Baltic Travel Agent Specialists
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.
Peruvian territory was home to the Norte Chico civilization, one of the oldest in the world, and to the Inca Empire, the largest state in Pre-Columbian America. The Spanish Empire conquered the region in the 16th century and established a Viceroyalty, which included most of its South American colonies. After achieving independence in 1821, Peru has undergone periods of political unrest and fiscal crisis as well as periods of stability and economic upswing
Peru is a representative democratic republic divided into 25 regions. Its geography varies from the arid plains of the Pacific coast to the peaks of the Andes mountains and the tropical forests of the Amazon Basin. It is a developing country with a medium Human Development Index score and a poverty level around 45%. Its main economic activities include agriculture, fishing, mining, and manufacturing of products such as textiles.
The Peruvian population, estimated at 28 million, is multiethnic, including Amerindians, Europeans, Africans and Asians. The main spoken language is Spanish, although a significant number of Peruvians speak Quechua and other native languages. This mixture of cultural traditions has resulted in a wide diversity of expressions in fields such as art, cuisine, literature, and music.
Climate:
The coast is generally sunny and hardly ever receives any rain, but
from April to November there is a heavy sea mist. The highlands have
a wet season (October to April) and a dry season (May to September),
when the days are clear and sunny but very cold at night especially
at altitude.
What to do:
The
Inca Trail
The world famous Inca Trail is just one of the numerous paths built
by the Incas that crosses remote parts of the Andes, but this 27 mile
(43km) stone paved trail was constructed as a royal highway to reach
the impregnable citadel of Machu Picchu lying high in the mountains
and deep in the cloud forest. It is the foremost hiking trail in South
America and one of the most dramatic and popular walks on the continent;
it is also the most rewarding and authentic way to reach Machu Picchu.
The beautiful but arduous four-day trail is part of the Machu Picchu
Historical Sanctuary, a designated World Heritage Natural and Cultural
Site that crosses over three high-altitude mountain passes, the highest
at 13,440ft (4,200m), and passing various Inca ruined settlements scattered
along the way. Surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, fantastic
mountain views, forests and exotic vegetation, the ancient royal route
finally reaches the stone Sun Gate from where the long awaited sight
of Machu Picchu becomes visible below, with the looming peak of Huayna
Picchu in the background. The hike must be arranged with an official
Inca Trail tour agency as part of an organized group; independent trekking
is prohibited.
PERU
Holiday type:
