The Rio Times

The best Andean route for 2026 Ankasmarka, high above the Sacred Valley, introduces the route with one of Peru’s least‑visited Inca sites: a hillside covered in circular stone structures that once served as dwellings and storage, overlooking the road toward Lares. Crossing the alpaca country of the highlands and the forests of puyas de Raimondi, the journey continues to the 7 Quishuarani Waterfalls, a full‑day trek past Andean communities and streams, before ending with a restorative soak in the thermal pools of Lares, tucked into a valley long used for its mineral‑rich hot springs.

Viña del Mar, Chile’s Garden City Viña del Mar earned its nickname La Ciudad Jardín—“the Garden City”—for its abundance of green spaces, manicured parks, and coastal gardens that soften the urban landscape against the Pacific backdrop. Designed with horticultural aesthetics in mind since the early 20th century, the city integrates nature into everyday life, from tree‑lined avenues and flower‑filled roundabouts to public spaces like Quinta Vergara Park and the famous Flower Clock. More than just a resort town, Viña embodies Chile’s blend of elegance and leisure. Its seaside promenades, historic mansions turned cultural centers, and long beaches like Reñaca and Playa Blanca reflect a mix of European‑inspired architecture and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Together, they make Viña del Mar not only the country’s “Garden City,” but also one of South America’s most refined and livable urban retreats.