Cusco will definitely leave you breathless. At more than 11,000 feet above sea level, this ancient city’s steep cobbled streets make even the fittest travelers gasp for air, though a cup of coca tea is the local cure-all. Once the hub of the mighty Inca Empire, Cusco now pulses with a deep sense of history and culture. I’m forever in awe of its unique blend of ancient ruins and grand Spanish colonial architecture. My recommendation: take your time—there's no rush in this city where every corner tells a story.