Peru's has a very rich and ancient past. It has ancient ruins from many sources including the amazing Inca people. Thousands of archaeological sites have been found all over the country, ranging from 10,000 year old camp sites of early hunters to the monumental stone walls of sixteenth century Inca Cuzco. Indeed, it is difficult to go anywhere in Peru without stumbling upon some ancient reminder of Peru's past. Although the Incas are Peru's best known culture, civilizations preceding them set the foundations for the Inca Empire. Peru's museums are filled with amazing ceramics and textiles designed and created by the pre-Inca civilizations such as the Chavin, Paracas, Nazca, Moche and Wari.

Peru has a rich a varied history and culture - From the ancient civilizations and ruins of Machu Picchu to the beautiful churches and mansions built by the Spaniards; from the untamed rain forest to the beautiful capital of Lima. In colonial time, the Spanish made Lima the seat of the Spanish viceroyalty until the country obtained its independence from Spain in 1821. After that the people of Peru have continued to develop its culture, as can be seen in their clothing, weaving, art, music, dance and food.

Peru's natural beauty is among the most dramatic and awe-inspiring on earth. Having three distinct regions - the coastal plains, the Andean highlands, and the Amazon jungle - it is as varied as it is spectacular.

The dry coastal plains are home to most of Peru's archaeological sites, including the Nazca lines in the south and the tomb of the Lord of Sipán in the north.

Peru's varied highlands include the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, the lush high jungle regions near Machu Picchu and elsewhere, and the extraordinary altiplano (high plains) between Cuzco and Lake Titicaca.

Peru's vast jungle region, covering over half the country's total land surface, is home to a biodiversity matched in few places on earth and eco-tourism at its best.