Matera, one of Italy's most enchanting cities, is a living testament to human resilience and creativity. Nestled in the southern region of Basilicata, Matera is renowned for its ancient cave dwellings, known as the Sassi. These prehistoric stone houses, carved directly into the limestone rock, date back thousands of years, making Matera one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Puebla, a city nestled in the heart of Mexico, is a captivating blend of colonial charm, vibrant culture, and rich history. Known as the "City of Angels," Puebla's well-preserved historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with stunning baroque architecture, colorful tiled buildings, and bustling markets. Puebla is also a haven for food lovers, celebrated as the birthplace of some of Mexico’s most iconic dishes.
Lake Tahoe is one of the most dramatic and beautiful sights in the World. A natural lake formed at the top of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it is now a winter sports center, a summer vacation destination and the home of wonderful casinos and resorts.
Chichicastenango, often simply called "Chichi," is a vibrant town in the highlands of Guatemala that offers an unparalleled cultural experience. Known for its lively indigenous market, which takes place every Thursday and Sunday, this bustling bazaar is one of the most famous in Central America. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Mayan culture while browsing colorful textiles, handcrafted masks, and traditional pottery.
Belize is an independent state in northeastern Central America. The climate of Belize is subtropical, moderated by sea breezes along the coast. Slightly less than half the area of Belize is covered by forests; deciduous trees are found in the north; tropical hardwood trees predominate in the south.
Traditionally regarded as the highest navigable body of water in the world (in reality there are higher lakes in Chile and Peru), Lake Titicaca is immense: its dimensions measure 233km from north-west to south-east and 97km from north-east to south-west. The lake has an indented shoreline, 36 islands and exceptionally clear sapphire-blue water. Titicaca is revered by the Indians who live on its shores, and the Islas del Sol and Islas de la Luna, two islands in the lake, are
the legendary sites of the Inca's creation myths. The main town in the area is Copacabana, which has a sparkling white Moorish-style Cathedral and is host to the Fiesta de la Virgen de Candelaria. Isla Suriqui is world-renowned for its totora reed boats; Isla Kalahuta for its stone tombs; and Isla Incas is reputed in legend to have an underground network of passageways linking it to the old Inca capital of Cuzco in Peru.
Travelers should wear protective headgear around the lake because the thin air results in scorchingly high levels of ultraviolet radiation. Half of the lake lies within the borders of Peru; Puno is the principal settlement and main center for excursions on the Peruvian shore of the lake.