The majestic ruins of the astounding "Lost Cities of the Incas," Peru's most visited site, date back to the mid 1400s. Built by the Incan Emperor Pachacuti, proud Machu Picchu perches on the Andes plateau, 7000 feet above sea level, a marvel of mortar-free limestone architecture deep in the Amazonian jungle.

Buenos Aires' European heritage is evident in its architecture, boulevards and parks. Recoleta Cemetery is the final resting place of many of the city's tycoons and presidents, as well as still-beloved first lady Eva Peron. Cafe Tortoni, the city's oldest bar, will transport you back to 1858, and the spectacular Teatro Colon impresses just as it did in 1908.

Although it has its share of coastline, Tulum offers a taste of the Yucatan that is different from the touristy beach resorts at Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Here visitors find the startlingly well-preserved remains of ancient Mayan civilization, the only preserved ruins on the sea.

A breathtaking array of historic sites beckons visitors, from the ruins of Aztec capital Tenochtitlan to the Great Pyramids of Teotihuacan. The city's broad, leafy streets are lined with monuments and museums. Day trips reach the floating gardens of Xochimilco, colonial Coyoacan and Tula's gargantuan statues.

Founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, the colourful City of Kings' Historical Centre area offers an array of fascinating neighbourhoods, elegant cathedrals, opulent palaces and stately colonial architecture. A flotilla of captivating festivals showcases the country's rich Spanish and Inca culture.

Founded in 1541, Santiago was built on a typical colonial grid pattern. The city became capital of the republic in 1818 and modernization hit in the 1930s. Now, Santiago is one of the most modern conurbations in Latin America - and one with an amazing abundance of museums and two symphony orchestras.

Colonial-era buildings, beautiful parks and a reputation as the birthplace of mariachi music and the hat dance give Mexico's second-largest city plenty of flavour. Don't miss the mural-filled Hospicio Cabanas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and nearby Tonala, the region's pottery capital.

The Yucatan capital has both colonial and Maya treasures to discover. The Spanish conquered the city in 1542. Nearby ruins at Uxmal give some insight into the lives of the conquistadores' predecessors. Maya culture is also still evident in daily life and in the colourful festivals celebrated in the city.

Oaxaca keeps its heritage close to its heart: The historic centre is a World Heritage Site and home to the spectacular Macedonio Alcala Theatre and traditional markets selling wool garments, black pottery and local cheese. The archaeological zones of Mitla and Monte Alban sit near the city.

This colonial gem of cobblestone streets and picturesque churches continues to inspire artists with its colour, character and light. Baroque, neoclassical and neogothic mix in the city's buildings, notably at the pink stone 18th-century church on the Plaza Principal. Founded in 1542 by a Franciscan monk, the city is a mix of Hispanic and Mesoamerican influences.

Brazil's capital was constructed between 1956 and 1960 on tropical savannah. It's a gem of modernist urban planning with stunning, world-renowned architecture sights. Cosmopolitan Brasilia celebrates a slew of festivals and is home to the National Museum and National Library of the Republic.