Moquegua

Moquegua, city, southern Peru, lying along the Moquegua River at 4,626 feet (1,410 metres) above sea level. It was founded in 1626 as Villa de Santa Catalina del Guadalcázar del Valle de Moquegua (“Town of Saint Catherine of Guadalcázar of Moquegua Valley”) and was granted city status in 1823. Moquegua serves as a processing and agricultural centre for the surrounding area. Olives and grapes are the principal crops, and mining (copper), olive oil processing, wine making, and liquor distilling are among the city’s main industries. The city and environs are especially known for the production of pisco, a grape brandy. Located on the Pan-American Highway, Moquegua is connected by road to its seaport at Ilo, 37 miles (60 km) south, and can be reached by air. The city was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 2001. Pop. (2005) 46,505.