Palms, Fjords & Penguins – Miami to Buenos Aires

People-watchers will enjoy South Beach’s Ocean Drive, while architecture buffs will love the Art Deco District. If you’re looking for something a bit different, there are world-class museums and shopping venues too. In Miami, there really is something for everyone.

The cruise port of Costa Maya in Mexico’s developing Costa Maya region is surrounded by dense jungle and turquoise waters and blessed with radiant sunshine. No wonder the ancient Maya lived nearby, building ceremonial centers like Chacchoben, where you can climb among the ruins, many of which are still being excavated. Look for raucous toucans in the trees.

Featuring an enchanting range of environments such as tropical rainforests, marshes and coral reefs, Harvest Caye offers both relaxation and adventure amid lush landscapes. This 75-acre paradise invites you to explore its incredibly biodiverse surroundings, witnessing exotic wildlife or perhaps discovering the world’s second largest coral reef. Gain insight into the region’s Mayan and Garifuna roots, discover traditional arts and traditions at the local artisans’ village or simply soak up the abundant Belizean sunshine and relax.

Visit fascinating Quiriguá and its stunning Mayan stele. Take a boat ride along the Rio Dulce to Lake Izabal past riverside Mayan villages, lush tropical vegetation and Fort San Felipe. Or take a short flight to Flores for an unforgettable visit to incredible, mysterious Tikal, its soaring ancient temples rising from the jungle floor.

Luxuriate on the magnificent beaches, snorkel or dive and explore the superb shallow reefs, or discover the island’s other natural wonders on a horseback ride on the beach and through a tropical forest past spectacular volcanic rocks.

Ride the aerial tram through the rainforest canopy at Braulio Carillo National Park. Take a boat ride through the Tortuguero Canals or the Estero Negro estuary, the rich jungle tapestry all around, while watching for colorful birds, monkeys, iguanas, sloths, crocodiles and the legendary, iridescent Blue Morpho butterfly.

The Panama Canal is approximately 50 miles long and joins the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The waterway was cut through one of the narrowest portions of land joining North and South America and took over 400 years to complete. The canal was started by the French and finished by the United States. During the course of this construction over 30,000 people lost their lives. The first ship to transit the Panama Canal was in 1914 and today about fourteen thousand vessels do so each year.

You probably can’t think of Panama City without conjuring images of the Panama Canal. But nearly 400 years before the Panama Canal opened its locks, Panama City was making its mark. From the vestiges of the original settlement to the modern skyscrapers, experience the history and culture of one of the Pacific Coast’s oldest continuously inhabited European settlements. After exploring the bustling local markets in search of fresh fish or artisan handicrafts, admire the restored Spanish Colonial architecture in Casco Viejo. Or you can head to the Miraflores Locks and watch one of the modern world’s most heroic feats of engineering in action.

You probably can’t think of Panama City without conjuring images of the Panama Canal. But nearly 400 years before the Panama Canal opened its locks, Panama City was making its mark. From the vestiges of the original settlement to the modern skyscrapers, experience the history and culture of one of the Pacific Coast’s oldest continuously inhabited European settlements. After exploring the bustling local markets in search of fresh fish or artisan handicrafts, admire the restored Spanish Colonial architecture in Casco Viejo. Or you can head to the Miraflores Locks and watch one of the modern world’s most heroic feats of engineering in action.

As a gateway to Equador, the small port city of Manta is a short drive from Montecristi, where the world’s best Panama hats are produced and where they originated. Catch a flight to the capital city of Quito, a wonderfully preserved colonial-era city perched 9,200 feet above sea level. Beautiful lakes, volcanoes and high mountains around the town of Otavalo are spectacular.

Founded by the Spanish conquistador Pizarro, Salaverry has numerous archaeological excavations and is a jumping-off spot for a visit to Machu Picchu. The “Lost City of the Incas” is one of South America’s most intriguing archaeological sites. Machu Picchu is perched 7,875 feet above sea level and has a 1,800-foot vertical drop face. What remains are extraordinary stone buildings built by the Incas for use as temples, sanctuaries and homes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was originally built in 1460.

Lima, the capital of Peru, lies on the country’s arid Pacific coast. Though its colonial center is preserved, it’s a bustling metropolis and one of South America’s largest cities. It’s home to the Museo Larco collection of pre-Columbian art and the Museo de la Nación, tracing the history of Peru’s ancient civilizations. The Plaza de Armas and the 16th-century cathedral are the heart of old Lima Centro.

Lima, the capital of Peru, lies on the country’s arid Pacific coast. Though its colonial center is preserved, it’s a bustling metropolis and one of South America’s largest cities. It’s home to the Museo Larco collection of pre-Columbian art and the Museo de la Nación, tracing the history of Peru’s ancient civilizations. The Plaza de Armas and the 16th-century cathedral are the heart of old Lima Centro.

Wander through this entrancing fishing village at the edge of the desert; it rains only once every 25 years. Marvel at the Nazca Lines, geoglyphs carved into the desert floor by pre-Incan societies, over 300 figural drawings that remain virtually undamaged through the centuries.

Nestled between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, energetic Santiago de Chile offers surprising discoveries with its renovated arts scene, expansive museums and noteworthy restaurants you won’t want to miss. Take in the outstanding views of this cosmopolitan capital by biking or hiking up one of its many gorgeous hills. Visit the Plaza de Armas – Santiago’s Original City Center – where you’ll be able to see a wealth of historical buildings and grand architecture. Or get a glimpse into the private and professional life of the poet and Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda by visiting one of his homes, all three of which have been converted into museums.

Enjoy the Bavarian ambiance of the Lake District as you visit the edge of the Patagonian wilderness, seeing pristine wood forests, vast lakes, soaring waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and spectacular vistas.

Experience a bit of rugged Patagonia with a drive into the Andes Mountains through a stunning valley to the Rio Simpson National Reserve and the town of Coyhaique. Or visit the magnificent private Aikén del Sur Park with its many waterfalls, wetlands, forests and mosses.

Laguna San Rafael National Park is in Patagonia on southern Chile’s Pacific coast. It’s known for the San Rafael Glacier, part of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field. San Rafael Lake has floating blocks of ice that have broken off from the glacier. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including marine otters, sea lions, black-necked swans and condors. The Andean peak Mount San Valentín towers above the park.

Sail through some of the world’s narrowest and most scenic waterways. Near the serrated southern tip of Chile, the Southern Andes plunge into icy waters, leaving a region so wild and remote that it has been virtually untouched since the beginning of time. It is here in Chile’s fjords that ancient glaciers sliced their way between the mountains, leaving isolated islands and hidden coves upon their retreat.

Sail through some of the world’s narrowest and most scenic waterways. Near the serrated southern tip of Chile, the Southern Andes plunge into icy waters, leaving a region so wild and remote that it has been virtually untouched since the beginning of time. It is here in Chile’s fjords that ancient glaciers sliced their way between the mountains, leaving isolated islands and hidden coves upon their retreat.

Explore the town and its history and enjoy stunning views over the Strait of Magellan to fabled Tierra del Fuego. Discover the scenic Patagonian countryside and visit a local sheep farm. The highlight is the Magellanic penguin rookery at Otway Sound. Or fly to Chile’s magnificent Torres Del Paine National Park.

Witness the spectacular beauty of Tierra del Fuego’s lakes, lush forests, soaring mountains and flora and fauna by train, via all-terrain vehicle or on horseback. Enjoy the expansive views from Garibaldi Pass and watch for sea lions and albatross along the Beagle Channel.

Half Moon Island is a minor Antarctic island, lying 1.35 km north of Burgas Peninsula, Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula region. Its surface area is 171 hectares. The Argentine Cámara Base is located on the island.

Discover this quaint town, its cathedral, authentic English pubs, neat gardens, war memorials and fascinating landscape. Set off for an adventure on this South Atlantic island and visit a penguin colony and watch for albatross and skuas or go to a sprawling sheep farm.

Spend the day enjoying this beautiful, chic beach resort, its marinas and interesting shops. See amazing works by Dali, Chagall and Miro at the Ralli Museum. Or venture into the equally stunning countryside and visit a cattle station. Shopping:

Explore this charming, cosmopolitan city of parks and colonial architecture. Visit a local vineyard and sample its wines. Or travel to the beautiful Portuguese colonial city of Colonia del Sacramento, first settled in 1680.

Discover this elegant city and its beautiful surroundings with a tranquil cruise through the Tigre Delta past islands, mansions and English gardens. Visit the pampas and watch gauchos display their extraordinary horsemanship, or enjoy a fabulous tango show in its birthplace.