Huancavelica: Difference between revisions
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'''Huancavelica''' is the poorest city in [[Peru]]. It is the [[capital]] of the [[Huancavelica region|Huancavelica]] region and has a [[population]] of approximately 40,000. [[Indigenous]] peoples represent a major percentage of the population. It has an approximate [[altitude]] of 3,600 meters; the [[climate]] is cold and dry between the months of February and August with a rainy season between September and January.[[Image:Huancavelica_view.jpg|thumb]] |
'''Huancavelica''' is the poorest city in [[Peru]]. It is the [[capital]] of the [[Huancavelica region|Huancavelica]] region and has a [[population]] of approximately 40,000. [[Indigenous]] peoples represent a major percentage of the population. It has an approximate [[altitude]] of 3,600 meters; the [[climate]] is cold and dry between the months of February and August with a rainy season between September and January.[[Image:Huancavelica_view.jpg|thumb]] |
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==Geography== |
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The Huancavelica area presents a rough [[geography]] with several levels of altitude, from 1,950 metres in the [[valleys]] to more than 5,000 metres on its snow-covered summits. These majestic mountains contain metallic [[Deposition (sediment)|deposits]]. They are comprised of the well-known western chain of the [[Andes]], like the “Mountain range of [[Chonta]]”, formed by a series of hills within which are emphasized; [[Citaq]] (5328m), [[Huamanrazo]] (5298m) and [[Altar]] (5268m). |
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==History== |
==History== |
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In the pre-Incan era, Huancavelica was known as the ''Wancawilka'' region or "the place where the grandsons of the [[Wankas]] live". |
In the pre-Incan era, Huancavelica was known as the ''Wancawilka'' region or "the place where the grandsons of the [[Wankas]] live". The city itself was established on [[August 5th]], [[1572]]. The [[Mercury (element)|mercury]] mines of Huancavelica were the most prolific source of mercury in [[Spanish America]], and as such were vital to the [[silver]] mining operations of the [[Spanish Empire|Spanish]] colonial-era. Mercury was necessary to extract silver from the [[ores]] produced in the [[Potosí Department|Potosi]] silver mines of "''Perú superior''", now named [[Bolivia]]. |
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The [[Mercury (element)|mercury]] mines of Huancavelica were the most prolific source of mercury in [[Spanish America]], and as such were vital to the [[silver]] mining operations of the [[Spanish Empire|Spanish]] colonial-era. The mercury was needed to extract silver from [[ores]] produced in the [[Potosí Department|Potosi]] silver mines of "''Perú superior''", now named [[Bolivia]]. |
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==Transportation== |
==Transportation== |
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Huancavelica is serviced by a [[train]] which runs between it and [[Huancayo]]. There are no paved [[roads]] which go directly to Huancavelica and most of the city is unpaved as well. |
Huancavelica is serviced by a [[train]] which runs between it and [[Huancayo]] known as "''el Tren Macho''". According to popular saying, this train “leaves when it wants and arrives when it can...”. There are no paved [[roads]] which go directly to Huancavelica and most of the city is unpaved as well. |
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Revision as of 14:54, 11 March 2007
Huancavelica is the poorest city in Peru. It is the capital of the Huancavelica region and has a population of approximately 40,000. Indigenous peoples represent a major percentage of the population. It has an approximate altitude of 3,600 meters; the climate is cold and dry between the months of February and August with a rainy season between September and January.
Geography
The Huancavelica area presents a rough geography with several levels of altitude, from 1,950 metres in the valleys to more than 5,000 metres on its snow-covered summits. These majestic mountains contain metallic deposits. They are comprised of the well-known western chain of the Andes, like the “Mountain range of Chonta”, formed by a series of hills within which are emphasized; Citaq (5328m), Huamanrazo (5298m) and Altar (5268m).
History
In the pre-Incan era, Huancavelica was known as the Wancawilka region or "the place where the grandsons of the Wankas live". The city itself was established on August 5th, 1572. The mercury mines of Huancavelica were the most prolific source of mercury in Spanish America, and as such were vital to the silver mining operations of the Spanish colonial-era. Mercury was necessary to extract silver from the ores produced in the Potosi silver mines of "Perú superior", now named Bolivia.
Transportation
Huancavelica is serviced by a train which runs between it and Huancayo known as "el Tren Macho". According to popular saying, this train “leaves when it wants and arrives when it can...”. There are no paved roads which go directly to Huancavelica and most of the city is unpaved as well.
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