Peru, New York, is in the southeastern part of Clinton County, south of Plattsburgh.

The Battle of Valcour Island was fought in Lake Champlain in the eastern part of Peru in 1776.

[citation needed] Peru was formed from parts of the towns of Plattsburgh and Willsboro (the latter now in Essex County) in 1792.

On April 20, 2002, around 6:50 am, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake was centered in the western part of Peru, 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Plattsburgh with only marginal damages.

The eastern part of the town fronts on Lake Champlain, and the eastern town line, in the center of the lake, is the state border with Vermont.

18.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.