Peru

Prepare to send your senses (and your camera) into overdrive: this nation of wonders serves up countless reason to visit...<br /> <br /> Imagine forgotten Peruvian temples entangled in jungle vines, cob-webbed imperial tombs baking in the desert sun, ancient bejewelled treasures beyond reckoning, the highest navigable lake on the planet, giant sand dunes, flocks of brightly hued tropical birds, postcard-perfect volcanoes and rocky Pacific outcroppings inhabited by argumentative sea lions.<br /> <br /> Envisage the wild rivers that rage around Cusco; the colourful Colca Valley (where you can see the great Andean Condor up close and personal); Arequipa’s white volcanic stone churches, mansions, squares and convents (a unique blend of European-colonial, native-American and Baroque styles); pumas that prowl in the night; and lush jungles in the interior, home to the country’s greatest attraction: the Inca city of Machu Picchu – the holy grail for anyone visiting Peru, one of the New Wonders of the World, and without a doubt one of the globe’s most spectacular ancient citadels.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

CAPITAL CITY | Lima
TIME DIFFERENCE | GMT -6 hours
BEST TIME TO VISIT | Apr-Oct
CURRENCY | Nuevo Sol (US$ are widely accepted)