Peru Basics
| Capital | Lima |
| Population | 29.1million |
| Area | 496 222 sq miles |
| Language | Spanish |
| Distance from London | |
| Climate | Varied equatorial climate. Andes- mountain climate.Coast is cooled by Humboldt current. |
| Currency | Nuevo Sol PEN |
| Visa | |
| Health/Vaccinations | |
| Governmment | Presidential Republic |
| Links | Wikiedia Peru World Travel Guide Peru |
History and culture
Peru had a flourishing Inca civilisation before the Spanish arrived in the 1500 s. Macchu Piccu is the most famous remians of this mightly mountain empire.
T
he spanish eradicated much of the Incas culture,population and visual record.
Peru eventually regained its independence in 1821.
Peru extends from the Pacific to the high Andes. The biggest pull to Peru is the lure of the Andes and the remains of the Inca civilistion. Hiking the Inca Trail to Macchu Piccu. Wandering the ancient streets of Cuzco, Lake Titicaca and ancient ruins of Teohotican. Hiking permits for the Inca trail are on a quota which an organised group would have alloted to them.
Top Adventure Activities
Inca Trail to Macchu Piccu
There are 20 000 km of Inca road in Peru, the most famous and infamous is the 42km 4day trek to the ancient Andean citadel of the Inca -Macchi Piccu. The route is guided and there is camping at altitude so the air is thin and itcan be cold! Guides may offer you cacao leaves to chew too help with the altitude. An organised trip will already have arranded the permits,camping and porters. The trek is usually timed to arrive at Macchu Picchu for for early in the mornig before the crowds arrive. Return to Cuzco by train.
Lake Titicaca
The highest (3865m) navigable lake in the world Lake Titicaca straddles the border with Bolivia. Puno is the base for excursions on to the islands in the lake to see inca ruins and visit local tribes. People live on floatng islands of reeds.Try a gentle 2 day Trek here- the Inca Pilgrim Way.
Cusco:Capital of the Incas
Cusco is the high altitude (3300m) historic capital of the Inca Empire and is a world heritage site. Although Cusco was remodelled by the Spanish the amazing interlocking stonework is visible throuhout the city.
Manu Biosphere Reserve
A popular add is the MAnu Biosphere which descends from Andean Tundra to Tropical rainforest in eastern Peru.With 15,000 flowers plants,200 mammals and 1000 birds this is a very diverse experience.