Peru - Land of Great Beauty, Diversity of Nature and Machu Picchu!

​Over three times the size of California** and twice that of France*, Peru offers incredible natural variety plus a rich history that has few equals.  It is also one of four "megadiverse" countries*** in South America offering a rich and vibrant list of flora & fauna like few others.
(* Metropolitan France - 550,000 km2; ** California - 424,000 km2)
(*** Peru is one of 17 "megadiverse" countries recognized globally by Conservation International in 1988 for hosting the greatest number of the Earth's plant and wildlife species)

​​With three main zones, these include the sandy coastal plains​ settled by the first civilisations, such as the ancient Nazca, Moche and Chimu cultures. 
​The second zone is that of the high Andes ​or Altiplano, home of the mighty Inca Empire and iconic Machu Picchu, and the zone that hosts the Cloud Forests​, home to rich flora and fauna including Peru's national bird, the incredible Cock-of-the-Rock! 
Finally, there is the humid and verdant Amazonia, haunt of that prince of beasts, the jaguar, plus ocelot, caiman, hoatzin and anhinga, giant river otter and pink river dolphin, amongst many others! 
​And first presented here in 2018 - TWO sites in Peru that RIVAL Machu Picchu - Click HERE to read about Choquequirao  and Kuélap!


​Most visitors enter Peru by air via its capital, Lima, which of itself offers many unexpected  delights ranging from culinary excellence to a rich history that survives amongst the modern-day skyscrapers.  
Similarly, Cuzco, "gateway" to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley merits at least two full days to enjoy in its own right.
​​​For MORE on each of the best destinations in Peru, click on any of the photos listed below.
​Lovers of nature will know of the difference between Cloud Forest and ​Rainforest ​in this exotic paradise, that offer such different sights and experiences!  A great tour in Peru will include both.
TRAVEL ADVICE & HEALTH   The vast majority of visits to Peru are trouble free, but social disturbances can still be encountered.  (For MORE, see detail on the security websites listed below).   Certain other areas also have an increased risk level, largely associated with criminal activity linked to drugs.  The most common crimes are petty, such as "distraction theft", pickpocketing, etc, most usually occurring in the main cities at busy tourist destinations.  Avoid going out at night alone in poorly lit or dubious locations, and do not get involved in demonstrations and other political assemblies.  For CURRENT DETAIL click HERE (UK) for current UK FCO advice, or HERE (US) for State Department guidance.   Both links also give advice on HEALTH issues, and additional advice can be obtained from the (US) Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - click HERE.