Peru is a country in South America that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the bustling city of Lima, there is something for every type of traveler to enjoy in this diverse country. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, explore ancient civilizations, or try delicious Peruvian cuisine, Peru has it all. In this overview, we will cover some of the top places to visit, luxury hotels, tour companies, transportation options, and more in Peru.

Places to Visit:
1. Machu Picchu: One of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, Machu Picchu is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Peru. Located high in the Andes Mountains, this ancient Incan city offers breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into the country's history.

2. Cusco: Known as the "Historical Capital" of Peru, Cusco is a charming city with stunning colonial architecture and a vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the historic city center, visit the nearby Sacred Valley, and embark on treks to Machu Picchu.

3. Lima: The capital city of Peru, Lima is a bustling metropolis with a rich culinary scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore the historic city center, visit the Larco Museum, and enjoy world-class dining at some of the city's top restaurants.

4. Arequipa: Known as the "White City" for its stunning white colonial buildings, Arequipa is a picturesque city surrounded by volcanoes. Visitors can explore the historic city center, visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, and trek to the nearby Colca Canyon.

5. Lake Titicaca: Located high in the Andes Mountains, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and a stunning natural wonder. Visitors can take boat tours to the floating islands of Uros and Taquile, visit the archaeological site of Sillustani, and learn about the indigenous cultures of the region.

Luxury Hotels:
1. Belmond Hotel Monasterio (Cusco): Located in a former monastery dating back to 1592, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms, fine dining, and a tranquil courtyard garden. Guests can enjoy spa services, cooking classes, and guided tours of the city.

2. Palacio del Inka (Cusco): Situated in a historic building in the heart of Cusco, this luxury hotel offers spacious rooms, a beautiful courtyard, and an on-site restaurant serving traditional Peruvian cuisine. Guests can enjoy a relaxing spa, fitness center, and concierge services.

3. Belmond Miraflores Park (Lima): Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the upscale Miraflores district, this luxury hotel offers modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and gourmet dining options. Guests can enjoy spa services, a fitness center, and easy access to the city's top attractions.

4. Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel (Cusco): Housed in a restored colonial mansion, this luxury hotel features stylish rooms, an on-site art gallery, and a tranquil courtyard. Guests can enjoy a spa, gourmet restaurant, and personalized concierge services.

5. Libertador Lake Titicaca (Puno): Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, this luxury hotel offers spacious rooms with lake views, a gourmet restaurant, and a relaxing spa. Guests can take boat tours of the lake, visit nearby islands, and learn about the indigenous cultures of the region.

Luxury Cruise or Tour Companies:
1. Belmond: Known for its luxury trains and hotels in Peru, Belmond offers a range of tour packages that allow travelers to explore the country in style. From luxury train journeys to private guided tours, Belmond provides an unbeatable travel experience.

2. Abercrombie & Kent: A top luxury travel company, Abercrombie & Kent offers private guided tours, luxury cruises, and tailor-made travel experiences in Peru. With expert guides, luxury accommodations, and exclusive access to top attractions, Abercrombie & Kent provides a truly unforgettable travel experience.

3. Rainforest Cruises: Specializing in luxury river cruises in the Amazon Rainforest, Rainforest Cruises offers a variety of cruise packages that allow travelers to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. With comfortable accommodations, gourmet dining, and expert guides, Rainforest Cruises provides a unique and luxurious travel experience.

4. Inkaterra: A pioneer in sustainable tourism in Peru, Inkaterra offers luxury eco-friendly lodges and tours that allow travelers to explore the country's natural wonders while preserving the environment. With comfortable accommodations, gourmet dining, and expert naturalist guides, Inkaterra provides a truly unique and environmentally-conscious travel experience.

5. Peru Empire: A luxury travel agency based in Peru, Peru Empire offers tailor-made tours, private guided experiences, and luxury accommodations for travelers seeking a personalized and exclusive travel experience. With expert guides, VIP access to top attractions, and luxury transportation options, Peru Empire provides a truly unforgettable journey through Peru.

Things to Do:
1. Explore Machu Picchu: Take a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and learn about the history and significance of this iconic archaeological site.

2. Visit the Larco Museum: Explore one of the best museums in Lima, which houses a vast collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts.

3. Try Peruvian Cuisine: Sample traditional Peruvian dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, and causa rellena at some of the country's top restaurants.

4. Trek to Rainbow Mountain: Embark on a challenging trek to Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, and marvel at the stunning natural colors of the landscape.

5. Take a Boat Tour of Lake Titicaca: Explore the floating islands of Uros and Taquile, learn about the indigenous cultures of the region, and enjoy the serene beauty of the highest navigable lake in the world.

Brief History:
Peru has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The country was home to several ancient civilizations, including the Inca Empire, which ruled much of the region from the 15th century until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. The Spanish colonized Peru and established Lima as the capital of their new colony. Over the centuries, Peru has experienced periods of political upheaval, social change, and economic growth. Today, Peru is a multicultural country with a vibrant mix of indigenous, European, African, and Asian influences.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Rich History: Peru is home to some of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, including Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, and the ruins of Chan Chan. History buffs will love exploring these ancient civilizations and learning about Peru's fascinating past.

2. Cultural Diversity: Peru is a melting pot of indigenous, European, African, and Asian cultures, resulting in a vibrant and diverse society. Visitors can experience traditional festivals, music, dance, and cuisine that reflect this unique blend of influences.

3. Natural Beauty: From the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains to the lush Amazon Rainforest, Peru is a country of stunning natural beauty. Travelers can explore diverse ecosystems, spot exotic wildlife, and marvel at breathtaking landscapes.

4. Culinary Delights: Peru is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, which blends indigenous ingredients with Spanish, African, and Asian influences. Foodies will love sampling traditional dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, and rocoto relleno at some of the country's top restaurants.

5. Adventure Activities: Peru offers a wide range of outdoor activities for adventure seekers, including trekking, rafting, surfing, and paragliding. Whether you want to hike to Machu Picchu, surf the waves in Mancora, or trek through the Amazon Rainforest, Peru has something for every adrenaline junkie.

How to Get There:
The main international airport in Peru is Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, which serves as the primary gateway to the country for international travelers. From Lima, visitors can easily connect to other cities in Peru via domestic flights, buses, or trains. There are also luxury train services, such as the Belmond Hiram Bingham, that offer a comfortable and scenic way to travel between Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Other Information:
1. Currency: The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it is recommended to have some local currency on hand for smaller purchases.

2. Language: The official language of Peru is Spanish, but there are also many indigenous languages spoken throughout the country, such as Quechua and Aymara. English is spoken in tourist areas, but it is helpful to know some basic Spanish phrases.

3. Safety: Peru is a safe country for travelers, but it is always important to take common sense precautions, such as avoiding unlit areas at night, not displaying valuables in public, and being aware of your surroundings. It is also recommended to drink bottled water and take precautions against altitude sickness when traveling to high-altitude destinations.

4. Weather: Peru has a diverse climate with three main regions – the coast, the highlands, and the jungle. The coast has a mild climate with dry summers and humid winters, while the highlands have a cooler climate with rainy and dry seasons. The jungle has a hot and humid climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Peru:
1. Machu Picchu
2. Cusco
3. Lima
4. Arequipa
5. Lake Titicaca
6. Sacred Valley
7. Nazca Lines
8. Colca Canyon
9. Amazon Rainforest
10. Rainbow Mountain

Overall, Peru is a fascinating and diverse country that offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, adventure, or cuisine, Peru has it all. With its ancient ruins, vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Peru is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. Whether you choose to explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, relax on the beaches of Lima, or trek through the Amazon Rainforest, you are sure to have an unforgettable luxury travel experience in Peru.