Some of the world's most popular vacation destinations beckon in this breathtaking guide to the Panama Canal. Just the mention of their enchanting names is enough to make travelers dream of diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, colonial charms, and contemporary vitality. Your ports of call include Cartagena, with its fortress ruins, stunning architecture, pristine beaches, and warm tropical climate; Isla Margarita, the sparkling island jewel brimming with the rich history of Venezuela and Colonial Spain; La Guaria, port city for Venezuela's vibrant and cosmopolitan capital of Caracas; Limon, gateway to Costa Rica's interior wilderness; Martinique, the "pearl of the West Indies"; Panama, with its travel treasures tucked into the jungle landscapes; Puerto Quetzal, gateway to beautiful Mayan wonder; Puntarenas, where shadowy rain forests and active volcanoes cast an exotic spell; St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands; San Andres, haven for vacationers and pirates; San Blas, offering a window on an ancient sequestered society; and San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua's premier volcanic venue.