Cajamarca is located in the Northern Highlands in Peru, in the department of Cajamarca. It is approximately 8,900 ft above sea level. Cajamarca has an equatorial climate so it is mild, dry and sunny, which creates real fertile soil. The origin of the city goes back over 3,000 years. In 1450, Cápac Yupanqui, conquered the area and brought Cajamarca into the Tawantinsuyu. In 1532, there was a huge battle. A group of spanish under Francisco Pizarro, took Atahualpa as their prisonerat the Plaza de Armas, or main square. Atahualpa had to fill the famous the "Rescue Room", El Cuarto del Rescate, with silver and gold so that he could be freed, however he was still killed. On Feb 11, 1855, Cajamarca received the supreme decree from president Castilla and became the official capital of the department of Cajamarca. Cajamarca is also known for its churches, and hot springs, or Inca Baths.