Peru, the land of the Inca, boasts remains of ancient civilisations next to fine colonial villas. With Amazonia, the Pacific Ocean, the Cordillera Blanca and Lake Titicaca, the country is a top destination in South American tourism.

Peru is a country of great cultural richness. It owes this reputation to the exceptional fate of the Inca Empire which prospered from the 14th century to the beginning of the 16th before being destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors. Amongst the most popular tourist attractions are obviously Machu Picchu, a major archaeological site in the mountains, which has kept its sense of mystery, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Nearby, Cuzco, the former Inca capital, stands guard over modest remains and offers the spectacle of teeming human activity at the foot of the magnificent colonial residences. However, the area had an outstanding history long before the Incas. For the Nazca civilization had already left its mark. To the south of the country, huge geometrical patterns traced on the ground by this talented people bear witness to a knowledge that even today we are unable to fathom.

When it comes to nature, you are spoilt for choice in Peru. On the border with Bolivia, Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in the world, at an altitude of 3,800 m, is home to the Aymara Indians. Some still live from fishing on floating islands. Amazonia also borders the country to the East. From Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado, excursions into the jungle are one of the classical tourist activities. And mountain-lovers will find, in the north in the Cordillera Blanca, the land of their dreams. Except perhaps for Lima and its rainy climate, everything in Peru is a source of delight.