Tampa, FL to Miami

Enjoy a day snorkeling, diving to fabulous reefs, exploring the jungle with an ATV,

relaxing beside the pool at a beach club, strolling a vast beach and visiting an ancient Mayan temple

The cruise port of Costa Maya in Mexico’s developing Costa Maya region is surrounded by dense jungle and turquoise waters and blessed with radiant sunshine. No wonder the ancient Maya lived nearby, building ceremonial centers like Chacchoben, where you can climb among the ruins, many of which are still being excavated. Look for raucous toucans in the trees.

Visit the beautifully restored temples and plazas of Cahal Pech, a major Mayan site on a hilltop, or explore Belize City and its museum filled with Mayan artifacts. Journey along the Olde Belize River en route to Altun Ha and watch for howler monkeys, alligators and iguanas. Or head for the stunning Barrier Reef to dive or snorkel in crystalline waters.

Luxuriate on the magnificent beaches, snorkel or dive and explore the superb shallow reefs, or discover the island’s other natural wonders on a horseback ride on the beach and through a tropical forest past spectacular volcanic rocks.

Ride the aerial tram through the rainforest canopy at Braulio Carillo National Park. Take a boat ride through the Tortuguero Canals or the Estero Negro estuary, the rich jungle tapestry all around, while watching for colorful birds, monkeys, iguanas, sloths, crocodiles and the legendary, iridescent Blue Morpho butterfly.

See how the Panama Canal operates with a visit to the locks. Or ride a train across the isthmus. Discover Panama’s lush rainforest and its resident wildlife as you walk a forest trail or take a boat ride down a quiet river.

The Panama Canal is approximately 50 miles long and joins the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The waterway was cut through one of the narrowest portions of land joining North and South America and took over 400 years to complete. The canal was started by the French and finished by the United States. During the course of this construction over 30,000 people lost their lives. The first ship to transit the Panama Canal was in 1914 and today about fourteen thousand vessels do so each year.

You probably can’t think of Panama City without conjuring images of the Panama Canal. But nearly 400 years before the Panama Canal opened its locks, Panama City was making its mark. From the vestiges of the original settlement to the modern skyscrapers, experience the history and culture of one of the Pacific Coast’s oldest continuously inhabited European settlements. After exploring the bustling local markets in search of fresh fish or artisan handicrafts, admire the restored Spanish Colonial architecture in Casco Viejo. Or you can head to the Miraflores Locks and watch one of the modern world’s most heroic feats of engineering in action.

You probably can’t think of Panama City without conjuring images of the Panama Canal. But nearly 400 years before the Panama Canal opened its locks, Panama City was making its mark. From the vestiges of the original settlement to the modern skyscrapers, experience the history and culture of one of the Pacific Coast’s oldest continuously inhabited European settlements. After exploring the bustling local markets in search of fresh fish or artisan handicrafts, admire the restored Spanish Colonial architecture in Casco Viejo. Or you can head to the Miraflores Locks and watch one of the modern world’s most heroic feats of engineering in action.

The Panama Canal is approximately 50 miles long and joins the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The waterway was cut through one of the narrowest portions of land joining North and South America and took over 400 years to complete. The canal was started by the French and finished by the United States. During the course of this construction over 30,000 people lost their lives. The first ship to transit the Panama Canal was in 1914 and today about fourteen thousand vessels do so each year.

Take a scenic drive through the residential area of Manga and admire the beautiful mansions. Explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fort that was once the most important military structure built in Latin America. Enjoy a boat ride to the Islas del Rosario and continue to the island of San Martín de Pajarales to visit the aquarium. Board a beautiful Spanish galleon, a replica of a 17th century sailing ship, for a cruise of the inner bay of Cartagena.

Take in the charming Dutch colonial architecture along the Willemstad harbor in this historic town that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the aquamarine waters of Curacao’s numerous beaches and dive along the stunning coral reefs and hidden caverns. Hike the trails or join a safari through Christoffel National Park to observe the rare flora and fauna.

Distinguished by its colorful Dutch colonial architecture, Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba, first settled in 1796. Named as a tribute to the Dutch king William of Orange, the city today attracts tourists searching for duty-free bargains and strolling around the beautiful streets.

Swim and snorkel with shy and gentle stingrays, see the underwater world from a semi-submersible sub, send a postcard from “Hell,” visit a turtle farm where green sea turtles are raised, or just relax on miles and miles of exquisite white sand beach.

People-watchers will enjoy South Beach’s Ocean Drive, while architecture buffs will love the Art Deco District. If you’re looking for something a bit different, there are world-class museums and shopping venues too. In Miami, there really is something for everyone.