A magically clear, blue river that seems to spring from nowhere.

Ecuador's first Catholic church was built by Spanish conquistadors in 1534.

Building this tragically pointless stone barrier cost the lives of the prisoners made to build it.

This historic street in Quito is known for its seven stone crosses—and one presidential assassination.

Legend says if this neo-Gothic basilica is ever officially completed, the world will come to an end.

Quito's historic, main square dates back to the 16th century.

It took 160 years to complete the most ornate church in Ecuador.

This research hub in the Amazon Rainforest is perched amid one of the world's most biologically diverse landscapes.

An exotic jungle hideaway run entirely by indigenous Kichwa women.

A swing to dangle you off the very edge.

Ecuador's largest Incan ruins show evidence of sophisticated irrigation and diplomacy among the ancient builders.

A turquoise lake within a volcanic crater.

Deep underground, the rusting remains of a German water pumping station from World War II.

In between two buildings in Ljubljana, medieval tunnel to nowhere.

This 14th-century monastery survived Turkish raids, Nazi occupation, and even a stint as a spot to store towels.

This was the second largest mercury mine in the world and one of the oldest preserved mine complexes in Europe.

A crumbling World War I fort that is reached through a series of concrete tunnels.

The walls of this medieval church are covered with perfectly preserved frescos, including a pristine example of the Dance of Death.

A trough of 700 strange bronze faces runs through a narrow alley in Ljubljana's old town.

A miniature train-ride through Slovenia's largest cave system.

This abandoned Slovenian military barracks has become a punky-political art squat.

This one-time health resort was used by aristocrats around the world.

This massive subterranean fissure is known as the "underground Grand Canyon."

Castle and secret tunnel withstood a siege until its owner was killed by the Holy Roman Empire, while sitting on the toilet.