Ancient Kingdoms and Natural Treasures: Panama to Chile

Named one of the seven modern wonders of the world by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Panama Canal is a 77 km ship canal in Panama that joins the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. Built from 1903 to 1914, nearly 850,000 vessels have passed through the canal. Interestingly, the 8-10 hour journey from the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east is one from SE to NW. Read more about Panama Canal, Panama

Ensenada, about 100 km south of the US/Mexican border at Tijuana, is just far enough from the border to offer a more authentic Mexican experience than the eight border towns. Ensenada is one of the oldest municipalities in Baja California, and one of the largest in the world by land area. Situated on the beautiful island-studded Bay (Bahia) of Los Angeles, it offers aquatic activities such as windsurfing, kayaking and whale-watching. Read more about Ensenada, Mexico

Manta is a major commercial and holiday resort centre and the second major port of Ecuador. It is possibly best known for the Playa (beach) Murciélago area of the Malecón, where not only is the seafood excellent, but also on offer is great music, beach aerobics, parties, and general night life ambience. Gathering momentum among tourists is the fact that this is the home of seeds of particular palms that are almost indistinguishable from ivory after they have been dried. Read more about Manta, Ecuador

Salaverry, known as "The City of Eternal Spring" because of its very sunny and pleasant year-round weather, is the port for Trujillo as well as the second largest city in Peru. It has numerous interesting archaeological sites of the Moche and Chimu civilizations, and has managed to retain much of its colonial flavour, as reflected in its historical city centre. Here are found not only the cathedral and city hall, but also numerous colonial mansions that have been preserved and are open to visitors. Read more about Salaverry (Trujillo), Peru

Paracas (aka Parakas) is a small town on the coast in the Ica Region of Peru. Ica is known as an area of sand, sea, oases and valleys. It is the cradle of Peru's Creole culture, saints and medicine men, where the best pisco brandy is distilled and where religious fervour is strong in the worship of the Señor de Luren or the Yauca shrine. Read more about Paracas, Peru

Santiago is the capital of Chile, 90 minutes drive from its port Valparaiso. Santiago has easy access both to ski slopes just 50 km to the Andes, and beaches 100 km to the Pacific. Chile's steady economic growth has transformed Santiago into one of Latin America's most modern metropolitan areas, with dozens of shopping centers and impressive high-rises. Read more about Santiago (Valparaiso), Chile