If you are looking for that memorable South American experience, make sure you include a stop in the ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru to your travel itinerary.  The greatest achievement of the old Incan Empire, Machu Picchu beautifully sits on a hilltop between two 7,000-foot mountains.  The first Spanish explorers who visited the region hundreds of years ago did not discover the city. It was not until 1911 that archeological research unearthed it.  As a monument to ancient culture, language, technology and architecture, Machu Picchu uniquely demonstrates the close relationship the Inca had with their most revered god.

There is no better place to experience a carnival than down in sunny Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Interestingly, the carnival often seems to go on year round; so make sure you rest up and come prepared to have fun. One of the best ways to see the whole city is by traveling up the famed Sugar Loaf Mountain. From this vantage point, you can have a 360 degree view of the city and the famous Guanabara Bay. If that scenic viewpoint doesn’t intrigue you, then go up the Cristo Redentor, the mountaintop on which the world famous statue of Jesus Christ stands with arms wide open.  It’s also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.  Whatever your taste, Brazil provides ample fun for all