Cuzco

Cuzco is a formidable destination, and more than the gateway city on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for throngs of travelers. With a rich history as the former capital of the Inca Empire and Spanish colonial outpost, it’s a cultural destination worth exploring. Unlike other cities where indigenous pasts have all but disappeared, Cuzco still has residents who speak Quechua, readily visible Inca-built walls and some of the most impressive archeological finds on the entire continent. And while visitors will find Internet cafes popping up left and right, travelers can rest assured that the city's ancient charms are being carefully preserved.