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

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

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

This overlooked, beautiful convent hides an original Hieronymus Bosch among its many treasures.

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

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.

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

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

The gondolas let you glimpse a bird's-eye view of one of the world's highest capital cities.

Built on the remains of one the Incas’ most important gathering spots, this square keeps the spirit of a fallen empire alive.

An Inca spa, military outpost or maybe… both?

Situated on a sacred Inca site, this 16th-century cathedral took nearly 100 years to build.

This geometric feat is a testament to the Incas' mesmerizing architectural abilities.

This metal tower in the desert provides views of a handful of Nazca geoglyphs.

The stones of this Incan wall complex fit together so well you couldn't fit a piece of paper between some of them.

An unexpected desert oasis in South America.

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.

The intricate stonework of Machu Picchu serves as a testament to Incan engineers.

This bright yellow bridge is a true engineering feat.

One of Chile's most active volcanoes is riddled with beautiful caves.

This restored eighth-century palace is a shining example of ancient Umayyad architecture.

Concentrated around the Dead Sea, these surprising canyons are filled with coursing water, fish, and even crabs.

The 20th-century archaeologist was interred among the ruins of an ancient Roman city.