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Peru has a population of over 32 million, and its capital and largest city is Lima. At 1,285,216 km 2 (496,225 sq mi), Peru is the 19th largest country in the world, and the third largest in South America.
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Peru, country in western South America. Except for the Lake Titicaca basin in the southeast, its borders lie in sparsely populated zones. The boundaries with Colombia to the northeast and Brazil to the east traverse lower ranges or tropical forests, whereas the borders with Bolivia to the southeast, Chile to the south, and Ecuador to the northwest run across the high Andes. To the west, territorial waters, reaching 200 miles (320 km) into the Pacific Ocean, are claimed by Peru.
Peru is essentially a tropical country, with its northern tip nearly touching the Equator. Despite its tropical location, a great diversity of climates, ways of life, and economic activities is brought about by the extremes of elevation and by the southwest winds that sweep in across the cold Peru Current (or Humboldt Current), which flows along its Pacific shoreline. The immense difficulties of travel posed by the Andes have long impeded national unity. Iquitos, on the upper Amazon, lies only about 600 miles (965 km) northeast of Lima, the capital, but, before the airplane, travelers between the cities often chose a 7,000-mile (11,250-km) trip via the Amazon, the Atlantic and Caribbean, the Isthmus of Panama, and the Pacific, rather than the shorter mountain route.
Peru is traditionally described in terms of three broad longitudinal regions: the arid Costa on the west; the rugged Sierra, or Andes, system in the centre; and the wet and forested Amazonia—the tropical Amazon Basin—on the east.
Britannica Quiz
- Machu Picchu. Best for trekking. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Peru’s greatest claim to tourism fame, Machu Picchu lives up to its hype as a mystical and awe-inspiring 15th-century archaeological site.
- Caral. Best for desert explorers. It is mind-boggling how few tourists make it to the ancient city of Caral, built around 5000 years ago and impressively conserved.
- Kuelap. Best for archaeology enthusiasts. In the Amazonas region of northern Peru, a walled settlement known as Kuélap has stood among the clouds since the 7th century.
- The Sacred Valley. Best for handicrafts. The heart of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado) is indeed the gateway to Machu Picchu, but what rushed travelers often overlook are the villages cradled within the valley that are home to lesser-known archaeological sites, first-rate artisan workshops and living cultures of the Peruvian highlands.
Discover the cultural history, adventure, nature, gastronomy and experiential entertainment of Peru. Explore the most remarkable vestiges of the past, from Machu Picchu to Kuelap, and the diverse destinations of this amazing country.
- Peru’s only international airport is in Lima. Until the Chinchero Airport (a 45-minute drive from Cuzco) is finished, all international air passengers to Peru will first touch land in the metropolitan area of Lima, via the Jorge Chávez International Airport.
- The shoulder months are the best time to visit Cuzco. The Cuzco region has two marked seasons: the rainy season (November to April) and the dry (May to October).
- Book well in advance for Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and the Inca Trail. Is it possible to snag last-minute entry tickets to Machu Picchu? Sure, it can happen – but as Peru’s most popular tourist attraction, it doesn't make sense to risk it.
- In Peru, just one cheek kiss will do to say hello or goodbye. For some travelers, Peru’s salutation may seem too close for comfort, while others – we're looking at you, Italians – will see it as half-finished.
Explore Peru's diverse and rich culture, nature and history with Lonely Planet's expert tips and advice. Find the best time and places to visit, attractions, activities, road trips and more for your Peru trip.
Sep 5, 2024 · A comprehensive overview of Peru's geography, history, politics, economy, and culture. Learn about its location, climate, natural resources, population, volcanoes, and more.
