THE GEOGRAPHY OF PERU

In terms of geology, the Andes, the world's longest mountain range, are young, and, like the Himalayas, still rising. These mountains account for about 25 percent of the total area of Peru, which, like other Andean countries, contains a diverse landscape. A narrow strip of coastal desert, one of the driest spots on earth, gives way to the mountainous sierra, which holds approximately half of the country's populations. East of the Andes, the sparsely populated jungles of the Amazon Basin, or selva, account for 60 percent of Peru's area. From the foothills of the sierra up to almost 3500 meters you will find yourself in a desert-like environment that feels somewhat incongruous to the icy peaks towering above. The first day on the trail to Machu Picchu will be amongst cactus and eucalyptus trees while in the surrounding fields, wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, and corn cover the landscape. Here, the ox and plow work the fields, while on the steeper slopes the farmers still use the ancient footplow, or chakitakllas. With the exception of river valleys however, forests are generally absent. Deforestation has had a dramatic impact on the region, and the previous quenwa and kishwar forests, with their abundant firewood and building materials, have often been replaced with the fast-growing eucalyptus. Unfortunately, many of the mammals that once inhabited these areas cannot be replaced. Shrinking habitat, poaching, and over-hunting have endangered, most notably, the rare spectacled bear, vicuna, puma, and several species of deer. There is still a viable population of Andean condors in Peru, and you will likely get a chance to see this magnificent bird. Trekkers also have an impact in the mountains, leaving garbage and waste, and cutting trees for firewood. Mountain Madness groups do their part to help alleviate this ongoing problem by practicing Leave No Trace ethics.