Adventure-lovers will find the Andes to be ideal for trekking, camping and mountain-climbing. The highlands are riddled with more than 15,000 lakes, snow-capped peaks soaring over 6,000 meters, the world's deepest canyons, bucolic valleys and picturesque villages.

The entire Andean chain offers unparalleled opportunities for whitewater rafting, superb trails for mountain biking and gusting winds for fans of hang-gliding and parapente.

The beaches of Paracas (south of Lima) and along the north coast are ideal for sports such as surfing, windsurfing, sandboard, fishing and scuba diving. There is also good fishing to be had in the Amazon jungle, where birdwatchers will also have a field day.

Whether basking in the noonday sun or watching the star-studded night skies, Peru is the ideal place to enjoy a unique and unforgettable stay.