If you can imagine forgotten temples entangled in jungle vines and ancient bejewelled treasures cobwebbed and hidden in secret imperial tombs, you’ve got some sort of idea of Peru.

An epic fantasyland, Peru has wild rivers raging around Cuzco, prowling pumas of the night and century-old shaman rituals to comfort its oppressed history. After all, this South American country has seen empire after empire die out – even Inca warriors and Spanish conquistadors couldn’t last. The jaw-dropping terrain has dozens of peaks that reach an unkind height about 5000m, vast coastal deserts and chokingly humid rainforests surrounding the Amazon Basin.

Peru surrounds you in its diversity, from its countless indigenous population, lost languages and ancient traditions to its unique wildlife. Whether you’re a South America first-timer or an old devotee, Peru is the perfect launch pad. It accommodates travel however your spirit moves you – a luxury lodge in the Amazon, a beachfront café or a train cabin – it’s all surprisingly affordable.

Population: 29.2 million
Capital: Lima
Languages: Spanish, Quechua
Currency: Nuevo Sol (S), AU$1 = S2.34
Religion: Christian
Neighbours: Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile
Area: 1, 285, 200 sq km
Time: UTC – 5
Seasons: Dry – April to October, Wet – November to March
Visas: Australian citizens do not need a visa to enter Peru
Warnings: Because of widespread poverty, pick pocketing is quite prominent in Peru, but can be avoided by exercising caution.