The diversity of Peru’s landscape extends from the deserts of the coast, sprinkled with beautiful valleys and excellent beaches, to its green mountains and the incredible snow-capped peaks of the cradle of the Inca Empire, to its wild jungle in the Amazon Basin, with its great variety of trees, plants, and birds. Thousands of archaeological sites throughout the country range from the campsites of early hunters to the monumental stone walls of sixteenth century Inca Cusco. By 2000 B.C.
Peruvians were building temples and irrigation systems. They had domesticated the llama, grown a variety of food crops, and created amazing ceramics and textiles. By the fifteenth century, the Incas began to emerge from the Cusco valley to build their empire, which came to an end with the arrival of the Spaniards in 1532.
The legacy of colonial Peru is found in the churches and mansions built by the Spaniards who made Lima the seat of the Spanish viceroyalty until independence in 1821. Peru’s highlights are so many that planning an itinerary can be challenging! Essentials are the historic Cusco and Lima, the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca, the Moonstone Trek and the Inca Trail to discover the ruins of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, lost city of the Incas.
Peru's Pacific coastal areas are mostly dry and mild; the Andes are temperate in the foothills with frigid conditions at higher elevations, and the eastern lowlands are tropical, warm and humid. The most dramatic climate variations occur in the Andes, where in general terms, mornings are cold and afternoons warm.
In the east, the lower levels of the mountains are tropical and experience heavy precipitation. In the higher altitudes the temperatures fall and rainfall decreases.
In the far upper reaches of the Andes, the mountains are snow-capped, and temperatures cold. Lima, located in Peru's coastal region, has somewhat cool winters (Jun-Aug) with daily highs in the low 50s. The daily summer high temperatures in Lima (Jan-Mar) approach the mid 80s.
Train
The train service in Peru is very limited, and only covers a few principal tourist routes that connect Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. The train to Machu Picchu from Cusco is a truly impressive journey and it takes about 4 hours for the Backpacker, the slowest and least expensive. The Titicaca Route journey from Cusco to Puno is one of the most scenic and popular in Peru. The Ferrocarril Central Andino is the highest passenger train in the world and travels from Lima to Huancayo in the Central Highlands.
Boat
The boat is the only means of transport to some places like the jungle regions or Lake Titicaca. From Puno (Lake Titicaca) there are plenty of small boats that will take visitors out to the various islands in the lake. These aren't expensive and a price can usually be negotiated down at the port. There are two basic forms of motorized canoes in the jungle region.
Bus
Buses are the cheapest and therefore most popular form of transport in Peru. Only a few long-distance companies offer luxury buses with toilets, reclining seats, and movies. These premium-class ("Royal" or "Imperial" class) buses cost up to twice as much as regular service, but if you are travelling a long distance then it is definitely worth the extra cost for the comfort and services. It's a good idea to buy your ticket at least one day before your departure in order to obtain a seat.
Plane
Domestic-flight schedules and prices change frequently. New airlines open every year, as those with poor safety records. Most cities are served by modern jets, while some smaller towns are served by propeller aircraft. Aero Condor Perú and LAN, Peru’s major domestic carrier fly to the most popular destinations (Arequipa, Cuzco, Iquitos, Lima, Puerto Maldonado and Trujillo), as well as to Arica, Chiclayo, Juliaca, Piura, Tacna and Tarapoto. Most domestic airlines have offices in Lima. More remote towns require connecting flights, and smaller towns are not served every day. Many of the airports for these places are often no more than a grass strip in the jungle. They can be reached on some of the small airlines or by chartered light aircraft.
Machu Picchu is one of the most renowned examples of Inca architecture. A spectacular and imposing citadel lost in history, it is believed to have been built in the 15th century and was discovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham.
Lima, the capital city of Peru, was founded by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro in 1535. For more than 300 years, Lima was the most important city and the greatest metropolis in South America.
The ancient Inca Trail winds its way from the Sacred Valley through ruins, mountains, and exotic vegetation, protected within the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary national park.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas or Urubamba Valley is a valley next to the Andes, close to Cusco and below the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, which is a must see.
Inca legend speaks of the world beginning on the shores of this vast lake, the highest in the world.
The Moonstone Trek is an amazing alternative to the Inca Trail, an isolated route with unexplored ruins, discovery at every turn and great mountain views.
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