Peru is one of the world’s most intriguing countries, both for its awe-inspiring natural attractions and for the legacy of the great Inca Empire in the form of lost cities and brilliant architecture. There is something here for everyone; dazzling beaches, soaring Andes Mountains, Amazon jungle, and bustling cities.

The ancient Inca capital of Cuzco, in the south of the country, is perhaps the country’s leading attraction. At the other end of the spectrum, the capital city Lima is home to some highly impressive Spanish colonial architecture, while the remote Amazon town of Iquitos provides access to the Amazon basin.

A wide range of outdoor activities are enjoyed by visitors to Peru, including trekking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, surfing, fishing and many water sports on the coast. The Inca Trail, which encompasses Machu Picchu, is one of the most spectacular treks in the entire world.

Other major attractions in Peru include the Nazca Lines, which reside in the coastal deserts of the south. These quirky marks in the sands represent many different aspects of the human and animal world and are best seen from the air. Another diverse part of Peru’s magnificent culture is the lofty sand dunes which are even used for the extreme sport of sand boarding.

Accommodation in Peru ranges from basic guest houses right up to five-star luxury in Lima. Hotel rates are generally cheap, even for the most upmarket establishments, although these will only be found in Lima. Three-star hotels are the best option for saving money while at the same time enjoying some luxury. These can be found in most towns and cities as can the lower rated two- and one-star hotels. The lower class of hotels may however lack hot water and are usually positioned in unsavoury neighbourhoods.

The Peruvians are a friendly bunch and have a distinct culture stretching way back before the arrival of the Incas. The country celebrates a full calendar of colourful musical and religious festivals and also boasts a huge variety of arts and crafts. Getting about the country is very straightforward as most people speak a modicum of English.

Peru has three climates at any one time within its borders; the dry and mild coastal regions, the temperate and cold Andean region and the tropical and humid lowlands.

The best time to visit Peru is from May to October, which is the dry season. November to April is the rainy season, with the wettest months falling between January and April. During these times, many mountain roads and trekking paths become impassable so you will have to plan ahead if you intend to go walking.

Throughout much of the country, dry season temperatures regularly exceed 30 or 35°C. Towards the end of the dry season, temperatures are still fairly mild although only the northern beaches are suitable for swimming and night time temperatures in the mountains are cool.

Hunter-gatherers were moving through Peru as far back as 10,000 BC on their way down from North America. Permanent settlements were established by about 2500 BC along the coast and later slightly inland, although the first real settlers, the Chavín, didn’t arrive until somewhere between 900 and 200 BC. Successive Andean cultures included the Moche, Huari, and then the Chimú, who survived until the 15^th century when they were ousted by the Inca.

The rapidly increasing Inca Empire was brought to an abrupt end by the Spanish Conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro (1531-33). Their rule only lasted about 60 years. Lima was eventually founded and became the focal point of Spanish expansion and later the capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru.

The viceroyalties reduced the power of the colonial administration and Peru eventually declared its independence in 1821 after European immigrants (Creole) went against the Spanish rule. Spanish colonial rule ended three years later in 1824, although Peru continued to war with Spain until 1871.

Another significant event in Peru’s history was the 1879 war with Chile over part of the Atacama Desert territory. The Bolivians joined the Peruvians yet Peru succumbed to the Chileans, losing the territory. The border dispute was finally settled in 1929.

The economy boomed in the latter parts of the 19^th century with the silver trade. Railways were opened, ensuring the re-emergence of Peru’s century-old trade. Peru continued to prosper well into the 20^th century.

The 1960 social and economic reforms initiated by President Fernando Belaunde helped peasants and workers. One of his successors, Alvarado, went one step further and oversaw major agrarian reform and the nationalisation of industries, which included mining, railways and banks. Free democratic elections were later restored by General Francisco Bermudez.

Today, tourism is one of Peru’s biggest earners. People come to trek the fabled Inca Trail and gaze at the most treasured of Inca sites, Machu Picchu; the country’s fabulous beaches stretch the length of Peru’s Pacific coastline and there are numerous interesting towns and cities.