
In Quechua, the language closest to that of the Inca, Peru means the âland of abundance.â Peru is full of extremes: from lush, towering Andean peaks to rolling sand dunes on the coast to the largest, most diverse rainforest in the world, the Amazon jungle.
Peru is also rich in pre-Columbian culture with millions of citizens in the Andes mountains who still live, speak and work the way their ancestors did thousands of years ago.
On the Pacific coast of South America, between Ecuador and Bolivia and west of Brazil, Peru ranks among the worldâs top producers of silver, copper, lead and zinc.
The Amazon makes up half of the area of Peru, the Andes mountains occupy a third, and the rest is coastal desert.
Some things not to miss on your trip to Peru:
Cusco, Machu Picchu, The Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and many alternatives to the Inca Trail offer a glimpse into the mysterious and fascinating history of the Incas.
Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake spanning from Peru to the border with Bolivia with over 30 islands, some inhabited with cultures dating back to the pre-Colombian era.
The Nazca Lines on the Pacific coast are an unexplained world wonder. Lines etched into the landscape in the form of animals, geometric figures and a pair of hands.
The Amazon Basin is home to a plethora of diverse flora and fauna. Tourism is just starting to catch on in this area; you can take a boat tour or stay in a lodge.
The Cordillera Blanca and Huascaran National Park are some of the world's premier trekking and mountain climbing destinations, loaded with dozens of spectacular towering white peaks.
Booking a tour is highly recommendable to make the most of your time, see: All Peru Tours, Machu Picchu Tours, Sacred Valley Tours, Cordillera Blanca Trekking and Tours, Cusco Tours.

| Luxury Peru Travel Hand tailored Peru travel packages, with expert local knowledge and unique collection of special interest tours and guides. http://www.aracari.com/ |
| Cusco + Machu Picchu Tours www.andeandiscovery.com |
An image carved into the north side of the Paracas Peninsula is one of South Americaâs most mysterious archeological sites: Candelabro de los Andes (Candlestick of the Andes, because of its
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In the indigenous language Quechua, Cumbe Mayo means fine river, which is a fitting name for this ancient aqueduct, believed to be constructed around 1500 B.C. Located 19 kilometers (11.80 mi)
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The Nasca Lines can be viewed from a plane weaving the sky above them, or from other, more down-to-earth vantage points. The cerro is a solitary hill in the midst of this vast desert. Climbing to the
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San Ignacio MinĂ, in its pre-exodus incarnation, was located in the Territorio del GuairĂĄ in Brazilâs modern ParanĂĄ state. Founded in 1609 by Fathers JosĂ© Cataldino and SimĂłn Maceta, this was
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Located five kilometers (3 mi) west of Trujillo, Chan Chan is the largest pre-Columbian city in South America and the capital of the ChimĂș kingdom. It dates from around 1300 AD. Some archaeologists
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The ruins of the fortress at Pisac are among the most interesting in Peru. Today, historians and archaeologists believe that Pisac was a compound that served mainly as a line of defense against the
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Perched forebodingly in the hillsides rising above Cusco, the fortress ruins of SacsayhuamĂĄn are some of the most impressive ruins in the area. Though few structures now remain inside, the massive
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The Sacred Valley is the valley west of the sloping edges of the mountain town of Cusco. This area is rich, not only in fields, farms and views, but also in ancient Inca ruins, particularly Pisac and
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At 3,812 meters (12,503 ft) above sea level, Lago Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. With a surface area of approximately 8,560 square kilometers (3,305 sq mi), it is also the
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Nestled among spectacular snow-capped mountains and decorated with quaint Andean villages and Inca Ruins, the Sacred Valley and Cusco region tempts visitors with its cultural charms and natural
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Combination tours, or land-based tours, are similar to navigable tours in that they combine visits to land and marine sites in the archipelago. The major difference is that combination tours include
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The Lake District is Chileâs most visited area, and itâs not difficult to see why. Much of the region, which comprises several huge lakes, forests and snow-capped volcanoes is protected in
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Although it is situated at a lofty 3,810 meters (12,500 ft) Lake Titicaca is no longer acknowledged as the world's highest navigable lake. This takes away nothing, however, from the vast body of
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Bolivia\'s relatively untouched, sparsely-populated Amazon Basin, which includes the northeastern rainforest of the Beni and Pando departments, is a uniquely pristine area of jungle abounding with
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Characterized by rugged ascents boasting magnificent views of Andean scenery and trails that wind their way through the cloud forest and past ancient archaeological sites, the Inca Trail is perhaps
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Quitoâs best-known tourist attraction offers some of the most spectacular and most easily accessible views of the city. There are 18 gondolas that soar up the side of Quito\'s western mountain
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Another popular way to explore the Estero del IberĂĄ is by hiking. Near the Reserva Provincial IberĂĄâs Centro de Visitantes Agua Brillante are three trails. Behind it are the Sendero del Cerrito,
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To give you a better sense of what the four-day trek involves, we\'ve put together a brief day-by-day summary of the trip.Day 1Total Distance: 10 to 11 kilometers (6.2-6.8 mi) Arrive by train from
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Treks to Teyuna (or Ciudad Perdida) combine the opportunity to see some of Colombiaâs natural beauty with a fascinating insight into the ancient indigenous Tayrona culture. Usually a five-day
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Volcano Osorno, elevation 2652 meters (8701 feet), is located on the northeast end of Lake Llanquihue, 51 kilometers from Puerto Varas. The pristine drive along the lake eventually leads into the
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DĂ©dalo is a must see. Even if you donât plan to spend any money, it is well worth the visit. Staged in an old refurbished house in Barranco, a block away from the sea, it offers Peruvian
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As you head from the Plaza de Armas, east towards Lake Titicaca, you arrive at the Mercado Artesanal just before Punoâs main port, Puerta Lacustre. This artisan market, representing several local
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The artist Pablo Seminario is a local legend amongst cusqueños. He virtually invented a new form of ceramic artwork that integrates abstract modern styles with traditional Incan and pre-Incan
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Why this little chocolate manufacturer, after 50 years, has not attained the global clout commensurate with such continental competitors as Toblerone may be one of the biggest mysteries of Cusco yet.
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Sol Alpaca, part of the Michell Group alpaca outlet stores, is one of Arequipaâs most respected manufacturers of sweaters, scarves, coats, table runners and other beautiful woolen items of very
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