GEOGRAPHY

Peru is the third largest country in South America, nestled between the breathtaking South Pacific Ocean and the majestic Andes Mountains. With an impressive total area of 1,285,216 square kilometers, this diverse nation boasts an array of stunning landscapes that range from arid coastal deserts to lush rainforests teeming with wildlife. The climate in Peru varies significantly across different regions and altitudes, characterized by a distinctly wet season from December to March and a dry season spanning from May to September.  Peru is essentially divided into three main geographical regions: the Costa (Coast), Sierra (Highlands), and Selva (Amazon Jungle). The Costa is primarily composed of several coastal deserts, including the Sechura Desert and the Peruvian Coastal Desert, where visitors can enjoy striking scenery and explore ancient coastal towns. Despite being bordered by the ocean, this region is the second driest in South America, following Chile. The lack of rainfall can be attributed to several factors including the influence of the extremely dry Atacama Desert to the south, as well as the Andes Mountains creating a rain shadow effect that significantly reduces precipitation. Moreover, the trade winds and the moist air lifted by the Humboldt Current play pivotal roles in shaping the climatic conditions of the coast. While the coast is home to 52 flowing rivers, these features are often insufficient to mitigate the overall dryness of the region. Traveling inland, one encounters the Sierra, or Peruvian Highlands. This vast mountainous terrain is characterized by towering peaks, deep valleys, and expansive plains. As a critical portion of the Andes mountain range, the Sierra is rich in cultural heritage and indigenous traditions, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the local communities. The high altitude also presents an opportunity to experience the stunning Andean landscapes, vibrant marketplaces, and ancient Incan ruins, such as the iconic Machu Picchu. Finally, there is the Selva, or Peruvian Amazon, which represents a massive jungle region that covers a significant portion of the country. This lush and biodiverse area is one of Peru's primary regions and holds the distinction of being the second largest share of the Amazon rainforest in the world.