small stop to buy 15 mangos for 1.25 euros ... Who says better!
We land on the edge of the Pacific
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Cajamanca
Today follows our exploration of the region.
To get to the site of "Cumbe Mayo" we booked a tour from Cajamanca.
According to several sources the road is impassable ... and indeed it is impossible.
We set up in a mini-bus which, just outside the city, takes a very steep road, not aphalted and sinuous to wish ... We are not reassured there is no protection on the sides.
At the entrance of the site arriving in the wrong direction, the driver makes a U-turn on the steep path and not very wide... Several maneuvers are necessary and on board some cries of fear sound seeing the back of the bus near the ravine!!!
Discovered in 1937, the site is surrounded by a fantastic stone forest that seems to reproduce the silhouette of pious moînes according to our guide.
We can also see caves with engraved walls and an aqueduct, jewel of pre-Inca hydraulic engineering, located in the middle of a remarkable natural scenery, dating from the Cajamarca culture (1000 BC) and still in service,
According to some researchers, this place was used to make sacrifices.
The weather is not sunny but rather cloudy with some showers
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After lunch, we finish the discovery of the city
* Belén Church:
It is one of the most beautiful churches in Cajamarca, both for its façade and interior decoration.
Built in volcanic stone in the Baroque style, its facade was designed as a returnable.
Formerly known as the "Hospital of Our Lady of Mercy", this religious ensemble consists of the church and two hospitals, one for men and the other for women.
Cajamanca
For 2,000 years, Cajamarca and its surroundings were home to several tribes.
Then between 1463 and 1471, Tupac Inca conquered the region and brought the city within the Inca Empire.
In 1532, the Inca emperor "Atahualpa" was imprisoned in Cajamarca by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro and he asked the explorer, in exchange for his freedom, a room filled with gold. However, Pizarro condemned him in 1533.
From then on, the conquistadors redesigned the city in the Spanish style. Still today, are preserved colonial constructions.
* The Cathedral of Cajamarca
It is also called Santa Catalina. Its construction began in 1665 on the ruins of the former Courthouse. It was elevated to the rank of cathedral in 1682. With its baroque style, it is distinguished by its three entrance doors supported by columns . Cornices and niches have been finely carved in volcanic stone
* San Francisco Church:
This church was completed in 1579, then demolished 108 years and then rebuilt in 1699 in honor of Saint-Antoine-de-Padoua. The work lasted 80 years, until 1779. The church inherits the baroque style.
Unfortunately we were not able to visit it.
After lunch we make an organized excursion to the Ventanillas of Otuzco. The road is not too passable with the camper, we opt for this solution.
* Las ventanillas de Otuzco
Necropolis whose square or rectangular niches were carved on a rocky surface of volcanic origin. There are some clues to associate them with the Cajamarca culture, which influenced the region between 300 and 800 A.D. C.
Zana / Cajamanca
The town of Zaña was founded in 1563 by the Spanish conquerors and at an earlier time this area was known as Sañap by the natives.
We spent the night in the parking lot of the ruins of the convent of San Agustín, which was the architectural jewel of this city where one can appreciate a large patio surrounded by arcades.
Then we take the road towards "Cajamarca"
The road criss-crosses a deep valley along a gorge. Magnificent spectacle that we see under a grey sky see threatening.
We have to climb to 3100 m to reach the city by taking a recently paved mountain road.
When we reach the summit we cross a thick layer of fog that dissipates when we arrive at our destination.
After six hours of driving, we spotted a closed and guarded parking lot, not far from the city center by taxi.
ROAD BOOK 138
MAVROS ODYSSEE