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Land of Contrasts 11

The costa has been the home of important Peruvian civilizations for many centuries. Among the famous Indian sites archaeologists have unearthed are Chan-Chan, Nazca, and Sipan. Today, the costa is the center of Peru’s indus- trial, commercial, and agricultural activity. Lima, the political and economic capital, is located here, with its more than 7 million inhabitants. Along the coastal plain temperatures normally average about 68°F (20°C) throughout the year. The climate is moderated by winds blowing

The ancient Nazca people of Peru marked figures of monkeys, hum- mingbirds, and other creatures using lines in the Nazca desert.