Peru

Peru is a large, mountainous country on the Pacific Coast of South America. It shares borders with Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, Chile to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to its west.

The country can be roughly categorized into three natural zones: Costa (coast), sierra (mountains), and selva (rainforest), which run all the way from the north of the country to its south. The Costa region houses the capital, Lima, and is a narrow coastal plain. It consists of large swathes of desert broken up by fertile valleys. Cotton, sugar, rice plantations, and oil fields are seen in this area. The Sierra includes the Andes mountain ranges, with its magnificent peaks towering over 20,000 feet. Most of the country's mineral resources like silver, zinc, lead, copper, and gold are found here. The Selva, an area of fertile, subtropical uplands, lies between the Andes and Brazilian border.

The Amazonian jungle in Peru has vast natural resources. The population is largely Indian and Mestizo with a noticeable influence from African, Chinese, and European (mainly Spanish) settlers.

Practically all of the highlands and some parts of the jungle include trekking circuits, although only a few among them are being used commercially. Hikes are possible all year round, but the easiest period is the dry season (June to September). Hiking equipment can be bought or hired in Cusco and Huaraz, which are the starting points to the most important treks in Peru. The Cordillera Blanca (19,686 ft above sea level) and Huayhuash (19,686ft above sea level) are the best-known ranges for mountaineering activities. The country enjoys a mild weather almost all year long and relatively easy access.

The hot favorites are the beaches of Lima (with constant waves from April to September). Top spots include Cabo Blanco, Chicama, (or Malabrigo) or Pico Alto. The most renowned spot for sea fishing is Punta Sal in Tumbes (north coast). Tuna fish, drums, flounder, pacific croaker, grunts, groupers, and large black marlins can be found on the coast of Peru. Lake and river fishing is an ideal holiday activity, both in the highlands as well as in the jungle.

Public transport in Lima is provided by conventional busses and by minibuses (combis). Roadways and railways connect most of the places in Peru. You can go by boats and ferries on the Amazon River.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is an archeological site that is located in the Andes Mountains. If you are interested in ancient civilizations, then you can surely visit Machu Picchu. This place is about 43 miles from the capital city of Cusco. Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian Inca site and has relics of the buildings that are believed to be constructed by the Inca rulers sometime between 1460 and 1470 AD. The Inca Trail Tour takes you to places including Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. It usually takes three days to travel to Machu Picchu on this trail. Buses are also available from Cuzco that takes you to this town.