Located roughly in the center of the country, Riobamba is one of Ecuador's largest cities and the starting point of the scenic train ride to Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose). The city has a strong indigenous presence, which lends itself well to the open-air artisan market, and plenty of opportunities for mountainous activities such as hiking and mountain biking.
Sarapiquí is a rural region in northeastern Costa Rica, known for its network of rivers, rainforest reserves, and agricultural landscapes. Centered around Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, the area serves as a gateway to the Caribbean lowlands while remaining distinct from coastal destinations.
On the east coast of North Island, Napier is considered the "Art Deco capital" of New Zealand and the gateway to the Hawke's Bay wine region, whose popular varietals include pinot gris and syrah.
Arikok National Park, covering nearly 20% of Aruba, is a striking showcase of the island’s rugged landscapes, cultural history, and biodiversity. Unlike the postcard image of Aruba’s white-sand beaches, Arikok reveals a wilder side, with windswept hills, desert-like terrain, and dramatic limestone cliffs meeting the sea.
Kootenay National Park occupies 1,406 square kilometres of the Canadian Rockies in southeastern British Columbia, extending from the Continental Divide toward the Columbia Valley. The park is known for its contrasts, with glaciers and alpine terrain giving way to dry grasslands, narrow canyons, and forested valleys. Highway 93 South crosses the park, providing access to many of its landscapes and viewpoints.
Altun Ha, where archaeologists found a nine-pound jade carving among these ruins, the largest ever uncovered in a Mayan civilation.
Other Popular Destinations in Belize
San Ignacio
San Ignacio sits in western Belize’s Cayo District on the banks of the Macal and Mopan Rivers, where the town and its sister settlement of Santa Elena are linked by Belize’s lone suspension bridge. Its location also makes San Ignacio a gateway to both inland Belize and the nearby Guatemalan border, making it easy for curious travelers to explore beyond town limits.
Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker lies off the coast of Belize, a small island that was once a quiet fishing village and today still feels wonderfully uncrowded compared to many Caribbean destinations. Its name likely comes from an English twist on “Hicaco,” the old Spanish name meaning coco plum, a nod to the island’s early days and bilingual roots.