Spanish Lullaby

Panama City

One of the most cosmopolitan cities in Central America, Panama's
chic capital is a mosaic of colour and culture with a thriving
commercial and financial sector. Formerly dismissed as a centre of
drug trade, Panama City has rebuilt its reputation as a fantastic
holiday destination with a sense of style drawn from five centuries
of history.

The city's modern skyline is constantly expanding, adding new
skyscrapers to tower over the centuries-old Baroque and Spanish
Colonial buildings that populate its older quarter, known as
. The district was designated a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 2003, and its mix of architectural styles make a
great introduction to the diverse cultural influences of Panama
City.

There are many beautiful buildings in Panama City, including the
cathedral on
, the presidential palace (called
in honour of the herons that roam
freely in the courtyard), and the Church of San Jose. Interesting
museums such as the Interoceanic Canal Museum, the
cultural museum, and the Museum of Religious
Colonial Art, give visitors insight into the city's fascinating
history, while scenic parks are great for enjoying the perennially
beautiful weather.

Panama City has a diverse population, with a number of American
and Asian expat residents who contribute to a lively nightlife,
especially around Calle Uruguay. There are also plenty of good
restaurants in Panama City, ranging from Spanish tapas and Italian
pastas to local specialties such as
(fresh fish marinated in lemon or lime juice) and
(vegetable stew). There are a number of cafes
along Via Argentina, and the fish market near the Casco Viejo is
the best place to try fresh seafood.

Panama Canal Transit

Puerto Limón

Christopher Columbus became Costa Rica's first tourist when he landed on this stretch of coast in 1502 during his fourth and final voyage to the New World. Expecting to find vast mineral wealth, he named the region Costa Rica ("rich coast"). Imagine the Spaniards' surprise eventually to find there was none. Save for a brief skirmish some six decades ago, the country did prove itself rich in a long tradition of peace and democracy. No other country in Latin America can make that claim. Costa Rica is also abundantly rich in natural beauty, managing to pack beaches, volcanoes, rain forests, and diverse animal life into an area the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. It has successfully parlayed those qualities into its role as one the world's great ecotourism destinations. A day visit is short, but time enough for a quick sample.

Roatán Island

Roatán is an island in the Caribbean, about 40 miles off the coast of Honduras. It's a popular destination for tourists, with its white sand beaches, clear blue water and laid-back atmosphere.

There are a number of ways to get to Roatán, but the most popular is to fly into the Roatán International Airport, which is served by a number of major airlines. From there, it's a short taxi ride to your hotel or resort.

Once you're on the island, there are plenty of things to do. If you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation, you can spend your days lounging on the beach, swimming in the sea or snorkeling or diving in the reefs.

If you're looking for something a little more active, there's plenty to do as well. You can go hiking or biking in the jungle, go zip-lining or horseback riding, or take a boat tour to see the island's dolphins and monkeys.

No matter what you do, you're sure to have a great time on Roatán.

Santo Tomás de Castilla

Santo Tomás de Castilla is a bustling port town located on the Gulf of Honduras in Guatemala. It serves as a gateway to the beautiful region of Izabal and is a popular destination for cruise ships and tourists alike. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, Santo Tomás de Castilla has plenty to offer for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

One of the main attractions of Santo Tomás de Castilla is its close proximity to the stunning Lake Izabal. The largest lake in Guatemala, Lake Izabal is surrounded by lush tropical rainforests and is a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can take boat tours to explore the lake's picturesque coves and the wildlife-rich jungle that surrounds it. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at catching bass, snook, and tarpon, which are abundant in the lake.

Another must-visit attraction in Santo Tomás de Castilla is the Castillo de San Felipe, a historical fortress located near the town. Built in the 17th century by the Spanish colonialists, the castle played a crucial role in protecting the region from pirate attacks. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved castle and enjoy panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the town of Santo Tomás de Castilla.

For those interested in learning about the local culture and history, a visit to the nearby town of Livingston is highly recommended. This charming Garifuna community is known for its vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture and traditional music and dance. Visitors can sample delicious Garifuna cuisine, browse local handicrafts, and immerse themselves in the unique traditions of the Garifuna people.

Santo Tomás de Castilla is also an excellent destination for adventure enthusiasts. The nearby national parks and protected areas offer a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and zip-lining. One of the most popular destinations for hiking is the Rio Dulce Natural Monument, a stunning area with lush vegetation, waterfalls, and natural hot springs.

Food lovers will also be delighted by the culinary scene in Santo Tomás de Castilla. The town is known for its variety of fresh seafood, from succulent shrimp and lobster to flavorful fish tacos. Visitors can enjoy excellent seafood dishes at local restaurants, often accompanied by live music and a lively atmosphere.

In terms of accommodations, Santo Tomás de Castilla offers a range of options to suit every budget. From cozy guesthouses to luxury eco-lodges, there is something for everyone. Many of the accommodations are located close to the waterfront, allowing guests to enjoy stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

Overall, Santo Tomás de Castilla is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its natural beauty, fascinating history, and warm hospitality, it offers a unique and authentic experience for travelers looking to explore the untamed beauty of Guatemala. Whether you are interested in outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or simply relaxing by the beach, Santo Tomás de Castilla has something for everyone.

Costa Maya

Costa Maya is a coastal town in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is located on the Yucatán Peninsula's east coast, on the Caribbean Sea. Costa Maya is known for its beaches, coral reefs, and Mayan ruins. The town is a popular tourist destination, and is served by the Costa Maya International Airport. 

Costa Maya was originally settled by the Maya people. The Maya civilization reached its peak in the region between the 8th and 10th centuries AD. The Maya built a number of cities in the area, including nearby Chacchoben and Kohunlich. The Maya were eventually overtaken by the Spanish, who began to settle Costa Maya in the 16th century. 

Today, Costa Maya is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, coral reefs, and Mayan ruins. The town is home to a number of hotels and resorts, as well as a cruise ship terminal. Costa Maya is also a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cozumel

Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, opposite Playa del Carmen, and close to the site of the ancient Mayan city of Tulum. The island's main town is San Miguel de Cozumel. The island is covered with mangrove forest and has a wide variety of fauna, including many species of birds, lizards, and fish.

Cozumel is a popular tourist destination, especially for scuba diving and snorkeling. The clear waters around the island attract many visitors from all over the world. There are many dive sites around the island, with something to suit all levels of experience. The most popular dive sites are the Palancar Caves, the Columbia Reef, and the Paradise Reef.

The island is also a popular destination for cruise ships. Cruise ship passengers often take excursions to the island, to visit the town of San Miguel, or to go on one of the many organized tours.

The island has a rich history. It was inhabited by the Maya people for centuries, and there are many Maya ruins on the island. The most famous Maya ruin on the island is the Temple of the Sun, which is located in the town of San Miguel.

Cozumel was also the site of a major battle in the Mexican-American War, known as the Battle of Cozumel. This was a brief but bloody battle, which resulted in the death of over 200 American soldiers.

The island has a tropical climate, with warm weather all year round. The best time to visit is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and most pleasant.

Miami, Florida

The party and cruise capital of the word, Miami is a bright,
brash, playground city that 15.5 million tourists flock to every
year. The Roaring Twenties saw this town bloom into a seaside
capital, blessed with a legacy of Art Deco architecture, diverse
cultures, and natural wonders enough to satisfy any
holiday-goer.

Being the gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, Miami has
a large Cuban presence, evident in the vibrant neighbourhood of
. Art lovers can meander around the art districts like
Wynwood and the Coconut Grove, while others can lounge on the miles
of sandy beaches. For families there are kid-friendly attractions
like the
and Metrozoo. The nightlife is sophisticated and
varied. The city also gives easy access to Florida's popular Gold
Coast resorts and attractions, as well as the natural wonder of the

.

It is no wonder Miami is America's favourite holiday destination
and the hub of a vibrant cruise ship industry, its port constantly
jammed with sleek passenger liners. North of the city, the miles of
beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast are hemmed in by southeast
Florida's major tourist towns: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano
Beach, and Palm Beach.