Peruvian Delight

Peru, covering an area of 1,285,215 sq. km. is South America's third largest country. It achieved its independence from Spain on 28th July 1821. It follows a Constitutional Republic form of government and is home to approximately 27,968,000 people as per the census conducted in 2005. Its topography can be divided into three distinct regions. The most prominent of these are the central high sierra of the Andes, with its enormous peaks, steep canyons, and astonishing pre Columbian archaeological sites. In spite of being highly instable, the Andes is famous for housing one of the most fascinating pre-Columbian cities of South America such as the Machu Picchu often referred to as the great city of the clouds.

The Andes are not the only attractions that lure in tourists towards the beautiful country of Peru. It is also famous for its narrow, plain coastal region, which is a northern extension of the Atacama Desert. Even though the Atacama is generally considered to be the most parched region on the planet, the weather along Peru's shore is made cooler and less dry by La Garuła, a thick fog that occurs due to the collision of the frigid waters of the Humboldt Current with the heated sands of the Atacama. Three of Peru's largely populated areas, Lima, Trujillo, and Chiclayo, are located along this coastal desert. Peru's third greatest region is the thick forest that surrounds the headwaters of the Amazon underneath the eastern slopes of the Andes.

Peru proves to be an ideal holiday destination for those wishing to undergo an adventure filled holiday experience. The Colca Canyon provides an apt setting for those who are interested in trekking. The Amazon Basin with its 1,700 species of birds proves to be an ideal destination for ornithologists and those interested in bird watching. Wild life enthusiasts can also visit the Manu National Park, which has a large number of animals that includes ocelots, jaguars, alligators, and otters.