Moquegua is the perfect intermediate between sea and countryside. Ravines, rock formations and deserts welcome you to a region where good gastronomy is present. Come and enjoy the picturesque towns, mansions, exclusive wines and piscos of a city that has a lot to tell. Ready to visit it?
It has one of the most pleasant climates in Peru. At the same time, the most besieged beaches in southern Peru parade in its domains. In this coastal area, there are many countrysides that provide wonderful landscapes to anyone who dares to visit them. And if that doesn't seem like enough, there are routes to taste the best piscos in the area and taste the best dishes of its varied cuisine. All this and more is Moquegua.
This region, located in the southern coastal area of Peru, is one of the smallest in the Inca country. However, the enormous warmth of its people will make you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. To access Moquegua from Lima, the Peruvian capital, you have two alternatives: take a flight from Jorge Chávez Airport to the Hernán Turque Podesta Aerodrome, located in the city of Moquegua, which takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
The other alternative is a trip by bus or car along the entire South Pan-American Highway, where the adventure is transferred to a 16-hour ride, where you can make small stops in the regions of Ica and Arequipa before reaching your destination. final.
Whichever route you take, you will arrive at the starting point which is the city of Moquegua. Here, you can take advantage of doing some sightseeing and visit the Plaza Mayor, where you can see old mansions with high architectural value, such as the Casa de la Flor and the Casa Chocano, in addition to the Old Public Prison. At the same time, you can take a short walk to see the Santo Domingo Cathedral, the façade of the old Iglesia Matriz Santa Catalina de Alejandría or the imposing Ornamental Fountain, with its 7.50 meters high and colonial style inspired by Greek mythology.
The real adventure begins with a walk along the beaches of Ilo, one of the most important attractions in the region. Fine white sand, strategically located for camping, with caves with petroglyphs for history lovers, imposing cliffs, calm waters and varied gastronomic and hotel offers await you in Wawakiki, Platanales, Boca del Río, English Port, Pozo de Lisas, Tronco de Oro, Jaboncillo and other coves that expect a large influx of tourists throughout the year.
If you want to connect with nature, visit the countryside of Moquegua. Here you will find beautiful landscapes in the Torata district, which is a paradise of woody trees. This area is also known for its picturesque homes, which transport you to the past, in addition to being producers of fruit of a quality that borders on excellence. Be sure to try their delicious olives, which are abundant in this location. Don't forget to visit the Archaeological Zone of Cerro Baúl, a mountain 600 meters high and with a completely flat summit. Impressive, right?
Moquegua also has experiences that will satisfy your palate. Enjoy the Pisco and Wine Route, which takes you through the most emblematic wineries in the region. At the same time, be sure to try the delicious Moqueguana cuisine, which is based on marine food. A delicious Octopus Chicharrón, a finger-licking Spicy Seafood or the inevitable Patasca Moqueguana have to parade across your table.
Among the main natural tourist attractions of the region we find:
Putina Thermal Baths, hot springs originating from the Ticsani volcano, 20 km north of Carumas. These waters emerge along the Putina River and reach temperatures of up to 90°C; Likewise, they have multiple healing properties. They are located two
hours and a half from the city of Moquegua.
Suches Lagoon is located in the Carumas district at 4,450 meters above sea level. It has a wide diversity of flora and fauna species; However, its waters are also used for mining.
Mollesaja waterfall. It is located 6 km from the town center of Yacango, located at the foot of Cerro Baúl. The waterfall originates with the fall of the waters of the Pasto Grande dam channel towards the Torata River.
Puente Bello is a natural formation located in Titire, a town located on one side of the highway to Puno, 160 km from the city of Moquegua. In this place you can see countless thermal pools where blue water emerges due to its high iron and sulfur content.
Punta de Coles is a natural reserve that includes 180 hectares. It protects extensive island guano reserves due to the presence of coastal birds such as the guanay, pelican and booby; Likewise, you can find sea lions, Humboldt penguins, seagulls, among other species.
Beaches. The coastal area of the department has a large number of beaches, “Pozo Lizas” being the most popular and frequented. The Moqueguana coast is widely visited due to the tranquility of the sea and its attractiveness for camping.
Ubinas Volcano is located in the homonymous district of the General Sánchez Cerro province. It has an altitude of 5,672 meters above sea level. To get there it is easier to do it from the city of Arequipa.
Regarding cultural attractions, in the region we find:
The Church of Santo Domingo, where the present body of Santa Fortunata has been venerated since 1798. It has an English clock, very striking for its thunderous chimes.
Chocano House, was built by Nicolás Jacinto Chocano. It has a wide stone façade with a doorway that includes the initials of its owner. Likewise, upon entering you can see a cobbled patio decorated with a wide variety of flowers and with a well in the center of it.
House of 10 Windows, two-story property made of quincha. It has a stone doorway and, as its name indicates, it has ten windows adorned with metal bars.
It is currently the headquarters of the Moquegua Central Post Office.
Plaza de Armas, was the center of Moqueguana life since the year 1600. Formerly there was the Mother Church of which only the façade remains. On the other hand, it has a pool in the center, surrounded by wooden benches and several ficuses in the gardens.
Contisuyo Museum, located in the Plaza de Armas of Moquegua. In it we can find 70 thousand archaeological remains, from prehistoric times to the pre-Hispanic cultures that inhabited the region.
Cerro Baúl, located in Torata, province of Mariscal Nieto, at 2,500 meters above sea level. It is a mountain in the shape of a truncated cone and, at its peak, there is a small walled citadel, with high walls and patios around it, belonging to the Wari culture.
Chen Chen Geoglyphs are located behind Chen Chen Hill, on the way to Toquepala. Its origin dates back to the arrival of the Tiahuanaco to the area between 700 and 950 AD.
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
