Peru is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. Peruvian territory was home to the Norte Chico civilization, one of the oldest in the world, and to the Inca Empire, the largest state in Pre-Columbian America. The Spanish Empire conquered the region in the 16th century and established a Viceroyalty, which included most of its South American colonies. After achieving independence in 1821, Peru became a representative democratic republic. The geography varies from the arid plains of the Pacific coast to the peaks of the Andes mountains and the tropical forests of the Amazon Basin. Tourism is centered on the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu and nearby Cusco. Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake, and features floating reed islands. Arequipa's white architecture and Colca Canyon, deepest in the world, are also attractions. Amazon cruises and jungle lodges can be found in Manu and Iquitos. And Lima, the capital, has a well preserved Old City that is worth an afternoon.