- Ambush at Cajamarca: In November 1532, Francisco Pizarro arrived in Cajamarca, where Atahualpa and his army were encamped. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Pizarro devised a plan to deceive and capture Atahualpa.
- Invitation to Cajamarca: Pizarro sent an envoy to invite Atahualpa to meet him in Cajamarca, ostensibly to discuss peace and forge an alliance. Despite warnings from some of his generals, Atahualpa agreed to meet with the Spaniards.
- Surprise Attack: On November 16, 1532, Pizarro executed his plan. As Atahualpa entered the central square of Cajamarca with his entourage, the Spanish forces under Pizarro's command attacked. The Incas were taken by surprise and were no match for the Spanish cavalry and firearms.
- Capture of Atahualpa: In the midst of the chaos, Pizarro personally confronted Atahualpa and managed to capture him by grabbing his arm. The Spaniards proceeded to massacre thousands of unarmed Inca warriors.
- Hostage and Ransom: Atahualpa was taken prisoner by the Spanish and held hostage. He offered an incredible ransom in gold and silver to gain his freedom, filling an entire room with precious metals. Despite receiving the ransom, the Spanish grew concerned about Atahualpa's potential for regaining power, and eventually decided to put him on trial.
- Trial and Execution: A show trial was held, with fabricated charges of murder, idolatry, and rebellion against the Spanish crown. Despite having fulfilled the terms of his ransom, Atahualpa was found guilty and sentenced to death. On August 29, 1533, he was executed by garroting (strangulation).
Pizarro's capture of Atahualpa and the subsequent fall of the Inca Empire marked a critical turning point in the Spanish conquest of Peru and opened the way for Spanish domination in South America.