Valparaiso has long inspired writers, poets, musicians and artists. Though a bit rough, its bohemian charm, street art, nightlife, live music, colorful clifftop homes and striking architecture make it one of Chile's most beloved cities. Founded in 1536 by Juan de Saavedra, it still has colonial buildings despite fires and earthquakes. Nearby are Pablo Neruda's ship-shaped house and the Casablanca Valley vineyards, while Chile's wine culture also gave rise to pisco.

Arica is Chile's northernmost city and the capital of Arica and Parinacota, with about 240,000 people, nearly 98% of the region. Known as the "city of eternal spring" (18°C), it lies in the Atacama Desert, yet a fertile river valley supports fruit, vegetables, and famous olives. Its port has long been important, now as a free port for Bolivia. Peru held Arica until Chile captured El Morro in 1880. Nearby are Azapa Museum, Chinchorro mummies, beaches, and Eiffel-designed buildings.

Lima, founded in 1535, brings colour and culture to Peru's arid coast. This vast oceanfront capital, often wrapped in winter garúa, mixes colonial splendour, ancient history and modern contrasts, with nearly 10 million residents. Visit Plaza de Armas and Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral and Government Palace, then explore nearby pre-Columbian sites and museums. In Barranco, see galleries and the romantic Bridge of Sighs. Finish with ceviche and a Pisco Sour.

Lima, founded in 1535, brings colour and culture to Peru's arid coast. This vast oceanfront capital, often wrapped in winter garúa, mixes colonial splendour, ancient history and modern contrasts, with nearly 10 million residents. Visit Plaza de Armas and Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral and Government Palace, then explore nearby pre-Columbian sites and museums. In Barranco, see galleries and the romantic Bridge of Sighs. Finish with ceviche and a Pisco Sour.

Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city and a major Galápagos gateway, is a lively seaport with a tropical, Caribbean feel. Its climate, seafood, music, and revived waterfront-especially the Malecón-have helped transform it from an overlooked stop into a real destination. The city now boasts museums, restaurants, shops, new transport, and an airport, while hillside guasmos, the colorful shantytowns, reflect its social history.

Arriving in Panama City offers stunning morning views as the city shifts from silver dawn to golden sunrise. Nearby Fuerte Amador is interesting, but Panama City dominates, and the Miraflores Canal museum is worth a visit for its immersive tour, 3-D experience, exhibition halls, observation deck, and restaurant. Casco Viejo's colonial streets, boutiques, and lively scene are a must, along with fresh ceviche, geisha coffee, skyscrapers, beaches, and rainforests nearby.

Cozumel is a vibrant Mexican island known for exceptional scuba diving, snorkeling, and dazzling beaches. Its reefs and black coral attract beginners and experts alike, while Mayan lore says it was sacred to Ixchel, goddess of fertility and love. From Playa Palancar to Playa El Cielo, expect white sand, clear waters, starfish, stingrays, and sea turtles. Beach bars serve Mexican seafood, and San Gervasio ruins add ancient Mayan history-often alongside sunbathing iguanas.

Miami is a seaport city on Biscayne Bay in southeastern Florida, the "Cruise Capital of the World." The Port of Miami has led global cruise passenger traffic for over 20 years. Florida's second-largest city, it has about 5.5 million in its metro area and is a major center for finance, commerce, culture, media, entertainment, arts, and trade. Its name means "big water"; Spain claimed it in 1566, and it became U.S. territory in 1821. It is very flat, averaging 1.8 m above sea level.