Moroccoโs Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains extend some 1,500 miles across northwestern Africa and are dotted with Berber villages and deep canyons and ravines, home to local families who are self-sustaining, producing goods like homemade butter and fresh bread. From Marrakesh, the mountains can be reached within an hour.
El Tatio Geysers
El Tatio is the third-largest geyser field in the world and largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Itโs located in the Andes Mountains of northern Chile more than 14,000 feet above sea level. This geothermal field boasts over 80 geysers that spew steam and boiling water best witnessed in the early morning.
Pink Flamingos, Red Rocks & Blue Lagoons of Atacama
The driest place on Earth, the deserts of Atacama boasts natural wonders like salt flats home to pink flamingos, red rock formations and mysterious blue lagoons at Laguna Chaxa, Piedras Rojas and Altiplanic Lagoons.
Ellaโs Epic Waterfalls, Train Rides & Jungle Mountains
Ella is most well known for Nine Arches Bridge, a viaduct bridge built without any steel and set against a lush green landscape surrounded by rolling hills, cloud forests and tea plantations. The town also boasts epic waterfalls, exhilarating train rides and sacred Buddhist temples.
Mountain Worship Deep in the Forests of Nikkล
Located in the lush mountains north of Tokyo, Nikkล has long been celebrated as for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship. Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Nikkล National Park are highlights worth exploring.
Once the Capital of the Inca Empire
Once capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is famed for its rich history, culture and architecture. Cobblestone streets lead visitors to Plaza de Armas, alongside archaeological remains like the Twelve-Angled Stone. It's also the spot for freshwater trout ceviche and the perfect jumping off point for Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain.
Sacred Valley & Peru's Andean Highlands
Sacred Valley is a region in Peru's Andean highlands known for fertile farmland and Spanish colonial villages, stretching from Pisac to Ollantaytambo. Together, with Machu Picchu and the nearby city of Cusco, they formed the heart of the Inca Empire in the late 1500's.
Near-Death Experience on Rainbow Mountain
A two hour drive from Cusco, Vinicunca, also called Mountain of Seven Colors, is a mountain in the Andes of Peru with an altitude of 16,522 feet above sea level and extremely harsh conditions. The seven colors come from mineral composition but are only visible during Augustsโs dry season.
Salento's Valley of Palms
An Andean town west of Bogotรก, Salento is known for its coffee estates and sweeping scenery. To the East is Cocora Valley, where the worldโs tallest palms dot the landscape. Rare parrots, poisonous mushrooms and iridescent hummingbirds can be spotted along many of the hiking trails.
Hiking Peru's Epic Colca Canyon
Colca Canyon is a river canyon in southern Peru famed as one of the deepest in the world. Itโs a trekking and rafting destination with canyons, valleys and remote traditional villages with terraced agriculture predating the Incas. And the giant Andean condor can often be spotted from viewpoints like Cruz del Condor.