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, the Peruvian geographer Javier Pulgar Vidal divided the country's territory into eight zones. In this way, the mountain range became made up of four regions: Janca (over 4800 meters above sea level), Puna (between 4100 and 4800 meters above sea level), Suni (between 3500 and 4100 meters above sea level) and Quechua (between 2300 and 3500 masl).
From this it is summarized 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 composed of inter-Andean valleys, which are found among the mountainous formations of the Andes mountain range..
The name of this region comes from the Quechua voice qhicwa, What does it mean warm, cold. Indeed, the area has a temperate climate, with temperatures between 10 ° C and 20 ° C.
The Quechua region is one of the most populated in the Peruvian Andes and Peru, presenting abundant rural and urban populations alike..
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The Quechua region is located in eastern Peru, bordered by the Andes mountain range.
This region is between 2300 and 3500 meters above sea level, which influences the climate of the region.
The name of this region comes from the Quechua voices quichwa, Keswa, Quichua and Quechúa which can be translated as temperate climates region.
This name was given to the area because the temperatures are neither very hot nor very cold..
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 mountain range..
Some of the valleys present in the Quechua region are:
These valleys join the foothills of the mountainous formations of the range, forming shallow elevations (hills and slopes conducive to the development of agriculture). For its part, the plains are scarce in the Quechua region
The climate of the region is temperate. This means that the temperatures are neither cold nor warm. These may 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 maximum average temperature is 29 ° C. During autumn and winter (September to March) temperatures can drop to -4 ° C. In higher altitude areas, even snow storms occur.
Rainfall is abundant during winter (December - March).
In the Quechua region, the ichu (or chilihuial) and ocsa grasslands are abundant, which are grass 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 livestock.
Other plant species found in the Quechua region are the black broom, the mutuy, the alder (used in carpentry), the pashullo, the kichka anco, the gongapa, the tara, the arracacha, the guarango, the cabuya, the shortcut and sage.
There are also a wide variety of orchids and wild flowers, such as the wild daisy.
From 3500 m, the quinuals are observed. These are arboreal formations composed of keuña trees, which can reach 15 meters.
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 the 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 remain 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..
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 conducive to the extensive development of agriculture and the production of natural pastures.
With regard to livestock, in the Quechua region the breeding of cattle, goats, sheep and horses is practiced. In some areas, llamas and alpacas are also raised.
Regarding agriculture, a large number of products are grown in this area, which have been satisfactorily adapted 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:
In some areas, the cultivation of natural pastures is favored to compensate for the hectares consumed by livestock..
The Quechua region is widely visited by tourists who seek to purify themselves from the pollution of the big cities. This is because the air of the Andean region is purer than that of other regions of Peru..
Similarly, the region has numerous hot springs and warm water currents with therapeutic properties..
Many of the dishes of the Quechua region include different types of corn, which is one of the most important crops in the area..
Yamor is a fermented drink with a low alcoholic level. This is prepared with the grains of seven different species of corn, which are ground or liquefied and then left to rest for a few days..
In December, stuffed corn dough buns are made. The filling of this dish is a meat stew, which can be pork or chicken meat. This is one of the typical Christmas dishes of the Quechua region.
Patasca is a soup that is made with beef and vegetables (potatoes, yucca, corn, onions). In some areas, this broth is made with sheep meat instead of beef..
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 roasted guinea pig, which is a typical rodent of the area.
The humitas is prepared with seasoned corn dough (similar to mazamorra). This dough is wrapped in corn husks. The buns obtained are cooked boiled or roasted.
Pachamanca is a typical dish of the Quechua region. This dish is made with beef, pork, guinea pig and chicken meat, which are cooked in rudimentary stone ovens.
Additionally, the dish is garnished with chili, onions and spices. It is accompanied with corn, grains, yucca and potatoes.
The Cajamarca carnivals are the most notorious in all of Peru. These start after Christmas and last for three months.
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 festival is carried out with dances, ceremonies and religious rituals. In all these representations, the influence of the Quechua aborigines is observed.
The dance of the scissors is a typical dance of 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.
The main cities in the region are the following:
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