| No matter if you are in pursuit of sports | | | | fishing. Afterwards, soothe sore muscles at |
| adventure, or an archaeological phenomenon, a | | | | nearby Cajamarca's rejuvenating hot springs. |
| visit to Peru truly satisfies. Nestled | | | | |
| between Bolivia to its south and Ecuador to | | | | Famous for its reputation as the gringo |
| its north, this seaside country also shares | | | | hangout of South America, Cusco is also the |
| borders with Chile, Brazil, and Columbia. For | | | | oldest inhabited city in Peru and an |
| the nature enthusiast, Peru's oddly | | | | archaeology lover's dream. With access to the |
| contradicting natural features produce a | | | | mountaintop city of Machu Picchu, the sacred |
| fascinating array of wildlife, including | | | | Urubamba Valley, and plenty of exciting |
| whales, giant otters, and jaguars. Head east | | | | nightlife, Cusco is considered the most |
| of the Andes into the Peruvian jungle, where | | | | important hub for travelers to the Incan |
| you'll glimpse some of the richest | | | | Empire. Travel back in time strolling stone |
| biodiversity on earth. Peru has several | | | | wall-lined streets and mingle with friendly |
| well-established national parks along the | | | | Quechua-speaking Incan descendants. From |
| desert seacoast, at the edge of the | | | | Cusco, take the southern coastal route along |
| "Altiplano", and among the high Andean | | | | the magnificent Paracas Peninsula to see the |
| Cordillera. | | | | largest sea lion colony on earth. Just |
| | | | offshore, the Ballestas Islands lure nature |
| Rich in ancient culture and tradition, Peru | | | | lovers with some of the best seabird watching |
| is also home to imperial ruins of great | | | | in the world. |
| civilizations, including the lost city of | | | | |
| Machu Picchu and The Nasca Lines, an enigma | | | | Dubbed "The White City" for its beautiful |
| of mysterious desert etchings. The Peruvian | | | | buildings constructed of a light-colored |
| Andes provide unrivalled mountain trekking | | | | volcanic rock called sillar, Arequipa is |
| and cycling prospects for the adrenaline | | | | surrounded by breathtaking mountains, |
| seeker, as well as the spiritual traveler | | | | including the volcano El Misti, providing |
| seeking the teachings of a shaman. At the | | | | ample photo opportunities. Be sure to include |
| other end of the spectrum there is Lima, | | | | a visit to the historical Convento de Santa |
| Peru's desert metropolis boasting some of the | | | | Catalina, a colonial house of worship. Don't |
| best nightlife, music, and museums in all of | | | | miss a trip to Iquitos, the most popular |
| South America. | | | | Amazonian city within the Peruvian jungle. |
| | | | Located in the northern region of the Amazon |
| Lima, known as Peru's "city by the sea", is a | | | | Basin, Iquitos is a central starting point |
| virtual metropolis on the central desert | | | | for jungle exploration. |
| coastline, as well as an economic magnet for | | | | |
| highland and Amazonian villagers. The | | | | A trip to Peru cannot be considereed thorough |
| bustling sophistication of Lima is guaranteed | | | | without a visit to the spectacular Manu |
| to indulge the cosmopolitan traveler's every | | | | Biosphere Reserve. This is considered to be |
| desire. First class museums and nightlife, | | | | one of the most remote and untouched |
| indigenous music, dazzling architecture, | | | | locations in the world. The hidden depths of |
| historical neighborhoods, and friendly locals | | | | the Amazon lead traverers to discover a world |
| abound. Head north of Lima, to Huaraz, Peru's | | | | teeming with exotic birds and mammals. So, |
| mountaineering center, or up the coast to | | | | in just two weeks, you can see and do so much |
| Chicama for surfing and traditional Peruvian | | | | in this unique country. |