Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon Basin – these are just a few of the exciting places this country has to offer. Peru was the center of Inca empire, but other civilizations were here long before. The country is larger than Spain, France and Germany combined. Hike the Inca Trail through ancient ruins en route to Machu Picchu. Join in the Andean festivals, unchanged for centuries, or sample the finest cuisine on the continent. Participate in a shamanic ceremony and sample the hallucinogenic potions that have been used by locals since pre-Inca times. The tallest mountains outside of the Himalayas are here, as are the world's two deepest canyons. More than 3,000 orchid species fill the cloud forests, along with toucans, parakeets, hummingbirds, macaws and jaguars. The adventures are endless. On the coast try surfing, paragliding and fishing. Or visit the Islas Ballestas – home to sea lions, penguins, cormorants. Shop for handcrafted ceramics, leatherwork and jewelry. This detailed guide is written by a long-time resident. Photos, maps, index. 590 pages.