Dr. David Scott Palmer, Boston University

Peru is an extraordinary country in so many ways, from a geography with more climactic zones than most countries of the world, to indigenous traditions of multiple cultures culminating in the Inca Empire, to a rich colonial heritage placing Lima as the core of Spain’s South American empire. Almost 200 years as an independent republic has brought both progress and problems, including a devastating 19th century regional war and a late 20th century internal one. Today, however, Peru has a stable democracy and a solid, growing economy to complement its appeal as a leading destination for international visitors.