Peru

In Quechua, the language closest to that of the Inca, Peru means the ‘land of abundance.’

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 world’s 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 a 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 near the Pacific coast are an unexplained world wonder. Lines are 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.