If thereâs one thing that most school kids remember, itâs the mantra of costa, sierra y selva: coast, highland, and jungle. These geographic zones run from north to south across the nation, dividing Peru into three regions of distinct natural and cultural characteristics. The Peruvian Coast. Peruâs Pacific coastline stretches for 1,500 miles (2,414 km) along the western edge of the nation. Desert landscapes dominate much of this lowland region, but coastal microclimates provide some interesting variations.