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Peru [edit]

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World> South America> Peru Viva el Peru! (view over Cusco)

Those who love french-fries with their burgers should be thrilled to learn that the potato originated in Peru. The mighty Incas cultivated potatoes in the high altitude of the Andes Mountains. There are over 5,000 registered varieties of potatoes in Peru, being only one reflection of its mega-diversity. Peru, the land of the Incas, awaits travelers with a world of adventure and excitement.

The perfectly fitted stones of this glorious empire continue to be the main attraction to people from all over the world. Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas rediscovered centuries after the last Conquistador left, remains a web of riddles for the adventurer and the scientist to tackle. The Nazca lines -- what were they -- UFO landing sites or a pathway to the heavens and the gods?

History buffs are not the only folks who will enjoy Peru. Of late, thousands of people have dared visit the still largely unexplored Amazon Rainforest (selva) in search of cures for the world's illnesses by tapping into the knowledge of shamans (medicine men) who may hold the secret to help defeat the incurable.

An adventurer can have a reasonably comfortable trip to the deeps of the jungle in Iquitos, starting at the seaside, crossing the Andes Mountains, and slowly making his or her way down the other side into the selva. As Iquitos isn't reachable by road, the last two days will be spent on an Amazon cruise boat. But those who want to get to the selva quickly need only fly one of the modern airlines that serves Iquitos and Tarapoto with daily flights from Lima. Despite being visited by almost 1.5 million foreigners each year, there is always a place off the beaten track where the gringo tourist will be the main attraction for the locals.

On the way to the low jungle in the Amazon Basin, some tourists will find that the high jungle plateau is a good place as either a stopover or a destination -- especially since it can tend to have a slightly lower humidity level than the low jungle areas. Tarapoto is the most important city in the area, and it is the commercial trade center for the District of San Martin. Tourists aren't crowded into Tarapoto, Moyobamba and surrounding communities as might be found in some other locales in Peru, but they are generally treated very well by the locals who welcome their business.

Even the not-so-adventurous can enjoy Peru. Although still considered a developing country, Peru has made progress in improving its infractructure in some areas. Five-star hotels, excellent restaurants, and vibrant nightlife will dazzle those who are looking to be dazzled. Peru is an exciting land, rich in history and culture, waiting to be explored. Readers can click below on any city to obtain information and tips to make their trip a delightful experience.

The capital of Peru is the city of Lima. The principle cities in Peru are Lima (pop. 8,900,000), Arequipa (pop. 848,000), Trujillo (pop. 820,000), Chiclayo, (pop. 568,000), Iquitos (pop. 426,000), Huancayo (pop. 384,000), Piura (pop. 357,000), Chimbote (pop. 337,000), Cusco (pop. 320,000), Pucallpa (pop. 310,000), Tacna (pop. 284,000), Ica (pop. 242,000), Juliaca (pop. 239,000), Sullana (pop. 201,000), Chincha Alta (pop. 160,000), Huanuco (pop. 145,000), Ayacuchu (pop. 144,000), Cajamarca (pop. 132,000), Tarapoto (pop. 123,000), Talara (pop. 115,000), Tumbes (pop. 110,000).

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