Travel to Peru, Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Lonely Planet chooses Peru as third more important tourist destination
The prestigious tour guide Lonely Planet chose Peru as the third best tourist destination to visit this year, according to its annual "Top Destinations for 2004" survey. For Lonely Planet, the amazing and varied remains of great civilisations and their landscapes turn to Peru as a fascinating country. For the second year running the top destination was New Zealand, thanks to its attractive landscapes and the aid of the film trilogy of "The Lord of the Rings". The survey is polled from the global collaborators and staffers of this guide. Mr. George, publisher of the magazine, affirms that South America is one of the most voted regions in the survey and that Peru is the outstanding country within the continent. According to the guide, our country is "the jewel in South America's crown, mostly for Inca remains but also for history, architecture and sense of adventure".

INC establishes regulations to protect Cuzco's archaeological zones
The National Culture Institute establishes a set of regulations governing visitors' behavior at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán and other archaeological sites. Tour guides have the obligation to teach visitors to respect the characteristics of the site. Visitors must stay on the paths and other established spaces while touring the sanctuary. Climbing up on the walls is forbidden, as is smoking, drinking alcohol or lighting fires at archaeological sites. Visitors are recommended to wear sneakers or rubber-soled shoes. Failure to heed these rules will result in the cancellation of the rest of the visit, while those found responsible may receive a sanction according to law.

Fifteen regional monuments to be repaired
This year, the government plans to invest some 12.8 million nuevos soles (some US$3.6 million) in various tourist attractions, which will help to improve infrastructure at 15 regional monuments: Kuélap (Amazonas) will receive S/.4.5 million; Huaca Rajada and the Temple of the Moon, as well as the areas of Zaña and Túcume (Lambayeque), will receive S/.400,000. In addition to the Lake Titicaca project, where the government plans to invest another S/.2.5 million to finish work in the inner bay. The Amazon jungle region will receive S/.1.5 million for Loreto and the plan "The Birthplace of the Amazon". In the Colca Valley (Arequipa), meanwhile, the government plans to invest in signposting and the construction of Viscachani-Chivay road. The archaeological sites of Caral (Lima) and Chavín (Ancash) are also part of the plan.

Peru pulls off successful participation in II International Gastronomy Summit in Madrid
Peru's gastronomy and pisco were the star participants in the II Madrid Fusion International Gastronomy Summit, held at the Municipal Palace of Congresses in Madrid from January 13-15. Peru, the only country to take part as an exhibitor at the fair, promoted its rich Gastronomic culture as a tourist attraction. During the event, delegates visiting Peru's stand took part in pisco tasting and sampled typical Peruvian dishes, lúcuma ice cream and giant Cusco sweetcorn.