The visitor to Cuzco, alternately spelled Cusco, Qosqo or Qozqo, can’t help but be awed and impressed by a city that was the capital of the Inca Empire. Today’s Cuzco combines the ancient city, the colonial additions and the modern buildings and amenities in a splendid reflection of culture and tradition-and reminds us that the sophisticated Incan civilization was not erased by the colonial invaders. Or tourists.

A vast, polluted metropolis in the middle of 's desert coastline, Lima is an economic magnet for struggling highland and Amazonian villagers. But it also snares the adventurous traveller with its top-class museums, vibrant nightlife and music scene, striking architecture, richly historical neighbourhoods and genuinely friendly people.