Cuzco

This ancient city of the Incas (SE Peru), overlooked by the pre-Columbian fortifications of Sacsaiwaman, is the gateway to Macchu Picchu (the lost city of the Incas) and the stepping stone for those looking to follow the Inca Trail.

Polish up on your Spanish, and even learn a little Quechua (the indigenous language of the Incas’ Andean Empire) before you set off.