From the CIA World factbook on Peru.

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.

Came across this story from Huaraz in a Canadian magazine "The Medical Post".

A new doctor gets a first-hand look at altitude sickness in Peru

By Sarah Jane Cook

There's nothing quite like getting high in the Andes. While parts of South America may be known for intoxicants of the plant nature, it is altitude that delivers the most exhilarating high in the central highlands of Peru. But true to the nature of mind-altering experiences, the thrill comes at a price.

The snow-capped peaks, glaciers and spectacular trekking opportunities drew me to Peru for an adventure after finishing medical school. Being a seaside dweller all my life, my body didn't know what it was in for. I had heard about the perils of high altitude, but didn't think much of it as I packed my sleeping bag, hiking boots and budget travellers' guidebook.

My spouse, Matt, and I arrived in the coastal city of Lima early in the morning after a direct overnight flight from Toronto. Eager for our first taste of the Andes, we blearily boarded a bus that would haul us up from the smog-laden city sprawl to a tiny trekking mecca named Huaraz at 3,091 metres.

From The New York Times

By JAMES BROOKE
Published: October 25, 2005

TOKYO, Oct. 24 - He has a new passport. He has a political party preparing his next presidential bid. He rides near the top of public opinion polls.

The only thing standing between Alberto Fujimori and a real run for the top office in Peru is about 10,000 miles of Pacific Ocean - that and a worldwide Interpol arrest warrant. He is wanted on 4 charges of human rights violations and 18 charges of corruption, stemming from his tenure as Peru's president from 1990 to 2000.

Without direct flights between Tokyo and Lima, Mr. Fujimori would have to change planes somewhere, probably in Dallas or Los Angeles, where he would run the risk of arrest. A private plane would be expensive, and any planes available in Japan would have to stop at least once for refueling, executives at rental companies said.

"Submarino?" Mr. Fujimori joked in an interview on Monday, offering in Spanish an alternative means of crossing the Pacific.

1532-33 - Spanish conquistadores led by Francisco Pizarro defeat the Incas whose empire subsequently becomes part of the Vice-royalty of Peru with its capital in Lima.

1780 - Revolt against Spanish led by Tupac Amaru, who claimed to be descended from last Inca chieftain, fails.

1821 - General Jose de San Martin captures Lima from Spanish and proclaims Peru independent.

1824 - Peru is last colony in Latin America to gain independence from Spain.