The Desinations

The Destinations of Peru

Peru is a country of striking geographic diversity, traditionally divided into three main natural regions: the coast, the highlands, and the rainforest. These regions shape the country’s climate, culture, food, and ways of life, offering travelers very different experiences within a single nation.

The Costa (Coast) runs along the Pacific Ocean and is where much of Peru’s population lives. This region is mostly desert, but it is crossed by fertile river valleys that make agriculture possible. The capital, Lima, is located here, along with important coastal towns and beaches. Despite being a desert, the coast has a mild climate due to the cold Humboldt Current. Visitors to this region can explore colonial cities, seaside cliffs, marine wildlife, and desert landscapes such as dunes and oases. The coast is also where many of Peru’s famous archaeological sites from ancient cultures like the Nazca and Moche are found.

The Sierra (Highlands) is the mountainous region dominated by the Andes. This is where travelers find dramatic mountain scenery, traditional villages, and many of Peru’s most famous historical sites. Cities like Cusco and Arequipa sit high in the mountains and preserve strong indigenous and colonial heritage. The Andes are home to deep valleys, snow-capped peaks, and ancient Inca roads. The world-renowned citadel of Machu Picchu is located in this region. Life in the highlands is closely connected to ancient traditions, colorful textiles, and agricultural terraces that have been used for centuries.

The Selva (Rainforest) covers more than half of Peru’s territory and forms part of the Amazon Basin. This region is hot, humid, and filled with dense jungle, rivers, and extraordinary biodiversity. Cities like Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado serve as gateways to the Amazon Rainforest. Visitors here can experience wildlife watching, river journeys, and indigenous communities that live in harmony with the forest. The rainforest offers a completely different landscape from the coast and mountains, showing another side of Peru’s natural richness.

These three regions—coast, highlands, and rainforest—define Peru’s identity. Each has its own climate, ecosystems, traditions, and historical sites. Traveling through Peru often means moving between these regions, experiencing deserts, mountains, and jungles all within the same trip.