A Christian monastery stands on what was once a holy Incan temple.

Mystic Incan rock piles three miles above sea level.

This high-Andean reserve protects the graceful vicuña that was nearly hunted to extinction for its precious wool.

Built on the remains of one the Incas’ most important gathering spots, this square keeps the spirit of a fallen empire alive.

This geometric feat is a testament to the Incas' mesmerizing architectural abilities.

Situated on a sacred Inca site, this 16th-century cathedral took nearly 100 years to build.

A painting in the historic Cathedral Basilica depicts Jesus and his disciples dining on a traditional Peruvian menu.

The Uros people live on floating reed islands in lake Titicaca.

This archaeological museum in one of Peru’s most intriguing regions exhibits ancient artifacts from the Nazca civilization.

A set of ancient drawings in the desert of Peru that are so massive, many of them can only be fully seen from the sky.

This 16th-century monastery was founded to cloister the daughters of wealthy local families.

On this tiny spot of land in the middle of Lake Titicaca the only ones who do the knitting are the men.

This valley of hot springs and boiling mud pots is home to the record-holding "Geysir," which originated the English word.

Iceland's tribute to its thankless civil servants.

Spectacular mineral formations fill these caves, which have been used for everything from smoking meat to stashing illicit liquor.

These overlooked ruins give an intimate look at the Inca Empire's urban planning prowess.

The sophisticated hydraulic system of the Nazca civilization.

Plundered and left asunder by grave robbers, this ancient necropolis has been painstakingly pieced back together.

This stone complex marks the urban center of a lost civilization.

Two mammoth statues inspired by equally tall tales lure tourists to this roadside attraction.

Once strictly off-limits, this lower level housing curious and priceless vehicles of the Petersen Automotive Museum is now open to the public.

The oldest lighthouse on America's west coast no longer needs keepers, yet they maintain the site anyhow.

California's own majestic geyser is powered by a subterranean volcano.

A pair of pure white felines guard the entrance to a spot of California real estate established as an artist's haven.