Straddling the high peaks of the Andean mountains between the rich waters of the Pacific Ocean and the vast Amazon rainforest, Peru offers much for the discerning traveler. The unquestionable highlight is the captivating site of Machu Picchu, but there is much more to discover.
 
A country doted with a vast and varied geography, features 28 types of climates and 84 of the 103 ecological zones existing on Earth.
 
Its territory is split into three natural regions running from north to south: the Coast narrow swathe of desert coastline, which is home to Lima and most of Peru's main cities; the Highlands, which feature breath-taking mountain landscapes and picturesque villages; and the exuberant Amazon jungle, teeming with a dizzying variety of animals and plant life.
 
THE COASTAL REGION (la Costa) is a desert plain running parallel to the sea the whole length of the country 2,500 km(1553 miles) interrupted by valleys formed around the rivers running down from the Andean glaciers. Although this region accounts for only 8% of Peru’s total area, it houses 53% of the population. The country’s largest cities are found here. The dry coastal plains are also home to most of Peru’s archaeological sites, including the Nasca lines in the south and the tomb of the Lord of Sipán in the north.
 
THE ANDEAN HIGHLANDS (la Sierra), cover 27% of Peru, and are home to 35% of the total population. Peru’s varied highlands include the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, the lush high jungle regions near Machu Picchu and the extraordinary altiplano (high plains) between Cusco and Lake Titicaca.
 
In the south, the Colca Canyon is one of the world’s deepest gorges. The three chains of the Andean system come together at several points known as Nudos (Knots). The western range drops abruptly to the ocean, typically forming precipices and waterfalls. The eastern range forms the Collao Plateau, which holds Lake Titicaca, at an elevation of 3,800 m.o.s.l. (12,467 ft.).
 
THE JUNGLE REGION (la Selva) covers 65% of the country’s total area, but only 12% of the population lives there. The Amazon River rises here, and the countless local native communities observe age-old customs. The most important jungle cities are Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado. This region is also home to a biodiversity matched in few places on earth and eco-tourism at its best.