From the second I put down the book The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans, I immediately wanted to hop on a plane, spend a week in Peru and climb the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The way Evans wrote of the majestic experiences you’ll have certainly will have you wanting to book a flight to Peru tomorrow.

What has attracted so many visitors to The Inca Trail, The Ancient Royal Highway, to Machu Picchu over the years lies within a combination of natures’ gifts. From the rugged Inca ruins, exotic vegetation, and snow capped mountains to the unforgettable views and 250 species of orchids found within the sanctuary, each step you take will have you itching towards the final awe moment. That ‘awe’ moment is when you reach the top of the 43km trail to Machu Picchu.

The Inca Trail along with Machu Picchu’s Historical Sanctuary has been designated as a World Heritage natural and cultural site. With more than 75,000 hiking visitors per year, you’ll be happy to note a variety of organized tours frequent the mountaintop to showcase Peru’s natural beauty.

While booking a hike up to Machu Picchu you’ll want to designate four or two days for your trek. The classic four-day route is hands down the way to go. Start your hike at Qorihuayrachina (Km 88), trek through mountain passes, including the infamous “Dead Woman’s Pass”, to a maximum altitude of 4,200m (13,800ft) and camping each night of the four. Enter the ruins of Machu Picchu just as the sun is rising on the fourth day and fall in love with the majestic nature of this tranquil place. The two-day trip is less intense, as you only rise to 2,750m (9,020ft), and start the trek 14km (8 ¾ miles) away from Machu Picchu.

The magic certainly is all in the climb.

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/Corey Spruit

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.comWally Gobetz

Looking to explore a world that is known for its rustic whites and smooth reds? Well I’ve heard through the grapevine that Napa Valley is one of the premier wine destinations in the world. Of course, if you have as much as a deep-rooted love for California as I do, than you’ll want to trust me on this one. Not only is the wine from this region perfect, but the views and the quaintness of the area creates an aura like no other.

The second you step into Napa Valley it’s like your in a world all in its own. You are certainly welcomed to Napa Valley’s wine country as you fall into the picturesque hills and get lost in the rows upon rows of vineyards. One of the most popular ways to travel through Napa Valley is by car, but if you’ve never explored this region by train than you certainly have been missing a thing or two about its perfection. The three-hour Napa Valley Wine Train tour provides you with the ultimate experience. Visit one of the best sparkling wine wineries, Domaine Chandon, taste naturally perfect wines at Grgich Hills Winery or explore the organic practices of Raymond Family Vineyards.

One of the lovely things about each tour is that it includes a gourmet lunch on the train, as you make your way through each of your stops, offers you renowned experiences at some of the top wineries in the area and showcases Napa Valley in a perfect light.

If you have a love for wine just as much as the next guy, and want to explore the perfection of an intimate wine tasting experience, than Napa Valley is surely the place for you to embark on a journey through the grapevines like no other.

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/BigD2112