Machu Pichu!!!!

Peru is a country in western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean and straddling part of the Andes mountain range that runs the length of the continent. Peru is bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east and Chile to the south. Peru has a natural diversity and cultural wealth hardly equaled the world over.

The country is divided by the Andes into three distinct regions: the coast, the highlands and the jungle. This means that Peru is an ecological tourist’s paradise, with beautiful beaches and coastline, several mountain ranges of varying character and an expansive rainforest teeming with wildlife. Besides Peru’s natural resources, the country’s major assets are its archaeological patrimony, its gastronomy (one of the most important in the world) and its imposing colonial architecture. Of course, there’s also Machu Picchu, a pre-Colombian Incan city almost 8,000 feet high in the mountains, heralded as an architectural masterpiece.

Cusco (also "Cuzco," or "Qosqo" in Quechua), located in southern Peru, is a fascinating city that was once the capital of the Incan Empire. Cuzco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Peru's most important and popular tourist destinations.

The original Inca city, said to have been founded in the 11th century, was sacked by Pizarro in 1535. There are still remains of the Palace of the Incas, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun. In fact, there are Incan ruins scattered all around Cusco, notably the nearby "fortresses" of Ollantaytambo and Sacsayhuaman (just below the gigantic statue of Christ that hovers over Cusco) and the world-famous Machu Picchu, reachable by train or foot from the city.

Cusco's vibrant Plaza de Armas combines historic architecture (i.e., the cathedral) with vibrant dining and nightlife, and is one of the safer areas of the city at night. Cusco is a major tourist draw, but is not yet over-commercialized and still retains a unique cultural flair at an unbeatable price.

Terra Andina Hotel, a colonial mansion in Cuzco's historic district, is located half a block from Plaza San Pedro, Eiffel's designed San Pedro Market, San Pedro Church and the train station, and just 10 miles from Cuzco's airport.Hotel amenities and services include a restaurant, bar, spa, room service, laundry, international and local direct dialing, fax, internet service, free baggage storage, safe deposit box, money exchange, post office, conference room, non-smoking rooms and non-smoking areas, medical assistance, airport-hotel transfers, local tours and tour packages throughout Peru. Rates include American Breakfast Buffet. Guests in Standard Superior Rooms and Superior Rooms can order a-la-carte breakfast at no extra cost.This 28-room full-service hotel offers comfortable rooms with amenities such as 100% pure cotton bed linens, new wall-to-wall carpet, private bathroom, hot water, telephone, cable TV, hair dryer and heating. Standard Superior Rooms are better located, have new bathrooms and also include safe deposit box, bathrobes and slippers. Superior Rooms are larger and in include king or queen size bed, bathtub, in-bathroom telephone, frigobar, 29-inch TV, CD/DVD player, Internet connection, and a welcome fruit plate plus a bouquet of flowers.

Words cannot convey the incredible sensation of standing amidst the enigma of this city and its fabulous architecture. On the summit of a great bluff, the palaces, plazas, interminable stairways, fountains, towers and homes are surrounded by vertically plunging cliffs, precipices and ravines. It is thought to have been the residence of priests and noble cusqueños, and to have been constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries. Archaeological finds show that the Spaniards did reach here, but perhaps thanks to the awe and respect it inspires, they chose to leave the ruins intact for Bingham to re-discover. Take the train, bus or helicopter from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and a tour bus from there. Admission to the ruins costs about PEN35.

This is a complex structure of protection walls and paths built on the uppermost side of a high hill; it is a stunning example of Inca architecture. Fifteen buildings, two plazas, six ceremonial baths, water channels, bridges, stairways, and observation platforms hang halfway up the cliffside like a giant balcony. This site dominates the vast landscape, and when the clouds of the high forest descend into the valley, it gives the amazing impression of "floating" in the middle of the clouds. A visit here is an unbelievable sight.

Plaza de Armas was known as Huacaypata (Warrior Square in quechua) in Inca times and is believed to have been designed by Manco Cápac. A magnificent Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía flank it on two sides. The Plaza was the scene of many key events in the history of the city. It was here that Pizarro proclaimed the conquest of Cusco. The arrival of the Spanish brought many changes to the Plaza, including the addition of the beautiful stone arches that surround it.

Kick back with a drink, throw some darts or contemplate potting a ball in the left-hand middle pocket at the pool table. Maybe just sitting back at a Plaza-side table to people-watch is the ideal thing. Either way, there are plenty of tourists and locals to mingle with in this tavern for bikers, of the motorcycling kind. Like the name of the bar itself, its drink list has a few quirky titles to it. This is a good pub to come to as the sun sits low in the sky. Grab a balcony table for the best view of the Plaza de Armas.

This spacious restaurant is unequalled in its diverse nouvelle Andean cuisine, as well as in the national and international dishes. Tunupa is ideal for large groups, although you will be just as comfortable sharing a table or as a couple admiring the romantic views of the Plaza de Armas. The restaurant also offers a buffet and fantastic desserts. Let the chefs take you on an incredible taste journey.

Founded in 1924 by a group of artists and intellectuals, this is one of the oldest folkloric institutes in the City. They offer daily shows of traditional dance and music performances from around the region. The theater has a capacity for 300 and has modern sound, audio and lighting equipment. There is also a museum that has the traditional dress of the people from the 13 provinces of Cusco on display.

Lima is the capital of Peru and its largest city. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Lima is now a curious mix of a modern mega city (with some upscale neighborhoods), several large but orderly slum areas and a wealth of colonial architecture in the city center. Lima was, along with Mexico City, the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years, and as such it has wonderful churches, cloisters and monasteries that are worth a visit.

In particular, the Plaza Mayor—with its 16th-century cathedral and the Presidential Palace—and the catacombs of the Convento de San Francisco are popular tourist attractions. Like many other world capitals, Lima is home to the country's most prestigious museums, including the National Museum of Anthropology, Archeology and History and the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum, both in the Pueblo Libre district.

Lima is a great place to experience wonderful Peruvian cuisine, which utilizes a huge variety of ingredients from the country's coastal, mountain and Amazon regions. Due to the richness and quality of seafood from the ocean off of Peru's coast, fish and seafood restaurants are the best bet and are usually not expensive.

Lima is built upon a valley surrounded by an extremely arid desert, and therefore boasts a mild subtropical climate with almost no rainfall, popular among visitors wanting to sunbathe on the beaches around the city.

Few districts in Lima have the style of Miraflores, where tradition and history go hand in hand with the important cultural, commercial, entertainment and financial centres. The Miraflores Park Hotel is a boutique hotel distinguished by its subtle elegance and excellent service, ideal for the most demanding traveler, whether on business or pleasure. Our 81 rooms are well appointed, offering ideal space for work and relaxation, most with a marvelous ocean view. All feature ample marble and granite bathrooms, comfortable king size beds, air conditioning and spacious closets. All rooms are also equipped with the latest technology: fax, two-line direct dial phones, dataport with instant access to internet and personal computers. A particular feature of the Miraflores Park Hotel is our presidential floor. Three presidential suites with perfect combination of classic style and modern convenience which leisure travelers and business executives alike can enjoy. Each suite offers a living and dining area, jacuzzi, sauna and private plunge pool. Ambrosia Restaurant for superb dining served in a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere. Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde - our quiet, cozy and sophisticated bar offering a wide selection of cocktails and liquors. Three spacious conference rooms: Luxor, Lagash and Damasco, each one providing the latest technology for any presentation. Enjoy the Green Tower facilities: well equipped gymnasium, squash court, outdoor heated swimming pool. There is also a beauty parlour and massage saloon - ask for our special Bath Butler Service upon your arrival. The Business centre provides all the services and equipment to answer every need for personal use, small meetings or conventions. Bilingual secretarial services, fax machines, PC's, access to internet - internet express - notebooks, photocopy service, as well as cellular phone and beeper rental are available.

Rising over Lima?s Miraflores District, just steps from the most popular business and commercial areas. Enjoy exquisite dining with in a panoramic ocean view from the Sky Room restaurant on the 21st floor and try our new menu prepared by our chef Gonzalo It?s 151 recently remodeled rooms are finely decorated and have a spectacular ocean and city view where you will find a unique and interesting perspective of Lima and its surroundings. A walk away from Fiesta Casino where you will find all the entertainment and fun under one roof.

Considered to be the largest and highest island found off the Peruvian coast, it is eight kilometers long, three kilometers wide and 370 meters high. Here, you can find natural caves, abysses, beaches and ravines that offer magical views. The historian Francisco Quiroz proved that the English pirate Jacobo Heremite Clerck, who died in 1624, is buried on this island. The island also served as a refuge for the Spanish Armada in 1866 during the Battle of Angamos. At the moment, the deserted island is controlled by the Navy. It is accessible by boat or by ferry, which leaves from Puerto del Callao. The journey takes about 30 minutes on average.

This picturesque eatery serves age-old traditional Peruvian cuisine. The name is born from the region of Cachiche in the Ica province; south of Lima; famous not only for its grapes but also for its witches. There is a bountiful wine and spirits list and the extensive menu includes an infinite number of genuine dishes such as the Anticuchos de Corazón (grilled beef heart brochettes), Tamalitos Verdes (little green tamales), papitas rellenas (stuffed potatoes), rocotos rellenos (stuffed peppers) and Choclitos Brujos (Warlock Corn on the Cob) topped with traditional Huancaína and Criolla sauces. Among the seafood options are the pulpo al olivo (squid in olive oil), causa rellena de cangrejo (prepared crab), tiradito de lenguado (flounder cooked in lemon, similar to ceviche but without onions), langostinos a la milanesa (breaded prawns), conchitas a la parmesana (parmesan conch). Choose among the classic Peruvian ambrosias, including the Suspiro a la Limeña (A Lima Sigh) or as a Mazamorra Morada. The dining areas are decorated in wood with large windows and enhanced by Peruvian art. Two bars and a conference hall are also available, catering to buffets and banquets for any occasion. The restaurant organises their trademark Festivales Gastronómicos (Gastronomic Festivals) in different seasons throughout the year.

What was once the number one beach resort in Lima is now a bohemian barrio par excellence—preferred by artists, writers and lovers for its serenity and idyllic atmosphere. The area has flourished again, over the last 15 years and its parks and republican-style mansions have regained past splendour. Cross the Puente de los Suspiros to the scenic pier overlooking the Pacific ocean. Catch a musical or cultural performance in one of the barrio's plazas, stroll along the boulevard and stop in at one of the many bars, such as La Noche.

It is situated in an area of old homes and haciendas, providing a perfect way to spend the day with friends and family in down-home country surroundings. The prix fixe buffet is a fun and affordable way to eat all you can. The young ones will enjoy the playground area and pony rides. Specialties of the house include the fresh garden salad with special dressing and the innovative drink list.