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Your trip to Cajamarca will remain incomplete without trekking to the Santa Apolonia Hill, one of the most popular Tourist Attractions in Cajamarca. The best way to reach Santa Apolonia Hill is by going on a steep but picturesque climb, up the stairs located at the southeast end of the Dos de Mayo that lead to the top of Santa Apolonia hill. As you reach the summit you will see a small white chapel called the Virgen de Fátima that was built in the year 1854. Though this church remains locked most of the time, you can still get a glimpse of its magnificent interiors through steel bars of the doorway.
There is a rusty path next to the church that passes through terraced gardens where you can see a handful of caged animals. If you keep walking on that path, you will come across a “mirador” that offers sweeping views of Cajamarca stretching out at the foot of Santa Apolonia Hill. The Rocks at the top of this hill have some petroglyphs that are believed to date back to the Chavín civilization (1000-500 B.C.).
As you enjoy a panoramic God’s eye view of the Cajamarca from Santa Apolonia Hill, you will see a white cross to your right that sits on a stone altar that has earned the popular name "the Inca's Throne" for itself. According to some stories, it is so called because it is at this very altar that is carved like a chair that the Inca chief reportedly sat and gazed down on his city and troops. Though there are no proofs to corroborate this story, it lends a mystical appeal to this place. There is also a small tunnel here that according to some legends goes all the way to Cusco from Cajamarca.
Cajamarca’s Santa Apolonia Hill is one of the must see places in Cajamarca that is visited by a number of tourists all round the year. Do not forget to include Cajamarca’s Santa Apolonia Hill in your tour itinerary, during your trip to this beautiful Peru City.
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