The views from atop the Great Wall at Badaling are tremendous. This is the most touristed area of the Great Wall. The scenery is raw and yields choice views of the wall snaking archetypally into the distance over undulating hills. The wall at Badaling has undergone heavy restoration, and in 1957 it was the first section of the wall to open to tourists. Now visited annually by millions, the immediate area has seen significant development, including hotels, restaurants, and a cable car. By car from downtown Beijing it’s only one hour. Take a look at our Top 10 list of landmarks and attractions in Beijing.

Website: http://www.badaling.gov.cn/
China National Tourist Offices: United States (888/760-8218 New York; 800/670-2228 Los Angeles. www.cnto.org).

The exquisite architecture of the massive Inca stone structures, the formidable backdrop of steep sugarloaf hills, and the Urubamba river winding far below have made Machu Picchu the iconic symbol of Peru. The Incas started building this city around AD 1430 but at the time of the Spanish conquest it was abandoned as an official site for the Inca rulers. The world did not become aware of Machu Picchu’s existence until 1911 when Yale university historian Hiram Bingham (1875-1956) announced that he had rediscovered the site.

When to go
During the summer rainy season, October through April, prices and visitor numbers are at lowest . Consider a spring or fall trip for near-ideal weather and manageable crowds.