Peru is the third largest country in South America and extends significantly along the Pacific Ocean. The country is bordered by five other South American gems: Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile. Peru is a vibrant and unique country and is made up of three distinct regions. The first is the central high sierra of the Andes mountain range which is the best known amongst world travellers. The Andes mountain range is home to many pre-Columbian cities in South America, the most fascinating of which is Machu Picchu - The great city of clouds. The second is Peru's lowland coastal region, an extension of the Atacama Desert. Three of Peru's most popular and populated towns: Lima, Trujillo and Chiclayo are located along this arid coastline. Peru's third and most inaccessible region is made up of dense forests which surround the waters of the Amazon and the eastern slopes of the Andes. This region is only accessible by boat up the Amazon and is usually only visited by the most adventurous spirit.