Experience Panama in Colón, a city with a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty where visitors can discover what makes this corner of the world unique. From the building of the Panama Railroad in 1849, followed by the digging of the Panama Canal in 1881 (completed 1914), the history of Colon is punctuated by years of construction to facilitate travel. The impressive Gatun Locks and Gatun Dam – where ships enter and exit the canal on the Caribbean side – are just six miles south of this city named for Christopher Columbus. The Zona Libre, or Free Zone, established in 1948, is the second largest free-trade zone in the world.

Situated on Costa Rica’s tropical Caribbean coast, Puerto Limón is an excellent base from which to visit the coral reefs of Cahuita National Park, the wildlife-rich lagoons of Tortuguero National Park, or even the nearby beaches Playa Piuta and Playa Bonita. But the quaint port town itself is well worth exploring if you have a few hours to spare. Stop by the bustling Mercado Municipal to stock up on local snacks and fresh fruit (Limón is the heart of Costa Rica's banana industry), before enjoying your bounty in Parque Balvanero Vargas, a leafy oasis with a Neoclassical bandstand and sloths lounging in the trees.

The largest of Honduras' Bay Islands, Roatán Island is a veritable paradise plucked straight from a storybook. Surrounded by the dazzling, biodiversity-rich Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – the second largest in the world – it's a renowned destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. There's plenty to do on land, too: experience the island's rich Garifuna culture in the historic village of Punta Gorda, encounter free-roaming wildlife and zipline through lush tropical jungle in Gumbalimba Park, and sample delicious local cuisine such as tapado, a traditional Honduran seafood soup.

Belize City is the largest city and former capital of Belize. Situated on the eastern coast of the country, the city is a vibrant and diverse urban center that offers a mix of cultural experiences, historical sites, and access to the natural wonders of the country. Its happy location along the Caribbean Sea adds to its appeal, promising visitors lots of fun in the sun, whether you chose to relax on one of the sandy beaches found outside the city, or explore the underwater world of the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nearby caves and atolls are prime spots for snorkeling, diving, and marine adventures. Unsurprisingly, the region is rife with Mayan ruins, and Belize City's proximity to these significant archaeological sites allows visitors to explore the rich Maya heritage of the region. Ancient archaeological sites such as Altun Ha, Cuello, Xunantunich and Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve are all located a short distance from the city and feature impressive pyramids and ceremonial plazas. For those who are more interested in modern day and history should stroll the city to St. John's Cathedral, built from 1812 to 1820, for a chance to see the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America as well as Swing Bridge, an iconic drawbridge, that connects the north and south sides of the city.

Ease into island life on Cozumel. Situated on Mexico's scenic Yucatán Peninsula, it serves as a gateway to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the largest reef system in the Americas and a biodiversity hotspot that supports a dazzling array of coral and hundreds of tropical fish species. If snorkeling or diving don't appeal, soak up the sun on white-sand beaches or get lost in Mayan mysteries with a visit to the ruins of San Gervasio, once a significant site of worship of the goddess Ixchel. When hunger strikes, you can't go wrong with island favorites like tamales, shrimp tacos, and citrusy ceviche.