Not for the Faint of Heart….The Skylodge in Peru

Located in the Sacred Valley of Cuzco, Peru, the one-of-a-kind Skylodge Adventure Suites and offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to sleep in a completely transparent, hanging bedroom capsule over 1,000 feet above the valley floor. To reach the Skylodge you must climb up the face of the cliff using fixed steel ladders and cables (called 'Via Ferrata') or hike a trail along the various zip lines. You can rest a few days in Cusco to acclimate yourself.

The way down has 7 different zip lines ranging from 150 m (493 ft) to 700 m (2,297 ft) and totaling up to 2,800 m (9,187 ft) in distance. You will first start with a 30-minute hike via Ferrata to the first line. Each zip line is different, starting with an easy and short one and getting progressively longer as you descend (and gain confidence in your ziplining abilities!)

The Skylodge is composed of three exclusive capsule Suites with a total capacity of 8 people. These vertically hanging transparent capsule suites are situated at the top of the mountain and offer 300 degree views of the Sacred Valley. Hand crafted out of aerospace aluminum and weather resistant polycarbonate, each suite comes complete with four beds, a dining area and a private bathroom. Measuring 24 feet in length and 8 feet in height and width, the capsule suites are composed of six windows and four ventilation ducts that ensure a comfortable atmosphere. Solar power provides light in the suites, although keep in mind there are no power outlets. Each suite has a private bathroom separated from the bedroom by an insulated wall. Inside is a dry ecological toilet and sink. Fine quality mattresses, cotton sheets, down pillows, and quilts ensure a warm and pleasant night 1,312 feet from the ground. Believe it or not includes breakfast & gourmet dinner with wine, (not sure how they do this?) and professional bilingual guides.

Located on the edge of the cliff's view….'Stairs of Death'

The 'Stairs of Death' or the ‘Hike of Death’ are a section of granite steps built by the Incas, which lead to the top of Huayna Picchu in the Machu Picchu site. These stairs are characterized by being steep and difficult to climb. The distance round trip is 4 kilometers or (2.5 mi) with a top elevation of 2,693 meters or (8,835 ft). In addition, the stairs are on the edge of cliff views. However, despite its name, no tourist has lost his life there.

Huayna Picchu is the mountain behind the famous Machu Picchu citadel in Cusco, Peru, which was home to the Incas in the 15th century.

This mountain is sometimes confused with Montana Machu Picchu, which is another nearby peak you can hike, but Huayna is actually the iconic mountain you see directly behind the ruins when you first enter Machu Picchu and stand at the famous viewpoint.

The name ‘Wayna Picchu’ comes from the Quechua language, meaning ‘young mountain’ (‘wayna’ is young and ‘picchu’ is mountain). ‘Huayna Picchu’ is an alternative spelling for the same name.

The Unknown Second Kremlin in Moscow

As the symbol of the Russian state, the Kremlin in Moscow’s Red Square is famed and celebrated. But there is a second, less known Kremlin in the northeast part of the city. Located near the Serebryano-Vinogradny Pond, the Kremlin in the city’s Izmailovo District is an unexpected, fairytale-like cultural wonderland....... Izmailovo Kremlin!

Kremlin is the Russian word for citadel or fortress, and they are found in many Russian cities. But the Izmailovo Kremlin, a wooden complex completed in 2007, was not built for protection as its name suggests. It was established as a cultural center and marketplace loosely modeled after traditional Russian architecture and fairytale depictions of Old Russia.

The colorful and bustling complex is home to several single-subject museums. One is dedicated to Russian folk art, another to bread, and yet another to vodka. It includes a wooden replica of the summer palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, where visitors can experience a traditional Russian meal. It is also home to the Church of St. Nicholas, named after the patron saint of crafts and trade, which at 151 feet in height is the tallest wooden church in the country. Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo District’s landmark open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century, when it was an avant-garde market selling original paintings, crafts, and wares.

There are 12 kremlins, which have fully or partially survived and can be visited today.