Costa Rica, Mexico & Hawaiian Nights

Formerly a fortified armory, this newly developed port is the portal to colonial Panama City and an in-depth look at Miraflores Locks. Also from here, you can visit an Embera Indian village.

The principal town of Costa Rica’s Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas gives access to several of the nation’s ecological reserves, including the Monteverde Reserve, as well as highlights of the highlands such as the famous woodcarving center of Sarchi and the distinctive highland town of Grecia with its metal Gothic church. At the nearby Carara National Park, visitors can see the “Pura Vida” waterfall, some 650 feet high and keep an eye out for brilliant Scarlet Macaws.

Puerto Chiapas is located in the southern Soconusco region of the Mexican state of Chiapas, close by the Guatemalan border. The region produces both coffee and cacao for chocolate, and so provides opportunities to see how these commodities are grown, processed and used worldwide. Bananas and tropical blooms are two other regional agricultural mainstays. If you have never tasted a truly tree-ripened banana, the experience can be revelatory. There are some pre-Columbian ruins at Izapa, although nothing on the scale of other, more famous Mayan ruins in Mexico and Guatemala. Favorite activities that have been developed for visitors include people-to-people opportunities in some of the nearby rural (and very friendly) communities.

“PV” takes to its glamorous role as the Cannes of the Mexican Riviera with gusto. With clear warm waters, movie-star beaches and a host of nearby sporting activities, it is definitely ready for a close-up!

Home to the state capitol and the majority of Hawaii’s population, the island of Oahu is a vibrant mix of natural, cultural and historic wonders. In Honolulu, an array of cultures blends harmoniously, allowing each to retain its distinct flavor. The downtown sector combines Hawaii’s royal history with the modern-day action of a major metropolitan center. Waikiki Beach, with its impressive hotels and glittering atmosphere, is a famous tourist hub and resort destination of international renown. Honolulu is also the location of Diamond Head, Oahu’s famous volcanic landmark, and Pearl Harbor, the largest natural harbor in Hawaii and the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark.

Home to the state capitol and the majority of Hawaii’s population, the island of Oahu is a vibrant mix of natural, cultural and historic wonders. In Honolulu, an array of cultures blends harmoniously, allowing each to retain its distinct flavor. The downtown sector combines Hawaii’s royal history with the modern-day action of a major metropolitan center. Waikiki Beach, with its impressive hotels and glittering atmosphere, is a famous tourist hub and resort destination of international renown. Honolulu is also the location of Diamond Head, Oahu’s famous volcanic landmark, and Pearl Harbor, the largest natural harbor in Hawaii and the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark.