A well-earned view
© Jan Miracky/Sime/eStock Photo
You've truly reached the heights of backcountry trekking if you find yourself circling the Peruvian peak called Ausangate. Hikers here will contend with elevations ranging from 12,000 to nearly 17,000 feet, making this 43-mile trek one of the most elevated on the South American map. The big upside: You'll find far fewer folks here than at other attractions in the vicinity of Cusco, like Vinicunca and the ever-crowded Machu Picchu.
Hill, dale, and Hjelledalen
A tale of two lochs
Pretty Patagonia
Poetically pastoral
Ssh, it's sleeping
A 'peak' through the haze
Africa's rooftop
The golden island