Peru south america geographical location. Geography of Peru, Map of Peru, economic and geographical position of Peru

PERU, Republic of Peru (Republica del Peru), a state in western South America. The area of ​​Peru is 1285.2 thousand sq. km. The population of Peru is 25.6 million people (2000), about half are Quechua and Aymara Indians, the rest are Spanish-speaking Peruvians. The official languages ​​of Peru are Spanish and Quechua. Believers are mainly Catholics.

Administrative division of Peru: 25 departments. The capital of Peru is Lima. The head of state is the president. Legislature Peru - Democratic Constituent Congress.

Geographical location and natural areas Peru

The state of Peru is located in the west of South America and has the following borders:

• in the north - with Colombia;
• in the east - with Brazil;
• in the west - washed by the Pacific Ocean;
• in the northwest - with Ecuador;
• in the southeast - with Chile and Bolivia.

The area of ​​Peru is 1 million 285 thousand 220 square meters. km. Total length The border is 5536 km, the length of the coastline is 2414 km.

Three Andean mountain ranges stretch across all of Peru from north to south. Along Pacific Ocean in the west is Costa, a small strip of deserted coastal plains. To the east is the Sierra - the Andes mountain belt. The east of the country is represented by the Amazonian lowland, which in the south turns into the foothill plain - Montagna.

The Western Cordillera (more than 6000 m above sea level) is rich in active (Solimana, Misti, Ubinas) and extinct (Huascaran, Coropuna, Ausangate) volcanoes.

In the south, at an altitude of 3-4 thousand m, there is the semi-desert Punu plateau, formed by smaller plateaus and intermountain plateaus.

Note 1

According to natural conditions, the territory of Peru is divided into three zones: Costa (coastal) - occupies 12% of the territory; Sierra (mountain) – makes up 27% of the territory; Selva (wooded) is the main territory (61%).

All natural areas are divided into regions: the Sechura Desert forms the northern part of Costa; the central and southern parts of the arid strip stretch between Coastal Cordillera and the ocean; The mountainous country begins with the Cardillera Condor.

The Costa, a coastal desert, is an extension of the Chilean Atacama Desert. Most of The area is very dry. Coastal area is important economic region, where the most important agricultural crops are produced. The main cities of the coast are Callao, Lima, Trujillo, Chiclayo.

Sierra - highlands of the Andes. The Andes occupy almost a third of the area of ​​the entire country. The mountain ranges extend from northwest to southeast. The highest peak is Huascaran (6768 m). Several major tributaries of the Amazon originate on the eastern slopes of the Andes. On the border of Brazil and Peru is the largest alpine lake Titicaca (3812 m above sea level).

The soils of the western slopes of the Andes and Costa are infertile. In the mountainous region, mountain-steppe soils predominate, in the southeast - semi-desert soils.

Selva includes the lower regions of the eastern slopes of the Andes and the adjacent plains of the Amazon basin. This region occupies more than half of the country's total territory.

The plain is covered with tall, dense tropical rain forests. The main economic center of Iquitos is located on the Amazon River.

Basic Natural resources: iron, iron ore, copper, potassium, silver, wood, oil, coal, phosphates, natural gas, water resources.

Climatic features of Peru

Note 2

Peru, in terms of its climatic diversity, ranks one of the first places in the world. On its territory there are about 80% of all climate ideas known to science.

Climatic conditions are determined by the following main natural factors:

• the presence of the Andes mountain range, dividing the country into western and eastern slopes;
• cold Peruvian current.

Natural zones of Peru are distinguished by their climatic features:

1. Coastal desert. The Peruvian cold current (Humboldt Current) determines dry and cool weather on the coast. The average temperature ranges from 16 to 23ºС. Precipitation is low, average annual rate is 50 mm, but in some years there is no rain at all. Coastal fogs are frequent. The foothills of the mountains are often shrouded in "garua" - a dense, moist fog, which promotes the growth of forb ephemerals, low grasses, which together make up the "loma" community.
2. Andean highlands. Climatic conditions vary depending on the absolute altitude. For every 450 m rise, average temperatures decrease by 1.7 ºС. At an altitude above 5 thousand meters above sea level, the peaks are covered with eternal snow and glaciers. Average temperatures in Cusco range from 8 to 11ºС, with frosts often observed at night. On the eastern open slopes the annual precipitation rate is above 2500 mm, in closed basins it is about 800 mm. To the south, precipitation decreases sharply. The Andean slopes (their middle part) in the north and east of the country are covered with dense subtropical forest, gradually changing with height to “ceja” - a forest of a more temperate climatic type. Cinchona tree is the greatest value of the forest.
3. Selva. Zone of tropical rainforests. Heat It stays here all year round and receives heavy rainfall. The annual average temperature fluctuates around 24-25ºС. The area is home to a tall tropical rain forest. Highest value has mahogany (akaju) and cedrela.

Natural hazards in Peru: earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, landslides, floods. Most active volcano countries - Ubinas (5672 m).

To the problems environment include: desertification; deforestation (often due to illegal logging); pollution of rivers and coastal waters from mining and household waste; air pollution; overgrazing on the western slopes of the coastal plains, leading to soil erosion.

Fauna of Peru

On Costa's land animal world scarce. The territory of Peru is inhabited by: puma, jaguar, monkeys, llama, anteater, tapir, sloth, chinchilla, crocodile, armadillo, many birds, lizards, snakes, insects.

The world of seabirds and aquatic animals (shrimps, shellfish, fish) is diverse.

Representatives of the vicuña and guanaco llamas live in the Sierra. There are a lot of trout in Lake Titicaca.

Selva is home to tropical fauna. It is home to tapirs, peccaries, monkeys, anteaters, reptiles, parrots, toucans, hummingbirds, and insects.

The main animals of the Andes are alpacas, llamas, guanacos, vicunas, chinchillas and viscacha.

The coastal desert is washed by cold waters, which are home to many species of commercial fish: bonito, tuna, mackerel, swordfish, rock bass, and croaker. Sea fish provides food for cormorants, pelicans, and gannets nesting on rocky islands.

The ecological balance of coastal communities can be disrupted by warm equatorial waters (El Niño). This phenomenon causes migration among fish and plankton, as a result of which birds die of starvation.

The state of Peru is located in the western part of South America between 81o19’ and 68o west longitude and between 0o01’ and 18o21’ south latitude. Its territory (1,285.215 sq. km) can comfortably accommodate France, Spain and Italy combined. Among Latin American countries, Peru is second only to Brazil, Argentina and Mexico in terms of territory size. Its neighbors are Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the southeast and Chile to the far south. From the west it is washed by the Pacific Ocean.

Administratively, it is divided into 23 departments and the province of Callao, which has departmental rights. The official languages ​​are Spanish and Quechua. The dominant religion is Catholic. The capital is Lima.

Political structure

Modern Peru is a republic. The head of state is the president, elected for 5 years. He in turn appoints ministers. Legislative power belongs to a unicameral Congress, which includes 120 congressmen. The term of office of the Congress is 5 years. Executive power is in the hands of the President of the Republic and ministers. Judicial power is exercised by the Supreme Court and local judicial authorities.

Relief

The size of the country and its natural and geographical diversity determined the contrasts of its individual regions.

The Costa stretches in a narrow strip - the western coast, washed by the Pacific Ocean, a strip of coastal desert, 80 to 150 km wide.

Behind the coastal desert rises one of the greatest mountain systems on our planet - the Andes. The highest peaks covered with eternal snow (the highest is Huascaran - 6768 m), powerful glaciers, deep canyons, vast high mountain plateaus - this is the Sierra - mountainous part countries, literally “saw”. Here from a small glacial lake Laurikocha originates the most abundant river in the world - the Amazon. East End country - 3/5 of the entire territory (Peruvians call it Selva, from the Latin “silva” - forest), covered with dense humid equatorial forest.

Hydrography

The entire Pacific coast is indented by rivers, but only a few of them carry their waters to the ocean throughout the year. The beds of most rivers are filled with water for a short period - from January to April - when it rains in the Andes, snow and glaciers melt.

Since ancient times, rivers have played a major role in the life of the Sierra, in the valleys of which the bulk of the population is concentrated. Streams running down from mountain glaciers merge to form lakes. One of them - Lauricocha - gives rise to the Marañon flowing to the north. For almost 640 km, it separates the Western and Central Cordillera. Another big river northern Andes- Huallaga. Having broken through the eastern Cordillera, it emerges onto the plain of Selva, merging with Marañon to form the great Amazon. In southern Peru the largest river is the Apurimac. Merging with Mantaro, Apurimac gives rise to the Ene River, which is called Tambo downstream. The Tambo, together with another river, the Urubamba, in turn gives rise to the Ucayali, the most important river of the Peruvian Selva.

The Urubamba River Valley is the cradle of the great Incan civilization. In the upper reaches, where it is called Vilcanota, is located ancient capital Incas - Cusco. Not far from Cusco are the ruins of the famous fortress of pre-Columbian America - Machu Picchu.

Flora

In the Andes it is clearly visible altitudinal zone. The slopes of the Eastern Cordillera, up to approximately 1500 m altitude, form a zone called in Spanish "tierra caliente" (hot land). From an altitude of approximately 1500 m, it gives way to a belt of mountain tropical forest, rising to 2300-2500 m, which is represented by a variety of tree ferns 10-14 m high, thorny bushes, mosses, lichens, club mosses, and an abundance of fiery red or bright yellow orchids. One of the typical plants of a mountain forest is the cinchona tree (from 1400 to 2400 m). Peru is the birthplace of this tree and is depicted on the country's coat of arms.

Mountain tropical forest gives way to deciduous forest (up to approximately 3000 m altitude). The picture is different on the slopes of the Western Cordillera: bare rocks, rubble, salt marshes, sand dunes, dryness, sparse shrubs, cacti and herbs.

The vegetation of inland Andean regions is dramatically affected by altitude and distance from the equator. Natural vegetation here is represented mainly by herbs and shrubs. Near the border with Ecuador, from the edge of the mountain forest to the snow line, high-mountain equatorial meadows - paramos - stretch.

The species composition of the Peruvian selva is extremely rich - more than 20 thousand plants. The famous “black gold” of the jungle is Hevea, which produces rubber. A lot of trees and shrubs are used for timber, vegetable oil, varnishes, raw materials for the medical and food industries.

Fauna

The temperature regime of the Peruvian Current is very favorable for the development of plankton, which serves as food for fish and cetaceans. Numerous islands scattered along the coast seem to be covered with white snow: there is so much bird droppings on them - guano. Birds living on the islands - cormorants, gannets, pelicans, gulls, etc. - form this valuable fertilizer.

The fauna of the Sierra is represented mainly by llama, alpaca, huarizo, vicuna and guanaco. A typical inhabitant of the Andes is the mighty royal condor, whose wingspan sometimes reaches four and a half meters. A very rare animal also lives in the Peruvian Andes - the chinchilla, whose fur is considered the most expensive in the world. Among the predators in the Sierra, there are puma and Azar's fox. There is a lot of waterfowl on the shores of lakes and in the swamps of the Sierra, and the rivers are rich in fish.

Selva is home to primarily arboreal animals: monkeys, sloths, prehensile-tailed bears, opossums, porcupines, and anteaters. In the forests of the Ucayali River basin live the smallest monkeys in the world - the Uistiti, about 15 cm in size (not counting the tail). 3here great amount birds of all sizes, colors and shapes. Predators of the selva - jaguar, ocelot, puma, otters, martens - lead a mainly terrestrial lifestyle. The Amazon and its tributaries are home to more than a thousand species of fish. In the Peruvian jungle there are many poisonous snakes and the largest snake on earth - the anaconda. Wetlands are the favorite habitat of caimans.

Minerals

More than 200 deposits of almost 80 types of minerals have been identified in Peru: copper, iron, zinc, lead, silver, gold, mercury, bismuth, molybdenum, sulfur, antimony and barite. Copper ore reserves are especially large. Peru has significant energy resources. The first oil well in Latin America was drilled in 1865 in the north of the country, in Talara. Peru has significant resources natural gas, coal, uranium ores. The country's hydropower resources are unusually large, especially from Andean rivers.

Industry

The country's oil, gas, and coal mining industries have reached a relatively high level. The leading branch of Peru's mining industry is copper.

About 40 types of metal and non-metallic ores are mined in the country: copper, silver, iron ore, lead, zinc, bismuth, antimony, molybdenum, tungsten, mercury, cadmium, gold, selenium and tellurium. The largest polymetallic plant in Latin America in Oroya smelts over 20 different metals.

The departments of Huanuco, Pasco, Junin and Huancavelica, located in the Andes, supply polymetals, coal, bismuth, antimony, vanadium and silver to the Lima-Callao region. All mining in this zone is carried out at high altitude(3.5 - 5 thousand m above sea level), in difficult natural and climatic conditions.

Agriculture

This is the most important branch of Peruvian agriculture, employing 3/5 of the country's active population. Traditionally, products are divided into export and consumer products. Cotton and sugar cane crops are mainly concentrated in Costa. Cotton grown in Peru is a long-staple cotton that is highly valued on the world market. There are coffee plantations on the eastern slopes of the Andes and in some valleys of the Sierra. Citrus fruits, mangoes, strawberries and cocoa beans are of export importance. In addition, about 10 thousand tons of coca leaf are collected annually. The most important consumer crops include rice, maize, cassava, yuca, potatoes, and wheat. Vegetable oil is produced from cotton seeds.

Livestock

Livestock farming in Peru is significantly inferior in development to agriculture. In the most inaccessible areas of the Sierra, llamas, alpacas and huarizos are bred. Pig and sheep farming are widely represented in all departments of the country. Along with agriculture and livestock raising, the use of the fish resources of the Peruvian Current plays an important role. 25 species of fish are of commercial importance, incl. anchovy, bonito, hake, mackerel, dorado, corvina, tuna, machete, swordfish, etc. Most of the fish caught is processed into flour, fish oil and exported.

Ethnic composition of the population

In modern Peru, three peoples are ethnically represented - Spanish-speaking Peruvians, Quechuas, Aymara, as well as the so-called forest Indians and foreigners. Spanish-speaking Peruvians make up the bulk of the population of Costa and the urban population of the Sierra and Selva, while Indians inhabit rural areas Sierra and Selva. Foreigners, whose numbers are small, live in cities; the most significant groups are the Japanese and the Chinese.

The largest Quechua Indian people in Latin America, in addition to Peru, also live in Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina and Chile. But Peru is the main settlement area. The second major Indian people of Peru, the Aymara, who also live in Bolivia, Argentina and Chile, play a role national minority. The main Aymara settlement area has now been significantly reduced.

The forests of Selva are a long-standing habitat of Indian tribes belonging to various linguistic groups (Arawak, Pano, Tupi-Guarani, etc.). Peruvian scientists currently count more than 700 tribes and large clan groups here, the exact number of which is unknown.

There are significant differences in cultural and everyday life between Spanish-speaking Peruvians and Indians.

Population

In 1997 it amounted to 24,371 thousand people. Density - 16.5 people per sq. km. The population growth every year is approximately 424 thousand people. The average annual population growth is 1.7%. 71% of the population lives in cities. 52% live on the coast general population countries, in the Sierra (Andes) - 36%, Selva - 12%. The capital, Lima, is home to about 6 million people, including the population of Callao. Big cities concentrate 22% of the country's population.

Life expectancy for women is 71 years, for men - 65 years. Mortality - 158 thousand people per year. Infant mortality is 45 per thousand births.

Geographical position

Peru is a country located in the western part of South America. Official name - Republic of Peru. In the north it borders with Ecuador and Colombia, in the east with Brazil and Bolivia, and in the south with Chile.

The total area of ​​the country is 1.28 million square meters. km. Peru is one of the largest countries Latin America.

The capital is the city of Lima.

State divided into three regions: Coast (Costa) on east coast Pacific Ocean, Mountains (Sierra) - in the middle part of the Andes and Selva (Selva) - in the western part of the Amazon.

In the west, the country's territory is washed by ocean waters.

The country's largest river is the Amazon, the largest lakes are Titicaca and Junin. Lake Titicaca is the largest high-altitude navigable body of water on the planet. Its area is 8287 square meters. km.

Most western point The country is considered to be Cape Parinhas.

A complex mountain system stretches across the entire territory of the countries from north to south, which consists of a chain of ridges of the Peruvian Andes and Cordillera.

The highest point of the country is the dormant volcano Huascaran, whose height is 6768 meters.

Peru has a fairly varied climate, ranging from tropical in the east to tropical mountain in the west. This is due to the complex topography of the country's surface.

In the coastal zone, the average annual temperature ranges from +16 to 25 C. In the Andes - from -5 to +16 ° C. Selva has a humid, tropical climate with big amount precipitation. The average annual temperature here is +26-28°C. The rainy season lasts from November to March.

Precipitation falls annually from 700 to 3000 mm. In the coastal strip (Kosta), instead of rain, quite often there is a tiny drizzle, which is called “garya”.

The Andes ridges create a barrier to oceanic air masses, this provides a contrast between the Pacific coast and the forested slopes.

The best time to visit the mountainous regions and Selva is considered to be from June to August, the coast - from December to March.

Visas, entry rules, customs rules

To enter the country, Russian citizens must obtain a visa. This can be done at the consular section of the Peruvian Embassy located in Moscow. The visa is issued in a few working days, the consular fee is $12.

When departing from the country, you must pay an airport tax of $25, and on domestic flights - $4.

The visa can be extended at the General Directorate of Immigration in Lima. You can do this three times. In this case, a fee of $20 is paid. Children under 16 years old are included in the visa of their parents (mother).

There are no restrictions on the import and export of local currency. Foreign currency can be imported into the country without restrictions; only an amount not exceeding the amount imported can be exported. When exchanging back, you must provide receipts for the exchange of foreign currency into salt.

Persons over the age of 18 can import duty-free into Peru limited quantity tobacco products, alcohol, perfumes and food.

Gifts and personal items in undamaged original packaging can be imported in quantities whose value does not exceed $300. When importing sausages, salami, ham or cheese, a certificate of fitness from the manufacturer is required.

You cannot bring uncanned food, weapons or drugs into Peru. Without special permission, you cannot import or export objects and things that have artistic, historical or archaeological value.

To import professional photo, film or video equipment, you must obtain a special permit. You can export wool and leather products, jewelry, and souvenirs. In this case, you must present a receipt ("boleta") from the store where these items were purchased.

When exporting fur items, a receipt and an export stamp are required.

Population, political state

The country's population is about 27.5 million people. Of these, 45% are Quechua and Aymara Indians, 37% are mestizos, 15% are from Europe and about 3% are from Asia.

Peru's largest cities are Lima (5,760,000 people), Callao (638,000 people), Arequipa (620,000 people), Trujillo (509,000 people), Chiclayo (410,000 people) and Cusco (258,000 people).

Politically, Peru is a presidential republic. The state and government are headed by the president, who is elected for a term of 5 years.

Legislative power is concentrated in the hands of a unicameral Congress, consisting of 120 congressmen who are elected for 5 years.

Executive power belongs to the president and prime ministers, who are appointed by the president. Judicial power is exercised by the Supreme Court and local judicial bodies.

Administratively, the country's territory is divided into 24 departments and 1 constitutional province of Callao. Administrative units have quite a lot of independence.

The official languages ​​of Peru are Spanish and Quechua. Aymara and other languages ​​of Indian groups are also widespread. In the interior, not everyone speaks Spanish.

In the tourism industry, English is mostly understood.

What to see

Peru is rightfully considered one of the most interesting countries in the world. Many interesting cultural monuments of the pre-European period have been preserved here. And the nature of this country simply amazes with its splendor.
The city of Lima is the capital of Peru. It was founded in 1535 and lies on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. During the Conquest, this city became the political and military capital of Spanish possessions in South America. Currently Lima is big city with a not very favorable climate. It is a crowded and noisy city.
It is very hot and dry here, in addition, a cloud of smog constantly hangs over the city.
It is worth visiting the historical center of the capital, which was built according to a clear plan and is under UNESCO protection. There are many colorful Spanish colonial mansions here.

In the central Plaza de Armas square you can see a stone fountain created in the 17th century. It is considered the oldest building in the city. The Cathedral of Santo Domingo, built in 1540, houses the tomb of Francisco Pizarro.

Also of interest to tourists are the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace and two pre-Incan temples in San Isidro. The Church of San Francisco preserves catacombs from the colonial period. In the Plaza de San Martin there is a statue of San Martin, who became famous for declaring the independence of Peru.

Among the museums, it is worth highlighting the Museum of the Inquisition, National Museum archeology and anthropology, the Museum of Art, the Museum of the Nation and the unique Gold Museum.

Theaters and restaurants are concentrated in the Miraflores area. Nightlife flourishes in the bohemian quarter of Barranco.
The "Lover's Street" Puente de los Suspiros ("Bridge of Sighs") leads to an observation deck with a magnificent panorama of the Pacific Ocean.
Tourists can also visit a large number of huge “Indian markets”, the best of which are: Mercado Indio, Miraflores, Pueblo Libre and Kennedy Park.
The surroundings of the capital are more picturesque than the city itself. The Marcahuasi plateau is located 80 km from Lima, at an altitude of about 3900 m. Here you can see many megalithic sculptures and rock paintings. Scientists are still arguing about their origin.
29 km south of the capital Pachacamac is located. It represents a place of worship of the Divine Creator of the Earth, a very important religious center of the pre-Incan period.
In the neighboring Rimac Valley are the mysterious structures of Puruchuco and Cajamarquilla.
Cusco (Hoxo - “center of the earth”) is one of the most ancient and unusual cities in the world. It was the capital of the Inca Empire during its heyday. If you believe the legends, it was founded by the first ancestors of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo around 1200 AD. e.
The city is located at an altitude of about 3500 m, but is quite crowded. Its entire territory is under UNESCO protection.
The entire city was carved out of the mountains by the Incas many centuries ago. The city was built in the form of the silhouette of a sacred puma. Huge boulders were used during construction, but they were not held together with mortar. In this case, there are practically no gaps between the stones. The streets are striking in their directness, the whole city is permeated unique system stone watercourses.
Plaza de Armas was built by the Spaniards on the site of the ancient cult center of Huacalpa. The main attractions of this city include: the ruins of the granite Palace of the Supreme Inca, two Inca statues of Inca Pachacute on the mountain, the Palace of Justice, the ruins of the Inca Coricancha, located east of the city center, the El Triunfo Church, the Church of Santo Domingo.
La Compaña Cathedral is interesting for its huge three-hundred-year-old Maria Angola bell, which is the largest bell in South America. Among the museums we can highlight: Museum of the Institute of Archeology National University, Viceregal Museum and Museum of Religious Art.
North-west of the city center is the monumental complex of structures of Sacsayhuaman (Grey-Stone Bird of Prey). This military and religious center of the Inca Empire lies on the top of a mountain, 3500 m above sea level. It is made of huge stone blocks. The center of the structure is the so-called “Inca throne”. It is surrounded by 21 bastions with powerful towers.
Nearby lie the ruins of the fortresses of Kenko, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay.
30 km from Cusco is Pisac, which is an Incan citadel at the top of a mountain range.
The main attractions of this area are: the ruins of ancient Ollantaytambo, the pyramid city of Ollantaytambo, the Cosnipata valley ("Valley of Smoke"), and the secluded Sinacara valley.
Tumbes has the picturesque Cathedral and the Aguas Verdes Nature Reserve. Chinchero (“rainbow village”) is located 28 km northwest of Cusco. During the Inca era it was a famous resort. Paucartambo and Tres Cruces also deserve attention here.
The "Inca Trail" stretches along the "Sacred Valley" past the most mysterious structures of ancient civilizations. The valleys of Huantanay and Vilcanota (Urubamba) are considered the center of the spiritual culture of the Incas.
The archaeological complex of Caral dates back to 2600-2100. BC e. It lies 200 km north of Lima and is considered the most ancient city on the continent.
35 km from Cusco is Choquepuhio, which is home to the mysterious Lurche culture. Corihuayracina, Vilcabamba Vitcos and Espiritu Pampas are the last pockets of resistance to the Spanish invasion.
It is also worth visiting the Manu National Park, which covers an area of ​​1.5 million hectares.
The famous Machu Picchu ("old mountain") is the most famous and most mysterious Inca monument on the continent.
It is located 112 km northwest of Cusco. Historians and scientists still argue about the purpose of this ancient sacred city of the Incas. Its total area is about 33 thousand hectares. The city lies on a flat mountain plateau, which is located at an altitude of 2700 m above sea level in the Urubamba Valley.
Excavations carried out here revealed the famous Intihuatana Gate of the Sun and an observatory. You can see temples and palaces carved into the rock or built from carefully fitted giant blocks. The Palace of the Moon is located at the foot of Huayna Picchu ("young mountain"). Of great interest are the famous Temple of the Three Windows and the “Sacred Square”, numerous burials and objects of the pre-Inca period. Staircases, gutters, defensive walls, swimming pools, terraces and buildings can also be seen here.
The famous Nazca Desert is one of the main attractions of the country. It is located in the department of Ica in southern Peru, between the Ingenio and Nazca rivers. Its total area is about 500 square meters. km, the desert has the shape of an almost regular square. The climatic conditions here are very harsh. This place attracts tourists and researchers because... the entire desert territory is covered with mysterious drawings of enormous size - from 40 m to 8 km. These drawings are visible only from the air, they are carved into stone and made in one continuous line.
Approximately these drawings date back to 350-700 BC. e., but their purpose is still unknown. Here you can see geometric shapes, as well as stylized images of animals, birds and people in strange attire. It should be noted that many of the objects depicted are not even found in the Nazca region.
Another attraction of this area is the Chauchilla necropolis, which dates back to the late period of the Nazca culture (around the 1st century AD).
The high altitude Lake Titicaca is another a unique monument countries. Its name translates as "stone puma". It is located on the border of Bolivia and Peru and is the largest high-mountain navigable body of water in the world. Its area is 8287 square meters. km.
This lake by its nature is an ancient sea bay, which was raised by tectonic forces to a height of 3810 m. Therefore, oceanic ichthyofauna is observed in it - a large number various types marine invertebrates and fish, there are even sharks in the lake.

Reeds grow along the shores of the lake, from which local residents belonging to the Quechua and Aymara tribes build their homes, buildings for various purposes, as well as real floating islands "Uros". These islands were named after the extinct tribe of Uro Indians. On them, people's lives have remained virtually unchanged over the past five hundred years. The Incas considered the lake itself and its islands, of which there are more than 30, sacred.

The lake itself attracts with its fantastic panorama. Of great interest to tourists are also the funerary towers (chulpas) of Sillustani, which house the burial places of local leaders of the Inca era. The total burial area is 4 thousand square meters. m.
On the “island of knitting men” Taquile there is a good Textile Museum. Amantani Island is worth a visit. on which is the temple of Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Pachatata (Father Sky).
IN high mountain village In Chuquito you can see the Church of Santo Domingo. And at the bottom of the lake, scuba divers found a city that dates back to the era of the Tiahuanaco culture (IX-X centuries AD). It is very reminiscent of the legendary city of Cusco - the ancestral home of the Incas.
The city of Puno, which is the capital of the region, was founded in 1668. It lies at an altitude of 3800 m on the southwestern shore of the lake. It is the main port of the lake, and was formerly one of the richest cities on the continent, because... There are silver mines next to it. The colonial cities of Juli and Pomata were built by the Spaniards in the 16th-17th centuries.
The ancient port city of Tiahuanaco is located 20 km south of the coast. It is located at an altitude of 3625 m above sea level. Its total area is about 450 thousand square meters. m. According to archaeological data, the heyday of this city dates back to the 5th century. BC e. But mathematical and astronomical calculations indicate that Tiahuanaco was created approximately in the 15th millennium BC. e.
Tiahuanaco was a thriving port and was located right on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The pyramid of Akapana ("artificial mountain") has been preserved here, the height of which is 15 meters, and the length of the side of the base is 230 m).
You can see the "standing stone" Kalasasaya with the famous Gate of the Sun, a small underground temple and giant statues, the height of which is up to 7.5 m.
The ruins of other impressive structures, which are also made of huge stone blocks, have also been preserved.
Arequipa, whose name can be translated as “let's stop here,” is Peru's second largest city and an important economic center. It is located in the very south of the country at an altitude of 2335 m above sea level. It is known that this city appeared on the site of an estate that belonged to the conquistador Francisco de Carvajal. It is located in a basin between huge volcanoes, one of which is active.
Arequipa is considered to be the most beautiful city Peru. It is built up with buildings made in the Spanish colonial style late XVIII V. Here is located convent Convento de Santa Catalina. dating back to 1580 and famous throughout the world.
It is also worth seeing the Jesuit Church of La Campania, the Cathedral, central square Plaza de Armas. The former Casa de la Moneda mint, built in the 18th century, and the Casa Moral mansion are noteworthy.
180 km from Arequipa you can visit the Colca Canyon, which is a unique natural site. This canyon is considered the deepest in the world. Its total depth is 3400 m.
Tourists have the opportunity to watch soaring condors from the Cruz del Condor observation deck. Other attractions of this region of the country include the Cotahuasi Canyon, the “Valley of Volcanoes,” the Salinas y Agiade Blanca National Park, and the Pata Pamba Pass (4825 m). You can explore ancient Inca burials in the rock caves above Antauilqui or swim in the geothermal springs located near the village of Chivay.
Costa is the Pacific coast of Peru. There are few seaside resorts here, but a large number of tourists are attracted here by numerous historical and cultural sites.

On one side this narrow strip of land is framed by the Andes, and on the other side it is washed by the waters of the ocean. The main attractions of Costa include the Paracas National Marine Reserve, the ancient clay city of Chan Chan, the Huascaran National Park and cultural monuments that date back to the 10th-5th centuries. BC Many tourists visit the seaside resort of Picasmayo, which is considered the best place for windsurfing in Peru, as well as the resort town of Paracas. There are also resort towns to the south and north of Lima.
Quite interesting are the sand dunes of Huacachina, the oases around the “capital of winemakers” Ica and the Huaylas Valley. The mysterious pre-Incan cultural cities of Sipan and Tucume are also worth seeing.
The city of Trujillo is the capital of Costa. It was founded in 1535 and represented the center of Spanish expansion into the mainland. And today this city attracts tourists with the same charm of the colonial era. Here you can see a large number of beautiful mansions built in the Spanish style.
The central square of the city, Plaza de Armas, deserves attention. It is also worth visiting the Bishop's Palace, the Town Hall, numerous monasteries and the cathedral. The central club is located in the Palacio Iturregui mansion. You can visit the Archaeological Museum and the Cassinegli Museum, as well as an art gallery.

Not far from the city are the ruins of the capital ancient empire Chimu - Chan-Chan. This colossal city was built entirely from clay and stones. Previously, it was surrounded by a wall with seven bastions. The heyday of Chan-Chan was around the 12th century. At that time the city was the largest structure of its era. He had an important political and cultural significance. The entire territory of the city was built up with palaces, rich houses and religious buildings.
Of great interest to tourists are: the "Temple of the Rainbow" Templo del Arco Iris, the temple-fortress of Tshudi, the "Emerald Temple" of Huaca Esmeralda. The pyramids of Huaca del Sol and Huaca del Luna ("Sun and Moon") date back to the 6th century. n. e.
Not far from here lies the archaeological complex of El Brujo (III thousand years BC) with the famous Cao pyramid. You can also see the remains of extensive irrigation canals and temples from the pre-Incan period.
In the vicinity of the city of Chiclayo, which is located 200 km north of Trujillo, is the “Tomb of Lord Sipan”.
50 km south of Chimbote is the area of ​​the most ancient Indian buildings in Sechin, which date back to the 16th century. BC e. Interesting are the ruins of Gran Pajaten, monuments of the Inca period around Cajamarca and Chachapoyas. Many tourists visit the seaside resorts of Chicama and La Pimentel and the ecological reserve in Batan Grande.
The eastern part of the country is called Selva, which accounts for 60% of the territory of all Peru. Moist evergreen forests predominate here. Locals They call this area "Green Hell". It is a unique ecosystem. This is where the Amazon River (Solimoes) begins. The area is home to unique Native American tribes. It is home to a large number of endemic species of plants and animals. In the jungle you can find many monuments of Indian cultures that have not yet been fully explored.
The largest city in Selva is Iquitos. Sights worth visiting include the Pacaya Samiria Nature Reserve, the picturesque Lake Yarinacocha and the Amazon forests.

The first settlements in the country date back to the 10th millennium BC. e. People settled in the river valleys of the coast. The very first settlement was Norte Chico, which was located on the north-central coast of Peru. It dates back to between 3000 and 1800. BC e.

Peru was the center of the Inca Empire, which arose around 1100. By 1500, this empire included not only the territory of modern Peru, but also the territory from Quito in Ecuador to the Mole River in Chile.

The Incas were known for a large number of beautiful gold items. For this reason, Spanish conquerors arrived in their country.

A detachment of Spaniards, led by Francisco Pizarro from Panama, captured the Inca Empire in 1532. Lima was founded in 1535. In 1542, the Viceroyalty of Peru was created. The first viceroy was Blasco Nunez Vela, who arrived from Spain. This kingdom included all of Spanish South America, except Panama and Venezuela.

The Spaniards ruled the country for almost 300 years. The independence of Peru was declared on July 28, 1821.

But the Spanish came to power again in June 1823. In 1824, Peru was invaded from the north by the troops of Sucre, who was an associate of Bolivar. They finally defeated the Spanish colonialists.

Bolivar decided to divide Peru into two countries - Peru and Bolivia, named after him. Bolivar began to rule in Peru, and gave Bolivia under the rule of Sucre.

Since 1962, Peru has been ruled by various military regimes that came to power through coups. Since the late 1980s, the country began to hold free elections on a multi-party basis, but this did not lead to civilian rule.

Peru is a member of the UN and all specialized agencies of this organization.

International trade

Peru's main export commodities include gold, zinc, copper, crude oil and petroleum products. The country also exports coffee, potatoes, asparagus, processed fish and textiles.

The main export partners are countries such as America (20%), China (15.2%), Canada (8.3%), Japan (7%), Chile (5.8%) and Brazil (4.2%). %).

The country imports petroleum products, plastics, machinery and equipment, as well as cars and paper.

The main import partners are following countries: USA (23.4%), China (10.5%), Brazil (8.7%), Ecuador (6.4%), Chile (5%) and Argentina (5%).

The shops

Peru is a fairly cheap country. Lima and Cusco are considered the most expensive places in the country. Shopping costs more for foreigners than for local residents.

Prices may vary significantly depending on the season. The country's shops are usually open from Monday to Friday, from 09.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00-16.00 to 20.00. In the capital, some supermarkets are open without lunch until 21.00-22.00. There are also 24-hour shops. In the provinces, stores have individual opening hours.

From Peru, tourists usually bring pottery, knitted woolen products, silver jewelry, fur, masks and wood products with artistic carvings as souvenirs and gifts.

Demography

The annual population growth is 1.2% (fertility is 2.3 births per woman).

The average life expectancy for men is 69 years, for women - 73 years.

The share of the urban population is quite high and amounts to 71%.

Infection with the immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is 0.5%.

Literacy: 96% of men and 89% of women.

Industry

Peru has a strong mining industry and a developing manufacturing industry.

Industry contributes 25% of GDP and employs about 24% of the country's working population.

The most developed industries are the smelting of steel and other metals; extraction and processing of minerals, as well as oil and gas; food industry, fish processing, clothing and textile production.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world Peru varies by region. The Montauk jungle is home to plants such as rubber trees, mahogany, vanilla trees, sarsaparilla and a large variety of exotic tropical flowers.

In the Sierra, vegetation is less diverse; only cacti and other drought- or frost-resistant plants can survive in this arid climate.

Mostly desert plants are found in the coastal zone.

The country's fauna is not very diverse. On the coastal plain, the most common animals are tarantulas, lizards, and scorpions.

Coastal waters are rich in such inhabitants as haddock, sole, sardines, shrimp, smelt and other marine animals.

The Sierra is home to chinchilla, llama, alpaca and vicuna. Birds include the duck, giant condor, goose, partridge, flycatcher and finch. Common species in Montauk include the cougar, jaguar, armadillo, tapir, alligator, anteater, peccary, as well as many species of monkeys and some species of snakes.

The existence of some animals is currently under threat. Chinchillas with valuable fur were almost completely exterminated. Vicuna numbers have also declined.

To protect the fauna, the Pampa de Galeras National Park was created in 1966.

Banks and money

Peruvian banknotes / Currency converter

The country's monetary unit is the New Sol (international designation - PEN, domestically - S/), which is nominally equal to 100 centimes. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 sol, as well as coins in 1, 2 and 5 sol, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes.

American dollars are also accepted for payment everywhere. The exception is the 2001 CB Series $100 notes. Some places do not accept wrinkled bills.

The country's banks are usually open from Monday to Friday, from 09.00 to 17.00. On Saturdays they are open from 09.00 to 13.00, but in the summer the opening hours sometimes change. In the provinces, some banks have own schedule work.

Tourists can exchange currency at numerous exchange offices, as well as in banks, shops and hotels. Preference is given to American dollars. Other currencies can only be exchanged in large capital banks.

Damaged banknotes may not be accepted for exchange. It is recommended to keep the foreign currency exchange receipt until you leave the country. This will allow you to make a reverse exchange of unspent money.

At ATMs in Peru you can get cash in both soles and dollars. Credit cards and travelers checks can only be used in the capital and tourist areas. In the provinces this is almost impossible.

When exchanging currency, it is best to take more small bills. Sometimes it is simply impossible to pay with large bills due to lack of change.

You should not change money on the street, because... It’s easy to run into scammers or robbers.