por What is the Quechua region?
The region Quechua It is one of the eight natural regions in which the Peruvian territory is divided. During the time of the conquest, the Spanish structured Peru into three macro-regions: the coastal region, the jungle region, and the sierra.
Later, in 1938, the Peruvian geographer Javier Pulgar Vidal divided the country’s territory into eight zones. Thus, the sierra became made up of four regions: Janca (over 4,800 masl), Puna (between 4,100 and 4,800 masl), Suni (between 3,500 and 4,100 masl) and Quechua (between 2,300 and 3,500 masl).
From this it can be deduced that the Quechua region is located in the Peruvian highlands, at a lower altitude than the other regions of its group. It is an area made up of inter-Andean valleys, which are found between the mountainous formations of the Andes mountain range.
The name of this region comes from the Quechua word qhicwaWhat does it mean temperate, cold. Indeed, the area has a temperate climate, with temperatures between 10 and 20 °C.
The Quechua region is one of the most populated of the Peruvian Andes and of Peru, presenting rural and urban population equally.
Location
The Quechua region is located in eastern Peru, bordered by the Andes mountain range. This region is between 2,300 and 3,500 meters above sea level, which influences the region’s climate. The country is located in the southern hemisphere.
Name’s origin
The name of this region comes from the Quechua voices Quichwa, keswa, quichua and quechua, which can be translated as temperate climate region.
This name was given to the area because the temperatures are neither very hot nor very cold.
Relief
The relief of this region is formed by inter-Andean valleys. This means that these valleys are located between the central and western mountain ranges of the Andes.
Some of the valleys present in the Quechua region are:
Callejon de Huaylas.
Mantaro Valley.
Huancabamba Valley.
Said valleys join the foothills of the mountainous formations of the cordillera, forming slightly pronounced elevations (hills and slopes suitable for the development of agriculture). On the other hand, the plains are scarce in the Quechua region.
Climate
The climate of the region is temperate. This means that the temperatures are neither cold nor warm. They can vary depending on the altitude, the time of year and the time of day.
The average temperature fluctuates between 11 °C and 16 °C. The average maximum temperature is 29 °C. During autumn and winter (March to August) temperatures can drop to -4°C. In the higher altitude areas, even snow storms occur.
Rainfall is abundant during winter (May-August).
Flora
In the Quechua region, ichu (or chilihuial) and ocsa grasslands are abundant, which are grassy plants that do not exceed two meters in length.
Hundreds of hectares are covered by these grasses, which are of great importance for the economy, since they constitute fodder for cattle.
Other plant species found in the Quechua region are the black broom, the mutuy, the alder (used in carpentry), the pashullo, the anco kichka, the gongapa, the tara, the arracacha, the guarango, the cabuya, the shortcut and sage.
There is also a great variety of orchids and wild flowers, such as the wild daisy.
From 3,500 m, the quinuales are observed. These are tree formations made up of keuña trees, which can reach 15 meters.
Fauna
The fauna of the Quechua region is varied. Among the birds, the thrush, the partridge, the pigeons and the chihuanco stand out. There are also predatory birds, such as the hawk and the hawk. In the higher altitude areas, you can find the Andean condor.
Among mammals, the most characteristic animals in the area are alpacas and llamas. The vicuña and the guanaco also stand out. Of these four, the first two have been domesticated, while the last two continue to be wild species.
Among the rodents, we can mention the chinchilla, the vizcacha and the guinea pig. The latter is highly appreciated, since its meat is an essential element of traditional dishes of the region.
Activities of the primary sector of the economy
Due to the benefits of the climate and the relief, in the Quechua region it has been possible to develop economic activities in livestock and agriculture.
The soils of the inter-Andean valleys are propitious for the extensive development of agriculture and for the production of natural pastures.
With regard to livestock, in the Quechua region cattle, goats, sheep and horses are reared. In some areas, llamas and alpacas are also raised.
In terms of agriculture, a large number of products are cultivated in this area, which have adapted satisfactorily to the conditions of the region.
In fact, this is one of the regions of Peru with the best environments for the growth of plant species. Among the agricultural products grown in this area, the following stand out:
Sugarcane.
Tubers, such as potatoes and cassava.
Cereals, such as wheat, oats, barley and corn.
Grains, such as peas, chaucha, beans, and broad beans.
Fruits, such as tomato, guancash (tree tomato), peach, papaya, apple, capuli, pear, European plum, grapes, pineapple, granadilla, tumbito, pucasato, blackberries and pumpkin.
In some areas, the cultivation of natural pastures is favored to compensate for the hectares consumed by cattle.
Tourism
The Quechua region is widely visited by tourists seeking to purify themselves from the pollution of big cities. This is because the air in the Andean region is purer than in other regions of Peru.
Similarly, the region has numerous hot springs and warm water currents with therapeutic properties.
Gastronomy
Many of the dishes from the Quechua region include different types of corn, which is one of the most important crops in the area.
And love
Yamor is a low-alcohol fermented drink. This is prepared with the grains of seven different species of corn, which are ground or blended and then left to rest for a few days.
buns
In December stuffed corn dough buns are prepared. The filling of this dish is a meat stew, which can be made from pork or chicken. This is one of the typical Christmas dishes of the Quechua region.
patasca
Patasca is a soup made with beef and vegetables (potato, cassava, corn, onions). In some areas, this broth is made with sheep meat instead of beef.
Porridge
Mazamorra is a dough made with corn and seasoned to taste. This can be accompanied with meat stews. In general, the mazamorra is served with the roast guinea pig, which is a typical rodent of the area.
humitas
The humita is prepared with seasoned corn dough (similar to the mazamorra). This dough is wrapped in corn husks. The obtained buns are cooked boiled or roasted.
Pachamanca
Pachamanca is a typical dish from the Quechua region. This dish is made with beef, pork, guinea pig and chicken, which are cooked in rudimentary stone ovens. Additionally, the dish is seasoned with chili, onions and spices. It is accompanied with corn, grains, cassava and potato.
traditions
The carnivals of Cajamarca
The Cajamarca carnivals are the most notorious in all of Peru. These start after Christmas and last for three months.
Inti Raymi party
The Inti Raymi festival is a celebration that is held in honor of the Sun god, worshiped by the ancient aborigines of the region. This festivity allows to maintain the indigenous roots.
The party is carried out with dances, ceremonies and religious rituals. In all these representations, the influence of the Quechua aborigines is observed.
Scissors dance
The scissors dance is a typical dance from the city of Ayacucho. This dance combines European and aboriginal elements, so it is a tradition that highlights the mestizo roots of the Peruvian population. The instruments that serve as musical accompaniment are the violin and the harp.
Main cities of the Quechua region
The main cities of the region are the following:
cuzco
cajamarca
chachapoyas
Arequipa
Huancayo
Huanta
tarma
huantamanga
Sings
ayacucho
wow
References
Quechua (geography). Retrieved from wikipedia.org
Geography of Peru’s Coast, Mountains, and Jungle. Recovered from tripasavvy.com
Life zones of Peru. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org