Located about twenty-five miles southwest of Rapid City, South Dakota, lies Mount Rushmore. Following Highway 244 from the west leads to the orientation center. There exhibits tell how sculptor Gutzon Borglum carved away twice the rock needed to construct Egypt's Great Sphinx (which isn't even as tall as Washington's nose).
Karnak Temple is a huge, open air complex and, after the Giza Pyramids, the second most visited historical place in Egypt. The largest religious building ever constructed, it sits on 200 acres—a true wonder of the world. Decayed pylons, chapels and temples make up this unmissable historical attraction near Luxor.
Lugano, tucked into Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region, blends Mediterranean flair with Alpine elegance. The city sits on the northern shore of Lake Lugano, its pastel-colored villas and palm-lined promenades framed by surrounding mountains such as Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore.
Whether exploring volcanic trails or relaxing in seaside hot springs, Hachijo Jima provides an unforgettable island experience that feels worlds away from Japan’s major cities.
Photo Credit: Photo by Rinaldo Wurglitsch from Wikimedia
For a small country, Ecuador has more varied climatic zones than anywhere in the world. From Salinas, a favorite beach resort on the southern coast, one can go in one day from tropical beaches to semi-arid desert to impenetrable Amazon basin rain forest to the spring-like high altiplano to the soaring snow-capped mountain peaks of the Andean Cordillera. The area around Salinas was once home to the ancient Mocha culture. Archeologists have discovered exquisite examples of pottery and jewelry in Mocha gravesites.
Other Popular Destinations in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador, is a vibrant port city and a frequent starting point for cruises to the Galapagos Islands.