Peru stands alone in the world of superlatives.No other country can boast an Amazon rainforest, some of the highest mountains on earth, or a desert so dry that it has vividly captured the riches of the past.Golden kingdoms with their nobles and powerful armies were flourishing here, unknown to the rest of the world, while Europe's cathedrals were being built.Before Columbus reached the Americas, Peru's original people had mastered agriculture, education and many aspects of medicine.And much of this tradition has survived to the present day in a richly diverse modern society.Peru Country of Contrasts is the essential introduction to this remarkable land.