14-day Cruise to Panama Canal: Mexico & Costa Rica from Orlando & Beaches (Port Canaveral) on Norwegian Joy

Los Angeles is the second largest city in the U.S., ranking second only to that of New York in size. The city, which attracts thousands of tourists yearly, is noted for its parks; for many and varied museums; for its enormous Music Center and Convention Center; for the fossil-rich La Brea Tar Pits; for its ethnic communities; for its climate and beaches; and for its educational institutions, including the Univ. of Southern California and the Univ. of California at Los Angeles. The 1932 and 1984 summer Olympics were held in the city.

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.