Peru

Peru is home to some of the world’s most impressive natural sights, including the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu and the mysterious Nazca Lines. This small yet beautiful country lies on the western part of South America, and is bordered in the west by the Pacific Ocean. Fans of the outdoors can enjoy challenging hiking opportunities at Huascaran National Park – home of the snow-capped Alpamayo Mountain – and Salkantay Pass, which leads to the extraordinary ruins of Machu Picchu high in the Andes mountains.

The cities within Peru are rich in colonial history, pre-Columbian archeological sites, and preserved architecture. Check out impressive churches and plazas in Lima’s historical center, or plan a vacation in Cusco to see Incan ruins, stone homes, and textile markets. Peruvians also honor their unique heritage through fun-filled festivals, with street parades, loud music, and traditional performances taking place for days at a time.