Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains, Peru
the Milky Way over Cathedral Rocks in Sedona, Arizona
bikers riding around Lake Constance in Rorschach, Switzerland
people watching a performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus during the Athens and Epidaurus Festival in 2013, Athens, Greece
the Radcliffe Camera in summer, Oxford, England
two female street performers at the Edmonton Street Performers Festival, Alberta, Canada
fireworks over Singapore during National Day
fans celebrating a win for the Somerset Cricket Club at the 2012 Bermuda Cup Match
stacks of books in an exhibit at the National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
a skier on Summit Ridge, Mount Buller, Victoria, Australia
the volcanic crater Seongsan Ilchulbong, Korea
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Macchu Picchu Best Summer 2015

Machu Picchu, Peru

Make this the summer you take, or plan, that bucket-list trip through the Sacred Valley of the Inca to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Get inspired closer to home at two Washington, D.C., events: the Peru-focused Smithsonian Folklife Festival (June 24-28 and July 1-5) and the National Museum of the American Indian exhibition "The Great Inka Road: Engineering an Empire" (June 26, 2015, through June 1, 2018). Then, book a group tour such as National Geographic Expeditions' Peru: Land of the Inca, or a classic, four-day hiking trek to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail.

To help protect the integrity of the legendary route, only 500 government-issued Inca Trail permits are available per day. But limited access shouldn't dissuade people from making the trip, says Alistair Butchers of G Adventures, which leads a variety of Sacred Valley tours. "It's important for travelers to visit … and do so in a sustainable manner, so they can become ambassadors and help spread the word about the importance of sustainable tourism," he says. "Through awareness and education we can help preserve iconic destinations such as the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu."

How to Get Around: If permits are sold out during your travel dates—or you'd rather not make the four-day, 27-mile Inca Trail trek—there are several alternate routes through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. G Adventures' itineraries include a variety of Machu Picchu options ranging from easy day tours from Cusco (via train and bus), to multiday hiking trips along the less-traveled Lares, Salkantay, and Choquequirao routes.

Where to Stay: Peru's first ecological community-owned and managed campsite opened in February 2015 in the remote Andean village of Cuncani. Located on the Lares route, the project was developed by G Adventures' nonprofit Planeterra Foundation to help promote sustainable tourism in the Lares Valley. Any tour company can use the site, which includes eco-friendly amenities such as composting toilets and solar showers.

What to Eat: In the Andean region, guinea pig, or cuy (pronounced "kwee"), is a common specialty of the house. At small cuyerías (traditional cuy restaurants) in the Cusco region, order the crispy cuy al palo (guinea pig barbecued whole on a spit with the head, ears, and teeth intact). Or, fill up on the locally grown side dishes such as potatoes and corn on the cob. What to Buy: Visit the Planeterra-supported Women's Weaving Co-op in the indigenous Ccaccaccollo community. Here you can learn about traditional Andean weaving and watch the artists hand-spin alpaca fiber into yarn. Over 40 local women belong to the cooperative and sell their intricately woven textiles (including brightly colored blankets, ponchos, and hats) to Sacred Valley travelers.

What to Read Before You Go: Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time chronicles travel writer Mark Adams's steps and often hilarious missteps along the original expedition route to Machu Picchu. While thoroughly entertaining, the book also serves as a quick primer on Inca history and Peruvian customs. Practical Tip: Cusco, gateway city to Machu Picchu, sits at more than 11,000 feet above sea level. To avoid altitude sickness, drink lots of water and, if possible, relax (and let your body adjust) for a day or two in town before making a trek to Machu Picchu.

Helpful Links: Peru Tourism Fun Fact: The Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu is part of the World Heritage site of Qhapaq Ñan, or the Andean Road System. Covering about 18,600 miles from modern-day Colombia in the north to Argentina and Chile in the south, the engineering marvel once linked the Inca capital, Cusco, to the farthest reaches of the empire. Staff Tip: Don't leave for Machu Picchu without visiting Cusco's Mercado Central de San Pedro. The open-air market shows off the country's incredible biodiversity with a wild assortment of tropical fruits, vegetables, and meats. It's very impressive, and the chicken soup at the lunch counter helped cure my altitude sickness almost overnight. —Kevin Kunitake, assistant to editor in chief, National Geographic Traveler

Photograph by Erika Skogg

Best Summer Trips 2015

Make this a summer to remember by snowboarding in the Australian Alps, stargazing in a Sedona red rock canyon, or exploring a volcanic Global Geopark in South Korea. Whether you’re craving adventure or relaxation, our editors’ list of ten Best Summer Trips—plus one reader’s choice—offers a world of possibilities. —Maryellen Kennedy Duckett

May 21, 2015

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