On January 3rd, Lima's first female mayor, Susana Villaran, was sworn in after beating her opponent, Lourdes Flores, by less than one percent. Despite the slim victory, the new administration has the potential to make a positive difference in Peru's capital. She already has big plans to improve the Costa Verde seafront and the Rio Verde area.

Around the time of Christ, the Moche civilization arose, in Northern Peru. Visitors to northern Peru on a vacation package or tour will be able to marvel at some of the treasures left by the Moche and leave with an understanding of an ancient an complex culture that is still, in many ways, shrouded in mystery. Find out more about the Moche in this article.

Whatever views tickle your fancy, whether it is majestic mountain ranges, tropical jungles, vast deserts, or beautiful beaches stretching to the beyond; the stunning country of Peru can provide them for you. If you are a keen walker it is hard to get bored with the scenery. If you tire of what the mountain ranges have to offer, then catch a train to the east and trek through the Amazon rainforest. The unique geography of Peru makes it a must-see destination if you enjoy walking. Peru has many incredible places that you should not miss visiting - here are just a few to tantalise you.

One of the first things to consider on any walking holiday is the weather. While difficult conditions aren't likely to put off a dedicated walker (and might even be welcomed for the challenge or adrenaline they can bring to a journey), it is important to be able to prepare for any difficulties the weather can pose while walking. Peru is notable for its unpredictable weather, and with such varied geography it can be quite confusing to predict. However, there are some regions that enjoy fairly stable weather, and even in the worst conditions there's always a chance of sunshine tomorrow while you're walking Peru.

One of the highlights of any trip to Peru, the Nazca Lines are famous around the world for the theories and legends that have been created around them. Although many a scientist or historian has tried to explain their origin and function, the lines remain a mystery to our contemporary world. Located in the south of Peru near the desert town of Nazca, these lines are immense geoglyphs carved in the rock, it is believed thousands of years ago by some ancient civilizations.

Peru is a country in South America, situated on the western side of that continent, facing the South Pacific Ocean and straddling part of the Andes mountain range that runs the length of South America. Peru is bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south. Peru is a country that has a diversity and wealth little common in the world.

As we age people like to take stock in what they have done in their lives. People start to think about what they have accomplished, what they have seen and what they still want to do. This causes many of us to make a wish list, or as Morgan Freeman called it in his movie with Jack Nicholson; The Bucket List. There are so many exciting activities that can be done in the South American country of Peru.

Monasterio de Santa Catalina, or Santa Catalina Monastery located in Arequipa, Peru is highly worth the entry price for an afternoon of relaxation. Here you will explore the historic grounds of this still active monastery, once closed to the public. Now the space is an art gallery of sorts with rooms that expose the history of the monastery, paintings of the past greats and furniture of the simple life of the clerics who lived here.

If you are traveling Peru and want to take a relatively short trip into the Peruvian Amazon that will not break the bank, you should consider a trip to Puerto Maldonado in the tropical Amazon Basin and then into the depths of the jungle from there. Located in the South Eastern part of Peru, you will certainly enjoy the biodiversity paradise along the Madre de Dios River. With three conservation areas in Madre de Dios, the Manu Biosphere Reserve, the Tambopata - Candamo Reserve and the Bahuaja - Sonene National Park, this entry point into the Amazon Basin is a great way to enjoy your Peru vacation.