Peru

Holidays In Peru

The Andes mountains are the backbone of Peru running from north to south. They are also the source of rivers flowing west to the Pacific Ocean and east towards the Amazon Basin.

The coastal area, consisting of a narrow band of desert bathed by the Pacific along over 3,000 kilometres of cliffs and beaches, has very little rainfall. In contrast, The Amazon region has very lush vegetation due to the heavy rainfall it receives throughout the year. Around 70% of Peru's population of 26 million people live in the coastal area with over 8 million living in or around the capital Lima.

Following the defeat of the Incas by the Spanish in the 16th century and the subsequent colonisation, many Peruvians are mestizo (mixed race) and Spanish is the official language.

However, there is a significant indigenous indian population, many of whom live in the Southern Andes and the Amazon areas. Peru achieved independence and formed a republic early in the 19th century.

The contrasts in both the geography and the cultures of Peru make it an interesting and varied place to visit, especially as new sites are still being discovered. Famous sites include the stunning Inca city of Machu Picchu sited high in the cloud forest, and the intriguing Nasca Lines which offer a glimpse of pre-Inca cultures. To the south, on the border with Bolivia, the beautiful Lake Titicaca at 4000m above sea level is the highest navigable lake in the world and home to several distinct indigenous communities.

The stunning Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world and offers the opportunity to see condors, while Northern Peru has numerous pre-Inca and natural sites.

The two main accessible jungle areas, Madre de Dios to the south and via Iquitos to the north, both offer wonderful opportunities to experience the rain forest, indigenous cultures and the diverse wildlife of the Peruvian Amazon Basin.

Prices from £2,820 for a 10 night itinerary.