thousands of years and countlesscivilizations from 2000 BC to the bloodyconquest by the Spanish in 1535, has left thePeru of today with a myriad of fascinatingancient sites. These man-made wonders areset against a breathtaking backdrop ofsnow-capped mountains, sapphire lakes,terraced fields in all shades of green andgold, and emerald forested slopes that tumble down into the Amazon basin. Peru holds possibly the most famous site inSouth America, the magnificent Inca citadelof Machu Picchu, but whether your interestlies in ancient ruins such as this, or intrekking, wildlife or experiencing thetraditional culture and customs of itsindigenous people, Peru is a place that will delight at each step of your journey.It's little wonder Peru features highly on the destination wish-list of most visitorsto South America. Its diverse attractions - a wealth of stunningly located ancientremains, a hugely varied landscape fromAndean peaks to Amazon rainforest, and acolourful culture - offer a fantastic taste ofmore or less all that the continent has tooffer. A compelling history that spans8Peru

Tambopata ReserveAudley in PeruPeru has an array of 'must-see' sights thattend to be visited in a logical route. Wepride ourselves on being able to offer ourclients these classic journeys but also includesteps off the beaten track to make your tripa more authentic and personal experience.During our extensive travels throughout the length and breadth of the country,researching hotels and excursions, we havediscovered some options that will allow youto escape the crowds just for a while, be it a quiet lunch in a hacienda, a homestay onLake Titicaca, or a private Inca Trail walk. To make the most of the country, and yourtime, trips to Peru tend to be busy affairswith plenty of early mornings and long days.However, we can ensure that you have timeto rest, and also time to acclimatise to thealtitude. Internal flights (which tend to bescheduled in the mornings, hence the needfor early starts) are used where necessary,but wherever possible we prefer to makeuse of the spectacular road and rail journeysthat link the main towns.AccommodationPeru has a wide choice of accommodationthat caters to all budgets. Our Peruspecialists have inspected hotels throughoutthe country, and we have handpicked ourfavourites. Peru's colonial heritage manifestsitself in several fine hotels occupying beautiful renovated buildings with excellentlocations. City properties range fromcharming B&Bs through to renowned luxury hotels, with rustic lodges offeringcomfortable accommodation in some of the more remote parts of the country.Whatever your tastes we will endeavour totailor your accommodation to your budgetand preferences.Find out more For suggested itineraries and practicalinformation about travel in Peru, please see pages 22-23.www.audleytravel.comInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries,accommodation, climate informationand articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our Peruspecialists 01993 838 620?Machu Picchu The obvious highlight of Peru,the ancient Inca citadel ofMachu Picchu has an incrediblelocation and fascinating history.Cuzco The charming city of Cuzcowith its cobbled streets and Incawalls is a great place to exploreand people-watch.The Sacred Valley ofthe IncasStunning scenery with fantasticexamples of Inca ruins,agricultural terracing and anopportunity for an abundanceof outdoor activities such aswalking, rafting and cycling.321Pacaya SamiriaReserve, AmazonCruise through one of the mostpristine areas of rainforest in theAmazon basin, learning aboutthe flora, fauna and localindigenous communities.Southern PeruvianAmazonReadily accessible from Cuzco,the Tambopata Reserve offerseverything from an introductoryAmazon experience through totrips for avid wildlife enthusiasts.Alternatively, for the mostadventurous birdwatcher, a tripinto the Manu BiosphereReserve is a must.Lake Titicaca The highest navigable lake in theworld, it is stunningly blue andsurrounded by snow-cappedAndean mountains.546Nazca Lines A set of mysterious ancientshapes carved into the desert,only properly visible when flying over them.Colca CanyonOne of the deepest canyons in the world, set amongst abeautiful landscape and a greatplace to spot Andean condors.Kuelap Shrouded in cloudforest, Kuelapis an enormous pre-Inca site stilloff the main tourist radar.Train journeysThree stunning and completelyscenically different rail journeyscan be taken as part of a trip to Peru.987Peru9123456789Local ladies, Cuzco