Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a natural wonderland. The tropical country features volcanoes to hike and lush rainforests to traverse on foot or by zip line. Plus, it boasts a refreshingly laid-back culture. Relaxation-seekers can immerse themselves in the "pura vida" lifestyle and bask at the beaches in Guanacaste or along the Nicoya Peninsula's roughly 80 miles of coast. No visit would be complete without walking around historic San José and trying traditional delicacies like picadillo de chicasquil, a hash-like dish made with tree spinach.
Machu Picchu
Travelers in search of Instagram-worthy vistas and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure should consider visiting Machu Picchu. Nestled within a tropical Peruvian forest almost 8,000 feet above sea level, this UNESCO World Heritage Site can only be reached by hiking the 27-mile Inca Trail or taking a train to Aguas Calientes. Once on-site, visitors can learn about some of the theories surrounding Machu Picchu's existence as they explore its approximately 200 religious, ceremonial, astronomical and agricultural structures. When it's time to retire for the night, stay in nearby Cusco, which sits about 45 miles southeast of the Inca Trail trailhead.
Quito, Ecuador
Not only does Quito, Ecuador, boast one of the highest elevations for a capital city (sitting more than 9,350 feet above sea level), but the entire city is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take time to get yourself acclimated to the altitude by admiring the historic city center's buildings, which are some of Latin America's best-preserved and least altered. To learn more about Ecuador and to view an impressive collection of pre-Colombian archaeology and Inca artifacts, peruse the Museo del Banco Central. When you're ready to climb higher, head to the TelefériQo gondola for unparalleled views of Quito.