Physical Landscapes Transect

This embedded map shows a route that a traveler would take from Lima, Peru to Brasilia, Brazil. Along the journey, you would pass varied landscapes that change with the altitude and climate. Starting on the coast of Peru, with its dry and desert-like conditions, you would begin to find a more humid climate as you near the Andes. These tropical conditions allow for crops such as sugarcane, mango and other fruits to grow. Once making headway into the Andes you will notice a stark difference in the climate, as the landscape becomes arid and the temperature begins to drop, especially at night. The roads are dry, bumpy and ruled by the surrounding mountains, which create many twists and turns as you head westward toward Cusco. The nearby ancient ruins of Machu Picchu lies within a subtropical highland climate, creating conditions that allow for more moisture and tropical foliage compared to the arid landscapes passed in route. Once reaching the altiplano, you will notice a flatlining of altitude as you traverse arid savannah, covered in salt mines and lakes. Further west you reach lower altitude, tropical hillsides where coca originates. Once reaching Brazil, you will pass through the savannah grasslands of the Mato Grosso Plateau, known for both its cattle raising and mining operations.