A UNESCO geopark since 2019, Colca Canyon is the best place in Peru to see condors flying so close that it seems you could brush your fingers along their 12-foot wingspans. From the canyon rim, you can watch up to a dozen condors soaring at eye level or hovering over a thread of river on the canyon floor, almost two miles down.

In some areas, the canyon is flanked by cliffs, and in others, it is flanked by narrow terraces. Hike down into the canyon to stay in traditional villages and meet local Peruvians who still farm the terraces and graze llamas and alpacas. Check Autocolca’s page for new hiking routes.

Condors draw dozens of Peruvian tourists daily to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, many of whom revere these birds of prey as their Andean ancestors have for millennia. International visitors to Peru who are focused on Machu Picchu often miss this beautiful canyon, which is a shame for them, though it does cut down on the crowds. The best way to get to Colca Canyon is to drive two hours from Arequipa, known as the White City for its architecture, which was built with blocks of sparkling white pumice from the surrounding volcanos.

The village of Coporaque is one of several that organizes homestays in a traditional Andean community. In the village of Yanque, try glamping at Puqio, which opened in 2024, or a homestay, and don’t miss the scenic Chacapi hot springs. For a more high-end stay, the most luxurious option in the canyon is the gorgeous Las Casitas, A Belmond Hotel.

Colombia is a very popular place to visit right now. With its unique biodiversity, ranging climates, fascinating history, and overall beauty, there are plenty of reasons why people are falling more in love with the country and want to explore more of it.

Not only are the beaches in Santa Marta amazing—especially Bahía Concha, Playa Grande, and Playa Cristal—and best visited by boat, but the city also acts as a home base for many adventures. The beautiful Tayrona National Park, a protected area stretching from the foothills of Sierra Nevada to the Caribbean coast, can best be reached by either a 30-minute bus or 40-minute private transfer. For hiking enthusiasts, you can embark on the La Ciudad Perdida, a multi-day hike covering over 30 miles, bringing hikers to the famed Lost City.

If you’re in Colombia, chances are you enjoy coffee. Only half an hour outside Santa Marta is the small village of Minca, nestled in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. There, you’ll find one of Colombia’s oldest coffee farms, La Victoria, which offers coffee tours.

When exploring the more tropical climates of the country, Santa Marta should be a main stop on any traveler’s trip. Roughly four hours outside of the uber-popular Cartagena, the oft-overlooked seaside city promises a quaint city center, ample excursions to Colombia’s jungles, and can become lively during the Colombian holiday season.

The Hilton Santa Marta is the perfect place to call home base for a few days. The on-site beach is lively, and it’s so fun to take a walk along the softest sand and clear waters. Make sure to check out the Hilton’s on-site dining concepts, including Nuggu and Waku. For another hotel option, check out the Hotel Boutique Don Pepe, a colonial-style hotel in the heart of the city of Santa Marta. Its close proximity to the shops and restaurants within the city makes it the perfect place to stay.