DK Travel - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Peru

Inspire / plan / Discover / experience

g

key to main icons

g

g

key to maps

g

t Cusco and the Andes mountains

g

t Cobbled road at sunset in Ollantaytambo, Cusco.

Peru overflows with riches: steaming Amazon jungle, scorched coastal desert, fascinating ancient cultures, a fabulous array of wildlife, and the legendary Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Whatever your dream trip to Peru entails, this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide will prove the perfect companion.

Stretching from the western to the central part of South America, Peru is known worldwide for its extensive coastline and archeological wonders. The capital city, Lima, presides over the coast with its Spanish colonial center and hip neighborhoods buzzing with pisco bars, live music, and some of the finest restaurants in the world. Heading north, a fun-loving surfing paradise beckons round Mncora, while to the south, the desert-etched Nazca Lines have puzzled and enthralled visitors for decades.

The magnificent Andes are justifiably the countrys main draw, delivering history, culture, and adventure by the bucketload. Omnipresent is the enduring legacy of the Inca Empire and even earlier cultures from imposing ruined citadels to joyous traditional festivals. While the beauty of Cuscos elegant squares and cobbled streets is renowned, the resplendent plazas of Arequipa, Ayacucho, and Cajamarca ooze plenty of old-world charm. Lose yourself in the cloud-forested eastern flank of Perus mountainous spine, brimming with dazzling birds, orchids, and butterflies, as it plunges into the lowland rainforest and majestic Amazon River. However you choose to experience Perus natural beauty, its snow-crusted peaks, glacial lakes, and yawning canyons will not disappoint.

Perus vastness and diversity can feel over-whelming, but this guidebook breaks the country down into easily navigable chapters, full of expert knowledge and insider tips. Weve created detailed itineraries and colorful maps to help you plan the perfect trip, whether youre on short break or an extended adventure. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Peru.

Surfer riding a wave at Punta Hermosa, Lima.

Arequipas Santa Catalina convent.

Dancers at a Candelaria folk parade in Lima.

g

From Andean peaks to Amazon rainforest, Peru promises variety. With its stunning ancient ruins, lively entertainment, and fascinating wildlife, there are so many reasons to love Peru. Here, we pick some of our favorites.

t On many a bucket list, this iconic mountain-top Inca citadel is one of the worlds most wondrous sights, shrouded in .

Discover Reasons to Love Peru

t Whether dolphin-spotting from the deck of a luxury riverboat or fishing for piranha from a motorized dugout, adventure is guaranteed in the .

Discover Reasons to Love Peru

BIRDWATCHING PARADISE

t Peru is one of the worlds , with over 1,800 species, including the cock-of-the- rock, hummingbirds, and the Andean condor.

Discover Reasons to Love Peru

PERUVIAN FOOD

t Lima hosts several of the worlds top restaurants, but toasted sweetcorn from a street grill in Ayacucho or a tangy ceviche in Mncora will excite foodies just as much.

Discover Reasons to Love Peru

WILD HIGHLAND FESTIVALS

t A fusion of colonial Catholic and ancient Andean beliefs, traditional festivals are a riot of dancers and musicians, outlandish costumes, and .

Discover Reasons to Love Peru

PRE-COLUMBIAN CIVILIZATIONS