Panama Canal: Cabo & Puerto Vallarta to San Diego

Experience one of the world's best short cuts! Journey 40 miles through the Panama Canal for an unforgettable experience. Witness first-hand one of the world's manmade short cuts that has changed travel and the transport of goods worldwide.

Just a few miles from Puerto Caldera is Puntarenas, where stunning beaches, an array of wildlife, and streets lined with restaurants, bars and cafés await. Carara National Park is a must for nature lovers and features ancestral trees and secondary forests, perfect for spotting wildlife such as crocodiles and 400-plus species of birds, including colourful scarlet macaws. Or, switch gears and party with the locals at Jaco, about 30 miles south. There, find sun, fun and sand with plenty of bars and places to grab a bite.

Situated along the Pacific in southwestern Nicaragua, the coastal town of San Juan Del Sur is one of the country's most popular holiday destinations. Discover local boutiques, delicious cuisine and beautiful landscape through a wide range of activities and tours. Whether horseback riding through a lush forest, gliding across emerald waters on a catamaran or catching some waves at one of the world-class surfing spots, everyone can find a piece of paradise in San Juan Del Sur.

Off the Pacific Coast, Acajutla is El Salvador's principal seaport. Its beautiful quiet beaches are becoming increasingly popular for their white sand, blue waters and biodiverse reefs. A short ride away is San Salvador, where guests can tour Mayan ruins, hike dormant volcanoes and visit historic churches.

This port city was constructed in 1984 to help connect nearby cities. Travellers often venture out to Antigua, a 90-minute trek to where 17th century colonial facades beckons and Guatemalan history comes alive.

Its ancient name means "the place where wood is adored." Thanks to some eco-tourism planning, Huatulco retains a great deal of its beloved natural beauty that surrounds its nine crystalline bays and has been awarded the prestigious Green Globe certification for its efforts.

Smaller and more subdued than Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta has retained a good deal of its small village charm along with 26 miles of spectacular beaches along the Banderas Bay. Stroll the cobblestone streets to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Or peruse the many local wares for sale at the open-air markets.

Cabo's signature landmark is El Arco ("The Arch"), a rock formation at the tip of "Land's End." The jewel of the Baja Peninsula is famous for its world-class sportfishing, as well as its high-end resorts and exclusive gated communities that line an area simply called "the Corridor."

It's not just a cliché - San Diego really does have some of the most enjoyable weather anywhere. This Southern Cal city also offers 70 miles of soft-sand beaches, a world-renowned zoo, spectacular golf course, and memorable destinations like Coronado, La Jolla and Del Mar.