San Juan

Ancient fortress walls, street musicians, and the Caribbean sun create an unforgettable atmosphere in Cartagena (Bolívar) — the gem of Colombia's coast. This city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants visitors with its colonial architecture, charming courtyards, and the aroma of fresh coffee wafting from countless cafés.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythm of Cartagena, strolling through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, where every corner holds tales of pirates and Spanish conquistadors. And the sunset near the ancient Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is the perfect ending to a day filled with culture, history, and tropical romance.

Ancient fortress walls, street musicians, and the Caribbean sun create an unforgettable atmosphere in Cartagena (Bolívar) — the gem of Colombia's coast. This city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants visitors with its colonial architecture, charming courtyards, and the aroma of fresh coffee wafting from countless cafés.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythm of Cartagena, strolling through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, where every corner holds tales of pirates and Spanish conquistadors. And the sunset near the ancient Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is the perfect ending to a day filled with culture, history, and tropical romance.

The Panama Canal is an artificial 82 km (51 mi) waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a conduit for maritime trade. Canal locks are at each end to lift ships up to Gatun Lake, an artificial lake created to reduce the amount of excavation work required for the canal, 26 m (85 ft) above sea level, and then lower the ships at the other end. The original locks are 34 m (110 ft) wide. A third, wider lane of locks was constructed between September 2007 and May 2016. The expanded canal began commercial operation on June 26, 2016. The new locks allow transit of larger, post-Panamax ships, capable of handling more cargo.

France began work on the canal in 1881, but stopped due to engineering problems and a high worker mortality rate. The United States took over the project in 1904 and opened the canal on August 15, 1914. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, the Panama Canal shortcut greatly reduced the time for ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, enabling them to avoid the lengthy, hazardous Cape Horn route around the southernmost tip of South America via the Drake Passage or Strait of Magellan.

Colombia, France, and later the United States controlled the territory surrounding the canal during construction. The US continued to control the canal and surrounding Panama Canal Zone until the 1977 Torrijos–Carter Treatiesprovided for handover to Panama. After a period of joint American–Panamanian control, in 1999, the canal was taken over by the Panamanian government. It is now managed and operated by the government-owned Panama Canal Authority.

Panama City, located on the northwestern coast of Florida, is known for its long white beaches with soft quartz sand and the warm emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This resort town is popular among both family vacationers and lovers of water activities: here you can enjoy kayaking, parasailing, diving, and fishing. One of the highlights is the local promenade — Pier Park — home to shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

In addition to beach relaxation, Panama City offers unique natural attractions. Nearby is the St. Andrews State Park, where visitors can watch dolphins, walk along trails through dunes and pine forests, or take a trip to Shell Island, a place of untouched nature. The city blends a resort atmosphere with Southern charm, offering a peaceful yet activity-filled vacation experience.