This archaeological museum in one of Peru’s most intriguing regions exhibits ancient artifacts from the Nazca civilization.

The sophisticated hydraulic system of the Nazca civilization.

Nazca pilgrimage site covering 370 acres is a popular stop for archeologists and looters.

A set of ancient drawings in the desert of Peru that are so massive, many of them can only be fully seen from the sky.

An unexpected desert oasis in South America.

The mysterious "Candelabra of the Andes" could represent anything from a god's trident to a hallucinogenic plant.

This stone complex marks the urban center of a lost civilization.

Since the 1700s, this old barrel has acted as a post box that relies on the kindness of travelers.

Ecuador’s historic seat of government has been quietly looted in recent decades, and no one knows how or by whom.

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

A short volcanic hill in Quito doubles as a stellar observation point of an iconic statue.

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

This 12-inch-tall wooden sculpture of a winged Virgin Mary has inspired much devotion and countless replicas.

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

The world's tallest aluminum statue is also the world's tallest image of a winged Virgin Mary.

Home of the "true" equator.

An elaborate shrine dedicated to the four corners of the world unfortunately misses its mark.

Pilgrims each carried a brick to the top of Mount Monserrate to help build this historic sanctuary in Colombia.

Towering high above the neighborhood of La Candelaria, the church is easily recognizable by its distinctive red-and-white striped facade.

This Bogotá museum houses the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian gold relics.

This elegant Colombian fortress was one of the torture headquarters for the Spanish Inquisition.

Every equinox this Maya pyramid puts on a spooky ancient light show.

No telescopes, no power, no gift shop: The Observatory of Chichen Itza, one of the world's oldest observatories, takes astronomy back to basics.

One of Mexico's least-visited archaeological sites is tucked away inside a theme park.