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.

Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, sits along the banks of the Caledon River near the border with South Africa. As the political and economic center of the country, it offers a mix of modern amenities, government offices, and bustling markets.

St. Helena is a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean, known for its dramatic cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and rich history. It is most famous as the place where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final years in exile, and visitors can explore Longwood House and other historic sites that tell the story of this period.

The Cederberg region in the Western Cape of South Africa is a striking land of rocky ridges, wide skies, and quiet valleys. Less than three hours’ drive from Cape Town, the jagged sandstone mountains rise in shapes that seem carved by giants, and shady kloofs hide wonders like ancient rock art that tell stories from thousands of years ago. Hikes to natural landmarks like Wolfberg Arch and the Maltese Cross take visitors deep into terrain shaped by time.

Lukla, a mountain town perched at 2,860 meters in eastern Nepal, is best known as the gateway to the Everest region. The town is home to Tenzing-Hillary Airport, one of the world’s most thrilling landing strips, named after the legendary climbers who first reached Everest’s summit in 1953. The short, sloped runway hugs the mountain, offering a once-in-a-lifetime arrival that travelers remember long after their journey ends.