List of cities in Peru Facts for Kids

Peru is a super interesting country in South America, famous for its ancient history, beautiful mountains, and lively cities. Many people live in these cities, and some are much bigger than others! This article will show you some of the largest cities in Peru, based on how many people live there.

Peru's Biggest Cities
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Peru's Biggest Cities

Peru has many amazing cities, each with its own special charm. Here are some of the largest ones, based on how many people lived there in 2017:

Lima: The Capital City

The Plaza Mayor in Lima, a busy central square.

Lima is the capital city of Peru and by far the biggest! Over 9.5 million people call Lima home. It's a huge, bustling city right by the Pacific Ocean. Lima is the center of everything in Peru, from government to culture and business. You can find ancient ruins, modern skyscrapers, and delicious food here.

Arequipa: The White City

The beautiful Plaza de Armas in Arequipa.

Arequipa is the second-largest city, with more than 1 million people. It's often called the "White City" because many of its buildings are made from a white volcanic stone called sillar. Arequipa is surrounded by volcanoes and has a beautiful historic center that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Trujillo: The City of Eternal Spring

A view of Trujillo, known for its pleasant weather.

Trujillo is home to over 919,000 people and is known as the "City of Eternal Spring" because of its lovely weather all year round. It's close to ancient Moche and Chimú ruins, like Chan Chan, which was once the largest adobe city in the world!

Chiclayo: The Capital of Friendship

A street view in Chiclayo.

Chiclayo has about 552,000 residents. This city is often called the "Capital of Friendship" because of its welcoming people. It's an important commercial hub in northern Peru and is near famous archaeological sites like the Lord of Sipán tombs.

Piura: The City of the Eternal Summer

The main square in Piura.

Piura is a sunny city with over 473,000 people. It's known for its warm climate, which is why it's sometimes called the "City of the Eternal Summer." Piura is a great place to enjoy the sun and learn about Peruvian history.

Huancayo: In the Andes Mountains

A panoramic view of Huancayo.

Huancayo is a city high up in the Andes Mountains, with about 456,000 people. It's a vibrant city known for its Sunday market, where you can find all sorts of traditional crafts and foods. The scenery around Huancayo is absolutely stunning!

Cusco: The Ancient Inca Capital

The historic city of Cusco.

Cusco has over 428,000 residents and is one of Peru's most famous cities. It was once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire! Today, it's the gateway to Machu Picchu and is filled with amazing Inca and Spanish colonial architecture.

Chimbote: A Coastal Port City

A wide view of Chimbote from above.

Chimbote is a coastal city with more than 381,000 people. It's an important port city, especially for fishing and steel industries. It's located in the Ancash region, known for its beautiful beaches and mountains.

Iquitos: In the Amazon Rainforest

The Plaza de Armas in Iquitos.

Iquitos is a unique city with over 377,000 people. What makes it special? You can only reach it by boat or plane! It's located deep in the Amazon rainforest and is a major port on the Amazon River. It's a fantastic place to start an adventure into the jungle.

Tacna: The Heroic City

A panoramic view of Tacna.

Tacna is a city in southern Peru, close to the border with Chile, with over 293,000 residents. It's known as the "Heroic City" because of its important role in Peru's history, especially during the War of the Pacific.

Juliaca: The Wind City

A view of Juliaca's main square.

Juliaca is a high-altitude city with over 273,000 people. It's sometimes called the "Wind City" because of the strong winds that blow across the Altiplano. It's an important trading hub in the Puno region.

Ica: Oasis in the Desert

The Plaza de Armas in Ica at night.

Ica has about 244,000 residents and is located in a desert oasis. It's famous for its vineyards and pisco, a traditional Peruvian drink. Nearby, you can find the stunning Huacachina Oasis, a natural desert lagoon.

Cajamarca: A Historic Mountain City

A view of Cajamarca, a city with rich history.

Cajamarca is a city in the northern highlands with over 226,000 people. It's a very historic place, famous for being where the Inca emperor Atahualpa was captured by the Spanish conquistadors.

Pucallpa: Gateway to the Amazon

A street in Pucallpa.

Pucallpa is another important city in the Amazon basin, with over 211,000 people. It's a major port on the Ucayali River and serves as a gateway for exploring the central Peruvian Amazon.

Sullana: The Pearl of Chira

A night view of Sullana.

Sullana is a city in the Piura region with over 201,000 residents. It's often called the "Pearl of Chira" because of its location near the Chira River. It's an important agricultural center.