Arequipa: A City with Terraces in Southern Peru

Arequipa, located at 2,700 meters above sea level in Southern Peru's semi-desert Oceanic Yunga region, showcases a unique agricultural landscape shaped by terraced systems dating back to pre-Hispanic times. These terraces, found in localities like Yumina and Sabandía, support traditional crops such as maize, vegetables, cucurbitaceous plants, and alfalfa, primarily cultivated by indigenous farmers known as lonccos who preserve their distinct language and culture. The study highlights the vulnerability of these agricultural systems due to urban expansion and water resource demands for domestic use, posing a threat to their continuity.

Mario E. Tapia, Ana María Fries, & Jorge Novo Negrillo. (2020). Arequipa: A City with Terraces in Southern Peru. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.5819568