Perhaps the most varied and fascinating country in Latin America, Peru is best known as home of the Inca empire and location of Machu Picchu, the original lost jungle city that captures much of the mystery of South America.

Less well-known is that the whole country is blessed with archaeological sites, set amidst incredibly varied scenery ranging from the deserts of the Pacific through the high peaks of the Andes to the endless stretch of the Peruvian Amazon, and is populated by a wide range of people and cultures.

Lima This sprawling and sometimes fog-bound city offers good museums, such as the Museo de Oro, a restored colonial city centre, and the best cuisine in Latin America.

Cuzco Ancient heart of the Inca Empire and one of the most irresistible places in Latin America. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and remarkable Inca archaeological sites, including the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuaman and other temples and palaces of the Sacred Valley, Cuzco is an impressive colonial city built on top of the magnificent ruined temples and palaces of the Incas

Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail The most dramatic and famous of Peru's archaeological attractions is the lost city of Machu Picchu. Set amid dense cloudforests, it can be reached either by taking a train journey with amazing views or by hiking the Inca Trail.

Nazca Lines One of the most mysterious and dramatic ancient sites in South America, the enormous animal figures and geometric shapes etched into the ground over some 500 square kms of stony desert continue to cause endless speculation as to their origins and meaning.

Peruvian Amazon These rainforests, covering half of Peru, are the least explored and accessible in South America. In our opinion the best places to visit are Manu and Tambopata in the southern Peruvian Amazon.

Arequipa At the foot of the snowcapped EI Misti volcano, with a lovely climate and fine colonial architecture, including the beautiful Santa Catalina Monastery. Departure point for trips to the stunning Colca Canyon, the world's deepest canyon, an excellent place for condor-spotting and trekking.

Titicaca Boat trips across this spectacular lake to the islands of Taquile and Amantani provide a real taste of traditional rural Andean culture in the Altiplano.