Peru Maps & Facts - World Atlas

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Peru, located on the western side of South America, shares its borders with five countries: Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast, and Chile to the south. Its western border lies along the Pacific Ocean. Covering a total area of approximately 496,224 square miles (1,285,216 square kilometers), Peru presents a diverse and complex geographic structure divided primarily into three distinct regions: the Costa (coastal region), the Sierra (highland region), and the Selva (jungle region).

The Costa, representing a narrow strip of desert plain that stretches from the northern tip of the country to the southern border, makes up around 12% of the total area of Peru. This region extends nearly 2,414 miles (3,885 kilometers) along the Pacific Ocean and has an average width of about 30 to 60 miles (50 to 100 kilometers). Despite its predominantly desert landscape, the Costa contains numerous river valleys that support substantial agricultural activity.

Parallel to the Costa, the Sierra, also known as the Andean highlands, runs from the north to the south of the country. This region includes the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains, among them Huascarán, the highest peak in Peru, standing at 22,205 feet (6,768 meters). The Sierra accounts for about 28% of the country's total area. It is characterized by high plateaus and deep valleys, often leading to contrasting climate conditions. This region is also home to Lake Titicaca, which Peru shares with Bolivia. Known as the world's highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca is situated at an altitude of 12,507 feet (3,812 meters) above sea level.

East of the Sierra, the Selva, the largest of the three regions, spans over 60% of the country. It encompasses the vast Amazon Rainforest, featuring numerous rivers, the most significant of which is the Amazon River. Originating from the Andes, the Amazon River traverses the country from west to east before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean after flowing through multiple countries. The Selva's landscape consists of dense rainforests, expansive wetlands, and towering river cliffs. It is a region of immense biodiversity and hosts a significant portion of the world's species.

Regarding islands, Peru has a number of coastal and lake islands. The largest and most important coastal islands include the Ballestas Islands, known for their rich marine life, and San Lorenzo Island, the largest island of Peru, located off the coast of Callao. In Lake Titicaca, the Uros Islands, which are man-made from reeds, and Taquile Island are of particular note.