Buenos Aires to Fort Lauderdale

Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, whose name means city of “favorable winds,” is the capital of Argentina. With broad, well planned avenues, charming sidewalk cafés, carefully tended parks, elaborate monuments, noble statues and splendid rococo buildings, it exudes an air of sophisticated elegance.

Until the 1880s, Buenos Aires was a mere village. However, it has now prospered into one of Latin America’s most sophisticated centers, with a population of over 11 million.

Buenos Aires has also frequently been dubbed the “Paris of the Southern Hemisphere,” due to its superb restaurants, art galleries, museums and European-influenced architecture

An upscale playground for the rich and glamorous, Punta del Este is the South American vacation spot for anyone whos anyone. Exclusive luxury casinos, hotels, restaurants and nightclubs lure many visitors, but the resort city also offers galleries, a popular handicraft market, colonial architecture, and the historic lighthouse for those looking for simpler pleasures. Sun worshipers enjoy over thirty miles of beaches stretched along the peninsula.

Argentina’s finest wool originates from the Patagonian city of Puerto Madryn, where pioneers from Scotland and England once settled on small farms and sheep ranches. Thecity lies on the shores of the Golfo Nuevo, along the southern coast of Argentina, and although not particularly blessed with buildings of great architectural significance or beautiful scenery, it is nonetheless recognized for its wonderful opportunities to view such wildlife as sea elephants, sea lions, penguins and birds.

The Falkland Islands are situated some 350 miles east of Tierra del Fuego, 1,000 miles north of Antarctica and, as the locals claim, a mere 8,000 miles from Britain. Port Stanley is home to the majority of the island’s residents -1,990 out of a total population of 2,490. These 700 islands have long been of historical importance to scientists and seamen alike. Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal, they offered safe anchorage and provisions for sailing vessels as they headed around Cape Horn. Today, maritime interests center mostly on the British Royal Navy, fishing fleets from a variety of nations and scientific expeditions to Antarctica. In 1982, world attention was riveted on these islands when Argentine and British forces fought fiercely for the right to call them their own. A number of vessels, numerous aircraft, thousands of troops and many local residents were involved in the conflict. After heavy combat, the will of Britain, supported by the island people, prevailed and the Falkland Islands remain British to this day.

Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost town, lies on the triangular-shaped islandof Tierra del Fuego. While Ferdinand Magellan was exploring the straits between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in 1520, he was amazed by the smoke and fires which seemed to appear at every turn. These fires, which were kept continuously alight by the Yaghan and Ona Indians, became the inspiration for the name “Tierra del Fuego,” Land of Fire.

Chile’s southernmost city of Punta Arenas (Sandy Point) is the only city situated on the Strait of Magellan, a 300-mile waterway which cuts a swath between the mainland and the island of Tierra del Fuego. It is also the bustling center of one of the world’s largest sheep farming areas, with major exports of wool and mutton. A wealth of sightseeing options includes private air charters over Antarctica, museums bringing yesteryear alive, and explorations deep into Patagonia’s frontier regions.

Chile’s southernmost city of Punta Arenas (Sandy Point) is the only city situated on the Strait of Magellan, a 300-mile waterway which cuts a swath between the mainland and the island of Tierra del Fuego. It is also the bustling center of one of the world’s largest sheep farming areas, with major exports of wool and mutton. A wealth of sightseeing options includes private air charters over Antarctica, museums bringing yesteryear alive, and explorations deep into Patagonia’s frontier regions.

San Rafael Lake is an arc-shaped coastal lake located in the Aysén del General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Region of Chile, within the national park that bears its name. To the north the lagoon is connected to the Moraleda Channel, to the south lies the Ofqui Isthmus.

There are few places left on earth as remote and untouched as Chacabuco, situated along the coast of Chile where the Andes Mountains meet the Pacific and miles from civilization. With no town center to speak of, the main attraction of this port is simply the pristine beauty of nature. Here, the northern Patagonian ice sheets plunge into the sea, creating ripples of neon blue brilliance, while in the distance, dramatic cliffs and waterfalls pierce the foggy mist.

Visitors to bustling, trendy Castro, capital of Chile’s Chiloé Province, are treated to a kaleidoscope of images from the colorful “palafito” stilt houses of Gamboa to the stunning yellow Church of San Francisco, one of an astounding 16 local churches to be named UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore this scenic island, including Chiloé and Tantauco National Parks, by foot, bicycle or kayak, and enjoy a unique cuisine based on indigenous flavors of Chono culture, potatoes and shellfish.

At the head of the Pacific inlet known as Reloncavi Sound, Puerto Montt is the gateway to the Bavarian-flavored Chilean Lake District, a region graced with some of the world’s most inspiring scenery. Virgin forests, picturesque towns, snow-mantled mountains and translucent lakes adorn this idyllic setting. Visit a wonderland of scenic splendor, including the towering volcano of Mount Osorno, the tranquil Lake Llanquihue, the rushing rapids of Petrohue and the serenity of Lake Todos los Santos.

Valparaíso climbs a crescent of 45 hills creating a maze of alleys, winding streets, connecting stairs and funicular railways. Chile’s main seaport, and accompanying business center, lies in a narrow belt of flatland at the foot of hills. Explore its rich culture and history to understand how ingenuity has transformed this abrupt stretch of coastline into one of the world’s most picturesque and famous port cities.

Valparaíso climbs a crescent of 45 hills creating a maze of alleys, winding streets, connecting stairs and funicular railways. Chile’s main seaport, and accompanying business center, lies in a narrow belt of flatland at the foot of hills. Explore its rich culture and history to understand how ingenuity has transformed this abrupt stretch of coastline into one of the world’s most picturesque and famous port cities.

As both a gateway to other interesting places and a destination unto itself, Coquimbo is one of Chile’s gems. Even the town’s name hints at its allure, as “Coquimbo” is derived from a native Diaguita word meaning “place of calm waters.” These days, and even as far back as the 16th century when Coquimbo was popular with pirates and privateers such as Sir Francis Drake, the town is bustling with activity. It serves not only as a commercial center for the export of the region’s fish and fruit, but also as a launching point for trips to the resort town of La Serena and to the Elqui Valley, a spot famous for its clear atmospheric conditions and Tololo Observatory.

Iquique is a coastal city in northern Chile, to the west of the Atacama Desert. A prosperous saltpeter mining town in the 19th century, today it’s a popular holiday destination with a tax-free port area, Pacific beaches and a seafront casino. In its historic district, an iconic 19th-century clock tower stands in Arturo Prat Square, the city’s main plaza.

Lima is called the City of Kings, but a more appropriate nickname might be the City of Museums. Over 20 museums can keep you busy for hours, if not days. One museum displays pottery and textiles from Peru’s ancient civilizations; another exhibits 55,000 ceramic pieces; still another is a morbid yet fascinating Museum of the Inquisition. Headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition for nearly three centuries, the building features not just the expected dungeons, but also a beautiful columned façade and carved mahogany ceiling.

The port of Salaverry leads the way to Trujillo, Peru’s second largest city. The area is an archaeological treasure trove thanks to two pre-Inca civilizations: the Mochicas, who erected two pyramids, the Sun Temple and the Moon Temple; and the Chimu, whose adobe city of Chan Chan is now excavated. Later occupied by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the colonial flavor of Trujillo is still very much evident in the architecture of its old churches and historic mansions.

Hyacinths drift by on the chocolate brown Guayas River. The forest seems to almost close in on the town. A tour includes the Municipal Market, the City Museum and the column called La Rotonda, celebrating a meeting of Bolivár and San Martín. The pristine Galapogos Islands are straight west of here, beyond the horizon.

The Panama Canal is an artificial 82 km waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a conduit for maritime trade.

Puerto Limón, located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, boasts a rich combination of sights, sounds and smells. Once ashore, embrace these elements as they surround you, filling your senses with the essence of this delightful port city. The growth of the coffee market prompted the Costa Rican government to search for an Atlantic port to facilitate shipping coffee to Europe and beyond. In 1871, the port of Limón was established and what was once a migrant fishermen’s village of five huts grew into an important center of commerce. With the introduction of a rail service the following year between San José and the Atlantic coast, Limón became a thriving railroad and banana town.

Here, where the skies are wide expanses of blue, waters are a transparent turquoise, and beaches are pure white edged by lush green palms, you can aim a point-and-shoot in almost any direction and get a beautiful picture. Photography aside, you can also dive, snorkel and swim with the dolphins. You might opt to explore the reef in a glass-bottom boat, go into town to shop for island crafts, or see the butterfly and floral gardens.

Santo Tomás de Castilla, also known as Matías de Gálvez is a port city in the Izabal Department, Guatemala. It lies at Amatique Bay off the Gulf of Honduras and is administratively a part of Puerto Barrios.

ALonely Planet “Best in Travel 2019,” Belize is home to the dazzling offshore Belize Barrier Reef – the world’s second largest after Australia’s – this is a haven for snorkelers and divers eager to explore an underwater world of rich marine life. Inland, verdant jungles are home to Mayan ruins including Caracol, renowned for its towering pyramid.

Soak up the sun on Mexico’s largest island. Cozumel has pristine palm-lined beaches and plenty of opportunities for you to get lost in Mayan mysteries, explore Caribbean coral formations, or simply relax on a white sand beach.

Soak up the sun on Mexico’s largest island. Cozumel has pristine palm-lined beaches and plenty of opportunities for you to get lost in Mayan mysteries, explore Caribbean coral formations, or simply relax on a white sand beach.

Progreso is a port city on Mexicos Yucatán Peninsula. It’s a common stop for cruise ships, which dock at its landmark long pier. An oceanfront promenade, the Malecón, is lined with beaches and thatch-roofed restaurants. The Faro de Puerto Progreso, built in 1893, is an active lighthouse. The city is a gateway to the inland Mayan archaeological sites of Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Dzibilchaltún.

Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838, during the Second Seminole War, Ft. Lauderdale has little left of its warlike past. Instead the city welcomes visitors with broad beaches and an easy pace of life, plus convenient air and water connections that make the city a perfect place to begin or end a cruise.