Peru’s natural diversity provides a stunning backdrop for a wealth of ancient civilizations, including the cities of the Inca. The Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, perched in the clouds on an Andean mountaintop, are one of the country’s most well known ceremonial centers. Obvious traces of pre-Incan civilizations are evident throughout the country; in the mysterious Nazca Lines, the ruined fortresses in Sechin, and the solemn chullpas in Sillustani. The Amazon Basin makes up half the country and contains 84 life zones, home to an astonishing wealth of biodiversity. Endangered condors glide on air currents in the Colca Canyon, giant river otters play in secluded waterways, and floating reed-islands are a man-made marvel on Lake Titicaca.