Founded in the 1st century this ancient city featured prominently in the Silk Road. It is known as the hub of theology and culture in central Asia while still featuring many beautifully preserved historic sites - including the Ark of Bukhara and Samanid Mausoleum.
Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.
Ifaty is a coastal destination in southwestern Madagascar, located north of Toliara along the Mozambique Channel. The area is known for sandy beaches, shallow turquoise waters, dry forests, and a landscape shaped by the region’s hot, semi-arid climate
Sandakan, on the northeast coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, is a city where history, wildlife, and culture come together. Once a major trading port known as “Little Hong Kong” for its bustling connections to the wider world, Sandakan has retained its multicultural character, with influences from Chinese, Malay, and Indigenous communities visible in its temples, markets, and cuisine.
Bel Ombre is a coastal village and rural district on the southwestern side of Mauritius, set between the Indian Ocean and the forested slopes of the Black River Gorges. The area is known for its combination of sugar-growing land, native forest, rivers, and a sheltered lagoon. Much of the surrounding landscape forms part of the wider Bel Ombre estate, where agriculture has gradually been joined by conservation and tourism.
The Sacred Valley, located in the Andes and divided by Urubamba River, was part of the larger Inca Empire, along with Machu Picchu and the closeby town of Cusco. Tourists will see green agricultural landscapes and Spanish hamlets like Ollantaytambo and Pisac, the latter featuring a Sunday market. While most travelers understandably focus on getting to Macchu Picchu, the picturesque Sacred Valley is a highly worthwhile stop on any Peruvian itinerary. Cusco, a one-hour flight from Lima, is an ideal base for exploring Sacred Valley, and guided tours are widely available.
Other Popular Destinations in Peru
Cusco
Cusco once served as the heart of the Inca Empire, and that legacy still shapes every corner of the city even as it serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu. Outside the historic center, the ruins of Sacsayhuamán overlook the city from a nearby hilltop. This ceremonial complex is best known for its massive zigzag stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons. During the Inti Raymi festival in June, thousands gather here to reenact ancient Andean rituals.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a story carved into stone, perched nearly 2,500 meters above sea level in the cloud forests of southern Peru. Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, this Inca citadel was unknown to the outside world until 1911, when explorer Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention. Today, it remains remarkably well-preserved, with more than 150 stone structures, terraced fields, ceremonial fountains, and temples aligned with astronomical events.