Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
are thought to originally date back to the Chavín period. One of the rocks, which is known
as the Seat of the Inca, has a shape that suggests a throne, and the Inca (king) is said to
have reviewed his troops from this point.
Tours & Guides
Tour companies provide information and inexpensive guided tours of the city and its sur-
roundings. The companies claim to have English-speaking guides, but only a few really
pass muster. Tours to Cumbe Mayo (S20), Los Baños del Inca (S15), Granja Porcón (S20)
and Ventanillas de Otuzco (S15) are the most popular. Tack on an extra S10 per trip for an
English guide. The companies will often pool tours. The following agencies are well-re-
garded by travelers.
Clarin Tours
( 36-6829;
www.clarintours.com
; Jirón del Batán 165; 9:30am-noon & 3:30-7pm)
TOURS
TOURS
Festivals & Events
Carnaval
The Carnaval festivities here are reputed to be one of the most popular and rowdy events
in the country (
Click here
)
. They're held in the last few days before Lent.
FESTIVAL
CARNAVAL CAJAMARCA
The Peru-wide pageantry of Carnaval is celebrated at the beginning of Lent, usually in February. Not all
Carnavals are created equal, however. Ask any Peruvian where the wildest celebrations are at, and Cajamarca will
invariably come out trumps.
Preparations begin months in advance; sometimes, no sooner have Carnaval celebrations wound down than
planning for the following year begins. Cajamarcans take their celebrations seriously. The festival is nine days of
