On the west of South America, Ancient Peru was home to several prominent Andean civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was plundered by the Spanish conquistadors in 1533. The Spanish were finally expelled in 1824. In 2001 a caretaker government oversaw new elections which ushered in Alejandro Toledo as the new head of government.

Today Peru is relatively safe although some areas are still considered dangerous due to crime and terrorism and local knowledge should be sought before travel.

Geographically Peru has a western coastal plain, the high and rugged Andes with eastern lowland jungles in the Amazon Basin.

To get the most from a Peruvian holiday, we recommend you learn a little Spanish, visit Incas Del Peru - a full-service Travel and Learning center, based in Huancayo, Peru that caters to travelers who want to get to know the people, culture and the country for some good regional information.

Machu Picchu
The most renowned site in Peru is the Machu Picchu Inca citadel. At 8,200 feet above sea level this spectacular mountain top city is believed to have been built by the Incas just before the Spanish arrived and it was never completed. Discovered only recently, today 1000's of visitors flock there every day. To beat the rush we suggest you stay at a Lodge in Aquas Calientes and take a local bus to do your viewing before the crowds which arrive by train from Cuzco from about 10.30am.

Apart from the beautiful panoramic views, you can indulge in a wide range of activities in the area, including mountain biking, whitewater rafting as well as fishing and horse riding.