Quechua (geography)

The Quechua ( from Quechua Qhichwa " Mountain Valley ") is an elevation level of the Andes from about 2300-3500 m above sea level (after Javier Pulgar Vidal ).

The Quechua region was the most densely populated height level of the Andes in the Inca Empire. According to their residents, the Quechua language got its name.

The climate is semi-arid with rainfall in summer, which increase with the height above sea level, while at the same time decrease the temperatures. The landscape relief is rugged and characterized by narrow valleys. The rivers and streams are torrential and run in the summer more water. Low vegetation dominates, but also thrive and trees, especially on the rivers.

In recent decades, a targeted and untargeted afforestation with Eucalyptus globulus has taken place, originally hails from Australia, invasive species characterizes now the face of the landscape.

An indigenous species especially corn (about a hundred different varieties ), garden bean, pumpkins, passion fruit, tomatoes, papaya, the Cucurbitaceae Cyclanthera pedata ( KAYWA ) and which belongs to the umbelliferous tuber Arracacia xanthorriza ( raqacha ) are grown. Originating from Europe or Asia crops of the region are wheat, pea and broad bean, added fruit trees (peach, sweet and sour cherry, pear, apples).