Willamette Valley is a broad agricultural valley in northwestern Oregon, stretching between the Cascade Range and the Coast Range. The Willamette River runs through its center, while fertile farmland, wooded foothills, vineyards, orchards, and small communities fill the surrounding landscape. Portland lies at the valley’s northern end, with Salem and Eugene among its principal cities.
Cusco once served as the heart of the Inca Empire, and that legacy still shapes every corner of the city even as it serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu. Outside the historic center, the ruins of Sacsayhuamán overlook the city from a nearby hilltop. This ceremonial complex is best known for its massive zigzag stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons. During the Inti Raymi festival in June, thousands gather here to reenact ancient Andean rituals.
Mozambique, stretching along the southeast coast of Africa, is a country celebrated for its long Indian Ocean shoreline, colorful traditions, and layered history. The country’s coastline is among its greatest treasures.
Pamplona, the capital of Spain’s Navarre region, is best known worldwide for the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín festival each July. But beyond the brief rush of that event lies a city steeped in medieval history, Basque influence, and a slower pace that surprises many visitors. One of the most significant aspects of Pamplona is its place on the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
Yeghegnadzor is a town in Armenia's Vayots Dzor Province, situated in the Arpa River valley among the mountains of southeastern Armenia. The town is surrounded by dry hills, vineyards, orchards, and rocky slopes, with the Arpa River providing water for agriculture. Its position makes it a useful base for exploring the wider Vayots Dzor region, which is known for wine production, historic monasteries, mountain landscapes, and archaeological sites.
Photo Credit: Photo by Stéphane Fernandez on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Gerson Repreza on Unsplash
North of Cancun, the island was first discovered by the Spanish in the 1500's. It has numerous Mayan ruins, many badly eroded. It is also a sanctuary for sea turtles.
Other Popular Destinations in Quintana Roo
Cozumel
A Caribbean island paradise, Cozumel lies a short distance from Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, whether taking advantage of world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, or lounging with a drink at one of the island's seaside resorts.
Costa Maya
This small cruise port is located in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula south of Playa del Carmen, near Belize. It is famous for Chacchoben, a breathtaking set of Mayan ruins. The port has a new and modern shopping mall and the central plaza has saltwater pools and 'swim-up' style bars for tourists to enjoy.