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.

This Sicily harbor city is divided from Italy proper by the Strait of Messina. Visitors marvel at the Gothic, bell-towered Norman Messina Cathedral.

Whether exploring volcanic trails or relaxing in seaside hot springs, Hachijo Jima provides an unforgettable island experience that feels worlds away from Japan’s major cities.

Accra, Ghana’s vibrant capital, blends coastal charm with an energetic urban atmosphere. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, the city is a hub for arts, culture, and history, offering travelers a lively introduction to the country.

Brazil is a country that moves to its own rhythm whether it be samba, bossa nova, the roar of waterfalls or the quiet of the rainforest. Stretching from the Amazon Basin to the Atlantic coastline, Brazil offers both iconic cityscapes and vast natural frontiers. In Rio de Janeiro, visitors can ride a cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain, watch the sunset from Arpoador, or join a drumbeat-filled bloco during Carnival, where the streets turn into one massive celebration of music, movement, and color.