Peru covers about 1.29 million km² and is defined by three major geographical regions: the narrow Pacific coastal plain, the high Andes, and the vast Amazon Basin in the east. The Andes Mountains divide the country and create sharp climatic contrasts — from arid deserts along the coast to temperate highlands and humid tropical rainforest. Major rivers such as the Amazon originate in Peru’s eastern slopes, making the country one of the most water-rich in the region.
Long before Spanish colonisation in the 16th century, sophisticated agricultural systems were developed by Indigenous civilisations, most notably the Inca Empire. They built terraces in the mountains to grow crops such as potatoes and maize under difficult environmental conditions. Under Spanish rule, agriculture shifted toward hacienda systems producing wheat, livestock and export crops. After independence in 1821 and later land reforms in the 20th century, farming became more diversified and smallholder-based in many areas.
Today, the primary sector contributes around 6–7% of Peru’s GDP and remains crucial for rural livelihoods. About 18% of Peru’s land area is used for agriculture, although much of the mountainous terrain limits large-scale farming.
Peru is a major producer of potatoes, with thousands of native varieties cultivated in the highlands. Maize, rice and quinoa are also important staple crops. In recent decades, export-oriented agriculture has grown rapidly, particularly in products such as asparagus, avocados, grapes and coffee.
Livestock farming includes cattle, sheep and especially alpacas and llamas in the Andes, which are well adapted to high-altitude conditions.
Forests cover nearly 60% of Peru’s territory, mainly in the Amazon region. Forestry provides timber and other forest products, though it faces pressures from deforestation and illegal logging.
Peru’s long Pacific coastline supports a major fishing industry. The cold Humboldt Current creates one of the world’s richest fishing grounds, making Peru a leading producer of anchoveta, used primarily for fishmeal and fish oil. Aquaculture is also expanding.
Overall, Peru’s primary sector reflects its geographical diversity: terrace farming in the Andes, tropical agriculture in the Amazon lowlands and large-scale fisheries along the Pacific coast. Despite the growing importance of mining and services, agriculture, forestry and fishing remain vital for employment, food supply and exports.
2013 wa Gerold the first time after 16 years again in South America. It is quite far away (11.000 km), much non-English, but only Spanish, nevertheless very colonial European. He was in Lima for 9 days, at a conference of the South American Agroecologica Association, which held their conference there.