Peru

Contemplate the imperial ruins of mighty cities and dabble in the Amazon Basin. Peru had a rich cultural life thousands of years before Pizarro turned up in funny clothing. Wander around colonial cities that echo the legacy of Spanish conquistadors, explore the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco, visit the lost city of Machu Picchu and ponder the enigma of the Nazca Lines.

Peru also boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in South America. The beautiful Peruvian Andes issue a siren's call to top-class trekkers. These mountains are also home to squillions of indigenous highlanders, who still speak the ancient tongue of Quechua and live a traditional way of life.

Peru is currently in the middle of its wet season; the government has declared a state of emergency in the departments of Tumbes, Piura, Ucayali and Lambayeque due to severe flooding. Travelers should monitor weather forecasts and expect some disruption to transport services.

Recent demonstrations in the city of Ayacucho over agriculture laws have resulted in injuries and fatalities. Travellers should exercise extreme caution and avoid any large public gatherings.

Areas where the government is conducting counter-insurgency campaigns have been designated 'emergency areas' and should not be entered. The Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) guerrilla movement is still known to conduct occasional operations in the Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Junín and San Martín areas. Border areas with Ecuador and Colombia are dangerous due to the presence of drug traffickers. The Cordillera del Cóndor region, near the border with Ecuador, is planted with landmines.