It is scenically stunning, has adrenaline pumping adventure and oozes culture from every corner, Peru most certainly has something to offer for everyone. With a population of nearly 30 million the Peruvians have nurtured a wonderful country. Its beautiful landscape, history soaked civilization and abundance of opportunities for exploration is what makes this country a leading choice for tourism in South America. I’m going to show you the top spots to visit for every type of tourist. Peru is an ideal location for incentive tours also as it genuinely has something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re out for the sites or ready for some action here’s how to do, Peru.

Scenery and relaxation

Lake Titicaca:
Covering some 8300 square kilometers, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America. The lake is located at the northern end of the endorheic Altiplano basin high in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia. The western part of the lake lies within the Puno Region of Peru, and the eastern side is located in the Bolivian La Paz Department. Tours of the lake and its surrounding area are available in plenty but be sure to go with a business like “Mystery Peru”, where the tour guide is local and can introduce you to the inhabitants so you can delve into the history. All their tours can be booked online at www.mysteryperu.com.

The Peruvian Amazon:
As 60 percent of Peru is comprised of the Peruvian Amazon it would be more difficult to avoid a trip here. Peru has managed to look after its natural heritage for future generations, rather unlike their neighbouring Amazon in Brazil, where a relaxed approach to protection has resulted in catastrophic affects to the rainforest.

There are many ways to see the vast Amazon but what better way to see the natural wonder then by cruise. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience this is it. Delfin Amazon Cruises is the pioneer upscale river cruise operator in the Amazon and will take you through a magical journey of discovery. A rare experience the The Peruvian Amazonas is a vivid, bright, exotic and challenging frontier zone. See it in a way that will allow for your full attention. For more information visit www.delfinamazoncruises.com.

Thrill seeking and adventures

Arequipa and The Colca Canyon:
Here represents the urban and rural southern Peru at its most intoxicating. Arequipa is the “White City” named because so much of its extensive and exquisite architecture has been carved out of ashen volcanic rock. The pristine Colca Canyon offers opportunities for white-water rafting, rock climbing, hiking, encounters with communities unchanged by colonisation and even dinosaur tracks. The Colca canyon located in the department of Arequipa covers a series of
beautiful trekking circuits, which have been recently discovered for adventure tourism. The main attraction of the area is without a doubt the chain of snow-capped volcanoes, some of which are active. The area features a network of practically endless trails that wind through the mountains, linking lovely colonial villages.

Huaraz:
Perched at 3,208 metres, Huaraz has always been a mecca and magnet for rogue adventurers ready to risk everything scaling a rock or a glacier. Forget about Huaraz as a city, still barley-recovered form a devastating earthquake over 30 years ago. This area made famous by the film “Touching the Void” offers some of the greatest opportunities for mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, bird watching, paragliding, skiing and spectacular sightseeing!

Cultural

Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley:
Almost certainly, the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (HSMP) is the most important tourist attraction in Peru. It is located in the department of Cusco, on a high mountain in the lush Amazon forest. Covering an area of 32,592 hectares, it is among one of the world’s wonders and in 1983 was declared to be the "Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO. The surprising perfection and beauty of Machu Picchu’s walls, built by joining stone to stone without using any cement or adhesive whatsoever, has led to many myths developing around how the city was constructed. Myths aside, the real attractiveness of Machu Picchu, lies in its squares, aqueducts and watchtowers, its observatories and in its sun clock, evidence of the wisdom and skill of the city’s Andean builders.

Nazca Lines:
The Nazca Lines were discovered in 1927 and remain and mystery to this day. They are giant sketches drawn in the desert of western Peru by ancient peoples. The drawings were created on such a large scale is such that the shapes can be readily discerned only from the air, leading to a variety of theories about their purpose. The Nazca Lines were created in the time of the Nazca Indians, who flourished in the area from 200 BC to about 600 AD. Graves and ruins of their civilization have been found near the lines. Some believe it was part of a religious ritual but what it leaves behind today is a great mystery.

Inca trails:
"The Inca Trail", as it is known now, was the Royal Highway that led pilgrims and officials of the Empire to the Sacred City of the Incas. The Inca Trail is part of a 30,000 kilometer highway system, that integrated the vast Inca Empire of Tawantinsuyo (The Four Ways), running from southern Colombia to central Chile. Walking the ancient Inca Trail gives you the opportunity to visit overgrown Inca buildings undiscovered by the Spanish Empire, giving you the feeling that you are the first to come across them.

Peru is rich in culture and excitement. There are wonderful natural sights to be seen from the Colca canyon to lake Titicaca but there are luxuries such as the cruise through the Amazon to be enjoyed too. With so much to offer all-round Peru is a sure crowd pleaser, and a country not to be missed in your lifetime.