Experience fascinating ruins, bustlingcities, magnificent landscapes, wild rivers and the Amazon jungle in thebirthplace of the Inca Empire.

Fromancient civilizations and colonial heritage to striking natural scenery, wildlifeand high-adrenalin sports, Peru has an astounding variety of attractions. Youcan retrace the footsteps of the Incas, cruise the world’s highest navigablelake, hike across the Andes and surf at glorious beaches. Peru sits on the west coast of South America, nestled between Amazonianrainforests and the Pacific Ocean.

See astoundingremnants of Peru’s millennia-old civilizations. The most famous is the mysticalMachu Picchu, a mountain-top citadelthat was once the center of Incan culture. Arrive here by hiking along thesacred Inca Trail. Visit the archaeological ruins of Chan Chan, the former home of the Chimú Kingdom, or the pre-Incanadobe pyramids in the Lambayaque Valley,better known as Valley of the Pyramids. Gaze in wonder at the mysterious Nazca Lines geoglyphs in the southernPeruvian desert.

Peru’stowns and cities showcase a fusion of colonial history, Peruvian heritage andmodernity. Peru’s capital, Lima, hasremarkable architecture, a dynamic nightlife and an excellent culinary scene.Wander the narrow streets of Cuzcoto find hidden Inca ruins and indigenous markets. Admire the legacy of Spanish-eramonuments in Arequipa. Don’t miss PuertoBelen, a floating village on the Amazon River.

Visitsmall island communities while you cruise LakeTiticaca, the highest sailable lake on earth. Watch condors glide high upin the mountains that surround ColcaCanyon. See colorful butterflies, monkeys and jaguars in Manu National Park. Spot sea lions andflamingos at Paracas NationalReservation and the stunning Ballestas Islands.

For adventurousvisitors, there’s excellent hiking in the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash. Join kayaking and white-water raftingexcursions on the Apurimac and Urubamba rivers. Try sand-boarding or ride in adune buggy over the huge dunes at HuacachinaOasis. Surf at palm-fringed beaches such as Puerto Chicama and Máncora Beach.

Explorethis large country easily with Peru’s extensive network of cheap and reliable busesand affordable domestic flights. Peru’s fascinating culture, mesmerizingancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes and wildlife make it an excitingvacation destination.