The Republic of Peru is an Andean State located in the central and western part of South America. Peru is bounded at north by Equator and by Colombia, at south by Chile, at the east by Brasil and Bolivia and at the west side its coasts are bordering the Pacific Ocean. The peruvian territory covers 1,285,216 Km2; 52.0% of the population of Peru live in the Coast, that is more than a half of the whole population. Peru is best known for Machu Picchu. Due to the enormous cultural and natural attractions of the Inca city and its spectacular surroundings, the Peruvian state declared them a Protected Natural Area in 1981. In 1983, UNESCO declared the Sanctuary a World Heritage Site. The site is north west of Cusco, about 112 kilometres by railway, amidst an impressive geography of steep mountain ridges separated by narrow valleys and deep ravines. Machu Picchu is important, because besides its archaeological value, it has a variety of ecosystems within its boundaries. The Inca Trail, with Machu Picchu as it´s final destination, is the best known and most popular hike among tourists. The total hike is about 45 kms and it takes four days alltogether, including a one day visit to the ruins. But there are more trekkings in this beautiful Andean landscape than the Inca trail.
