Background: Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was captured by the Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peruvian independence was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces defeated in 1824. After a dozen years of military rule, Peru returned to democratic leadership in 1980, but experienced economic problems and the growth of a violent insurgency. President Alberto FUJIMORI's election in 1990 ushered in a decade that saw a dramatic turnaround in the economy and significant progress in curtailing guerrilla activity. Nevertheless, the president's increasing reliance on authoritarian measures and an economic slump in the late 1990s generated mounting dissatisfaction with his regime. FUJIMORI won reelection to a third term in the spring of 2000, but international pressure and corruption scandals led to his ouster by Congress in November of that year. A caretaker government oversaw new elections in the spring of 2001, which ushered in Alejandro TOLEDO as the new head of government; his presidency has been hampered by allegations of corruption.
May 7th 2008South America » Peru » Cusco » Pisac Ok. So you know about Washington, my #1 guide and Eddy, my # 2 guide but let me tell you about Cesar. When I came in 2003, he was a 20 year old Univ. student who was a bit undecided on his career choi ... [full story]
August 10th 2006South America » Peru » Cusco » Pisac
This is me on the inca shrine in Pisac, Peru. Bit of a trek to get there but well worth the hassle. ... [full story]
February 8th 2008South America » Peru » Cusco » Pisac Off to Peru we were. A short 6hr bus ride around Lake Titicaca, past Puno and onwards to Cusco - Peru´s oldest city and the base from which to visit Machu Picchu. A simple journey until our bus driv ... 8 photos[full story]
Map of Peru
Peru's Flag
