Hunt for cultural treasures and outdoor thrills in South America.
Central and South America are a lively mix of cultures, history, music, cuisine and natural landscapes. Lose yourself in the charm of Cartagena, Colombia’s colorful and colonial capital city. Travel deep into the lush rainforests of Costa Rica in San Luis Park. Lay back on white-sand beaches like Dzul Ha and Chen Rio in Cozumel, Mexico. Go snorkeling in the warm waters lined with vibrant coral reefs off Belize, and see the Mayan landmark El Castillo in the rainforest near Belize City. Cruise to Central and South America to stroll through the Spanish colonial-era streets of Antigua, Guatemala, with its Baroque churches backdropped by dramatic Volcan de Agua volcano.
CULTURE CLASH
South America is diverse in all realms, with cultural treasures waiting to be discovered. Walk the cobblestone streets of Cartagena, Colombia, and Antigua, Guatemala, lined with regal plazas and opulent churches. Then, stop by the local markets to peruse the hand-embroidered, brightly colored traditional garments and take in the fragrant smells of dried chiles.
CANAL ACROSS A CONTINENT
Sail from the Pacific to the Atlantic side (or vice versa) of the South American coast on a Panama Canal cruise. As you make your way between the two oceans, you’ll pass Soberania National Park: Take in the stunning views of its lush rainforests, and keep your eyes peeled for rare parakeets and capuchin monkeys.
TAMALES AND THEN SOME
Famous for its tamales fajados (chicken tamales) and tamales guemes (pork, raisin and olive tamales), Cabo San Lucas also boasts a seafood stew known as comida de pobres, served with rice and beans and flour tortillas.
TASTES OF JALISCO
Jalisco, the state where Puerto Vallarta is found, is the definitive influence on this destination’s cuisine. Go for the famous lemon-marinated grilled fish known as pescado embarazado, and ask for huichol sauce, a blend of chili peppers, cumin and vinegar.
SAVOR GUATEMALA
Enjoy a mouth-watering empanada in Antigua, Guatemala — these savory pastries are stuffed with potato and meat and topped with guacamole, cilantro and onions.
MOLE POBLANO
A saucy and popular delicacy, mole poblano is made with chili peppers and chocolate and is poured over chicken and then topped with sesame seeds.
CHILE RELLENO
Mexican chefs are experts at taking food to the next level, which is exactly the point of the chile relleno. There are many variants of the dish, though all involve filling a poblano pepper with spiced meat and cheese. One popular variant includes ground pork, raisins and nuts.
Cross foggy suspended bridges or zip-line along the treetops at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve near Puntarenas, Costa Rica, where local travel guides take you deep within the forest as you learn about its precious ecosystems.
Discover why Mexico is one of the most impressive civilizations in the world when you experience its Mayan ruins at Tulum, Ek Balam or Chichen Itza and its Aztec roots at Tenochtitlan and Templo Mayor, harkening back thousands of years of history.
Reach the beach and soak, surf or snorkel in Mexico’s clear waters, then stroll over soft sands and discover ancient ruins by the sea in places like Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas. More seascapes are found in Playa Progreso in Yucatan, Costa Sur in Puerto Vallarta, Cacaluta in Huatulco and Mahahual in Costa Maya, all of which provide those frame-ready vistas synonymous with Mexico.
Cancun and Cozumel’s town centers remind you that these places aren’t just beach hot spots — they’re every bit as “real Mexico” as cities in the country’s interior. In Cancun, visit food-truck filled Parque Las Palpas, or stop into the shops and cafes of vibrant Avenida Tulum. In Cozumel, check out the understated, elegant San Miguel Cathedral, or learn about the local ecosystem at the Museum of Cozumel Island.
Grab a bicycle and ride on one of the eight trails of Christoffel National Park in Curacao. The 4,450-acre wildlife preserve is home to animals like white-tailed deer and blue iguanas. See how many you can spot during your vacation.
During your day in Grenada, head to the Dougaldston Estate and learn all about nutmeg. The spice trade was a prominent part of Caribbean history, and here you can see how the spice is harvested, processed and then exported.
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Every country has its own particular history and influences: Get to know the locals to discover what makes them unique.
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Learn a few words and phrases Spanish — they’ll come in handy as you interact with the locals.
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Dare to go beyond the tourist areas and find your way to the places where locals hang out. You’ll get a closer look at the typical daily life of the country.
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Haggling on prices at local markets is par for the course here — just make sure you know a few words of Spanish, and don’t ask the vendor to go unreasonably low.
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If you want to bring rum back on the boat, learn the cruise policy before you buy. There’s a limit to the amount of alcohol you can carry onto the boat from a port.
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There’s a more lax attitude about time in South America so factor in an extra half-hour to an hour when planning out your South America cruise itineraries.