Peru
Peru Geography & Climate
Geography
Peru divides into three sharply distinct geographic zones. The Pacific coast is a narrow desert strip, home to Lima, fed by rivers descending from the Andes rather than by rainfall.
The Andes mountains dominate the country's center, home to Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca (shared with Bolivia, the highest navigable lake in the world), with peaks exceeding 6,000 meters.
East of the Andes, the land drops into the Amazon Basin, covering roughly 60% of Peru's territory despite holding a small fraction of its population.
Climate Patterns
Peru's three geographic zones each follow their own distinct climate pattern. The desert coast, including Lima, is mild and dry year-round, with a notably cool, overcast winter (June-September) caused by the cold Humboldt Current.
The Andean highlands have a dry season (May-September) with sunny days and cold nights, and a wet season (November-March) with regular afternoon rain.
The Amazon lowlands stay hot and humid year-round, with a somewhat wetter period from November to March.