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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
Discover the cultural history, adventure, nature, gastronomy and experiential entertainment of Peru. Explore the most remarkable vestiges of the past, from Machu Picchu to Caral, and the diverse destinations of this amazing country.
- 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.
Explore Peru's diverse attractions, from ancient ruins and jungle wildlife to urban culture and cuisine. Find out the best time and places to visit, get local insights and expert advice, and book activities and guidebooks online.
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Nov 26, 2023 · Learn about Peru's culture, climate, currency, cuisine and more before you go. Find out how to book tickets for Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and the Inca Trail, and what to expect from Peruvian time and greetings.
Sep 4, 2023 · Peru country profile. Peru's rich and varied heritage includes the ancient Incan capital of Cuzco and the spectacular Andean site of Machu Picchu. Peru has been one of the world's...
