PERU

Situated in Western South America, on the Pacific coast, Peru has long fascinated travellers and archaeologists alike. It is a country of immense variety geographically, ethnically, culturally and historically.

Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, has to be seen to be believed. The majesty of its location, the mystery of its purpose and the beauty of its construction never fail to amaze.

Many climb the Inca Trail to reach the site. On the way they enjoy stunning mountain scenery and a variety of other Inca ruins. Others chose to travel up the Sacred Valley by train or bus, passing steep terraced hillsides and even more Inca sites.

Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is now the central hub of Peruvian tourism. The town has fine examples of Inca masonry and colonial architecture and a wide range of hotels, restaurants. It offers a huge variety of activities from sightseeing to white water rafting and shopping to socialising.

Straddling the Bolivian border, Lake Titicaca, is a dazzling blue gem ringed in by Andean ranges. At this high altitude the air is clear and crisp. Many like to visit the isolated cultures on the Lake including the Uros people, who knit their floating islands from reeds, or Islas del Sol & Luna - the legendary Inca birthplace of the Sun.

On the dry coast, Arequipa, know as the White City is a beautiful town from which to explore the Colca Canyon - the world's deepest. Get up early to watch the condors rising on thermals at the Condor Cross viewpoint.

Some are surprised to learn that two thirds of Peru's landmass is covered by Amazon jungle. Peru has some excellent jungle lodges and a three day Amazon experience is a great way to end any trip to the country. Find out more about Amazon Lodges here.