Peru, Panama, Aruba, The Bahamas Cruise on Queen Victoria from Santiago de Chile

Santiago de Chile

Santiago is the capital of Chile and the biggest city, extension wise and population wise. It was founded in 1514 and it has been the capital since colonial times. It has a priviliged situation as you can either go to the snowey mountains travelling 31 miles, or have a bath visiting the sandy beaches in 62 miles. You can visit the winter sport resorts, or visit the beaches in Vina del Mars or valparaiso, the principal port in Chile. Wherever you are in the city you will be able to admire the Andes mountain chain. You will also find little villages surrounding Santiago. You can visit them and see the peace and tranquility of the country life. the tourists can also visit the vineyards and taste the delicious wines.

La Serena (Chile)

Coquimbo, together with La Serena is the center of Chile's "little North". The city has about 170,000 inhabitants and is closely linked to the pirate Francis Drake. The port plays an important role as an export port, particularly for fruit.

Arica (Chile)

Arica is a commune and a port city in the Arica Province of northern Chile's Arica y Parinacota Region. It is Chile's northernmost city. The city is the capital of both the Arica Province and the Arica and Parinacota Region. Arica is located at the bend of South America's western coast known as the Arica Bend or Arica Elbow. At the location of the city two lush valleys that dissect the Atacama Desert converge: Azapa and Lluta. Arica is an important port for a large inland region of South America. Its mild weather have make Arica known as the "city of the eternal spring" in Chile while its beaches are frequented. Its beaches are attractive all year round, among them Bahía Chinchorro and Las Machas. Another attraction is the Morro de Arica, with its Museo de Armas, which is much frequented by tourists. It contains vivid reminders of the Pacific War, such as uniforms, bullets and other objects used by the soldiers.Different vestiges of the indian cultures can be appreciated here in the goods which are offered for sale, produced by primitive techniques, particularly those in the Pueblo Artesanal. Here you will find museums with displays of objects used by these pre-Hispanic cultures and others brought by the Spanish settlers.

Callao (Peru)

Callao is a city located in the midwest of Peru. On the banks of the Pacific Ocean at the west of Lima therefore it is linked with other areas of Lima. From the colonial era, el Callao has been the maritim port of the city of Lima, one of the most important in Peru. Nowadays it is the first port in the country.

Callao (Peru)

Callao is a city located in the midwest of Peru. On the banks of the Pacific Ocean at the west of Lima therefore it is linked with other areas of Lima. From the colonial era, el Callao has been the maritim port of the city of Lima, one of the most important in Peru. Nowadays it is the first port in the country.

Manta, Quito (Ecuador)

Manta is a mid-sized city in Manabi Province, Ecuador. It is the second most populous city in the province. Its main economic activity is tuna fishing. Other economic activities include tourism and a chemical industry with products from cleaning supplies to oils and margarine. Manta possesses the largest seaport in Ecuador. Places to visit: the refurbished Playa Murciélago, is in the Malecón area; it features a scenic boardwalk, restaurants serving excellent seafood fresh out of the ocean, recreational sports, craft markets, bars and other places for fun and relaxation. The small town of Montecristi, with its colonial architecture, and well known for shopping the local crafts such as ceramics, wickerwork and Panama hats in a variety of shapes and colors.

Panama Canal

The interest of establishing a short route from the Atlantic to the Pacific seas started with the explorers of central america at the beginning od the XVI century. The conqueror of Mexico, Hernan Cortes, suggested the construction of a canal through the isthmus of Tehuantepec. During the years they made a few attempts and projects, but all were neglected or forgotten. Fernando de Lesseps, constructor of the Suez Canal started building it but for economical and political reasons the project failed. Finally the United States took over the company in charge. The construction of the Panama Canal was one of the biggest engineering projects of all times. It was calculated that it would be completed in ten years; although in the summer of 1914 before provisions, it started to work. The construction involved not only the excavation of approximately 143 million m3 of earth, but also the entire sanitation of the canal zone (that was infested of mosquitos that spreaded malaria and yellow fever). The sanitation was done by the medical department of the United States Army, which nearly completely eradicated the diseases. The final cost of the canal was 336 million dolars. Panama has the control of the canal and complete sovereignty of the calle Canal Zone, since the 31st of december 1999.

Oranjestad (Aruba)

The flourishing capital of Aruba, dream of any shopper, although it is not a port free of taxes, they charge the minimum. The habits of Aruba have been influenced to a mayor grade than any of the other near islands, for those from south america, for as the life in America is distinctly latin.

Nassau (Bahamas)

The capital of the Bahamas islands has beautiful beaches and an antique architecture. nassau is also a modern area that offers shops, restaurants and much more. Cross the bridge to Paradise Island to see flamboyant touritic resorts or discover over 300 species of plants and flowers in the Royal Victoria Garden.The city is located in the island of New Providence, that acts as one of the districts of the country, although it formerly is not. It does not have local government and is managed directly by an administrative division of the central government. Nassau has a tropical climate and is an important tourism centre with a port and a colonial architecture tipical in many cities.

Fort Lauderdale (Florida)

Fort Lauderdale is a city in the U.S. state of Florida, and located between the cities of Miami and Palm Beach. The city is a popular tourist destination, sometimes known as the Venice of Americabecause of its expansive and intricate canal system. It is a very popular destination. Seventh largest city in the state of Florida, has an attractive climate for tourism and business, a condition that is leading to become a hub for international business