Sleep Like a Condor in Peru’s Only Cliff-Hanging Capsule Hotel

When most travelers think of Peru, they conjure up images of majestic mountains, rainforests, dense jungles and the remains of its ancient civilization that once prevailed throughout the South American country.

Perched on the shoulder of South America, Ecuador is a patchwork of dramatic landscapes, from white sandy beaches and rolling grasslands to dense rainforests and majestic mountains. Despite its modest size, the country packs a mighty punch thanks to its breathtaking terrain, which takes in the Amazon, the Andes and the awesome archipelago of the Galápagos.

May is here, which means Memorial Day–the unofficial start to summer–is just around the corner. Memorial Day isn’t the biggest travel holiday of the year, with many people choosing quick, local getaways (read: driving, instead of flying).

When the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list was issued in June, a new entry was sitting on top at #1: Central in Lima Peru, rising from #2 the previous year, replacing perennial favorites in Denmark, Spain and Japan. But for those who admire Peruvian cuisine, this restaurant, which is described as a culinary introductory course through 15 Peruvian ecosystems categorized by altitude, the choice was no surprise, just as Peruvian cuisine itself topping the list was no surprise, given its complexity, diversity of influences and simply luscious flavors. For those in New York, another introductory course of a kind will take place on July 28th at the Lower East Side restaurant POPULAR as several chefs get together to create a special dinner to celebrate Independence Day in Peru.

Solo travel has the power to transform: Think of the memoirs “Eat Pray Love” or “Wild.” But you don’t have to circumnavigate the globe or hike 1,100 miles to see why some people choose to go it alone. The freedom to explore at your own pace, open to connecting with people you meet along the way, can feel as intoxicating as a tropical breeze. But solo travel can be daunting, too, especially when problems arise. And of course, solo travelers need to keep certain safety considerations in mind.

Traveling by train in Peru is not just a practical way to move between major destinations, but also a fantastic way to soak up the incredible landscape. Train travel in the country has a nostalgic feel and allows riders to view nooks and crannies that they might not otherwise get to see when traveling by car. And one of the best train routes in Peru is the popular journey to Machu Picchu, starting from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Sure, trekking to Machu Picchu is a bucket-list experience, but taking the train is, too — it’s certainly not your average commuter train.

No matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for the wonderment of Machu Picchu. Abandoned a century after completion and forgotten for over three, the Lost City is now Peru’s crowning relic of the Inca Empire. Any Machu Picchu vacation starts with a good night’s sleep. Named for its thermal springs, Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo) is the location for the majority of hotels near Machu Picchu. Otherwise, it’s possible to take a day trip from the Sacred Valley either by hopping on the train at Ollantaytambo or booking a tour. Across both areas, these are the best Machu Picchu hotels for exploring the sacred city of the Incas and connecting with Peruvian culture.

Like a sprawling carpet of moss, the Amazon Rainforest stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the foothills of the Andes, creating a lush basin that still remains partially unexplored to this day. Cut by thin ropes of water flowing from the Amazon River, the forest stretches over land in Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.

The Uros Islands are a group of over 60 floating grass islands located in the middle of Lake Titicaca, Peru. The 1,200 or so people who inhabit those islands, the Uru people, have lived here for centuries. They started building islands out of totora reeds they harvest from the lake to protect themselves against the Incas and have preserved this lifestyle ever since.

There’s only one place on Earth where you can see swimming iguanas, lava lizards, and giant tortoises: the Galápagos Islands. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978, the archipelago off the shore of South America is a must-visit destination for anyone with a passion for fauna and flora, and their protection. 97 percent of the land was designated as a national park in 1959, and over 51,000 square miles of ocean around the islands have been a protected marine reserve since 1986, making for a destination where you’re a guaranteed to be immersed in nature and observe unique wildlife.

If you’re looking for an immersive outdoor experience in Cusco, Peru, the Mountain View Experience is pretty true to its name. These A-Frame cabins sit high in the stunning Andean mountains, offering breathtaking views and a rusting lodging experience without sacrificing comfort.

The Waikiki Hostel in Lima, Peru is situated in the heart of Miraflores, an upscale district known for its vibrant nightlife and trendy restaurants. This hostel offers a unique experience for travelers looking for a more social atmosphere than traditional hotels. The hostel common area consists of a variety of spaces such as a lounge, bar, kitchen, and terrace, providing ample opportunity to mingle with other guests. The hostel also boasts a beautiful rooftop terrace with seating and a small swimming pool, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.