Peru

Landscape

Peru has three broad mainland regions: a narrow Pacific coastal belt, the Andes and the Amazon lowlands to the east. The coast is generally dry, while the mountains create major elevation changes and the eastern lowlands are humid and forested.

The Cordillera Blanca contains high peaks, glaciers and mountain lakes. Rivers flowing east eventually join the Amazon system, while shorter western rivers cross desert valleys toward the Pacific. These drainage directions connect very different environments.

Climate & seasons

The Pacific coast is largely arid, the Andes range from temperate valleys to cold high mountains, and the Amazonian east is tropical and humid.

Water from the Andes

Mountain rain, snow and ice contribute water to lower regions. Irrigated coastal valleys can be green within otherwise arid surroundings. Highland grasslands and eastern rainforests support distinct habitats shaped by altitude and moisture.