Panama City blends a shimmering skyline with cobblestone streets, rooftop bars, and centuries-old ruins. Founded in 1519, Panamá Viejo was abandoned in the mid-17th century and replaced by Casco Viejo; together they are a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site. Visit the Panama Canal Museum for exhibits on the "Big Ditch," and honor the 22,000 workers who died building it at Plaza de Francia.

Panama City blends a shimmering skyline with cobblestone streets, rooftop bars, and centuries-old ruins. Founded in 1519, Panamá Viejo was abandoned in the mid-17th century and replaced by Casco Viejo; together they are a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site. Visit the Panama Canal Museum for exhibits on the "Big Ditch," and honor the 22,000 workers who died building it at Plaza de Francia.

Drive through Manga's residential area to admire late-19th-century Republican-style mansions. Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, once Latin America's most important military fort. Take a boat to the Islas del Rosario-26 coral islands off Isla Barú-and continue to San Martín de Pajarales for the aquarium, dolphin and shark show, and other marine attractions. Then board the Spanish Galleon, a replica 17th-century ship, for a cruise of Cartagena's inner bay.

From the mangroves of Ciénaga Grande to the beaches of Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta offers a multitude of thrilling adventures. The oldest city in Colombia, it abounds with Spanish colonial charm, including one of the first basilicas built in Latin America, the Cathedral of Santa Marta. Explore the "Lost City," believed to have been founded 650 years before Machu Picchu. Enjoy a multicultural array of flavors from African and Caribbean to European and Latin.

The city blends Dutch and Spanish architecture. Now a Dutch city named for the House of Orange, it became Aruba's capital in 1979. Beyond the beaches, start at Wilhelmina Park, a tropical waterfront garden with Caribbean breezes, then visit the Archaeological Museum of Aruba or the Numismatic Museum of Aruba, which displays coins from 400+ countries. Fort Zoutman (1796), the island's oldest Dutch building, gained Willem III Tower in 1867 and now offers views, music festivals, and craft fairs.

Discover a touch of old Amsterdam in a Caribbean paradise. Pastel waterfront buildings give this Dutch island its charm. Don't miss the colorful floating market, a short walk from Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. A World Heritage site, Punda preserves hundreds of national monuments, including Fort Amsterdam, the Governor's Palace, Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue-one of the first in the New World-and the colorful Penha building.

Just 50 miles north of Venezuela, Bonaire is part of the Netherlands Antilles, which includes St. Maarten, St. Eustatius, Saba and Curacao. In 1951, the first hotel opened on Bonaire, and tourism has been the dominant industry ever since. With a dazzling array of fish and coral reefs and spectacularly clear water (100-ft visibility), Bonaire offers some of the best dive spots in the Caribbean.

Whether you enjoy climbing waterfalls or simply relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, you will find that the capital of Grenada has something for everyone. From the moment you arrive, you will not only be charmed by a colorful mix of colonial architecture set on lush vegetation, but also be enchanted by the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg. Be sure to visit one of the many spice estates or shop for exotic spices in the Market Square.

Castries is St Lucia's capital, commercial center, and main cruise port. Founded by the French around 1768, it changed hands in the early 1800s, when the British made it a major naval port and built fortifications on Morne Fortune above the harbor. Today, visitors can shop duty-free at Pointe Seraphine, explore rain forest in Castries Waterworks Forest Reserve, or take day trips to the Grand Pitons and Fort Charlotte for scenic views and history.

One of the Caribbean's true gems, St. Barts is where Riviera chic meets Caribbean cool. Day-trippers come from nearby islands for the duty-free shopping, excellent dining and to lounge on the soft, white sands in a secluded palm-fringed cove. Tour Fort Gustav and Fort Carl, historic reminders of Sweden's short-lived Caribbean possession. Excursions abound, inviting guests to snorkel, sail over the clear blue waters on a catamaran, or horseback ride through shaded jungle trails.

Spend a glorious day swimming at famed Cane Bay Garden Beach, hiking the island's rainforest and enjoying a scenic drive around this lush island. Swim with dolphins, go sea kayaking or head over to Virgin Gorda and climb down to the famous Baths for a day of swimming and exploring this natural phenomenon. Take home charming local crafts, straw items, artwork and resort wear. Enjoy local fish dishes or perhaps a pub lunch or burger!

Sunny Florida skies, year-round warmth, nightlife, and a diverse culture define this cosmopolitan city. South Beach draws crowds, while the Art Deco District is the world's largest collection of Art Deco architecture. Shop from Bal Harbour to Lincoln Road and Coconut Grove, enjoy Cuban culture on Calle Ocho, or visit the historic Venetian Pool. There's something for everyone in this "Gateway to the Americas."