Peru's Sacred Valley has long lured intrepid travellers with tales of god-like emperors, human sacrifice and gargantuan feats of masonry. The Incas left such an indomitable mark on this part of Peru, it’s hard to believe the Empire lasted for less than a century, from 1438 to 1533. But traces of the ancient civilisation are felt everywhere, from the citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, to the isolated, sky-high fortress of Machu Picchu. Countless visitors traverse the region on hiking tours, but for a journey that truly befits the grandeur and ambition of the Incas, explore the Sacred Valley by train. Here are three of the top sights along the way.
The lost city lay deserted for hundreds of years, buried beneath a veil of moss, tangles of vines and protected only by challenging altitude and harsh terrain. Abandoned by the Inca Empire, its existence eluded the Spanish conquistadores, and it wasn’t until the explorer Hiram Bingham returned from an expedition in the early 1900s with photographs of this extraordinary feat of engineering that the wider world finally laid eyes on it.
Even today, as a site that’s been photographed time and again, the thrill of gazing at this once-hidden city is palpable. Go with a guide to bring this sky-high site to life, walking through its terraces, temples and homes that, at times, appear to claw the sky. For an alternative view, hike to the tip of Huayna Picchu — the mountain that rises over Machu Picchu — via stone stairways carved by the lost civilisation.
The former capital of the Inca Empire is the unofficial gateway to the ethereal Machu Picchu. Countless hiking trails spiral away from this colourful Andean town, making it a scenic starting point for those heading off towards some of Peru’s greatest archaeological monuments. It’s here that travellers can also sign up to whitewater rafting trips down the thundering Urubamba River or spend their days horse-riding among salt plains and cycling beneath circling condors.
But Cusco is also a place to take it slow. Travellers can rummage through market stalls selling exotic fruits and alpaca wool coats, and sip on steaming mugs of coca tea in the Plaza de Armas. Be sure to spend an hour or two wandering around the formidable cathedral overlooking this square, where a replica of Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper hangs, complete with cuy (guinea pig) painted on one of the plates. Or, for a glimpse into Inca astronomy, a science that ruled its cycle of crops, architecture and religious ceremonies, pop into the Cusco Planetarium.
Often seen as a side pilgrimage to Machu Picchu, the town of Ollantaytambo is a destination in its own right, featuring exceptionally well-preserved Inca architecture. Most travellers scale the
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While accepting one of the many Oscars he received for the film Parasite at the 92nd Academy Awards in 2020, South Korean director Bong Joon Ho advised that Americans would do well to “overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles” in order to discover an even broader swatch of amazing films than already available at our fingertips. Indeed, subtitles are nothing to be afraid of—but that doesn’t mean the movies they caption can’t be scary themselves. Amongst our editorial staff, in fact, there’s a consensus that foreign horror productions are actually much more terrifying than those produced stateside—bolder, bloodier, darkly funnier, and more haunting for their willingness to leave questions unanswered.
There are plenty of dazzling luxury resorts in the Caribbean, but people who like to fly private often like to stay private on vacation. One of those dreamy, secluded getaways is Villa Papillon in Antigua. Listed for $9.5 million, the 9,700-square-foot villa is located at the tip of Reed’s point, overlooking the water. For $8,000 to $12,000 a night (depending on the week), the villa can accommodate up to 12 people—but expect to spend your time on the vast terrace (on a clear day, you can see to Nevis and St. Kitts) or in the infinity pool.
Eagle-eyed culture fans have long looked to Barcelona for an artsy escape, and families can dive in too thanks to the city's child-friendly spirit. Whether it's trippy architecture, avant-garde galleries, or that enticing coastline, kids are welcomed into every inch of this seaside city. From exhibitions aimed at tweens to playgrounds next to tapas bars in star-lit plazas, it is a place where culture and children happily collide.
With its famously clear skies and abundant sunshine, Namibia is a wonderful destination at any time of year. The weather is almost always good – the ever-present sunshine is even highlighted on the national flag – and most areas of the country are accessible year-round.
December may mean the year is coming to an end – but that doesn’t mean your travel plans have to. If you’re looking for the best place to visit in December, here are some of Lonely Planet’s top picks, whether you want stunning northern lights, epic beach adventures or cozy Christmas markets.
Several blocks away from The Dolli in Athens’ central Plaka, visitors encounter the ruins of Hadrian’s Library and the Roman Agora before climbing the hill up to the Acropolis. Guests of The Dolli, though, have an easier time if they want a glimpse of the Parthenon’s splendor: they can take a table at the rooftop restaurant or sit in or by the infinity pool, both with straight on views of this iconic temple. It’s one reason to stay at this new boutique hotel, a part of Grecotel Hotels & Resorts, which opened officially in January and one reason owner Mari Daskalantonaki selected this site. But it’s not the only advantage of being in residence here.
Several blocks away from The Dolli in Athens’ central Plaka, visitors encounter the ruins of Hadrian’s Library and the Roman Agora before climbing the hill up to the Acropolis. Guests of The Dolli, though, have an easier time if they want a glimpse of the Parthenon’s splendor: they can take a table at the rooftop restaurant or sit in or by the infinity pool, both with straight on views of this iconic temple. It’s one reason to stay at this new boutique hotel, a part of Grecotel Hotels & Resorts, which opened officially in January and one reason owner Mari Daskalantonaki selected this site. But it’s not the only advantage of being in residence here.
I live 10 minutes away from Disney World and visit the parks frequently, but I'm always learning about new offerings. I recently discovered Savor the Savanna — a two-hour, private safari tour at Animal Kingdom.