Mesmerizing Peru -- a land of pre-Columbian ruins and lost cities, Andes Mountains and Amazon jungle -- is a destination that many first-time travelers may know little about, beyond the famed Machu Picchu. This guide details everything you need to know to make planning your trip to Peru less daunting, from the lay of the land and how to get there to money and health concerns. It also covers other critical information for planning your trip, such as tour operators and travel packages, and tips on Peruvian accommodations, dining, and shopping.