At more than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, this symbol of the Incan Empire was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
Cusco is the South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, the gateway to Machu Picchu and once was the capital of the Inca Empire. Make sure you get to Plaza de Armas, the main square and center of the city. Walk through the nearby San Pedro Market to find a special gift for loved ones (or yourself!) or view the Sun Temple Coricancha.
Lima's sprawling size and unique embrace of both past and present make it an unforgettably unique destination. Colonial architecture, gastronomical delights, and art are all part of the fabric of this city.
Most commonly reached via travel from Cusco, Ollantaytambo is an Incan archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of southern Peru. The town dates from the late 15th century and is home to some of the oldest continuously-occupied dwellings in South America.
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.
One of San Cristobal Island's most popular visitor sites is Cerro Brujo, with its expansive white sand beach and a lagoon that locals once used as a salt mine but now offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. Another must-see is Kicker Rock, a fascinating rock formation that looks like a boot from one angle (hence its English name) and like a sleeping lion from another (thus its Spanish name, Roca León Dormido).
Isla Santa Cruz, or Santa Cruz Island, is one of the Galápagos Islands, located off the coast of Ecuador. This tropical and volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean is the typical starting place for excursions throughout the Galápagos Islands and is famous for its spectacular biodiversity, especially the iconic Galápagos tortoises.
Isabella Island is the largest of the Galapagos islands, on the western end of the archipelago. Shaped like a seahorse when viewed from above, Isabella is home to more wild tortoises than any other island, as well as a wide variety of other animal, bird and marine life.
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
Exploring the Amazon Jungle in Brazil is like venturing into the heart of a living, breathing world. The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," is a lush, sprawling expanse that teems with extraordinary biodiversity.
Manaus, the capital of Brazil's Amazonas, is a major entryway to the vast and biodiverse Amazon Rainforest. Situated on both the Rio Negro and Amazon River, this city will charm you with Renaissance-style buildings and a variety of city parks, museums, and theatres.
A true gem on the Caribbean coast, the port city of Cartagena (Cartagena de Indias) welcomes visitors with its charming old town, colonial buildings, and exceptional beaches. A popular cruise ship stop, many seafarers find themselves honorary Cartagenans, as they stroll shady, cobblestone lanes and gaze upon impressive churches.
