PERU

Peru, the land of the Incas, awaits you with a world of adventure and excitement. The perfectly fitted stones of this glorious empire continue to be the main attraction to people from all over the world. Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas discovered centuries after the last Conquistador left, remains a web of riddles for the adventurer and the scientist to tackle. The Nazca lines, what were they, UFO landing sites or a pathway to the heavens and the gods.

You do not need to be a history buff to enjoy Peru. Of late, thousands of people have dared visit the still as yet unknown Amazon Rainforest (selva) in search of cures for the world's illnesses by tapping into the knowledge of Shamans (medicine men) who may hold the secret to help us defeat the incurable.

You can have a reasonably comfortable trip to the deeps of the jungle in Iquitos, starting at the sea side, crossing the Andes, and slowly making your way down. As Iquitos isn't reachable by road, the last two days will be spent on an Amazon Cruise boat. But if you want to get to the selva quickly, just fly one of the modern airlines that serves Iquitos and Tarapoto with daily flights from Lima. Despite being visited by almost 1.5 million foreigners each year, you can always find a place off the beaten track, where you will be the main attraction for the locals.

On the way to the low jungle in the Amazon Basin, some tourists will find that the high jungle plateau is a good place for them. Specially since it can tend to have a slightly lower humidity level than the low jungle areas. Tarapoto is the most important city in the area, and it is the trade center for the District of San Martin. Tourists aren't crowded into Tarapoto and surrounding cities as might be found in some other locales in Peru, but they are generally treated very well by the locals who welcome their business.

You may not be the adventerous type, but relax. Peru is working hard at becoming a modern country equipping itself to face the challenges of the new millenium. The five star hotels, the restaurants, and the nightlife will dazzle you. So come and explore this exciting land, rich in history and culture. Click now on any of the choices below to obtain information and tips to make your trip a delightful experience.

CLIMATE IN PERU

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.

VISA INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS

All travelers require a return or onward ticket and proof of funds. All foreign visitors are recommended to hold a passport that is valid at least six months after arrival. If traveling for business purposes, a visa is required.

Americans: US nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.

UK nationals: British nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.

Canadians: Canadian nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.

Australians: Australian nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.

South Africans: South African nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.

Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.

New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.

TRAVEL ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO

Lima is more than a city to rush through on your way to other destinations in Peru. It is a city rich in culture and things to do and see. Here you can tour the museums and churches displaying the history and anthrology of the past, the richness of the Inca empire, the many regional varieties of the country, enjoy the neighboring beaches and sports, plus a zoo where you can see many of the country's wildlife up close.

Plaza de Armas, also called Plaza Mayor

This is the center of Lima's historical area. The Cathedral, Palacio de Gobierno, the Archibishop's palace, Palacio Nacional and other important buildings are here, plus numerous restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Plaza Mayor is the exact location where Francisco Pizarro founded Lima on January 18, 1535, He named it City of the Kings, but the Quecchua and Aymara names for the location persisted and gave it the name of Lima.

Catedral de Lima

The Cathedral, originally constructed in 1555, has been destroyed by natural causes and rebuilt numerous times. Francisco Pizarro's coffin rests in the mosaic chapel near the entrance.

Miraflores

This upscale neighborhood is home to many of Lima's wealthier residents and a popular location for hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. Its beaches, known as the Costa Verde, draw residents and visitors for summer time relaxation and year round surfing.

Iglesia and Museo de San Francisco

The San Francisco monastery is famous for the catacombs containing the remains of thousands of people. The museum and library are worth a visit. The library contains thousands of antique documents, some dating back to the conquista.

Cerro Azul

This seaside resort is popular for both the beach and surfing. Surf camps will teach you the basics or perfect your technique.

Museums

Make time to see the Museo de Oro displaying gold and precious metal artifacts, the Museo de Armas with a great arms collection, the Museo de la Nacion which now houses many of the items from the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, Arqueologia e Historia, Museo Rafael Larco Herrera for the impressive ceramics collection, Museo Pedro de Osma for the colonial display and the Museo de la Inquisicion, for the display of torture implements from the Inquisition.

Churches

Santo Domingo contains the tombs of Santa Rosa de Lima, America's first saint and of San Martin de Porras, America's first black saint. Santuario de Santa Rosa de Lima is built on the site Santa Rosa was born. Convento de los Descalsos is a look back in time to what a convent was like in colonial times. La Merced is built on the site where the first mass was said in Lima.

Chorrillos

Chorrillos is famous for beach resorts like La Herradura, featuring restaurants and eateries known as picanterias. It's perfect for a day trip, with time to get back to Lima for the hotspots.

Palacio de Torre Tagle

The beautiful balconies on one of Lima's treasured colonial buildings are well known. Built at the end of the XVII century by Don Bernardine Jose de Tagle Portocarrero, fourth and last Marquess of Torre Tagle, the building now houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Changing of the Guard at the Palacio del Gobierno

This daily noon time event presents a colorful display of uniforms, plumed hats and high-kicking goosesteps.

Parque de las Leyendas

The zoo is popular with Limenos and visitors who come to enjoy a close up look at some of Peru's native wildlife, including condors, llamas and birds from the Amazonian area.

Archbishop's Palace

Lima was created an archdiocese in 1547. The balconied Archbishop's Palace next to the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas was not built in colonial times, but in the 1920's.