Cities of Peru

Peru's cities represent a diverse mix of historical, cultural, and economic centers spread across different geographical regions. The capital city, Lima, established in 1535, serves as the country's primary metropolitan area with over 10 million inhabitants, making it the fifth-largest city in Latin America.

Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, sits at an elevation of 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) and serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu, the famous 15th-century Inca citadel. Arequipa, known as the "White City" due to its colonial architecture built from sillar (white volcanic rock), is Peru's second-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The northern coastal cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo are significant economic centers, with Trujillo being known for its pre-Columbian archaeological sites and Chiclayo serving as a major commercial hub. Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon, holds the distinction of being the world's largest city that cannot be reached by road, accessible only by air or river.

The Sacred Valley contains the town of Urubamba, which serves as an important agricultural center and tourist destination. On Peru's northern coast, Máncora has emerged as a popular beach resort town, known for its year-round sunny climate and excellent surfing conditions.

List of the largest cities and towns in Peru