Found about equidistant between the Ecuadorian border and Lima, Salaverry enjoys a happy placement on the Peruvian coastline. Originally a very quiet small fishing village, the fishing boats still set out at sunset, a centuries-old tradition that sustains the town. Salaverry has enjoyed expansion in recent years, notably by the surfing comunity who come here looking for a quiet place to ride the waves. However, surfing is not the town's only claim to fame. Salaverry invites exploration with its blend of history and local life and carries a rich history that stretches back to ancient times. It was originally inhabited by the Moche civilization, known for their remarkable pottery and intricate metalwork. Later, it became a significant part of the Chimú Kingdom, which thrived in the region. The town's proximity to Chan Chan, the capital of the Chimú, attests to its historical importance. Today, Salaverry stands as a blend of its ancestral roots, colonial heritage, and modern life—a destination where history whispers through its streets and cultural sites.

Many travelers know Guayaquil as the gateway to the Galápagos Islands, but the “Pacific Pearl” has plenty to offer of its own. At its heart is the Malecón 2000. This 1.5-mile promenade along the bank of the wide Guayas River features restaurants, museums, boutiques, and playgrounds, as well as a Ferris wheel. From here, it's a short walk to the historic hilltop barrio of Las Peñas, where colorful houses and art galleries line quaint cobblestoned streets. Or pay a visit to Parque Seminario, home to hundreds of free-roaming green iguanas.

Once a defensive complex guarding the Panama Canal's entrance, Fuerte Amador now serves as a portal to Panama's fascinating past. Pay a visit to the Miraflores Visitors Center for an interactive look at the canal's history, operations, and global significance, or discover the Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo, which celebrates Panama's biological and cultural diversity. From Fuerte Amador, it's a short trip into bustling Panama City, with its cobblestoned Casco Viejo district and colonial-era architecture. Taste your way around this UNESCO-recognized City of Gastronomy, sampling everything from fresh ceviche to golden empanadas, before finding tranquility in the Metropolitan Natural Park, the only tropical forest located within a capital city in Latin America.