15-Day Panama Canal

Cartagena, (kär´te-jê´ne) city (1985 pop. 563,949), capital of Bolívar dept., NW Colombia, a port on the Bay of Cartagena, in the Caribbean Sea. Oil-refining and the manufacture of leather, textile, and tobacco goods are major industries, and there is an expanding petrochemical complex. Founded in 1533, Cartagena became the treasure city of the Spanish Main, where precious New World minerals awaited transshipment to Spain. It was often sacked despite its massive fortifications, some of which still stand. It declared its independence from Spain in 1811 and was incorporated into Colombia in 1821. Its rapid development in the 20th cent. was due largely to the discovery of oil in the Magdalena basin. One of the most picturesque of Latin American cities, with shady plazas and cobblestone streets, Cartagena attracts many tourists.

Fort Lauderdale, (lô´der-dâl´) city (1990 pop. 148,377), seat of Broward Co., SE Fla., on the Atlantic coast; settled around a fort built (c.1837) in the Seminole War, inc. 1911. The city has more than 270 mi (435 km) of natural and artificial waterways and one of the largest marinas in the world. A major beach resort, it has a performing arts center and art and science museums. Products include electronic devices, boats and yachts, and various light manufactures.

After the Mexican government’s mastery with Cancun’s resort development, it decided to convert the tiny town into the luxurious resort that Huatulco has become. Bahias de Huatulco consists of nine bays extends over a 20-mile stretch. Santa Cruz, the original town, is now the center of Huatulco’s development. Not long ago it was a sleepy fishing village
of simple adobe huts, now its a resort town with wide, palm-lined boulevards, rolling golf courses, and large hotel complexes. The colorful silver and handicrafts market along the town’s main boulevard, Juarez, is a good place to pick up souvenirs. It’s also fun to watch people in the “zocalo,” the grassy town square, or take a glass-bottom boat ride into the pretty harbor of Santa Cruz Bay.

They called it worthless. That’s right-the Spanish explorer Alonzo de Ojeda, who claimed Aruba for Spain in 1499, said the island wasn’t worth colonizing. What could he have been thinking? With beautiful beaches, fine snorkeling and watersports, today’s visitors to Aruba enjoy fabulous nightlife, delicious local seafood, and the genuine friendliness of Aruba’s unique population.

The Spanish may not have been impressed, but the Dutch were. Arriving in force in 1634, they’ve entwined their culture, language and cuisine with that of the natives, giving the island a flavor all its own.

The island is now home to fabulous resorts, a golf course, a casino and outstanding shopping. The scuba and snorkeling in the clear waters is world famous.

Puerto Quetzal is our gateway to the natural wonders and ruins in this untouristed nation. Visit Tikal, once the most resplendent city in the Mayan world. Tour Antigua Guatemala with its rumbling volcanoes. Or go in search of the rare quetzal, the spectacular but shy bird with iridescent feathers that cannot live in captivity. So revered by Guatemalans, its graceful image appears on the country’s national coins called “quetzals.”

This sleepy fishing village became a jet-set resort after “The Night of the Iguana” was filmed here in 1964. Nestled on the 28-mile curve of Banderas Bay and bordered by a mountain range, Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by sleek, sophisticated world-class resorts, yet its downtown area has steadfastly held its character, refusing to be modernized. You’ll still find the traditional whitewashed houses with red-tile roofs and lush bougainvillea, cobblestone streets, and colorful fishing boats. A treat for the eye as well as the camera.

San Diego, (dê-â´go) city (1990 pop. 1,110,549; met. area 2,498,016), seat of San Diego co., S Calif., on San Diego Bay. The city is the second largest in California and the sixth largest in the U.S. Its excellent natural harbor has made it a fishing and shipping port, and a major naval center. Aerospace, electronics, shipbuilding, biotechnology, and other industries are important. Tourism and convention business are large factors in the economy. Explored and claimed by Spain in 1542, it
was the site of the first of Fr. Junípero Serra’s missions and a historic fort, the Presidio (both 1769). The area has many other historic sites, including the Cabrillo National Monument. San Diego is also a cultural, medical, oceanographic, and research center, and its aquatic park and enormous zoo are well known. From 1988 to 1995 the America’s Cup sailing races were held at San Diego.

San Francisco one of the nation’s cultural centers. Founded by the Spanish in 1776 as Yerba Buena, it was taken and renamed by the Americans in 1846. The California gold rush of 1848 led to great growth; with the arrival of newcomers from all over the world in the late 19th century the city took on a cosmopolitan air.

A gracious, picturesque city with a mild climate, it is famous for its individuality. Notable features include its cable cars, which carry passengers on its steep hills; the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (opened 1936) and Golden Gate Bridge (opened 1937); Chinatown; Fisherman’s Wharf; Telegraph Hill; the mansions of Nob Hill; the opera house; symphony hall (1980); the Yerba Buena arts and gardens complex; and numerous institutions of learning.