Sailing through the Panama Canal is an event in itself, but you may not actually stop in Panama itself. Fortunately, there are plenty of ports of call on both sides of the canal just waiting for you to explore.
Before you reach the Panama Canal, your cruise ship will probably stop at Puerto Caldera on the western coast of Costa Rica, well known for its beautiful beaches. If you''re a surfer, you''ll be especially interested in the waves around Playa Hermosa, which boasts some of the best surfing breaks in the world.
Costa Rica''s beautiful beaches are rivaled only by its lush interior, where you can explore the country''s history and its stunning natural resources. Things to do while in Costa Rica:
Once you''re through the canal, you can stop in at Cartagena, the famous walled city of Columbia. Originally walled to repel pirate attacks, the city is home to dazzling colonial architecture and history.
Some sites of interest in Columbia include:
The island of Aruba is a paradise for ocean lovers, although the inland areas have plenty of attractions too. Take advantage of the island''s incredible selection of oceanside activities, or tour inland on an off-road safari.
Attractions in Aruba include:
Have you ever noticed how much better you can get to know people if you visit them in their homes? Well, the same is true of fish and other sea creatures. You can sneak a peek at their home life through a glass-bottomed boator you can don your scuba gear and dive in for a nose-to-nose visit.
Puerto Rico may be your final port of call if you started in the Pacific. Home to a raucous Carnival and impressive colonial Spanish architecture, the capital city of San Juan is a treasure trove of unique experiences.
Puerto Rico Highlights: