Chincha is a city of approximately 100,000 people located 200 Km (120 miles) south of the capital of Peru, Lima. The journey to Chincha begins with a flight into Lima . From Lima it is a 2.5 - 3.0 hour journey by bus (private transportation is available). Chinch is oriented just a few short miles from the Pacific Ocean. In the area around Chincha, you can experience fishing villages, a desert oasis and beaches. Peru is known as "the land of extremes". Chincha is on the desert end of those extremes. Temperatures are quite pleasant thorough out the non-summer months of the year (remember - Peru is in the Southern Hemisphere so seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere). Summer can be quite hot. Because of it's desert nature. Chincha has very little water or vegetation. Chincha is in the old colonial, plantation area of Peru and has a rich blend of Indian and Afro-Peruvian heritage. They celebrate their rich heritage of food, music and dance. Many if the people of indian heritage that now live in Chincha come from the Peruvian highlands seeking greater economic opportunity. However, the people here are still known as some of the poorer in Peru. Peru is a "culturally" Catholic nation. Approximately 90% of the population say they are Catholic but only are small percentage of that number seem to be actively practicing. The remaining 10% of the population is largely protestant (Pentecostal in nature). Both the Mormon and Jehovah Witness religions seem to be growing rapidly in the Chincha area. |