An unexpected desert oasis in South America.

Preserved Inca city and site of the last Inca stronghold against the Spanish conquistadors.

The mortal remains of an estimated 70,000 people lie in the basement of a monastery in Lima, Peru.

The intricate stonework of Machu Picchu serves as a testament to Incan engineers.

The colonial city's social history is reflected in its fanciful door knockers.

Ecuador’s historic seat of government has been quietly looted in recent decades, and no one knows how or by whom.

This overlooked, beautiful convent hides an original Hieronymus Bosch among its many treasures.

The world's tallest aluminum statue is also the world's tallest image of a winged Virgin Mary.

This historic street in Quito is known for its seven stone crosses—and one presidential assassination.

This 12-inch-tall wooden sculpture of a winged Virgin Mary has inspired much devotion and countless replicas.

This museum’s collection includes rescued birds, fine art, and a collection of shrunken heads.

Quito's historic, main square dates back to the 16th century.

Legend says if this neo-Gothic basilica is ever officially completed, the world will come to an end.

The gondolas let you glimpse a bird's-eye view of one of the world's highest capital cities.

It took 160 years to complete the most ornate church in Ecuador.

An elaborate shrine dedicated to the four corners of the world unfortunately misses its mark.

Ecuador's largest Incan ruins show evidence of sophisticated irrigation and diplomacy among the ancient builders.

Volcanic activity causes small pools of super-heated mud to boil furiously.

The youngest volcano in Central America.

A crumbling cathedral condemned by an earthquake.

This church was transported brick by brick from the ruins of a 16th-century city into Panama City's current historic district.

A huge, bustling local market in Panama City.

A full-size replica of this well-preserved temple lets you take a walk through the Mayan age.

This staircase full of Mayan hieroglyphics is perhaps the largest single text in the world.