22-Day Panama Canal

Nestled on the southern tip of California’s Baja Peninsula, there’s a feeling of peace on Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Find your own private sand dune and bask in the sun. Walk along the famous Beach of Love – Playa del Amor. Explore Cabo’s unique rock formations that are found in almost every cove. For a special treat stop and watch artists create black coral jewelry.

Cartagena, (kär´te-jê´ne) city (1985 pop. 563,949), capital of Bolívar dept., NW Colombia, a port on the Bay of Cartagena, in the Caribbean Sea. Oil-refining and the manufacture of leather, textile, and tobacco goods are major industries, and there is an expanding petrochemical complex. Founded in 1533, Cartagena became the treasure city of the Spanish Main, where precious New World minerals awaited transshipment to Spain. It was often sacked despite its massive fortifications, some of which still stand. It declared its independence from Spain in 1811 and was incorporated into Colombia in 1821. Its rapid development in the 20th cent. was due largely to the discovery of oil in the Magdalena basin. One of the most picturesque of Latin American cities, with shady plazas and cobblestone streets, Cartagena attracts many tourists.

Colima is the capital of the Mexican state of Colima, about 50 miles east of Manzanillo. It is a popular side trip for vacationers who choose to visit this part of Mexico.

The landscape of Colima is dominated by the Nevado de Colima, a snow-capped volcano that is still active and last erupted in 1941. Sugar refining, cigar and shoe production, and agriculture trade are the mainstays of Colima’s economy.

The city of Puerto Corinto is Nicaragua’s largest port, situated on Punta Icaco island. Nearby attractions include the city of Léon with its beautiful cathedral and colonial architecture.

Fort Lauderdale, (lô´der-dâl´) city (1990 pop. 148,377), seat of Broward Co., SE Fla., on the Atlantic coast; settled around a fort built (c.1837) in the Seminole War, inc. 1911. The city has more than 270 mi (435 km) of natural and artificial waterways and one of the largest marinas in the world. A major beach resort, it has a performing arts center and art and science museums. Products include electronic devices, boats and yachts, and various light manufactures.

Half Moon Cay is a private island owned by Holland America Lines. Frequented on their Caribbean cruises, Half Moon Cay has the charm of the old-world Caribbean. From stunning intricate coral reefs to state-of-the-art restaurants serving Caribbean cuisine, on this pristine, private island, there are no hassles.

When was the last time you whiled away the day on a private Caribbean island? Here’s your chance. The island is ours; the day is yours to sun, swim, and sail. Enjoy!

Try out Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Parasailing, or just take a relaxing walk through this Island Paradise, all is yours as this is a Private Island for your pleasure.

After the Mexican government’s mastery with Cancun’s resort development, it decided to convert the tiny town into the luxurious resort that Huatulco has become. Bahias de Huatulco consists of nine bays extends over a 20-mile stretch. Santa Cruz, the original town, is now the center of Huatulco’s development. Not long ago it was a sleepy fishing village
of simple adobe huts, now its a resort town with wide, palm-lined boulevards, rolling golf courses, and large hotel complexes. The colorful silver and handicrafts market along the town’s main boulevard, Juarez, is a good place to pick up souvenirs. It’s also fun to watch people in the “zocalo,” the grassy town square, or take a glass-bottom boat ride into the pretty harbor of Santa Cruz Bay.

A ribbon of gold sweeps languorously around a turquoise bay. Swaying palms graciously extend a bit of leafy shade against the dazzling midday sun. Waters teaming with fish and beautiful lagoons provide perfect watersport venues. This, times two, is Manzanillo, a picturesque fishing-port-turned-tourist-resort that lies on a peninsula at the southern end of two curving bays.

For a taste of the true flavor of Mexico and its culture, don’t miss Oaxaca. Time seems to have passed by this town. Women still grind their corn by hand, and feet are the preferred mode of transportation, but modern comforts are not forgotten. Delicious restaurants, exciting nightlife and great shopping are all found throughout Oaxaca. This town has a little of everything, including great weather. The temperature never naries far from 70 degrees all year long.

The Basilica de la Soledad features a statue of the Virgin Mary, revered throughout Mexico. Oaxaca also has three museums displaying the state’s history and culture. Oaxaca’s central marketplace, or Zocalo, is a rainbow of sights and sounds of authentic Mexico. A multitude of artisans making the highest quality items from hand can be found here. One of a kind objects from authentic pottery to intricate painted animals are just a few of their popular wares.

Oaxaca has built itself a reputation as one of the most lively night spots in Southern Mexico. There are nightly concerts at the Zocalo, and many discos are open every night of the week for dancing and fun. There are also several seasonal fiestas celebrating everything from the area’s Indian culture to radishes.

They called it worthless. That’s right-the Spanish explorer Alonzo de Ojeda, who claimed Aruba for Spain in 1499, said the island wasn’t worth colonizing. What could he have been thinking? With beautiful beaches, fine snorkeling and watersports, today’s visitors to Aruba enjoy fabulous nightlife, delicious local seafood, and the genuine friendliness of Aruba’s unique population.

The Spanish may not have been impressed, but the Dutch were. Arriving in force in 1634, they’ve entwined their culture, language and cuisine with that of the natives, giving the island a flavor all its own.

The island is now home to fabulous resorts, a golf course, a casino and outstanding shopping. The scuba and snorkeling in the clear waters is world famous.

The Panama Canal was constructed more than 80 years ago, but it is still a marvel of engineering. The canal is 51 miles long with locks that raise a ship 85 feet at the Continental Divide and return to sea level in Caribbean Sea or Pacific Ocean.

Discover the warm, hospitable atmosphere of Costa Rica. The capital of San Jose is surprisingly urbane, with lovely parks and wonderful buys at local markets. Not far from the city, the quaint town of Sarchi is known for its wood craftmanship and superbly finished plates.

Puerto Quetzal is our gateway to the natural wonders and ruins in this untouristed nation. Visit Tikal, once the most resplendent city in the Mayan world. Tour Antigua Guatemala with its rumbling volcanoes. Or go in search of the rare quetzal, the spectacular but shy bird with iridescent feathers that cannot live in captivity. So revered by Guatemalans, its graceful image appears on the country’s national coins called “quetzals.”

This sleepy fishing village became a jet-set resort after “The Night of the Iguana” was filmed here in 1964. Nestled on the 28-mile curve of Banderas Bay and bordered by a mountain range, Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by sleek, sophisticated world-class resorts, yet its downtown area has steadfastly held its character, refusing to be modernized. You’ll still find the traditional whitewashed houses with red-tile roofs and lush bougainvillea, cobblestone streets, and colorful fishing boats. A treat for the eye as well as the camera.

San Diego, (dê-â´go) city (1990 pop. 1,110,549; met. area 2,498,016), seat of San Diego co., S Calif., on San Diego Bay. The city is the second largest in California and the sixth largest in the U.S. Its excellent natural harbor has made it a fishing and shipping port, and a major naval center. Aerospace, electronics, shipbuilding, biotechnology, and other industries are important. Tourism and convention business are large factors in the economy. Explored and claimed by Spain in 1542, it
was the site of the first of Fr. Junípero Serra’s missions and a historic fort, the Presidio (both 1769). The area has many other historic sites, including the Cabrillo National Monument. San Diego is also a cultural, medical, oceanographic, and research center, and its aquatic park and enormous zoo are well known. From 1988 to 1995 the America’s Cup sailing races were held at San Diego.

San Francisco one of the nation’s cultural centers. Founded by the Spanish in 1776 as Yerba Buena, it was taken and renamed by the Americans in 1846. The California gold rush of 1848 led to great growth; with the arrival of newcomers from all over the world in the late 19th century the city took on a cosmopolitan air.

A gracious, picturesque city with a mild climate, it is famous for its individuality. Notable features include its cable cars, which carry passengers on its steep hills; the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (opened 1936) and Golden Gate Bridge (opened 1937); Chinatown; Fisherman’s Wharf; Telegraph Hill; the mansions of Nob Hill; the opera house; symphony hall (1980); the Yerba Buena arts and gardens complex; and numerous institutions of learning.

Built on hills between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest. The city is close to scenic mountain and coastal recreational areas. It is also an educational and cultural center, with many museums, theaters, and musical groups.

Seattle’s distinctive skyline landmark is the 600-ft (183-m) Space Needle, built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Seattle prospered with the coming of the railroad in 1884 and became a boom town with the 1897 Alaska gold rush. Long a center of radical labor activity, it was the scene of a major general strike in 1919.

Located in southwestern Washington state, Vancouver is a port at the head of deepwater navigation on the Columbia River, opposite Portland, OR. Vancouver is a commercial, manufacturing and shipping center.

One of the busiest ports in the Caribbean, Willemstad is the capital city of Curacao. Since 1997 the city centre, with its unique architecture and harbour entry, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other attractions include fine shopping and elegant dining options in the Punda district, almost 40 beautiful beaches, superb snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, several casinos and more.