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.

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.

Santo Tomás de Castilla in Guatemala attracts adventurers with activities like waterfall hikes, rainforest explorations, bird-watching, and tours of UNESCO ancient Maya cities. The country is rife with wildlife: more than 400 species of birds—including toucans and parrots live in the jungle interior. As a former Belgian colony, colonial landmarks, including the 16th-century Spanish fort Castillo de San Felipe, dot the landscape. Unlike its neighbors, Guatemala is still developing, and as such offers an uncharted and genuine experience: local markets promise many authentic shopping opportunities, with beautiful locally crafted goods at negotiable prices.

Here, where the skies are wide expanses of blue, waters are a transparent turquoise, and beaches are pure white edged by lush green palms, you can aim a point-and-shoot in almost any direction and get a beautiful picture. Photography aside, you can also dive, snorkel and swim with the dolphins. You might opt to explore the reef in a glass-bottom boat, go into town to shop for island crafts, or see the butterfly and floral gardens.

Puerto Limón, located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, boasts a rich combination of sights, sounds and smells. Once ashore, embrace these elements as they surround you, filling your senses with the essence of this delightful port city. The growth of the coffee market prompted the Costa Rican government to search for an Atlantic port to facilitate shipping coffee to Europe and beyond. In 1871, the port of Limón was established and what was once a migrant fishermen's village of five huts grew into an important center of commerce. With the introduction of a rail service the following year between San José and the Atlantic coast, Limón became a thriving railroad and banana town.

Lose yourself in the beautiful chaos of Cartagena, where layers of cultural influence intersect to create a city rich in character. The walled Old Town – established in the 16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site – is best explored on foot. Stop by a street stall for fresh lulo juice before setting off to explore the labyrinthine streets, filled with shady plazas, ornate former mansions, and balconies overflowing with flowers. Just outside the historic walls, you'll find the colorful neighborhood of Getsemaní, where vivid murals adorn the facades of shops and galleries, and salsa music wafts from lively bars.

The Panama Canal famously connects the Pacific Ocean with the Caribbean Sea. It began its activity in 1914, quickly becoming a crucial waterway for maritime trade. While traversing this iconic waterway, you can admire the glorious natural landscapes, which are just 15 minutes away from Panama City.

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.

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.

Once a small fishing village, Manta is today Ecuador's second busiest port, known for being the unofficial `Tuna Capital of the World.` A morning arrival ensures seeing commercial ships being loaded and unloaded and, with a little luck, the tuna fleet will be bringing in the night's catch. The city has a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times when indigenous cultures inhabited the region. The area was later encountered by Spanish explorers during the 16th century and the city's name, Manta, is believed to originate from the indigenous Ecuavole tribe that lived in the area. Stroll the waterfront esplanade, where you'll not only find a refreshing breeze but a variety of tempting restaurants, bars, and street vendors selling everything from Alpaca shawls and hats to paintings and wood carvings.

To most seasoned travelers, Guayaquil is known for being the gateway to the Galapagos Islands. However, there's much to appreciate and enjoy about the “Pacific Pearl” all on its own. The Malecon 2000 is the beating heart and signature feature of this city. Running along the Guayas River, this promenade offers up lovely green spaces, shops and boutiques, museums, a wide variety of restaurants, handicraft market, and all kinds of entertainment options. Cast your gaze up toward the distant hills and you'll see Las Peñas, the picturesque, barrio dotted with brightly colored houses. You'll also want to look up into the trees at the Parque Seminario, where you'll spot iguanas wisely waiting out the heat of the day in the shade.

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.

The gateway to Lima, Callao offers visitors the perfect balance of things to see, do, and relax. At just seven miles from the capital, you would be forgiven for thinking that Callao is simply a suburb, but this city very much has it's own identity. The old center of Callao has houses from the Lima colonial era and public squares with historical monuments, such as the stunning Plaza Miguel Grau and Plaza Independencia. The popular Punta district offers locals and visitors alike a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, most featuring the Peruvian classic, ceviche. There's also a lovely boardwalk where you can walk off your meal while soaking-in views of the sea and surrounds.