MOQUEGUA

GENERAL DATA

Location: The department of Moquegua is situated on Peru’s southern coast.
Area: 16 164 km2
Capital: Moquegua (1 140 masl)
Altitude: 15 masl (Ilo) Lowest town.
3 756 masl (Ichuña) highest town.
Average annual temperature: 22º C (25º C maximum and 17º C minimum).
Rainy season: 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.

HISTORICAL OVERLOOK

Moquegua, previously the town of Santa Catalina de Guadalcazar, is located in the widest part of the valley, in a volcanic region by the Huaynaputina, Ticsani and Ubinas mountains.
Archaeological investigations clearly indicate that Moquegua always had close ties with the high Lake Titicana plateau, with the Pucata and Tiahuanaco culture in the Early and Middle periods, respectively, and the ethnic groups Colla and Lupaca in the Late period.
Time stands still for this city, which the Spaniards founded and named Moquegua towards the end of the colony. Its foundation and Santa Catalina Day are celebrated on November 25th each year
Farming was the main activity, particularly fruit trees and vineyards. Its wines and liqueurs acquired fame and were exported to Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. Wine and pisco of an excellent quality are still produced in this area.
Mining is currently the main economic activity.

ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY

Plaza de Armas - Main Square

The fountain in this square was designed by Eiffel, the French engineer, and built in France.

Santo Domingo Church

Jr. Ayacucho block 6.
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

Calle Tacna 294, Moquegua.
Visits: Monday to Saturday, 8:00-13:00 and 15:00-20:00.
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.

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.

GASTRONOMY

Typical dishes:

• La Patasca Moqueguana or tripe soup (tripe soup with corn, spearmint and giblets).
• Picante de cuy (guinea pig stew cooked in a peanut and red chili sauce).
• Chupe de camarones (Shrimp chowder with milk, eggs and oregano).

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.

FESTIVALS

Santa Fortunata Festival (October)

An important regional religious festival celebrated on October 14th. 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.

SERVICES

• Airport
• Land Transport
• Railroad Transport
• Health Centers
• Police Stations
• Handicrafts Markets
• Post Office

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