Deciding to vacation in Peru is an easy decision. The big questions to answer are: Where to go Peru? What to see there? How to get to get around while vacationing? All vacations in Peru are adventures because tourists can explore by helicopter, horseback, and raft. Outdoor adventurers and backpackers can also go trekking along the Inca Trail to learn about the Inca civilization and the lost city of Michu Picu while the eco-tourists cruise to the Galapagos Islands to follow Darwins path, examine the unusual wildlife, and scuba dive. Visitors to the country report that the Peruvian Andes, which are the home of the highland Indians, are the most beautiful and awe inspiring in South America. Other vacationers find the floating islands of Lake Titicaca fascinating.

Lima, the quiet capital city, appears mystical and dreamy because the garua, a mist, settles over the city between May and October like a blanket. Under the garua, visitors to Lima can enjoy penas (taverns with music, folk and Creole), open marketplaces, and fabulous dining. Lima also has several famous museums and comfortable hotels. Lodging in Peru varies according to the region and includes hotels, resorts, haciendas, and rustic lodges. Backpackers and trekkers can stay in the quaint villages or in tents. South of Lima, visitors can find beautiful, quiet, beaches with white sand all along the Southern Pacific. The best known of the tranquil beaches is El Silencio. Along the beaches, there are small cafes.

After visiting Lima, visitors, not wanting to miss anything, can divide the country into three regions to organize their vacations and take the best advantage of the spectacular vistas and culture. The three regions are: the low Pacific coastal strip in the west; Central Andean Highlands; and Amazon basin. Like Lima, most of the coast towns, which were founded in the 16th Century by Spanish Conquistadors in search of riches, have Spanish colonial architecture, artifacts, and ruins to explore. Perfect for history buffs!!

The Andes include the most celebrated park in Peru, Huascaran, where mountaineers and trekkers enjoy some of the most challenging trails and heights in South America. Additionally, the Andes are home to condors, geese, puna ibis, hummingbirds, llamas, alpacas, and vicunas. Eco-tourists and naturalists can see many types for tropical and mountain flora and fauna in addition to the Peruvian wildlife throughout the Central Highlands. Peruvians claim that Colca Canyon, which was carved by the Colca River, is deepest canyon in the world. Tekkers interested in exploring the canyon can hike between villages that dot the canyon.

Cuzco, which is in the Central Andean Highlands, was once the center of the Inca Empire. It is an architectural treasure trove with mosaics, temples, and decorative stone work. Trekkers enjoy high altitude hiking and mountaineering along the Inca Trail near Cuzco.

Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru and is located in a picturesque valley with views of a snow-capped volcano. Because its buildings are made of a volcanic rock, which is light in color, the city is fondly called the white city. Although Arequipa was founded in the 16th Century, many of the earliest structures in the city were destroyed by seismic activities. Pre-Columbian structures and artifacts can be found in the region surrounding Arequipa.

Rafters find trips on the Urubamba River thrilling whether for just one day or a couple of days.

For a change from the highlands and coastal rim, visitors can tour the rainforests of the Amazon Basin. Because the rainforest is remote, guided tours are suggested.

When traveling to all South American countries, visitors should check on visa requirements. Additionally, in many South American countries, there are often emerging political issues that require the travelers to be alert when visiting various regions. Please be alert to the political climate and issues when traveling.