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.
Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is a city where time seems to have paused in the mid-20th century. Known for its remarkably preserved Italian modernist architecture, the city has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Margarita Island, known locally as Isla de Margarita, sits just off Venezuela’s northeastern coast in the warm Caribbean Sea. The island's famous beaches span from quiet coves to wide-open shorelines. Playa El Agua stretches for over two miles with swaying palms and lively beachfront restaurants serving fresh snapper, tostones, and cold Polar beer. For those seeking less crowded sands, Playa Zaragoza offers calm waters and a glimpse of everyday coastal life.