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."

From duty-free shopping and Seven Mile Beach to the Cayman Islands National Museum, Pedro St. James National Historic Site, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, and a rum distillery tour, this quaint capital offers something for everyone.

Falmouth offers a lively taste of Jamaica's north coast, where Georgian-era streets meet the easy rhythm of island life. Explore the historic town center, sample jerk flavors and rum punch, or head to nearby beaches and waterfalls for sun and scenery. With its warm hospitality, colorful markets, and coastal charm, Falmouth makes a memorable Caribbean port of call.

Locals call this seahorse-shaped island's waters the "mar de siete colores" (sea of seven colors), though white sand and tall palms may steal the show. San Andrés sits 480 miles (775 km) northwest of mainland Colombia and 93 miles (150 km) from Nicaragua. Snorkel or scuba in clear bays and cays, relax to reggae along Playa Spratt Bight's promenade, or explore San Andrés Town's shops and restaurants.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

From this Peruvian port, see UNESCO's "most outstanding group of geoglyphs anywhere in the world": the Nazca Lines, huge drawings and geometric figures etched into the arid coastal plain between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500, still remarkably intact. Take "flightseeing" tours to view them, or explore Paracas National Reserve's sculpted cliffs and desert landscapes, plus the nearby Ballestas Islands, Peru's answer to the Galápagos.

Journey to where the desert meets the Pacific. This coastal gem offers beautiful beaches, world-class surfing and a laid-back vibe. Explore the dramatic cliffs of El Morro, stroll historic downtown streets or venture inland to discover the unique culture of the Azapa Valley. With its perfect climate, rich history and gateway location to northern Chile and southern Peru, Arica is an unforgettable blend of relaxation and exploration.

Founded in the 16th century, Iquique is the capital of the Iquique Province and a popular port city on the northern Pacific coast of Chile. Located west of the Atacama Desert, Iquique was part of Peru until the 19th century. Today the city is known for its duty-free commercial port center, one of the largest in South America, as well as its mild climate, beautiful beaches and archaeological treasures.

Coquimbo, in northern Chile, means "place of calm water," a fitting name for a port city. Legend says Sir Francis Drake buried treasure there. In the early 19th century it was a small fishing village, but the railway linking copper mines to the sea spurred rapid growth. Today Coquimbo offers a scenic seaside promenade, the restored 19th-century English Quarter, and several fine beaches.

Valparaíso is the principal port and second largest city of Chile. The city is situated on the shores of a sweeping bay and on a crescent of hills behind. Seen from the ocean, it presents a majestic panorama; a great circle of hills is backed by the snow-capped peaks of the distant Cordillera. Due to Valparaiso's convenient location along the shipping routes circling Cape Horn, the port experienced a tremendous boost when the ports and the Americas were opened to world trade.

The first German colonists arrived to this area in 1852, and have remained to the present day, a small but influential percentage of the 130,000 inhabitants. The town spreads along a narrow seaboard and climbs the slopes enclosing it to the north. Since 1985, the city has experienced considerable growth and development, fueled by more than 30 salmon farms, in addition to forestry, fishing industries and service companies. A gateway to Chile's picturesque lakes and spectacular indigo mountains.

There is an old Chilean proverb that states, "If you are in a hurry in Patagonia, you are wasting your time." In Puerto Chacabuco, a Chilean town in the Aysen commune, time passes at the leisurely pace of nature's cycles. The gorgeously landscaped town is a small, isolated settlement situated along the wild-west fjordland coast. Patagonian ice sheets fall into the sea and the area provides a chance to view Black Necked Swans and the endangered Giant Condor.

Punta Arenas or 'Sandy Point,' is the most prominent settlement on the Strait of Magellan and the capital of Chile's Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region. Founded in 1848, Punta Arenas was originally a remote military garrison and penal colony. Today, it is the charming gateway for a number of exhilarating experiences viewing the awesome majesty of Torres del Paine with its soaring peaks and rugged beauty .

Punta Arenas or 'Sandy Point,' is the most prominent settlement on the Strait of Magellan and the capital of Chile's Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region. Founded in 1848, Punta Arenas was originally a remote military garrison and penal colony. Today, it is the charming gateway for a number of exhilarating experiences viewing the awesome majesty of Torres del Paine with its soaring peaks and rugged beauty .

The Falklands Islands, about 480 miles northeast of Cape Horn, are the most accessible sub-Antarctic islands. John Davis, aboard the Desire, made the first confirmed sighting in 1592. Disputed by Britain and Argentina, Argentina invaded in April 1982, and Britain retook the islands in June. Stanley has a rural English-village feel, with bright rooftops, red phone boxes, shops, and pubs. Nearby is the Grave Cove penguin colony.

Puerto Madryn, in a sheltered bay of Golfo Nuevo, is Chubut's gateway to Patagonia's vast plains, an area covering a third of Argentina but home to under 4% of its people. Settled about 120 years ago by Welsh immigrants, the town is now unmistakably Argentine, yet Welsh customs, names, and some language survive. It is also the portal to the nature reserves of Punta Tombo and the Valdés Peninsula.

Laid-back Montevideo is home to nearly half of Uruguay's population. The relatively small capital is the nation's only major city, yet visitors do not come here in search of the hustle and bustle of a large metropolis. It is said that Montevideanos themselves travel to Buenos Aires and São Paulo when they crave big city excitement. As Uruguay's cultural, political and economical center, the city boasts a good number of monuments, museums and impressive architecture.

Rivaling Madrid or Paris for sophistication and culture, the tree-lined boulevards of fashionable Buenos Aires are home to superb restaurants, art galleries, museums, the magnificent Teatro de Colon and the brightly colored houses of La Boca barrio. As the sun sets, Recoleta awakens and the passionate melodies of the tango rise from the milangas along San Telmo's cobbled streets. Few cities in South America share the ambiance, lifestyle and amenities that make Buenos Aires so endearing.

Rivaling Madrid or Paris for sophistication and culture, the tree-lined boulevards of fashionable Buenos Aires are home to superb restaurants, art galleries, museums, the magnificent Teatro de Colon and the brightly colored houses of La Boca barrio. As the sun sets, Recoleta awakens and the passionate melodies of the tango rise from the milangas along San Telmo's cobbled streets. Few cities in South America share the ambiance, lifestyle and amenities that make Buenos Aires so endearing.

There's a little bit of Carnival celebrated here everyday. From its famous beaches to its iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, Rio radiates an air of exuberance that is hard to find anywhere else. Make the scene on trendy Ipanema or take a cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain and enjoy the amazing views. Sway your hips to the rhythm at a samba show or enjoy the tranquility of king Dom João VI's Botanical Gardens and verdant Tijuca Forest.

There's a little bit of Carnival celebrated here everyday. From its famous beaches to its iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, Rio radiates an air of exuberance that is hard to find anywhere else. Make the scene on trendy Ipanema or take a cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain and enjoy the amazing views. Sway your hips to the rhythm at a samba show or enjoy the tranquility of king Dom João VI's Botanical Gardens and verdant Tijuca Forest.

Discover colonial Brazil in Recife and nearby Olinda, with narrow winding streets, restored homes, churches, and plazas. Admire views from Malakoff Tower and Olinda's hilltop plaza. Visit the old Dutch Fort, Jewish Historic Archive, and a local artist's workshop/gallery. Shop for Pernambuco handicrafts-clay figurines, wood sculptures, leather or woven straw items-or find unique trinkets. Enjoy a delicious lobster lunch or whatever your palate desires.

About 25 miles from Santarém, Brazil, Alter do Chão is an Amazon River community on the Rio Tapajós, named for a flat-topped hill backdrop. This small island features white-sand beaches, palm trees, cottages, Indian handicrafts, lush vegetation, a turquoise lagoon, and exceptionally clear water, making it a popular destination. Note: due to its underdeveloped nature, organized tours are not available.

Boca Da Valeria is an Indian village on a 400-ft hill overlooking the Amazon, between Parintins and Santarem. Wander the small settlement or relax aboard and enjoy close-up views of lush equatorial vegetation. Ashore, see log canoes, grass huts, and a life of hunting and fishing unchanged since early explorers. Due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

Manaus, the "Paris of the Jungle," is the capital of Brazil's Amazonas state. Once a river village on the left bank of the Rio Negro, near its meeting with the Amazon, it was shaped by 19th-century rubber barons and is now a key gateway to the mid-Amazon. Riverboats explore tributaries, estuaries, and creeks rich in wildlife. Highlights include the Renaissance-style Opera House and the Customs House, built in Liverpool and nicknamed "Little Big Ben."

Manaus, the "Paris of the Jungle," is the capital of Brazil's Amazonas state. Once a river village on the left bank of the Rio Negro, near its meeting with the Amazon, it was shaped by 19th-century rubber barons and is now a key gateway to the mid-Amazon. Riverboats explore tributaries, estuaries, and creeks rich in wildlife. Highlights include the Renaissance-style Opera House and the Customs House, built in Liverpool and nicknamed "Little Big Ben."

The small village of Parintins on Tupinambarana Island is situated in the largest river archipelago of the mid-Amazon. Steeped in centuries-old Indian culture, this village is celebrates an annual "Boi Bumba" festival. The yearly folkloric festival, considered second only to Carnival in Rio, is held in June but the townspeople reenact the festival for visitors throughout the year.

The first settlement in Santarem was a Jesuit mission built in 1661. Today, Santarem is one of the Amazon's most important trading centers, and is rich in legend and nature. The town is situated at the point where the Tapajos and the Amazon waters meet. This is called the "Wedding of the Waters" and is one of Santarem's major attractions. The lakes and forests of this area are home to numerous species of birds, particularly the white egret.

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.

With over a quarter of the island set aside as a national park and rainforest still growing, St. Kitts is a stunning tropical escape. Zip through the Valley of the Giants, hike to Sofa Rock atop a still-smoldering volcano, or relax on beaches protected by coral reefs. Enjoy fresh seafood and seasonal fruits like soursop and mammy apples, plus duty-free shopping for copperware, local beer and rum, and embroidered fabrics.

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."