by Mike Joffe

Created on: July 27, 2009

Located in the West of South America, Peru has a lot to offer the adventurous traveller. Diverse in both landscape and life, travellers can find nearly any environment or interaction they want. Vast deserts, ancient ruins, rain forests, mountains, lakes and a large number of indigenous cultures are available and provide a rich experience for travellers.

Spanish is the main language spoken in Peru, although the main native language of Quechua is also spoken. In addition, there are a staggering number of indigenous languages spoken throughout Peru. In the Amazon region alone there are over 50 distinct languages. Historians believe that there were, at one time, as many as 300 to 700 different languages spoken in Peru. None of these languages have to be learned by travellers now, but it should give you an idea of the rich and diverse cultures found in Peru.

While it is most famous for its Incan civilization, Peru was home to a vast number of ancient civilizations, some which are only now coming to light. This history of invasions, immigration and colonizations has led to a multi-ethnic society that borrows liberally from its past and present. Pre-Inca art mixes with Spanish aesthetics. Chinese and Japanese cooking mixes with traditional recipes. Peru has been used to multiculturalism for over five centuries, and travellers open to new experiences can reap the benefits.

Most travellers to Peru probably have Macchu Picchu in mind. Perhaps the most iconic pre-Columbian city in South America, Macchu Picchu is located northwest of Cuzco, 2,430 metres (8,000 ft) above sea-level. The city was abandoned and lost by the Incas around the time of the Spanish conquest, but was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian, Hiram Bingham. Like similar Incan sites, the central buildings are made of mortar-free dry stone walls known as "ashlar". The stone blocks were cut to fit tightly together like a puzzle. How these stones were brought up the mountain is a mystery, the Incan civilization had no practical wheels. All this gives the site a sense of wonder and magnitude. Few people can help feeling awed at the sense of human achievement.

There is still debate over allowing tourists to visit Macchu Picchu. While tourism is the main source of income for many Peruvians, there is growing concern over the damage to the site from constant visitation. If you are visiting Macchu Picchu, you can do your part by being a conscientious tourist. Stay on the marked paths, do not bring

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