On any given day this sprawling market houses literally tons of government-regulated gold, gems, and precious metals.

This indoor ski resort has a mountain contained inside a mall.

Planned as the world’s first zero-carbon city, it had lofty ideals—but is only 5 percent completed and aiming for 50 percent carbon-neutral.

This artificial archipelago was supposed to resemble a map of the world.

This flagpole ranks among the world’s tallest and can be seen from three countries.

The 20th-century archaeologist was interred among the ruins of an ancient Roman city.

Perched above the bustling town of Kerak is a sprawling, ruinous castle that has witnessed nearly a millennia of Levantine history.

The world's oldest map of the holy land gives us a fragmented glimpse of the layout of biblical nations.

Known as the "Valley of the Moon," this Jordanian wadi is one of the most amazing desertscapes on Earth.

Gladiators battle and chariots race daily in the ruins of a once-great Roman city.

An ancient capital city that dates back 3,000 years and harbors many surprises.

Believe it or not, the now-ubiquitous California avocado originated in Guatemala.

This restored colonial house was once home to the botanist responsible for bringing avocados to the U.S.

A collection of heirloom roses tucked in a spectacularly beautiful botanical garden on Lake Atitlan.

Central America's deepest lake is actually a volcanic caldera, surrounded by three volcanoes.

This portion of a lovely Belize beach is infested with (harmless) sharks and rays.

You may get stranded and everyone's peeing in the water, but at least there's cocktails!

A Caribbean chef recreates his enslaved great-great-grandmother's dishes inside the home she purchased after buying her freedom.

Thermal springs underneath the seabed provide the heat and bubbles for these beachside natural hot tubs.

This historic hiding place, often used by people escaping slavery, is a testament to a heroic struggle for freedom.

An old slave lookout in Cuba's historic sugar cane fields.

Once a favorite playground for the world's most illustrious guests, Hotel Nacional's secret weapons and bunkers reveal a more menacing side to its golden history.

A focal point of the Cuban government, this city square features one of the most iconic images in the country.

Neo-cave art on the macro scale.