Valparaiso, Chile

The entire town of Valparaiso seems to precariously hang on precipitous cliffs, crisscrossed by narrow, twisting footpaths, stairways and the city's time-tested rapid transit system of funicular cars called ascensores. If you've never ridden one, you're in for a treat.

Arica, Chile

Arica is an oasis, literally. Bordered by desert sand dunes and fertile valleys fed by the melting and life-giving snows of the Andes, this city is located in the heart of some culturally fascinating attractions. The Plaza Colon, Eiffel's iron cathedral of San Marcos, is one such point of interest. Another is the archeology museum in the nearby Azapa Valley. There you'll find pre-Columbian weavings, carvings and mummies from the Chinchorro culture dating back to 10,000 BC

Lima, (Callao) Peru

The cultural and economic heart of Peru, Lima once served as the seat of power for the Spanish Empire of South America. Lima is home to fine museums of archeology, art and even gold. The catacombs beneath the Church of San Francisco are a sight to behold as are the thousands of antique texts you'll find in the library of the adjoining monastery.

Callao, Peru
The gateway to Lima was founded by Pizarro and the Conquistadors and is a great staging area for all your Peruvian exploits. From here you can tour the Incan capital of Cuzco and the mysterious lost city of Machu Picchu with relative ease. You're also within easy reach of "must-sees" like The Gold Museum of Lion, the Larco Hennera Museum, the Pachacamac Ruins, the Archeological Museum and the Paso Horse exhibition.

Manta, Ecuador

This port city affords the visitor unprecedented access to ancient Manta culture, including the small rafts once used by the Manta circa 500 - 1500 AD. A short jaunt from the port is the Bahia de Manta. There you'll find el Parque Nacional Machalilla with its cloud forests, archeological sites and colonies of nesting seabirds.

Panama Canal (Cruising)

"The land of the divided, the world united." It's hard to imagine a more fitting motto for what in no uncertain terms irrevocably changed the Western Hemisphere forever. For fifty miles the canal transects the exotic emerald jungles of Panama and gives one an appreciation of what a Herculean task it was to build this waterway before the advent of computers and giant earth movers.

Oranjestad, Aruba

Aruba is probably the all-time most-used synonym for vacation. The capital city, Oranjestad, is a chic blend of Dutch and Caribbean influences, which can be found in everything from the cuisine to the architecture. The charming boutiques of Seaport Village and the tropical gardens in Wilhelmina can be pleasant diversions.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Once the epicenter of Spring Break, today Ft. Lauderdale is a year-round destination where culture and cuisine are in ample supply. Beautiful beaches, sunshine, coastline, nightclubs and superb restaurants await you in this Gold Coast enclave. More restaurants and shopping on Las Olas Boulevard or Himmarshee in downtown Ft. Lauderdale are a must.