Peru - in the footsteps of an ancient civilisation
General information
Peru lies on the west coast of South America and has a coastline on the Pacific Ocean. It borders Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. The capital, Lima, is on the ocean and is the largest city and main economic centre of the country.
Peru is one of the most diverse countries on the continent. Its territory is divided into three great natural regions - the Pacific coast, the Andes and the Amazon lowlands. The differences between them are huge: from the dry desert landscapes around Lima and the dunes near Ica to the high mountains of the Andes and the humid rainforests of the Amazon.
This geography explains why a trip to Peru can feel like visiting several different countries. A single route can combine a large South American city, archaeological sites, mountain villages, Lake Titicaca and tropical nature.
Climate
Peru's climate varies with region and altitude. On the coast there is little rain, and Lima has a climate unusual by European standards - in the winter months it is often cloudy and damp but hardly ever rains. Summer, roughly from December to March, is warmer and sunnier.
In the Andes the seasons are defined more by rainfall than by temperature. The dry season is usually from May to October, the most popular period for visiting Machu Picchu and the Cusco area. The rainy season lasts roughly from November to March, and rain can be heavy, especially in the high mountains.
The Amazon part of the country is hot and humid all year round. So when travelling it is wise to match the route not only to the general season but also to the specific regions it includes.
Culture and history
Peru's history began long before the Incas. A number of ancient cultures existed on its territory, including the Nazca, Moche and Chimú. They left temples, pottery, textiles and other evidence of developed societies that existed centuries before the Inca Empire.
The best known, however, remains the Inca civilisation. In the 15th century it created one of the largest states in pre-Columbian America, stretching along much of the Andes. Its capital was Cusco, at an altitude of about 3,400 metres.
Today Cusco is one of the most interesting cities in South America. In its centre you can see colonial buildings built on the foundations of Inca structures. The stonework is among the clearest traces of the past - huge stone blocks shaped and fitted together with extraordinary precision.
Peru's most famous sight is undoubtedly Machu Picchu. The archaeological complex sits high in the Andes and was built in the 15th century, probably in the time of the ruler Pachacuti. The city includes temples, houses, terraces and plazas, and its location between the mountain slopes is one of the reasons it has become a symbol of Peru.
Machu Picchu is impressive not only for the ruins themselves. Getting there is not like visiting a city museum - the journey through the mountains, the train through the Urubamba Valley and the views of the Andes are all part of the experience.
The area around Cusco offers other interesting places too. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is dotted with small villages, archaeological sites and terraces used for farming. The market in Pisac is known for traditional textiles, pottery and souvenirs, and the fortress of Ollantaytambo is one of the best-preserved Inca complexes.
Another unusual archaeological site is the Nazca Lines - huge images drawn on the desert surface. They depict geometric shapes and images of animals and plants, some of them hundreds of metres across. They are best seen from the air, and their purpose is still the subject of scientific research.
Peru also has a strong Spanish cultural heritage. After conquering the Inca Empire in the 16th century, the Spanish built their own towns and churches. In Lima and Cusco colonial architecture is especially visible. Lima's historic centre is known for its churches, squares and buildings with characteristic wooden balconies.
Lima has another reason to be interesting - food. The city has established itself as one of the leading culinary centres of South America. Peruvian cuisine combines local traditions with influences from Spain, Africa, China and Japan. Among the best-known dishes is ceviche - fresh fish marinated in lime juice and seasoned with chilli and other ingredients.
In the mountains the cuisine is different. Potatoes are especially important, and Peru is considered one of the homelands of the potato, where a huge number of local varieties are still grown today. Corn, quinoa and various kinds of chilli peppers are also part of the traditional cuisine.
Travelling through the Andes also gives you a chance to see the modern life of local communities. Traditional weaving, bright colours and the characteristic hats and clothing in some areas are not just tourist attractions but a continuation of local cultural traditions.
In the south lies Lake Titicaca, at an altitude of about 3,800 metres. It is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world and is linked to many legends of the Andean peoples. In the area you can visit the floating islands of the Uros people, built from totora reeds.
Peru, however, does not end with the Andes. To the east begins the vast Amazon region, covering more than half of the country. The city of Iquitos is one of the main gateways to the Peruvian Amazon and has no road connection with the rest of the country. Another important area is Madre de Dios, where boat trips, bird and wildlife watching and stays in jungle lodges can be arranged.
So Peru's nature changes dramatically within a few hundred kilometres - desert coast, snow-capped mountains and rainforest are all part of the same country.
Why and when to visit?
Peru is a good choice if you are looking for more than a standard holiday. The main routes usually include Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu, and you can add the Sacred Valley, the Nazca Lines, Lake Titicaca or the Amazon.
For Machu Picchu and the Andes, the dry season from May to October is the most popular. June, July and August are usually the busiest months, so travelling in May, September or early October can offer a calmer atmosphere.
When visiting the high areas, altitude must be taken into account. Cusco, for example, is considerably higher than most European cities, and the body needs time to adjust.
Peru is a destination where the main sights are only part of the story. The appeal also comes from the landscapes, the food, the local traditions and the way the ancient heritage is still present in everyday life. Machu Picchu may be the reason to choose Peru, but after it come Cusco, the Andes, the Amazon, Titicaca and dozens of lesser-known places that give a completely different picture of the country.
