Chinchero is a highland town in Peru’s Cusco Region, northwest of the city of Cusco and above the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Set at more than 3,700 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level, it is surrounded by cultivated fields, puna grasslands, and views of the snow-covered peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba.

The Ashanti Region is located in southern Ghana and is one of the country’s most influential cultural and economic areas. Centered on the city of Kumasi, the region is known as the traditional homeland of the Ashanti people, whose history and institutions continue to shape local identity.

Pamplona, the capital of Spain’s Navarre region, is best known worldwide for the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín festival each July. But beyond the brief rush of that event lies a city steeped in medieval history, Basque influence, and a slower pace that surprises many visitors. One of the most significant aspects of Pamplona is its place on the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

Danco Island also offers a close look at how Antarctic wildlife uses a small ice-covered island. Gentoo penguins establish colonies on rocky and snow-free areas, while the surrounding channel provides access to feeding grounds. The island’s exposed slopes and summit can be windy, and snow conditions may vary considerably between visits. Its compact landscape means that even a short excursion can reveal glaciers, mountains, sea ice, seabirds, and penguin colonies within a relatively small area.

Vukovar, a city in eastern Croatia, stands as a poignant symbol of resilience and beauty. Its rich history is etched into its architecture and monuments, telling the story of its resilience during the Croatian War of Independence.