PERU

Though Peru is best known for hosting one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu, there is so much more to see and experience in this coastal country. It is a wondrous world of many microclimates, a land of immense history, and a blend of incredible foods.

The areas to look into traveling Peru are: Lima (capital city), Huacachina (desert oasis), Huaraz (Huascaran National Park for the hikers), the Amazons (second-largest after Brazil), Arequipa (Colca Canyon), Cusco (Machu Picchu), and Lake Titicaca.

Planning a trip here means: you're into waking up early for adventure, into trying new types of food (from ceviche to cuy/guinea pig to lomo saltado), and into getting out of your comfort zone. Since it's still a developing country, it is definitely one I would not describe as a luxurious travel destination, though they have quite beautiful hotels that CAN support that type of accommodation. You will have to wake up early to experience many of the things, whether it's seeing Colca Canyon near Arequipa - one of the 5 deepest canyons in the world or trekking to see Rainbow Mountain from Cusco, many of these day trips start with an early risetime of 3 to 4am followed by a journey by car for several hours.

With all this though, you will be rewarded with a country of just spectacular beauty. In one country, it hosts the Andes mountains, the Pacific Coast, and the Amazons. Make your way around the country by bus (Peru Hop - best suited for younger, individual travelers looking to meet others), by airplane, and/or by car.