Lima was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on the banks of the Rimac river that forms a splendid and strategically located valley. At 133 meters above sea level, Lima enjoys mild yet humid weather with almost little or no rain. The city of Lima is one of South America's largest, and is Peru's center of political, cultural and economic life. Lima is your gateway to the splendid ruins of Cuzco and Machu Picchu, the ancient city in the clouds.

Lima was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on the banks of the Rimac river that forms a splendid and strategically located valley. At 133 meters above sea level, Lima enjoys mild yet humid weather with almost little or no rain. The city of Lima is one of South America's largest, and is Peru's center of political, cultural and economic life. Lima is your gateway to the splendid ruins of Cuzco and Machu Picchu, the ancient city in the clouds.

This port is located near the city of Trujillo, founded by the conquistador Diego de Almagro in 1534. Trujillo still retains much of its colonial charm, and has a splendid backdrop consisting of the vivid green and brown terrain of the Andean foothills. Trujillo is one of the most important cities in Peru although its compact colonial center has a small-town feel.

Known as the "Pacific Pearl," Guayaquil's history is closely tied to the Río Guayas. Ecuador's economic powerhouse, it is a city in transition, becoming a modern metropolis while preserving its cultural heritage. Walk the Malecón 2000 along the river to find green spaces, ponds, shops, restaurants, boat rides, and a handicraft market. Guayaquil is also the gateway to the Galápagos Islands, one of the world's most important wildlife areas.

Manta, a city of about 140,000 people, is Ecuador's major port on the central coast. Its colorful fishing villages, unspoiled beaches, and tropical dry forest make it a popular tourist base and starting point for day trips. Nearby Montecristi, founded in the early 1600s, is known for colonial architecture, woven wickerwork, and as the birthplace of the Panama hat.

Golfito is Costa Rica's southernmost port town on the Golfo Dulce. It offers beautiful beaches backed by verdant hills and lush rainforest. Relax on secluded pristine sand, fish in excellent waters, or hike the forested Golfito National Wildlife Refuge to see rare flora and fauna and reach a scenic ocean overlook.

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.

This bustling city offers open-air markets, striking architecture, and historical museums. In Parque Vargas, amid palms and vine-covered Ficus trees, sloths often move from branch to branch. Ride the aerial tram through Braulio Carrillo National Park's rainforest canopy, or take a boat through the Tortuguero Canals or Estero Negro Estuary, watching for birds, monkeys, iguanas, sloths, crocodiles, and the iridescent Blue Morpho butterfly.

Warm Caribbean waters with excellent diving, white sand beaches, and tropical sunsets are some of the attractions of the Bay Islands. Roatan's major source of income is tourism, particularly because of SCUBA diving attractions. The underwater environment is rich and extensive with reefs surrounding the islands, often within swimming distance of the shore. Caves and caverns are a common feature, with a variety of sponge and the best collection of pillar coral.

This pristine mangrove-covered private island is a gem in the crown of Belize's natural resources. Encounter wildlife and learn about the fauna as you explore the island's mangrove estuaries or snorkel along the reef that surrounds the island. Bask under the warm Caribbean sun on Harvest Caye's untouched sandy beach located on its northern shores; enjoy an exhilarating day of water sports on the lagoon or simple take a stroll along the island village and marina.

Costa Maya is the closest port of access to many of the lesser known Mayan ruins in the Yucatan including Chacchoben and Kohunlich. These sites are substantially less excavated than the better known pyramids near Cancun. The Mexican government is trying to improve the standard of living for the Indian population. The path chosen to do this in the Costa Maya area is to develop small-scale ecological based tourism destinations, including natural reserve parks.

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."