This orchid sanctuary protects countless varieties of the flower, from the huge to the microscopic.

Monkeys inhabit the lush forest surrounding ancient Mayan ruins once considered sacred.

This too-low North Carolina railroad trestle is still a notorious big rig executioner.

Perched atop the highest hill in Cartagena, this 17th-century convent offers spectacular views of the city.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Death rituals and sacrifice inside a Peruvian megalith.

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

The stones of this Incan wall complex fit together so well you couldn't fit a piece of paper between some of them.

If you’ve ever seen a picture of Machu Picchu, then you’ve seen a picture of Huayna Picchu—you just didn’t realize it.

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

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

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

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

A short volcanic hill in Quito doubles as a stellar observation point of an iconic statue.

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.

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

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

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