Peru

Peru is a magical destination, full of ancient, crumbling ruins, colonial architecture, soaring mountain peaks and verdant rainforest. Ancient traditions are woven deep into the cultural fabric of this fascinating, complex country, and spectacular nature reveals its rich diversity at every turn.

One of the most famous treks in the world, the Inca Trail winds through the rugged peaks and lush forests of Peru’s southern side, up to Machu Picchu, the country’s iconic, sprawling Inca citadel. The most important archaeological site in South America, Machu Picchu’s ancient city streets lay forgotten for centuries prior to its rediscovery in the early 20th century. More ancient buildings can be found in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and now home to elegant Spanish colonial architecture, including baroque San Domingo convent, built atop the Incan Temple of the Sun. Fabulous hiking is to be found in the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world. Capital Lima is home to a vibrant food and nightlife scene, wrapped up in beautiful colonial buildings such as expansive Iglesia de Santo Domingo church and convent. Just outside the city is Pachacama, a pre-Columbian citadel dotted with pyramids and palaces.