|
|
The territory of
the Department of Loreto, was a part of the Viceroyalty of Peru and
was explored by missionaries that had their headquarters in several
different points of Peru. Likewise, the discovery, navigation, and
exploration of the Amazon River by the expedition of Gonzalo
Pizarro, who departed from the city of Cusco. The capital of this
territory during the Colonial Period was the ancient city of
Moyobamba, currently the capital of the Department of San Martín.
In the Republican Era, its territory was explored through the
Amazonian rivers, by sailors and members of the Peruvian Army such
as Carbajal and Portillo. Currently, the Peruvian Army, Air Force
and Navy give assistance to inhabitants along the rivers and border
zones, by means of a civic service established some years ago.
In the last decades of last century, Iquitos, the capital became one
of the most important river ports for the trade and exporting of raw
materials.
Currently, the finding of petroleum reserves gives to Loreto the
hope for a better future.
Loreto is the largest department of Peru and among the least
populated one. Its large surface is covered with thick vegetation.
Its relief smooth and wavy, excepting the part, of low elevation to
be seen in its western sector, on the limits of the High Jungle as
well as on the South East of the department, in the zones of the
Requena and Ucayali provinces bordering with Brazil. There are the
hills called Hills of Contamana. Other characteristics of this
territory are the wide river flooded areas that covered with rain
water and get swamped in summer. In these flooded areas there are
sectors with elevated spots called "restingas", which stand out
always in the Amazonian plain, even in times of the greatest
swellings. There are numerous lagoons known as "cochas" and
"tipishcas", surrounded by marshy areas with abundant grass
vegetation.
Numerous rivers cross its territory, all of them are apart from the
Hydrographical Amazonian System, and the majority of these are
navigable. They have a tortuous course, a great volume of waters and
little slope in their beds. The main rivers crossing the department
are: the Amazonas, with a very tortuous and numerous curves that are
ample meanders of great radius always changing. The volume of waters
is very important and the width between banks is 4 KM. The Yavarí,
border of Peru with Brazil all along its way, is very tortuous
river. The Putumayo, serves as a border with Colombia; The Ucayali
and the Marañon, penetrate Loreto after going through the Pongo de
Manseriche.
In spite of that zone hot climate, the touristic activity is
intense, especially in Iquitos, in the banks of the Amazon River,
where two worlds live at the same time: that of the exotic Jungle
and the modern city with full of trade streets. One can visit the
Nanay and Morococha rivers, and the Quistococha lagoon, where Paiche
breeding are nourished.
Fast facts:
Surface area:
368,852 KM².
Main Resources:
Rice, yucca, wood, fruit trees, rubber and Cebu cattle.
Population:
775,000 inhabitants.
Its capital, Iquitos, has 261,648 inhabitants.
Number of Provinces and Districts:
6
provinces and 47 districts.
Date of Foundation:
As
department, February 07, 1866.
Ethnic groups:
Shipibos, Piros, Campas, Yagua, Cashivos, Orejones and Jíbaros. |
