The Promontory Nasca affords also good shelter for Ships; and the Haven Hacari yields store of Refreshments. Moreover, the Streams Oconna, Camana, and Quilca discharge their Waters into the Sea.
The Haven Arequipa appears at its Mouth like a little Pool, surrounded with Mountains.
Between Quilca and the River Tamboyalla lies the Isle Nuli; and a little more Southward the Haven Paracca and Pisca; and up in the Countrey the Village Yca, where the most and best Peruvian Wine is to be had.
Sect. VI.
Los Charcas.
Situation and Description of Los Charcas.
Los Charcas is the farthest Countrey Southward of the Kingdom of Peru, reaching up as far as Chile, with which on the South it is border’d, having on the North, Lima and Collao; on the West, Mare del Zur; and on the East, some Countreys not yet well discover’d, which lie betwixt it and the Province of Paraguay, or De la Plata. The Countrey is said to be in length about a hundred and fifty Leagues, measuring it directly, or in a right Line from North to South; but measuring it about along the Sea-Coast, much about two hundred: It is not very rich either in Corn or Cattel, although in some parts it wanteth not good Pasturage; but of unparalell’d Wealth, in respect of the Mines of Gold and Silver which are here digg’d, the principal whereof are those of Potosi and Parco.
The Mountains hereabouts are inhabited by the Cavinas, who dwell in Stone Houses. Their Neighbors the Canches are a subtile, good natur’d, and painful People, breed many Sheep, sowe Corn, and catch plenty of Fish out of the Rivers. Next comes in view the cold Countrey Conas. On the right side towards the Southern Ocean, the great Wilderness Parinacocha extends it self a vast way; the Mountains round about are continually cover’d with Snow, and the Dales have many deep Moors.
Potosi.
Principal Towns and Places of note.