Cuzco is the former capital of the Incan Empire. Thousand year old granite Incan walls line the city streets and make up the foundation of modern buildings. The walls are standing after centuries of earthquakes and floods. Cuzco is the gateway to one of the most inspirational sites, Macchu Picchu, an ancient Incan town built on a mountain top in the middle of the jungle in the Andes.

This is a map of my favorite county, state and national parks in Central Florida.

http://volusia.org/parks/links.htm

http://www.floridastateparks.org/FindaParkRegion.cfm?Dist=Central

The largest spring on the St. Johns River, Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home (mid-November through March) to a growing population of West Indian Manatees.

For centuries, the spring area was home for Native Americans. In 1766 it was visited by Colonial American botanist John Bartram, but it wasn´t until 1856 that it was settled by Louis Thursby and his family. The Thursby house, built in 1872, remains standing.

The spring´s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner. Swimming or diving with manatees is not permitted and is strictly enforced. The river is popular for fishing, canoeing, and boating.

River boat tours are available; for reservations, call St. Johns River Cruises at (386) 917-0724. The park has plenty of picnic areas and a hiking trail. For overnight stays, air-conditioned cabins, a full-facility campground, and primitive campsites are available.

Located west of Orange City. Take U.S. 17/92 to Orange City, go west two miles on French Avenue to the entrance.

2100 W French Ave Orange City, FL

386-775-3663

The Sugar Mill Ruins, once a highly functional sugar mill, were built during the uprisings of the Native Americans in the early 19th century. This 17 acre historic site contains the ruins of a the highly functional sugar mill, as well as other buildings, which were destroyed during the war between the Seminole Indians and the United States. The Sugar Mill Ruins evoke a time long ago when the Seminole Indians fought the settlers, ending the area's molasses and sugar industries. Sugar Mill Ruins, Old Mission Road, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168. Phone: 386-427-2284

The Sugar Mill Ruins, once a highly functional sugar mill, were built during the uprisings of the Native Americans in the early 19th century. This 17 acre historic site contains the ruins of a the highly functional sugar mill, as well as other buildings, which were destroyed during the war between the Seminole Indians and the United States. The Sugar Mill Ruins evoke a time long ago when the Seminole Indians fought the settlers, ending the area's molasses and sugar industries. Sugar Mill Ruins, Old Mission Road, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168. Phone: 386-427-2284