Peru: A country of a thousand contrasts

A land of contrasts, Peru offers every kind of climate, from the desert to the Amazon rainforest, from the Pacific coast to the peaks of the Andes Cordillera: a land of adventure in the footsteps of Tintin and Indiana Jones.10,000 years of history, 2,000 kilometres of coastline, peaks over 4,000 metres high: Peru is one of the most contrasting nations on the planet.

Follow the Inca Trail, fly over the mysterious Nazca figures, take the Andean train from Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, to Machu Pichu and sail on Lake Titicaca between floating reed villages. As you pass colourful markets and lost Inca cities, adventure awaits!

Lulled by legends of treasures, Peru is mythical for its gold and stones. But far from coming to conquer the country to enrich themselves, tourists are here to discover a rich and fascinating culture. It's not easy to choose where to go in Peru, with so many different destinations to choose from. However, a few must-sees stand out.

Intact Inca cities

Climbing Machu Picchu is not something you can improvise, as the site is in danger of deteriorating considerably with the passage of humans. Entrance to the site is now limited and it is imperative to have booked your place before you go. At an altitude of 2,430 m, in the middle of a tropical forest, Machu Picchu was certainly the most incredible creation of the Inca Empire (its walls, terraces and ramps seem to be integrated into the rock).

Cuzco is the birthplace of the Inca Empire and home to numerous vestiges of this civilisation, with its eponymous old town attracting many visitors. The famous Nazca lines in the northern desert region are one of the most talked-about sights in Peru, and remain a mystery to many researchers. Although everyone has their own interpretation, the sight seen from the sky is extraordinary.

Although the Inca culture is omnipresent, they are not the only civilisation to have inhabited the country before the Empire of the Sun. The many vestiges, customs and beliefs of the Nazca, Chavin and Moches peoples live on in Peru.

Stunning natural treasures

But that's not all, Peru is a country full of surprises. Did you know that it has sand dunes? On which you can surf? Cerro Blanco is a mountain covered in white sand. And for those who prefer the waves of the Pacific, head for the beaches known by experts as some of the best in the world for wave running.

Nature lovers will also want to explore the jungle that covers more than half the country: the Amazonas. Whether on foot or in a pirogue down the Madre de Dios river, the Amazon rainforest is full of surprises for Mother Nature lovers.

The arid steppes of the Altiplano, populated by vicuñas and llamas, are the picture-postcard image that cannot be missed on a trip to Peru. The best-known lake is undoubtedly Lake Titicaca, the largest and highest navigable lake in South America, at an altitude of 3,812 metres. A unique place in the world.