PERU AT A GLANCE
General Information
Peru is the third largest country in South America and extends
significantly along the Pacific Ocean. The country is bordered
by five other South American gems: Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador,
Bolivia and Chile. Peru is a vibrant and unique country and is
made up of three distinct regions. The first is the central high
sierra of the Andes mountain range which is the best known
amongst world travellers. The Andes mountain range is home to
many pre-Columbian cities in South America, the most fascinating
of which is Machu Picchu - The great city of clouds. The second
is Peru's lowland coastal region, an extension of the Atacama
Desert. Three of Peru's most popular and populated towns: Lima,
Trujillo and Chiclayo are located along this arid coastline.
Peru's third and most inaccessible region is made up of dense
forests which surround the waters of the Amazon and the eastern
slopes of the Andes. This region is only accessible by boat up
the Amazon and is usually only visited by the most adventurous
spirit. Peru's climate varies over each of its three regions, a
tropical climate pervades the east, the western dessert region
is dry and the Andes climate varies from temperate to frigid.
The countries official languages are Spanish and the traditional
Inca language, Quechua. Though tourists are not to fear as
English is spoken in most of the major tourist areas.
Experience the City and Country
Peru is a melting pot of tourist attractions from ancient Inca
trails to shopping at the traditional markets for hand crafted
goods. Though such an ancient city, Peru is very modernised in
certain regions. Lima especially is a hub for nightclubs and
casinos and is extraordinarily popular amongst visitors to Peru.
In the evenings most of the hotels offer live entertainment made
up of singing, dancing and the telling of folklore legends. The
food is exceptionally good and meals usually consist of three to
four courses. Tourists however should always drink bottled water
whilst in Peru just to keep on the safe side. Many happy nights
are spent by travellers to this country at their hotels or in
small villages experiencing the true delights of both modern and
ancient Peru.
Ancient Civilisations
Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean
civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was
captured by the Spanish conquistadores in 1533. One of the
greatest of these ancient Inca cities to visit whilst in Peru is
Machu Picchu, known amongst locals as the city in the clouds or
the lost city of the Incas. This mystical place is set in a
remote and dramatic area of the Andes mountain range. National
Geographic has chosen Machu Picchu as one of the World Wonders
in its 50 Places of a Lifetime picks. Machu Picchu was thought
to be a sanctuary for the preparation of priestesses and brides
for the Inca nobility. Visitors who are interested in
experiencing the ancient Incan Peru can participate in a number
of Inca trails which range from a few hours to a few days. It is
truly a once in a life time to experience this ancient city and
its shroud of mystery will stay with you long after you leave
the country of Peru.
Peru's Natural Wonders
No trip to Peru is complete without a trip to the Nazca Lines,
one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries. The Nazca
Lines are a true enigma, no one has proof who built them or why.
Since their discovery they have inspired fantastic explanations
from ancient gods, a landing strip for returning aliens, to a
celestial calendar created by the ancient Nazca civilization.
These archaeological mysteries are best viewed by light
aircraft. On the border of Peru and Bolivia lies the biggest
freshwater lake in South America. Lake Titicaca with it's
piercing blue waters and sense of spiritual tranquillity is home
to some of the worlds most beautiful islands such as the "Island
of the Sun". Visitors to Peru dream of returning to Islands long
after their holidays are over.
Peruvian Wildlife Attractions
Wildlife enthusiasts will be treated by the stunning offerings
of Manu National Park which is located on the eastern slopes of
the Andes in the province of Manu. The park is comprised of the
Andean grasslands, elfin and cloud forests and lowland Amazon
rain forest. More animal and bird species can be spotted here
than anywhere else in the world. Bird watching is particularly
excellent as the park is home to more than 1000 species of bird.
The endangered Giant Otter and the majestic Jaguar are but two
of the magnificent creatures that call this park home.
A Peruvian Holiday
There is so much more to this country than the few highlights
mentioned here. Peru is a land of vast majestic beauty whose
ancient civilisations still form its heart beat centuries later.
A Peruvian holiday is the perfect combination of leisure and
adventure.