Altiplano, English High Plateau, also called Puna, region of southeastern Peru and western Bolivia . The Altiplano originates northwest of Lake Titicaca in southern Peru and extends about 600 miles (965 km) southeast to the southwestern corner of Bolivia.
Is the Altiplano a mountain range?
Altiplano, the largest plateau in the Andes mountains . This historically important region lies in contemporary southern Peru and Bolivia. Starting in the region of Lake Titicaca, the altiplano extends southward in an opening between two branches of the southern Andes, at an average altitude of about 12,500 feet.
What is the significance of Altiplano?
The Altiplano was the site of several pre-Columbian cultures , including the Chiripa, Tiawanaku and the Inca Empire. Spain conquered the region in the 16th century. Major economic activities in the Altiplano include mining, llama and vicuña herding, and services in the cities. There is some international tourism.
What is Altiplano geography?
: a high plateau or plain : tableland.
Where is Bolivia situated?
Bolivia, country of west-central South America . Extending some 950 miles (1,500 km) north-south and 800 miles (1,300 km) east-west, Bolivia is bordered to the north and east by Brazil, to the southeast by Paraguay, to the south by Argentina, to the southwest and west by Chile, and to the northwest by Peru.
Which plateau is in North America?
A large plateau in North America is the Colorado Plateau , which covers about 337,000 km 2 (130,000 sq mi) in Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. In northern Arizona and southern Utah the Colorado Plateau is bisected by the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon.
What is the largest plain in South America?
The Pampas , also called the Pampa, Spanish La Pampa, vast plains extending westward across central Argentina from the Atlantic coast to the Andean foothills, bounded by the Gran Chaco (north) and Patagonia (south).
Where is the most rainfall in the Altiplano?
The rainfall over the Altiplano is largely concentrated in the austral summer months, especially along its southwestern part , where more than 70% of the precipitation occurs from December to February (Figs.
What is the climate of the Altiplano?
In all cases, values over the Altiplano correspond to the area average 17.5°–20°S, 67.5°–70°W. Wind and moisture data from NCEP-NCAR reanalysis. ... Thus, the moist air over the subtropical SE Pacific does not contribute to the Altiplano water budget in modern climate.
What was the first civilization in the Andes?
Chavín was one of the earliest civilizations in the Andes, in the north-central highlands of Peru. Origins of the great architectural complex at Chavín de Huántar date as early as 1,200 BCE.
What is the Altiplano of Latin America quizlet?
The Andes encircle the altiplano, which means “high plain.” The altiplano is an area that includes southeastern Peru and western Bolivia .
How was the Altiplano created?
Scientists took samples of carbonate minerals from low and high elevations of the Altiplano plateau to study its surface uplift history. ... Together, these data suggest that the central Andes plateau was formed through a series of rapid growth spurts .
What is Patagonia and what are its characteristics?
Patagonia, semiarid scrub plateau that covers nearly all of the southern portion of mainland Argentina. With an area of about 260,000 square miles (673,000 square kilometres), it constitutes a vast area of steppe and desert that extends south from latitude 37° to 51° S.
What is Bolivia famous for?
Among so much more, Bolivia is known for its astonishing sights such as the Uyuni Salt Flats and Lake Titicaca, its quaint historic towns like Sucre and Potosí, and its impressive ethnic and linguistic diversity.
Is Bolivia a poor country?
Bolivia is the poorest country in South America . Although classified as middle income, it is at the very low end of the scale. Since 2006, the Government of Bolivia has introduced economic and social reforms designed to meet the basic needs of the poorest people.
How safe is Bolivia?
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Bolivia is somewhat safe to visit , though it has many dangers. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists on the streets, too.
