On November 16, 1532, Spanish forces killed zero Spaniards at Cajamarca; only Inca warriors and civilians were casualties during Francisco Pizarro’s ambush.
Where is Cajamarca and what happened there in 1532?
Cajamarca sits high in Peru’s northern Andes, 2,750 meters above sea level. This mountain city wasn’t just scenic—it was a major Inca hub, linking roads and hosting ceremonies. Then, on that fateful afternoon of November 16, 1532, 168 Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro pulled off the ultimate ambush. They captured Emperor Atahualpa, and everything changed for South America.
Key Details
| Category | Figures | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish troops present | 168 conquistadors | Britannica |
| Inca deaths at Cajamarca | Between 5,000 and 7,000 | National Geographic |
| Spanish fatalities | 0 confirmed | Smithsonian |
| Date of battle | November 16, 1532 | Britannica |
| Inca emperor captured | Atahualpa | History.com |
| Gold ransom demanded | Room filled once with gold and twice with silver | National Geographic |
| Gold delivered | ≈13,420 lb (6,087 kg) of 22-karat gold and ≈26,840 lb (12,173 kg) of silver | National Geographic |
Why did the Spanish prevail without losing any of their own?
Here’s the thing: Atahualpa had up to 80,000 soldiers around Cajamarca, but the Spanish had something far deadlier—surprise. Pizarro tricked the Inca emperor into a public square, then unleashed cavalry charges and gunfire into crowds that weren’t even armed. The Inca forces, still recovering from civil war and unfamiliar with European tactics, never stood a chance. Later, disease and indigenous allies finished what steel and gunpowder started.
What became of the Inca Empire after Cajamarca?
Atahualpa’s execution in July 1533 kicked off a domino effect. The Spanish marched south, took Cusco in 1534, and the empire crumbled under foreign pressure, civil strife, and diseases like smallpox. By 1570, the population had dropped by a shocking 90%. Yet, Quechua-speaking communities survived, and today, nearly half of Peru’s population traces roots back to those resilient Andean cultures.
Practical Information for Visitors (as of 2026)
- Location: Cajamarca, Peru (6°44′S 78°31′W)
- Getting there: Fly direct from Lima—just 1 hour 45 minutes—to Cajamarca’s airport (CJA). From there, taxis reach the city center in 20 minutes; buses take about 30.
- Key sites:
- Plaza de Armas: Where Atahualpa was captured, surrounded by colonial balconies and the grand Cajamarca Cathedral.
- Ventanillas de Otuzco: Eerie pre-Inca burial niches carved into rock, just 8 km northeast of town.
- Cuarto del Rescate: The tiny room where Atahualpa’s massive ransom was delivered—now a museum.
- Best time to visit: Aim for the dry season, May through October. Temperatures hover between 5°C and 22°C. November 16? That’s when locals honor the battle with cultural events and reenactments.
- Currency: Peruvian sol (PEN). As of June 2026, one US dollar buys about 4.10 soles. Cards work in hotels and restaurants, but markets? Bring cash.
How many Spaniards were killed in the invasion of Cajamarca?
None. After months of spying, diplomacy, and careful planning, Francisco Pizarro’s 168 conquistadors launched their ambush on November 16, 1532. Not a single Spanish soldier fell that day.
How many Spanish did the Incas kill?
Zero. The Inca forces never managed to land a single fatal blow on the Spanish during the battle. Their defeat came from shock, not combat.
How many Incas did the Spanish kill on November 16?
Between 5,000 and 7,000 Inca warriors and civilians perished when Pizarro’s men opened fire on unarmed crowds in Cajamarca’s main square.
How many Incas did Spain kill in 1532?
Around 5,000 to 7,000 Inca deaths occurred at Cajamarca on November 16, 1532, according to historical accounts.
Are the Incas still alive?
Not as a distinct ethnic group, but their descendants are. Most Inca people didn’t survive colonization—they were killed in battle or by European diseases. Today, their legacy lives on in Peru’s Quechua-speaking communities, who make up about 45% of the population.
Which language did the Inca speak?
Quechua. The Inca rulers made it the official language of Cusco in the early 1400s, turning it into the empire’s administrative and religious tongue.
What killed the Incas?
Smallpox and influenza. These diseases spread like wildfire through the empire, wiping out nobles and commoners alike long before the Spanish fully conquered them.
Who killed the Mayans?
Hernán Cortés made first contact with the Itza Maya and other lowland groups in the Petén Basin. Though the Spanish didn’t immediately destroy the Maya, their arrival marked the beginning of the end for many communities.
Did the conquistadors kill the Incas?
They captured Emperor Atahualpa at the 1532 Battle of Cajamarca. After years of scouting and skirmishes, Pizarro’s forces—backed by indigenous allies—seized the Inca leader, setting the stage for the empire’s collapse.
Why did the Inca Empire fall?
Foreign epidemics and superior weaponry played huge roles. But honestly, the Spanish were masters of manipulation. They exploited divisions, turned allies against each other, and used Atahualpa’s capture as a springboard to dismantle an empire that had ruled the Andes for centuries.
How did Pizarro defeat the Incas?
He captured Atahualpa and slaughtered 1,500 of his followers. Then he took the gold, executed the emperor, and marched on to conquer the rest of the empire in search of more treasure.
How much gold did the Spanish take from the Incas?
Over 13,000 pounds of 22-karat gold—and twice as much silver. After melting it down, the conquistadors split the loot among the 160 men who’d helped capture Atahualpa and secure his ransom.
Are there any descendants of the Incas?
Yes—modern Quechua-speaking peasants in the Andes. They make up roughly 45% of Peru’s population today, carrying on traditions that stretch back to Inca times.
Are Incas extinct?
Culturally, yes. Within two centuries of Pizarro’s ambush, the Inca civilization had vanished, crushed by war, disease, and Spanish rule. Their legacy? It’s alive in Peru’s people and landscapes.
What race were the Incas?
Ethnic Quechua, also known as Amerindians. They were one of South America’s most advanced pre-Columbian civilizations, ruling an empire that stretched across modern-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia.
