Peru

Lima, Machu Picchu and the stunning Andean scenery are among the draws of Peru, which lies along the western edge of South America.

Lima is the capital and home to many colonial-era buildings, like the Monastery of San Francisco and the Cathedral of Lima. Descend into eerie catacombs beneath the cathedral, where the bones of the long-dead are kept. Elsewhere, in villages and towns, you can shop for items made by local artisans or perhaps take in a Peruvian folklore show.

Snuggled at 11,200 feet in the Andes mountains is Cuzco, where featured sights include its Santo Domingo monastery and the Inca Temple of the Sun. Cuzco is the gateway to world-famous Machu Picchu, an Incan fortress built around 1400 at about 8,000 feet above sea level. Here you'll learn about ancient Incan life and traditions, bringing to life a civilization that flourished so many years ago.