The two continents which make up this part of the world were largely unknown to the outside world until the 15th century when Christopher Columbus accidentally discovered North America. Although the Norse explorer Leif Erikson had already sailed to this part of the planet before the Spanish, he did not colonize the land and left it just as he had found it. Mass emigration from Europe to these ‘exotic’ lands resulted in large indigenous populations being wiped out from diseases and enslavement, leading to a huge loss of history and culture. However, today, the legacy of colonization has ensured that both the Americas share many common traits, common Indo-European languages, and a dominant religion, Christianity, which accounts for 86% of the population. The English influence on Anglo America which includes Canada and the United States is quite apparent when compared to Latin America which had a larger Spanish and Portuguese presence.

Given the extent of land that the Americas cover, from north to south, the diversity of the landscape and climate is vast. Kaffeklubben Island, the northernmost point on the earth lies in this region, while the southernmost point of the Americas extends to Antarctica. Running along the west coast is the American Cordillera which comprises the Andes in South America and the Rocky Mountains and other ranges in North America. The eastern side which is much flatter is characterized by large river basins such as the Mississippi and the Amazon. Today, travelers to the Americas are as ‘wowed’ by the New World as were the explorers. The blend of the old with the new, the gleaming metropolises such as Chicago, New York, Rio de Janeiro, and Miami to name a few, with some of the most advanced technology in the world, the rugged Wild West, and the lost worlds of South America, draw thousands of travelers to this part of the world.

Top 12 Things To Do In Cusco

Top 12 Things To Do In Cusco

Sitting high up in the Andes at an elevation of 3,400 meters is the Inca capital, Cusco, designated as the ‘Historical capital of Peru.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas. Although the Spaniards demolished most of the important buildings of the city, they used the foundations for…

Top 12 Things To Do In Arequipa

Top 12 Things To Do In Arequipa

Arequipa, the second-largest city in Peru after Lima, has earned the sobriquet of the ‘legal capital of Peru’ since it is the seat of the Constitutional Court of Peru. It is also part of the Southern Peru Tourist Corridor along with Cusco, Puno, and Nazca. The city which was founded in 1540, has maintained a…

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Lima

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Lima

The lovely Peruvian capital of Lima is an absolute marvel. Tucked on the Pacific Coast of the Sechura Desert, this sprawling city is steeped in ancient Incan roots. What’s more, it’s famed as South America’s gastronomic capital today, but that’s not all that’s thrilling about this city. In a fiercely Catholic country that is all…

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Cusco

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Cusco

The former historic capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, is the most popular destination in Peru today. Besides being the capital archaeological capital of the Americas, Cusco is also the gateway to the legendary city that is Machu Picchu. As it’s also known, Cuzco boasts the richest heritage amongst any of the South American cities…

Top 10 Things To Do In Lima

Top 10 Things To Do In Lima

Lima was founded on January 18, 1535, as Ciudad de Los Reyes (City of the Kings), by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. It became the capital and most important city for the Spanish Kingdom in the New World within the next years. It quickly became the epicenter of culture, religion, architecture, trade, fashion and more in…

The 12 Most Beautiful Places In Peru

The 12 Most Beautiful Places In Peru

One of the most enigmatic countries of South America is Peru with its megadiverse landscapes combined with a rich ‘golden’ history. Its 5000-year history is showcased in the numerous archaeological sites that are scattered throughout the different parts of the country. From pre-Incan Geoglyphs of Nazca and remnants of Chan Chan, hoto the Incan sites…

Machu Picchu is the Incan Big Apple

Machu Picchu Is The Incan Big Apple

I was 11 years old when I heard this name for the first time. I was intrigued even by the sound of it. I read and studied about it for months and then my father took me to visit it. Not even for one second did I ever imagine that Machu Picchu would become, only 7…

11 Best Hotels in Lima

11 Best Hotels in Lima, Peru

If you think Lima is just a stopover, you’re dead wrong! While it’s true that many people come to Lima just for quick transit before they head to Machu Picchu or Cusco, Lima itself is a wonderful destination. This capital city of Peru is full of an enchanting panorama, food, architecture, historical landmark, nature, and…

11 Best Hotels in Cusco

11 Best Hotels in Cusco, Peru

Cusco was once the capital of the Incan Empire, and the magic is still here until this day. When it comes to visiting Peru, Machu Picchu is probably on top of your mind. That said, you’ll regret it if you’ve been to Peru and never visit Cusco. It’s a magical city full of history and…

11 Best Hostels in Cusco, Peru

11 Best Hostels in Cusco, Peru

The undisputed archaeological hub of the Americas, Cusco in Peru has always been a bucket list destination for us. The former centuries-old Inca Empire capital is also the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent and the gateway to the famed citadel ruins of Machu Picchu. Since we were hiking the Inca trail, we stayed for…