Vacations in Latin America

Latin America is a unique area of the world full of history, culture and excitement. As a plus, Latin American vacations allow you to escape from your everyday life without traveling across the globe: Latin America's excitement is waiting for you just south of the U.S. border!

Latin America has destinations as close as the bustling city of Tijuana or as far as the island of Tierra del Fuego. With its variety of climates and terrains, Latin American has something to offer every traveler.

With so much to offer, planning a trip to Latin America can be overwhelming. Do you want to go cliff diving in Acapulco, cruise along the Mexican Riviera or take in a dose of history while trekking through the jungle in search of ruins? Maybe you want to do all three?

Whatever the case, we're here to make sure you get the most out of your Latin America vacation. Our articles cover everything you need to make your Latin America vacation one you'll never forget, from must-see Mexico cities to Panama Canal ports of call.

Keep reading to learn more about vacationing in Latin America.

Mexico Cruises

A Mexico cruise allows you to experience a number of Mexico's beautiful and exciting cities, all while enjoying the luxurious accommodations of a cruise ship. During the day, you can walk on a warm, white sand beach or go to the local open-air markets to shop for unique jewelry or clothing. At night you can return to the ship to dine on first-class food and even catch a show.

While on a Mexico cruise, consider visiting the famous Sun Triangle: Acapulco, Taxco and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. With miles of sand and surf and the vibrant nightlife of casinos, clubs and restaurants, the Sun Triangle has become a popular vacation destination. As exotic as any distant land, Mexico's proximity and tremendous value provide travelers a wide array of options.

Read on to learn more about Mexico cruises.

Cities in Mexico

There are a number of Mexican cities for travelers to enjoy. Many visitors flock to the coastal cities of Mexico, each of which offers distinct cultural and historical flavors and unique attractions. You can visit the Sun Triangle, where the beauty of the beaches and the sunsets form a backdrop to casinos, restaurants and the excitement of Mexican nightlife. Or maybe you'd rather travel to the relaxing fishing villages.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination spot. Surrounded by a mountain range on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, Puerto Vallarta boasts world-class resorts. If you're looking for a spot a little more off of the beaten path, check out Zihuatanejo, an old fishing village where cruise ships often anchor.

Keep reading to learn about more exciting Mexico cities.

History of the Panama Canal

A lot of people know about the Panama Canal, but many don't know about the canal's interesting history. For instance, did you know that Spanish explorers first suggested the possibility of a canal linking the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in the 16th century? While technical and political difficulties kept the canal from being completed until 1914, today thousands of vessels pass through the canal each year.
 
Stretching almost 50 miles, the Panama Canal employs more than 9,000 people and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
 
Read on to learn more interesting facts about the history of the Panama Canal.

Panama Canal Ports of Call

Cruising through the Panama Canal is an exciting experience for many travelers. As a plus, while on a Panama Canal cruise you'll have the opportunity to visit many exciting ports of call before you enter and after you leave the canal.

Before you reach the Panama Canal, your cruise ship might stop at Puerto Caldera on the western coast of Costa Rica. If you're a surfer, you'll be especially interested in the waves around Playa Hermosa, which boasts some of the best surfing breaks in the world.

Once you're through the canal, you might visit Cartagena, the famous walled city of Columbia. Originally walled to repel pirate attacks, the city is home to dazzling colonial architecture and history.

Read on to learn more about Panama Canal ports of call.