Overview
Country Overview
Peru is a large, mountainous country on the Pacific coast of South America. It has borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and the Pacific Ocean. The Sierra contains the Andes, with peaks of over 6000m (20,000ft). The Selva, an area of fertile, subtropical uplands, lies between the Andes and the jungles of eastern Peru. Peru offers diversity: history, archaeology, sports, beaches, mountains, medicinal springs, nature, fantastic landscapes, friendly people and music. Tumbes and Piura are the most northerly Peruvian coastal departments and are major beach, surfing, sporting and deep-sea fishing centres. Lima, the capital, is an ancient Spanish city founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and known as the ‘City of Kings’. The city’s splendid museums, galleries and monuments are juxtaposed with modern suburbs. Cusco, situated 3399m (11,152ft) above sea level, was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Remains of the granite stone walls of the Inca Palace and temples can still be seen. Peru’s most famous archaeological site is Machu Picchu, the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, and the final destination of the famous three-day Inca Trail. Ceviche is a local speciality (uncooked fish marinated in lemon juice and hot pepper, served with corn-on-the-cob, potatoes and onions). There are many bars, pubs, discotheques and casinos in the major towns and tourist resorts.
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