Panama Canal

There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard or adventure to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.

On Colombia’s Caribbean-facing coast, Cartagena is a handsome and historic city, with distinctive Colonial architecture dating back to the sixteenth century.

Energetic crossroads of commerce, purveyor of the tropical essential, the famed Panama hat. Don yours and sip a cold cerveza at a waterfront café as you watch ships of all origins slip under the Bridge of the Americas. Don't miss the fascinating Interoceanic Canal Museum.

It's wild, it's beautiful and Costa Rica's eco-factor is off the charts. Here find steaming volcanoes, lush rain forests and nearly half of all the animal species on earth. Plus a modern capital high in the mountains.

Puerto Corinto is a quaint coastal village in an area rich with pristine beaches, lush mangrove forests and magnificent volcanoes. In Corinto, take a stroll along the Costa Azul for a view of the bay and its islands. In nearby Chinandega, discover Mayan artifacts at the archeological museum. Farther afield explore the ruins of León Viejo, excavated from centuries of volcanic debris. Sample shore excursions: The History and Art of León; San Antonio Rum Distillery.

Drive into the mountains to beautiful old Antigua, once the country's colonial capital, and discover its lovely bougainvillea draped buildings and breathtaking views of emerald volcanoes.

Gateway to the Mayan world in the Pacific, shrouded in mystery. Among the most well-preserved archeological sites is the sprawling complex at Palenque, dating to 100BC. Here, vividly colored murals offer glimpses into Mayan life while great stone temples guard inscriptions that have yet to be deciphered. Nearby, explore San Cristobal de Las Casas cathedral, which combines baroque and colonial styles of architecture. Journey to a rainforest and marvel at the lush mangroves and abundant wildlife. Try a fresh tamale, a delicious part of celebrations here, or shop for local handicrafts like tin toys, wood and stone carvings or colorful textiles. Or, simply wander the beaches and take in the untamed and exotic surroundings. Sample shore excursions: The Mayan Ruins of Palenque; Mangrove Exploration & Bird Watching.

Charming Huatulco captivates visitors with its picturesque bays and idyllic beaches, all lapped by the azure waves of the Pacific Ocean.

Like the movie that was filmed here, Manzanillo scores a perfect "10" for the beauty of its beaches and the charm of its town. Farther afield: the Pyramids of La Campana, dating back to the first century, and the charming colonial towns of Colima and Comala, where tropical gardens and the sounds of mariachi bands make for a muy tranquilo afternoon. Sample shore excursions: Colima & Comala with Lunch; Manzanillo City & Shopping; Magic Pueblas; Deep-sea fishing; Resort Getaway.

No longer the well-kept secret of the artists, writers and Hollywood stars that first "discovered" it in the 1960s, "PV" (as it is affectionately known) still retains the essence of the quaint fishing village it once was. Here is Viejo Vallarta, the quaint Old Town, An enticing mix of red-tiled buildings, cobbled streets, chic shops and bustling open markets. Here are Mismaloya Beach, Gringo Gulch and Conchas Chinas, the Beverly Hills of Vallarta. Nearby: the rugged canyons and luxuriant jungles of the Sierra Madre. Sample shore excursions: Countryside on horseback, Dolphin encounter; Town, Country & Tequila; Sea Lion Encounter; Eco-safari Off-road Adventure; Canopy Adventure.

Sunshine and fun are business as usual in San Diego. Walk on Coronado Island's sandy beach, take in the Old Town that brings the city's early Spanish days to life, have a wild time at the famous San Diego Zoo or a whale of a good time at Sea World. Sample shore excursions: San Diego Tour.