Cerro de Pasco

Cerro de Pasco (population 70,000) is a city in central Peru, located at the top of the Andean mountains. It is the capital of the Pasco region, and an important mining center. At 4,330 metres (14,210 ft) elevation, it is one of the highest cities in the world, and the highest or the second highest city with over 50,000 inhabitants, with elevation reaching up to 4,380 m in the Yanacancha area. It is connected by road and by rail to the capital Lima, as far as 300 km.

Mining center

It became one of the world's richest silver producing areas after silver was discovered there in the early 17th century. It is still an active mining center.

Gray Brechin notes that the mines of Cerro de Pasco were a chief source of wealth for William Randolph Hearst and his family.

Geography

Climate

At 4,330 metres (14,210 ft) above sea level, Cerro de Pasco has an (E) Alpine Climate (the average temperature of the warmest month is lower than 10 °C (50 °F)). The city has humid summers, dry winters and chilly to cold temperatures throughout the year. Snowfalls can occur sometimes.