The magical country of Peru stretches inland from the north-west coast of South America over the spine of the Andes and into the dense tropical jungle of the Amazon Basin. From rolling coastal deserts to the highest navigable lake in the world, Peru's landscapes are as diverse as they are remarkable. Likewise its cultural heritage, for superimposed on this sublime canvas are the layered imprints of great civilisations stretching far back into time long before the Incas and the Spanish conquistadores.
Peru's capital, Lima lying on the Pacific coast is an effervescent metropolis with sleek modern skyscrapers alongside elegant colonial architecture. This convenient gateway to Peru's many treasures is also a captivating place in which to spend a few days absorbing local culture in the many excellent museums and lively street life.
In the interior Cuzco, erstwhile capital of the Inca empire, is an extraordinarily beautiful fusion of Spanish and Inca architecture. The 'white city' of Arequipa, on the other hand, is built of pearly volcanic stone and magnificent in an almost ethereal way. From here the Colca Canyon, the second deepest ravine in the world and the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca are easily within reach, as are the wonders of Peru's untouched Amazon rainforest.
From Cuzco it is easy to reach another of the world's most feted and intriguing mysteries, the Inca stronghold of Machu Picchu perching high amidst steep sided, forest-clad mountains.
Without doubt, Peru is one of the great travel destinations of the world and offers something for even the most discerning of adventurers.
