Peru / Cajamarca

City of fate: Cajamarca (northern highlands)

In 1532, Francisco Pizarro defeated the Inca at Cajamarca, capturing their emperor Atahualpa and, despite an immense ransom paid in gold, executing him soon after. Worthwhile excursions around Cajamarca include the temple hill of Kuntur Wasi (with an impressive display of ancient goldwork), the water temple of Cumbemayo, and the rock tombs of Otuzco and Combayo — all pre-Columbian cultures of the Cajamarca region.