Peru’s rich and ancient past is an important part of what makes it one of South America's most popular travel destinations. Thousands of archaeological sites are found all over the country, ranging from 10,000 year old camp sites of early hunters to the monumental stone walls of sixteenth century Inca Cuzco. Indeed, it is difficult to go anywhere in Peru without stumbling upon some ancient reminder of Peru's past.

Interesting facts about Peru: Caral, a 5,000 year-old archaeological site north of Lima, is the oldest known urban center in the Americas.

Although the Incas are Peru's best known culture, civilizations preceding them set the foundations for the Inca Empire. Peru's museums are filled with amazing ceramics and textiles designed and created by the pre-Inca civilizations such as the Chavin, Paracas, Nazca, Moche and Wari.

Interesting facts about Peru: Machu Picchu, having some 2,500 visitors daily, is the most visited archaeological site in South America.

By the fifteenth century, the Incas empire grew and at the point of maximum expansion around 1500, it reached six modern-day countries and was connected by a 23,000-kilometer road network. The short-lived Inca Empire came to an end with the arrival of the conquering Spaniards in 1532.

Interesting facts about Peru: Atahualpa, the last Incan Emperor, gave his Spanish captors 13,000 pounds of gold and 26,000 pounds of silver before being executed.

The legacy of colonial Peru is found in the churches and mansions built by the Spaniards, who made Lima the seat of the Spanish viceroyalty until the country obtained its independence from Spain in 1821.

Interesting facts about Peru: Ayacucho, Peru’s most important handicraft manufacturing center, is also known as the city of 37 colonial churches.

Peru’s geography is among the most dramatic and awe-inspiring on earth. Having three distinct regions - the coastal plains, the Andean highlands, and the Amazon jungle - it is as varied as it is spectacular.

The dry coastal plains are home to most of Peru’s archaeological sites, including the Nazca lines in the south and the tomb of the Lord of Sipán in the north.

Peru’s varied highlands include the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, the lush high jungle regions near Machu Picchu and elsewhere, and the extraordinary altiplano (high plains) between Cuzco and Lake Titicaca.

Peru’s vast jungle region, covering over half the country’s total land surface, is home to a biodiversity matched in few places on earth and eco-tourism at its best.

Interesting facts about Peru: The final source of the Amazon River is a stream on a 5,597 meter peak called Nevado Mismi in southern Peru.

Much of Peru’s ancient technology and social structures have disappeared over the centuries, but others like rich traditions in weaving and ceramics, have endured to this day. No visitor to Peru will be able to resist returning home with a suitcase packed with handcrafted souvenirs.

Interesting facts about Peru: Chulucanas pottery from northern Peru, made with ancient techniques and a favorite among souvenir hunters, is exported to over 60 countries.