Cajamarca, Peru

Capital City

With a population of just 161,215, Cajamarca is no bustling metropolis. The city's colonial architecture and dairy farms belie the daily grind of bureaucratic headaches and a high-altitude climate that can be downright chilly. Cajamarca's remote location in the Andes makes it a haven for those seeking a slower pace, but the tradeoff is a persistent struggle to navigate the city's complex institutions. For those who can endure the challenges, Cajamarca offers a taste of traditional Peruvian culture far from the tourist crowds.