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ICA GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: The department of Ica is located in the central south
coastal part of Peru.
Area: 21 305 km 2
Capital: Ica
Altitude: 406 m.a.s.l.
Average annual temperature: 20º C (maximum 30º C and
minimum 8º C).
ACCESS ROUTES
By land: Lima-Ica (300 km) on the South Pan-American High-way
about 4 h drive from Lima.
By air: There is an air taxi service to Ica operating from Lima.
Planes also overfly the Nasca Lines.
There are two airfields in the department of Ica:
- The airfield near Hotel Las Dunas, 5 km from Ica.
- The María Reiche Neuman Airfield at km 447 of the South
Pan-American Highway
(Nasca).
ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY OF ICA
Town Hall
Calle Municipalidad block 1, facing the Main Square. Its construction
began during the Republican Period. It has preserved its artistic
arches and, on the second floor, a unique consistorial hall with
carved wooden figures representing the seasons of the year.
The Cathedral of Pisco
Corner of calle Bolívar and calle La Libertad, Main Square.
Dating back to the eighteenth century, it originally was part
of a Jesuit monumental
complex.
Sanctuary of the Lord of Luren
Characterized by its three porticos with brick archs. Neo-classic
style. The Lord of Luren is the city’s patron, and his image
is taken out in processions during Easter and the third week of
October.
María Reiche Regional Museum
Valuable archaeological artifacts from Paracas, Nasca, Wari, Ica
and Inca cultures; as well as Colonial and Republican oil paintings
and furniture.
Engraved Stones Museum
Collection of engraved stones depicting millenary human activities.
Collection owner, Dr. Javier Cabrera Darquea, based on the specimens
found, holds that Ica was the seat of the first Peruvian culture.
Mansion of Marqués de Torre Hermosa
Calle Libertad, block 1, Main Square. Its artistic entrance is
one of the very few examples of Colonial architecture that has
survived both time and earthquakes
Mansion of José de La Torre Ugarte
Calle Dos de Mayo, block 1. The house where the illustrous native
of Ica, author of the lyrics of Peru’s national anthem,
was born and lived.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY
The Mallqui mansion, the Alvarado mansion and the former Hacienda
de los Pobres.
THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE CITY
Huacachina Lagoon
Located 5 km southwest of Ica and about 6 minutes drive. Natural
tourist attraction famous for the medicinal properties of its
waters. Its superb landscape is surrounded by high sandbanks,
palm tree groves and age old huarango trees.
Town of Cachiche
Located 4 km south of Ica and about 8 minutes drive. The town
is famous for its witches who have healed all types of ailments
for centuries. There is even a statue allusive to a with placed
on top of a huarango tree trunk at the town’s entrance.
La Achirana del Inca
Located 18 km northeast of the city of Ica and about 15 minutes
drive. An irrigation canal built during the times of Inca Pachacútec,
more than 500 years ago.
Los Frailes Stone Forest
Located 5 km east of Ica in the district of Parcona and about
8 minutes drive. These stone formations have adopted peculiar
shapes due to wind erosion. Worthy of note are a turtle, a monkey
head, a chullo (Indian hat), a frog, a mouse and a fish.
Huaca Guadalupe
Located in the district of Salas 1 km from the town of Guadalupe
and the South Panamerican Highway at a few minutes drive. Excavations
have revealed a series of
structures in the form of chambers, ramps and platforms from the
Ica and Inca
cultures (thirteenth and fifteenth centuries AD) as well as frescoes
on adobe walls
depicting stylized birds in yellow, red, black and white.
Takaraca
Located at km 306 of the South Pan-American Highway and 15 minutes
drive from the city of Ica. The oldest citadel of the Ica Valley
was built during the reign of Inca Pachacútec. The city
comprises a number of pyramidal huacas.
The Nasca Lines
Located in the San José Pampas 25 km from Nasca and about
20 minutes drive (at km 420 of the South Pan-American Highway).
Ancient dwellers from the Nasca culture have left a valuable archaeological
legacy consisting in a huge network of lines and drawings depicting
animals and plants over an area of approximately 350 km 2 spreading
between km 419 to km 465 of the South Pan-American Highway.
Discovered in 1 927 by Toribio Mejía Xesspe, they have
been studied by Paul Kosok, Hans Horkheirmer and, in particular,
María Reiche, a German scientist who lived in the area
for more than 50 years, studying and investigating their origin.
A flight over the Nasca Lines is an unforgettable experience.
There is also a 12 m high watchtower from where La Mano (The Hand)
and El Árbol (The Tree) figures can be admired.
Paredones
Located 2 km from Nasca at km 1 of the Nasca-Puquio Highway and
about 4 minutes drive, this Inca administrative center comprises
numerous rooms, terraces, patios and other adobe constructions
erected upon stone foundations of Nasca culture buildings.
El Telar de Cantalloc (Cantalloc Loom)
A large scale geoglyph located 3 km from Nasca and about 8 minutes
drive. Known as Complejo Textil (Textile Complex) for its depiction
of weaving instruments such as a needle and several spirals probably
representing yarn skeins.
The Aqueducts
They belong to the Nasca culture (550 AD) and are located in the
Nasca, Taruga and Las Trancas valleys. These are really trickle
galleries with stone walls and flat rock or huarango tree beams
which, in some cases, run for several kilometers underground at
a depth of 12 m.
Chincha
Located at km 202 of the South Pan-American Highway, about 2 ½
h drive from Lima. In this pre-Inca site, the numerous huacas
reveal the area was a center of great activity, in particular
Huaca La Centinela, a large scale construction. Chincha is also
the cradle of a culture developed by the descendants of the slaves
that worked in the cotton fields.
Casa Hacienda San José
Located 15 km southeast of Chincha in the district of El Carmen.
Ancient country hacienda, a parador that keeps within its walls
the history of Dominicans and Jesuits, Spanish noblemen, potential
filibusters and black slaves alike. Built in the late seventeenth
century, it features a chapel and and altar of pure Baroque style,
beautiful archways and ample patios displaying old yokes, plows
and cart wheels. One of the main attractions is an underground
gallery along which blindfolded slaves where brought so they could
not escape.
Huaca La Centinela
Located northwest of Tambo de Mora, 8 km off the South Pan-American
Highway and about 8 minutes drive along a dirt road. Built by
the old Chinchas during the so called Late Intermediate period
(1 200 AD-1 450 AD). Later the site sustained some form and functional
changes resulting form the introduction of elements be longing
to the Inca architecture.
Tambo Colorado Archaeological Remains
An Inca urban and administrative center located in the Valley
of Pisco, near km 45 of Los Libertadores Highway and about 30
minutes drive. Built during the times of Inca Pachacútec,
this is the best preserved Inca monument on the coast of Peru.
It also provided lodging to soldiers and dignataries. The name
Tambo Colorado comes from the Quechua word Tampu (resting place)
and the Spanish word colorado (red) which is the color of its
walls.
La Compañía Church
One block from Pisco’s Main Square. Open during Mass hours.
A 1 723 Baroque building with gold leaf altars that houses beautiful
oil paintings belonging to the Cuzco School.
Paracas National Reserve
Located 250 km south of Lima and about 3 h drive, it spreads across
335 thousand ha. Established to protect and preserve endangered
animal species, this is the only protected area in Peru that comprises
a marine ecosystem. There are boat excursions from the port of
Paracas to the Ballestas Islands where sea lions, Humboldt penguins,
flamingoes or pariguanas and seabirds can be closely observed.
El Candelabro
Located 25 km southwest of the city of Pisco and about 13 minutes
drive, this more than 120 m long geoglyph is best seen from the
sea, and for this reason, it is necessary to take a speedboat
departing mainly from Puerto El Chaco (Paracas). El Candelabro,
also known as Tres Cruces (Three Crosses) or Tridente, is located
north west of the Bay of Paracas, between the Martín and
Talpo beaches.
The Cathedral
25 km southwest of the city of Pisco, opposite El Candelabro and
about 25 minutes drive. Located between Yumaque and Supay beaches,
this amazing and extraordinary rock formation results from water
and wind erosion. Inside one can find the “chingungo”
or sea cat, an endangered species, and some marine birds.
Julio C. Tello Site Museum
Located 15 minutes drive from Pisco, next to the Interpretation
Center for the Paracas
National Reserve. The exhibit includes re-creations of everyday
life in ancient Paracas,
as well as collections of ceramics and textiles.
Lost City of Huayurí
Located within the premises of the former Huayuri hacienda in
the district of Santa Cruz, the city can be reached taking the
road to the town of San Francisco, at km 384 of the South Pan-American
Highway and about 18 minutes drive.
Lines and Figures of Palpa
Located at km 395 of the South Pan-American Highway and about
1 h and 15 minutes drive, these lines and figures can be found
in several areas of Palpa such as Sacramento, Pinchango and Llipata.
They are large geometrical drawings depicting animals and plants.
Chichictara Petroglyphs
Located 15 km east of the city of Palpa in the hamlet of Chichictara,
about 15 minutes
drive.
OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST
Bodega Vista Alegre
(Wine Cellar)
3 km northwest of the city of Ica, in the district of La Tinguiña.
A modern wine and pisco brandy maker. It still shows some vestiges
of Colonial times.
Bodega Tacama
(Wine Cellar)
10 km north east of Ica in the district of La Tinguiña.
This winery makes world renowned wines and pisco brandy with sophisticated
equipment
while preserving the old house and stables originally property
of the Jesuits.
Bodega Ocucaje
(Wine Cellar)
Av. Principal, 34 km southwest of the city of Ica
The facilities and production of this winery are an example of
Ica’s noble and quality
wine making traditions.
Elementary Wineries
Visitors can find elementary wineries that preserve the traditional
art of wine and pisco brandy making (in the old European style).
FOLKLORE
Dances inherited from the black slaves, Peruvian gait horses,
cockfights and traditional
medicine, all are distinctive folk expressions of this region.
GASTRONOMY
Despite its nearness, its cuisine is very different from the one
in Lima. Green Lima beans, Morusa , Picante de pallares, Carapulcra
, Tejas, Cachina , Pisco , Chapanas
FESTIVITIES
Festival de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival) (March)
This festivity celebrates the abundance of grape and wine in the
Ica region. La Vendimia comprises fairs, contests, float parades,
music festivals and feasts featuring the African-Peruvian festejo
dance. One of the main attractions is the election and coronation
of the Reina de la Vendimia (The Queen of the Grape Harvest Festival),
who accompanied by her court, treads the grapes to extract the
fruit’s juice that will become the spirit.
Feast of the Lord of Luren (Octubre)
The origin of the devotion to the Lord of Luren, the patron of
the city of Ica, dates back to the year 1 570 when this image
got mysteriously lost in the desert, during the journey from Lima
to Ica and was found later in an isolated spot named Luren. On
the feast’s central day, the image is taken out in procession
throughout the city from sunset to dawn of the next day.
Virgen del Carmen de Chincha (December)
The El Carmen Virgin is the most venerated image in Peru after
the Lord of Miracles. At the end of this year, this image is worshiped
in several localities in Ica, particularly in the zones of El
Carmen and El Guayabo, where the largest number of African-American
population resides. The peculiarity is that in Ica, this image
is known as La Peoncita for its connection with the teenagers
that perform the baile de los negritos and las pallitas to pay
homage to the Virgin.
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AREQUIPA GENERAL
INFORMATION
Location: The department of Arequipa is located in the south part
of Perú on the Western Andes.
Area: 63 343 km 2
Capital: Arequipa
Altitude: 2 335 m.a.s.l.
Average annual temperature: 20º C (maximum 24º C and
minimum 5º C). The rainy season runs from December through
March.
ACCESS ROUTES
By land: Lima - Arequipa (1 003 km) about 14 h drive.
By air: Daily flights depart from Lima (about 50 minutes) and
Cusco (about 30 minutes).
By railroad: There is a service that links Arequipa with the cities
of Juliaca, Puno and Cusco.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY OF AREQUIPA
The Cathedral
Located in the Main Square.
The old cathedral was destroyed by fire in 1 844. It was restored
in 1 868 by Arequipa-native Lucas Poblete in Neo-renaissance style
with French influence.
La Compañía Church
Corner of calle General Morán and calle Alvarez Tomás.The
façade, the carved wood pulpit and the sacristy are remarkable.
The cloister of La Compañía has vaulted galleries
and bell-shaped arches with sculpted columns in pure Arequipa
style.
La Merced Church
Corner of calle La Merced and calle Tristán. Baroque church
and convent from the end of the seventeenth century housing a
valuable old library and a collection of oil paintings.
San Agustín Church
Corner of calle San Agustín and calle Bolívar. Baroque
façade with abundant decoration carved in ashlar stone.
Noteworthy is also its sacristy, a modern work of mestizo art.
Santo Domingo Church
Corner of calle Santo Domingo and calle Rivero. A seventeenth
century church displaying interesting sculptures on the right
side portico.
San Francisco Church
Calle Zela block 1. It houses a 20 000 book library, a vast collection
of paintings and a chapel that form part of this interesting Colonial
architectural complex of the sixteenth century.
Monastery of Santa Catalina
Peru’s most important and impressive religious construction,
founded in September 1 579 under the patronage of Saint Catherine
of Sienna. Its doors remained closed to the world until 1 970.
Spreading over 20 426 m 2 , it has preserved intact its sixteenth
and seventeenth centuries’ design. Its narrow squares, streets
and gardens bearing Spanish names remind the visitor of old Seville
and Granada quarters. Its two site museums exhibit important art
works such as relics, porcelain, religious objects, sculptures
and oil paintings from several schools.
La Recoleta Church
A Franciscan convent founded in 1 648, with cloisters that are
an example of Arequipa’s colonial architecture. It has a
library with works from the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries
(25 000 volumes). There is also an Amazonian Museum exhibiting
objects from the missionary activity in the jungle during this
period.
Del Moral House
Typical house of the seventeenth century with a beautiful façade.
Its interior has vaulted halls.
Tristán del Pozo House
Currently this house belongs to Banco Continental. There is a
small museum and a site gallery. Both its façade and inner
patio are remarkable.
Casa de la Moneda
Built in 1 798, its solid structure has preserved its original
features. During the nineteenth century it was the seat of Arequipa’s
Mint House.
Goyeneche House
Currently the local office of the Central Reserve Bank, it dates
from the eighteenth century. It is entirely built with ashlar
stone. A large and splendid mansion, it is decorated with original
colonial furniture.
Museum of the University of San Agustín
Av. Independencia, Ciudad Universitaria. It has several sections,
the most important being the History and Anthropology Hall, housing
remarkable collections of pottery of varied styles belonging to
the many civilizations that flourished in the department.
Museum of the University of Santa María
It houses a collection of prehistoric stone objects, stone weapons
and textiles.
Santuarios de Altura Museum
Corner of calle Ugarte and calle Santa Catalina. This building
houses the Maiden of Ampato exhibition. It is located in front
of the Monastery of Santa Catalina in Santa Catalina street.
OUTSKIRTS OF THE CITY
Yanahuara
Located 2 km from downtown and about 8 minutes drive. Both its
church, built in 1 750, and a belvedere with ashar arches overlooking
the city, are remarkable.
Cayma
3 km from downtown and about 8 minutes drive. It is called Arequipa’s
Balcony for its elevated location overlooking the city. It features
an eighteenth century church.
Yura
Located 28 km from the city and about 46 minutes drive. Famous
for its hot springs at the foot of the dormant Chachani volcano.
Socosani
Located 45 km and about 1 h drive from Arequipa. Mineral-medicinal
waters, bottled for consumption.
Huasacache
Located 20 km from the Main Square of the city of Arequipa and
about 20 minutes drive. A village on the banks of the Socabaya
river where an eighteenth century colonial house, known as the
Mansión del Fundador, can be admired.
Sabandía
Located 9 km from the city of Arequipa and about 20 minutes drive.
Beautiful countryside landscapes at the foot of the Chachani and
Misti volcanoes. The eighteenth century mill is worth a visit.
Colca Valley
Located 148 km northeast of Arequipa and about 4 h drive. To follow
this circuit travelers must head for the northwestern part of
Arequipa to Yura until reaching the cove known as Mirador de los
Cóndores (natural outlook). From there it is possible to
make out the snow capped summits of Ampato and Sabancaya. The
descent continues down to Chivay.
The first town to visit is Chivay (142 km from Arequipa) in which
travelers can find lodging and food services. Some 40 km further
to the northwest is Cabanaconde, and nearby, the Cruz del Cóndor
observation point. The Colca zone is very appropriate for adventure
tourism and travelers are recommended to stay more than
one day to enjoy the area.
Toro Muerto Petroglyphs
Located 220 km west of Arequipa and about 2 h 30 minutes drive.
On the way back from Colca Valley through Pampa de Siguas or leaving
directly from Arequipa, taking the route to Lima and then a 7
km detour at Corire (district of Uraca), the amazing Toro Muerto
petroglyphs can be found. Volcanic rocks lie over approxi-mately
5 km 2 , most probably the result of violent eruptions of the
Coropuna and Chachani volcanoes. The petroglyphs which are dispersed
over an area of 3 876 m long and 250 m wide, depict animals and
plants.
Caves of Sumbay – Paleolithic Art
Located behind the Misti volcano, 88 km from Arequipa and about
1 h 45 minutes drive following the Cailloma road. Sumbay is a
typical high plateau setting at an average 4 127 m.a.s.l. The
archaeological importance of Sumbay lies in its caves which exhibit
valuable paintings from the Paleolithic era, representing human
figures, camelidae and pumas.
Andagua Volcano Valley
Located in the north of the Castilla province (Andagua) 377 km
from Arequipa and about 5 h drive, its spectacular beauty lies
in the dozens of small dormant volcanoes. Outstanding among these
are the so called Gemelos (identical twins), located 10 km from
the city. South of the town is the Andomarca volcano with a pre-Columbian
citadel at its foot.
Imata Stone Forest
Located 113 km and about 3 h 30 minutes drive from the city of
Arequipa. Rock formation consisting of a singular series of natural
stone columns to which the erosion of the wind has given the form
of a mysterious petrified forest. This site of easy access is
located near the Arequipa – Juliaca railway. Access by land
is gained taking the road to Puno
Cotahuasi Valley and Canyon
Located in the province of La Unión, 379 km and about 12
h drive from the city of Arequipa, this is an Inter-Andean valley
with several attractions such as the Sipia Falls, its hot springs,
the privileged view of Coropuna and Solimana Mounts and the Canyon’s
faults, considered together with the Colca Canyon, one of the
deepest on earth. Its impressive landscape makes it ideal for
activities such as canoeing, trekking, photography, mountain biking,
etc.
FOLKLORE
The region boasts a large variety of dances accompanied by different
costumes, the most important being probably the Carnaval Arequipeño,
a group dance that is present during the week of carnival and
the city’s anniversary (August 15 th) ; the Yaraví,
of Quechua origin; the Pampeña, a primitive huayno in which
dancers dress on farmer costumes. The most genuine musical expression
of Arequipa is the Yaraví. Other popular expressions of
Arequipa’s musical folklore include the Carnaval Arequipeño,
the popular Huayno and the Pampeña.
HANDICRAFTS
Craftsmen manufacture repoussé leather items such as belts,
desk objects and furniture. With ashlar stone they make lamps,
pictures, ashtrays and decorative items. Forged iron is used in
the making of street lamps, gates, lamps and decora-tive furniture.
They also make copper items.
GASTRONOMY
Arequipa’s cuisine is one of the most varied in Peru. Some
of its most famous dishes include: Assorted Chupes, Rocoto, Adobo,
Ocopa , Pebre .
FESTIVITIES
Feast of the Virgin of Chapi (May)
Feast celebrated with pilgrimages to the sanctuaries and displays
of fireworks on the eve.
Corpus Christi Festivity (June)
Feast celebrated with a mass and the Corpus Christi procession
departing from the city’s Cathedral.
Anniversary of the City of Arequipa (August)
Arequipa International Fair held in Cerro Juli comprising a number
of attractions and artistic and recreational activities, including
the Misti Ascent International Competition and crafts exhibitions
in Fundo del Fierro. The central day (August 15 th ) includes
a Friendship Parade, among other activities.
Feast of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception (December)
The celebration comprises a number of cultural activities including
the famous Witite dancers’ competition.
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MOQUEGUA GENERAL
INFORMATION
GENERAL DATA
Location: The department of Moquegua is situated on Peru’s
southern coast.
Area: 16 164 km 2
Capital: Moquegua
Altitude: 1 410 m.a.s.l.
Average annual temperature: 22º C (25º C maximum, 17º
C minimum). Rainy Season runs through January and February
ACCESS ROUTES
By road: Lima-Moquegua (1 144 km) along the South Pan-American
Highway, about 16 h by car.
Arequipa-Moquegua (227 km) along the South Pan-American Highway,
about 3 h by car.
Tacna-Moquegua (159 km) along the South Pan-American Highway,
about 1 ½ h by car.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY OF MOQUEGUA
Plaza de Armas - Main Square
The fountain in this square was designed by Eiffel, the French
engineer, and built in
France.
Santo Domingo Church
A large, well-kept church with a single nave and two carved altarpieces.
The image of Santa Fortunata, a virgin and martyr from the first
centuries of Christianity who is said to have performed many miracles,
is worshipped in this temple.
Contisuyo Museum
Contains a display of archaeological remains of the Puquina and
Uros cultures, and a chronological explanation of the different
cultures that settled in this area.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Alayza House, the remains of the Perpetual Councilman, among others.
OUTSKIRTS OF THE CITY
Samegua
Referred to as the avocado territory because of the good quality
of avocados produced
there. The best tourist restaurants serving typical food are located
in this area.
Torata
24 km from Moquegua, about 45 minutes by car. This is a picturesque
district in which village houses have traditional ridged roofs.
Prominent are the parish church, the stone windmills from the
viceroyal period, an Inca administrative center called Sabaya,
and Camata, known as the Machu Picchu of Moquegua.
Mount Baúl
18 km northeast of Moquegua, about 25 minutes by car, is an impressive
geological
formation. The area around the top of the mountain appears to
have been cut perpendicularly and curiously resembles the type
of chest or trunk that was used all
over Peru in the old days and is still popular in the highlands.
Ilo
An industrial and tourist port in southern Peru, located 90 k.
from Moquegua, about 1 h by car. The main points of interest are
La Glorieta, Punta Coles, Los Olivares and El Puerto,
Omate
Known as Villa de Omate, this town is situated 140 km northwest
of Moquegua, about 4 h by car. The town is situated in the midst
of orchards and vineyards, where wine and pisco are produced.
It is now considered the most important fruit producing center.
The main attractions in this town are the Viceroyal Church, the
Quinistacas Sanctuary, the Ulucan thermal baths and the Tambo
river.
OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST
Puente Bello and Putina (San Cristóbal), Ichuña
and Tolapalca (Ichuña) thermal baths.
GASTRONOMY
Typical dishes: La Patasca Moqueguana or tripe soup , Picante
de cuy , Chupe de camarones.
Typical desserts and sweets include manjar blanco (blancmange),
cakes and sweet
pastries like alfajor de penco, corn cakes, guargueros, oquendos,
alfajores.
Traditional beverages: Damson liqueur, leche de monja (nun’s
milk), three-fig chimbago, wine, pisco, anise flavored liqueur,
cognac, fruit liqueurs.
FESTIVITIES
Santa Fortunata Festival (October)
An important regional religious festival celebrated on October
14 th . The faithful from different areas come to this town to
join the Procession of the Image of the Virgin and Martyr, St.
Fortunata. Other activities also take place, such as fairs, artistic,
cultural and recreational events, etc.
Moquegua Tourism Week (November)
The main festival for the department, when various spectacles
are held at the same time. Recreational opportunities for locals
and visitors include fairs, typical dances, competitions of typical
dishes and beverages.
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TACNA GENERAL DATA
Location: The department of Tacna is situated in the extreme south
of Peru, on the border with Chile.
Area: 16 062 km 2
Capital: Tacna
Altitude: 562 m.a.s.l.
Average annual temperature: 18,6º C ( 28º C maximum,
6º C minimum) Rainy Season runs from May through August.
ACCESS ROUTES
By land: Lima-Tacna (1 293 km) on the South Pan-American Highway,
about 18 h by car.
Air: Daily flights from Lima to Tacna (flying time about 1 h and
35 minutes).
ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY OF TACNA
Cathedral
Opposite the Civic Center on the Main Square. Located in the city
center, with a neo renaissance style and very fine architectural
lines. Built with stones obtained from a quarry in the Intiorko
and Arunta hills, the contract to build this church was signed
with the French firm Alejandro Gustavo Eiffel during the government
of Jose Balta.
Zela House
This is the home of Francisco Antonio de Zela y Anzana, hero of
the independence who on June 20 th 1 811 gave the first cry of
freedom. The house with a quarry stone façade, preserves
its viceroy influence and the pureness of its architecture. It
was declared a Historical Monument on July 26 th 1 961. One room
is now an Archaeological Museum which displays various items of
pottery, textiles, woodwork and metalwork, basketwork and fishing
tackle.
Municipal Theatre
Spaniard Constantino Martínez de Pino finished building
this theatre in 1 870. A three story building, the ground floor
is made of quarry stone. Baroque style paintings and pictures
of illustrious citizens decorate the ceiling.
Railway Museum
Of great historical and architectural value because 90% of its
elements are original. It provides a good idea of the historical
process of the railway and is considered one of the best of its
kind in South America.
History Museum
Located in the city center, half a block from the Municipal Palace.
It was created in 1 957 and the building houses the branch office
of the National Culture Institute.
Parabolic Arch
Situated in the Civic Center, Designed by German technicians,
the 18 m tall arch is made of a pinkish quarry stone and was built
in honor of our Pacific War heroes Miguel Grau and Francisco Bolognesi.
Alameda Bolognesi
Two blocks from the Civic Centre, this promenade is considered
to be one of the most beautiful, romantic and picturesque parts
of the city. It dates back to the middle of
last century. The Capilina river flows underneath the middle of
this promenade, through proper channels. In view of its location,
this is the most frequented part of the city.
Legal House
Site of the signature of the first Act of Acceptance of Tacna
by Peru on August 28 th 1929. The building houses the Re-incorporation
Museum, the Tacna Art Gallery and the Historical Departmental
Archives.
Locomotive Park
Av. Grau s/n.
Built for the sole purpose of housing the Nº 3 Locomotive
that, last century, carried
the troops and supplies for the epic defense of the Arica headland.
OUTSKIRTS OF THE CITY
Alto de la Alianza Monument and on-site Museum
Alto de la Alianza Field (at the entrance to Tacna 8 km from the
city).
Situated on the plains northwest of Mount Intiorko, about 15 minutes
by car. This was the site of the “Alto de la Alianza”
Battle on May 26 th 1 880. A monument in honor of national patriots
was built on this same site. The on-site museum is a circular
building containing weapons from that period, rifles, sabers,
gala uniforms of the main battle commanders, letters, documents
and a very descriptive scale model of the battle.
Calientes
Located 22 km east of the city, 30 minutes by car. The fountain
of healthy thermal waters is frequented by tourists. The medicinal
waters are said to prevent gout, rheumatism and other diseases.
Boca del Río Resort
Boca del Rio is the most popular beach resort near Tacna. It is
situated 50,5 km from the Coastal Highway detour in the Santa
district, about 45 minutes by car.
Calana
Located 12 km from the town of Yaras, 15 minutes by car. A countryside
district of Tacna characterized by its mild, dry climate.
San Francisco de Miculla Petroglyphs
22 km From the town of Yaras, about 30 minutes by car. A complex
of ancient stone
carvings of various sizes on the surface of the limey or reddish
siliceous rocks, covering
approximately 16 km 2 .
Toquepala Cave
Situated 13 km Southeast of the Toquepala Mining Center, which
is 165,9 km from the city of Tacna, a 2 h drive. These rupestrian
paintings in the Toquepala mining area are considered to be the
most ancient artistic expressions in Peru (9 000 BC).
Tarata
At km 89, 3 h by car. A charming Andean village with picturesque
scenery and terraces of a pre-Inca origin. (3 070 m.a.s.l.).
Locumba
At km 78, 1 ½ h by car. A fertile, inter-Andean valley
where local people are strongly
devoted to worshipping the Lord of Locumba. Hundreds of worshippers
make a pilgrimage to this area on September 14 th each year.
GASTRONOMY
Typical dishes: Corn and cheese , Fried pork with toasted corn,
Patasca or tripe soup, Picante a la Tacneña, Cuy chactado,
Pastel de choclo.
Traditional beverages: Tacna Sour, peach or strawberry liqueurs
and local wines.
FESTIVITIES
Homage to the Alto de la Alianza Garrison (May)
A Civic parade and special program carried out in the Alto de
la Alianza Field.
San Juan Night and Expedition to Valle Viejo (June)
A millenarian ritual (payment to Pachamama or Mother Earth). A
festival of artistic and cultural shows.
Return of Tacna to Peru (August)
Civic parade when the Flag is paraded through the streets of Tacna.
Lord of Locumba Festival (September)
A festive, cultural pilgrimage attended by local and foreign worshippers.
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CAJAMARCA GENERAL
INFORMATION
Location: The department of Cajamarca is
located in the central north western highlands of Peru.
Area: 34 022 km 2
Capital: Cajamarca
Altitude: 2 720 m.a.s.l.
Average annual temperature: 14º C (maximum 21º C and
minimum 5º C). The rainy season runs from December through
March.
ACCESS ROUTES
By land: Lima-Trujillo-Cajamarca (865 km) following the North
Pan-American Highway and about 15 h car drive.
By air: There are daily flights from the city of Lima (about 1
h 10 minutes).
ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY OF CAJAMARCA
The Cathedral
Built in the seventeenth century and part of the eighteenth century,
it has an imposing façade, decorated with striking volcanic
rock inlay, and an interior of finely detailed sculptures. Inside,
its highlights include a remarkable retable in the main altar
and a carved wood pulpit covered in gold leaf. The Sagrario Chapel
is adjacent to this church.
Church of San Francisco
Entirely carved in volcanic rock, the first stage was built in
the late seventeenth century. It houses a Religious Art Museum,
an art gallery and crypts.
Belén Monumental Complex
Comprises a temple built in volcanic rock, dating from the eighteenth
century. Former
hospitals for men and women dating back to the Colonial eighteenth
century period that have been conditioned as museums.
La Recoleta Monumental Complex
Comprising the Church and the Former Convent of the Recolección
Franciscana. Instead of towers it features elegant belfries.
Mirador de Santa Apolonia
Natural lookout which overlooks the valley and the city of Cajamarca.
One can reach the summit of this mountain taking a wide stairway.
There is a Classic chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Fátima
and pre-Inca remains such as a stone altar known as Silla del
Inca (the Inca’s Throne). The access stairway to Santa Apolonia
Hill is located at Jr. Dos de Mayo, two blocks from the Main Square.
The Ransom Room
Located one-half block from the Main Square. It was the room which,
according to the chroniclers, Inca Atahualpa offered to fill with
gold once and with silver twice to obtain his freedom.
THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE CITY
The Inca Baths
Located in the province of Baños del Inca, 6 km east of
the city of Cajamarca and
about 4 minutes drive. History tells that it was here that the
Inca used to take
thermal baths.
Cutervo National Park
Located in the province of Cutervo 260 km north of the city of
Cajamarca and about
14 h y 30 minutes car drive. Here visitors can watch several varieties
of flora (scrublands,
dwarf forests and wet montane forests) as well as fauna such as
jaguars
(panthera onca), tigrillos (leopardus pardalis), spectacled bear,
otters, etc).
Cumbemayo Archaeological Complex
Located in the province of San Pablo, 20 km southwest of the city
of Cajamarca and
about one h drive. This mystic spot of unique natural beauty features
a remarkable
aqueduct (pre-Inca irrigation channel carved from rock), the sanctuary
(a rocky outcrop in the shape of a giant human head and petroglyphs),
the frailones (huge stone forest forming fanciful shapes that
resemble monks’ silhouettes) and ceremonial altars (located
along the aqueduct).
Bosque de Rocas (The Stone Forest)
Located 180 km from the city of Cajamarca, about 8 h drive, it
spreads over a considerable area, noteworthy for its various fanciful
shapes, the most known of them being those resembling the silhouette
of monks moving on a silent procession.
The Windows of Otuzco
Located in the district of Baños del Inca, 8 km north east
of the city of Cajamarca and about 15 minutes drive, featuring
important surviving archaeological testimony to the ancient inhabitants
of Cajamarca. Most of them are single niches but there are also
multiple niches
Kuntur Wasi
Located in the province of San Pablo, 108 km northwest of the
city of Cajamarca and about 2 h 45 minutes drive. Archaeological
monument on La Copa hill, formed by a ceremonial complex comprising
several plazas and platforms supported by huge stone walls.
Cooperativa Atahualpa Jerusalén (Porcón
Farm)
Located 30 km north of the city of Cajamarca, about 1 h drive,
its landscape has been improved thanks to the afforestation of
a number of hectares of forests where wildlife flora and fauna
has reappeared. Within the scope of the Interactive Tourism project,
PromPerú sponsors the development of certain programs such
as: • Agrotourism in Cajamarca: Porcón Farm, Agrotourism,
nature, trekking and cultural exchange. Porcón Farm is
one of the few examples of a successful and fully functioning
cooperative. The cooperative has decided to open the doors of
its farm to tourism, so that the visitor can enjoy its efficient
production and the unique lifestyle of its inhabitants, delight
in walks across its beautiful fields and forests and participate
in the farm’s agriculture, cattle-breeding and forestal
activities which may vary according to the season.
FOLKLORE
Cajamarca´s folkloric expressions are always related to
religious celebration and patron saints’ feasts, with dances
such as the Cashua, the Chunchos or White Dance, the Pallas, the
Pachilla, the feathered or imperial dance and the Devils’
dance.
HANDICRAFTS
Cajamarca craftsmen are noted for their woolen, leather, wood,
hemp rope, clay and stone works, which evidence the art and creativity
of the people who convey our cultural identity in their utilitarian
and decorative products.
GASTRONOMY
Typical dishes: Picante de cuy con papa, Chicharrón con
mote, Humitas, Chupe verde.
FESTIVITIES
Cajamarca Carnival (February - March, mobile)
Carnival has acquired characteristics which are very typical of
Cajamarca comprising traditional expressions and involving the
participation of institutions, quarters, etc. The celebration
lasts approximately one month, however the central days are just
eight.
Feast of the Crosses (March - April)
On the central day, Palm Sunday, four different ceremonies take
place, the coronation
of the crosses, the salutation to the Lord at the house of the
mayordomo (the person entrusted with the task of leading the celebrations),
the various prayers in Quechua and Latin and, lastly, the procession
to the hacienda’s chapel with more than 50 crosses, each
weighing approximately 60 kilos.
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