Panama Canal Cruise - from Los Angeles - 112172

San Diego, the second-largest city in California lies at the very South of the state and is heavily influenced by Spanish, Mexican and American culture. The climate, which is warm and sunny all year round, is what makes this trendy palm-lined beach so popular. To make the most of the weather, there is a total of 112 km of beaches in the area surrounding San Diego. Mission Bay has plenty of opportunities to do some fishing, sailing, go out on a motor boat, surf or swim. In addition, San Diego is framed by a beautiful landscape with mountains and large fruit and vegetable plantations. Sights include: the old town, San Diego zoo, the exclusive suburb of La Jolla, the Maritime Museum, Balboa Park, the Museum of Art and the Science Centre.

Mazatlán is where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortés meet. The island has many beaches, bars and outdoor restaurants. The neighbouring islands are perfect for sports and recreational activities.

This romantic city at the Mexican Riviera with its palm-lined beaches and the almost primeval vegetation provides pure relaxation. In the North of the city there are long beaches, while the South has little coves that are just perfect for sunbathing, snorkelling and diving. Liz Taylor is a big fan and settled here because of the peaceful atmosphere and the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.

'Acapulco is a Mexican harbour town on the Pacific coast. The "Costa Miguel Aleman", the town's splendid boulevard is home to countless shops, restaurants, bars and discos. Local sights include the "Casa de la Cultura", the Historical Museum and the cliff-divers at the cliffs of "La Quebrada", who plunge into the ocean from a height of 40 metres. Acapulco is the only place in Mexico with a submerged statue of its patron saint, the Virgin of Guadaloupe, which can be viewed from one of the popular glass-bottomed boats. The glass-bottomed boats also provide a breathtaking view of the magical underwater world. Sun-worshippers will be spoilt for choice with the Playa Icacos, Playa Hornos, Playa Revolcadero, Playa Diamante and Barra Vieja beaches all providing the perfect spot to relax for a few hours.

The Mexican harbour city Huatulco, around 50 km South of Puerto Angel, used to be nothing more than a small fishing village. Today, the town stretches more than 35 km over nine bays and a great many beaches; some of these bays can be reached only by boat. Huatulco stands at the foot of the "white mountain", "Monte Alban". Its peak was worn away more than 2,500 years ago; on the plateau that was left the Zapotecs built temples, palaces and pyramids that visitors can still visit today.

The Pacifc port of Puerto Quetzal is around 2 hours south of the capital, Guatemala City, and is named after the Quetzal bird, the heraldic symbol of this Central American country. Puerto Quetzal is the starting point for trips inland on the trail of the Mayans and into the tropical rainforest.

Acajutla is South-West of El Salvador, a land of volcanic origin. The town is home to one of the most important sea-ports in the country. In the nearby surroundings you can find the Mayan ruins of "Tazumal" and the crater lake "Lago Coatepeque".

Puntarenas means 'sandy tip' and the town lies on a tongue of land that sticks out into the Gulf of Nicoya. For a long time it was the most important Pacific port in the country, and even today the harbour is lined with fishing boats, giving the town its incomparably maritime character. This beach resort, which is steeped in tradition, is the perfect place for a stroll along the southern beach promenade, Paseo de los Turistas, which is particularly busy at the weekends. In the evening you can watch the glowing red sun sink down into the Gulf von Nicoya while enjoying a cocktail at the popular beach.

In the middle of Central America lies the tropical region of the Panama Canal with its lush vegetation and rainforests. The Panama Canal is a technical masterpiece and one of the most important waterways in the world. It takes just a day to travel along the canal, but visitors are sure to remember the trip for many a long year.

The San Blas islands are on the Caribbean side of Panama. The island group comprises 365 islands, only a few of which are inhabited. The islands lie in an autonomous region and have been ruled by the Kuna native Indians since 1938. There are no mosquitos, perhaps one of the reasons the native Indians chose to settle here. They go out to fish for crustaceans in special wooden boats, called "Cayucos". Unlike the other tribes of the Caribbean, the Kuna are dressed top-to-toe at all times, usually in colourful traditional costumes. For tourists, the San Blas Islands represent a beautiful, untouched diving area that people are reluctant to leave on account of its sandy beaches in sheltered coves and its warm, turquoise-blue waters.

Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredias, a Spaniard and companion of Columbus, as a naval port. The historic old town and the harbour are listed and have been a World Heritage Site since 1984. Due to the flourishing trade in gold from Peru, silver from Bolivia and emeralds from Muzo, the city developed quickly and magnificently. Today, mainly oil coffee and platinum are exported and the city has been able to make a name for itself as one of the most beautiful colonial cities of South America. Sights include: the Gold Museum, the cathedral dating from the 16th/17th century and the San Felipe de Barajas fort with its amazing system of tunnels.

Montego Bay is a harbour town at the North-West coast of Jamaica. Founded in 1492, today it is considered to be one of the most modern towns in the Caribbean. From Gloucester Street and Kent Avenue you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Caribbean and the coral reef. There are three large beaches, Doctor’s Cave Beach, McCatty and a cave. Not far from the coast is "Rose Hall", the manor house built in 1760 on the grounds of a sugar-cane plantation. Sights include: "Downtown" in the South, the multifaceted hotel area on the island.

Montego Bay is a harbour town at the North-West coast of Jamaica. Founded in 1492, today it is considered to be one of the most modern towns in the Caribbean. From Gloucester Street and Kent Avenue you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Caribbean and the coral reef. There are three large beaches, Doctor’s Cave Beach, McCatty and a cave. Not far from the coast is "Rose Hall", the manor house built in 1760 on the grounds of a sugar-cane plantation. Sights include: "Downtown" in the South, the multifaceted hotel area on the island.