Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Championship golf courses, world-class deep sea fishing and incredible diving opportunities
have transformed Cabo San Lucas, a once sleepy fishing town located on the southern tip of
the Baja California Peninsula, into one of the most popular resort destinations in Mexico.
Rolling sand dunes and hidden coves dot a countryside ringed by some of the most famous
and often-photographed rock formations in the world.
Huatulco, Mexico
Pristine beaches, verdant skylines, and a whole lot of peace and quiet: how do you spell that?
H-U-A-T-U-L-C-O! If we sound like a bunch of giddy cheerleaders, it’s because we’re headed
to this little slice of heaven. As one of Mexico’s best kept secrets, Huatulco is a sandy coastal
resort town that features small developments between large tracts of untouched shoreline,
which makes it a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the large metropolises you’ll find
elsewhere. We’re not saying this place is completely unpopulated-people do live here, and
who can blame them? But it‘s still a relatively young coastal resort town, which means few
crowds and lots o’ legroom. Giddy-up! With a series of gorgeous sandy bays to explore,
Huatulco is the perfect place to do some shoreline horseback riding.
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Don’t be surprised if it feels like someone is trying to impress you the moment you set foot on
Puerto Quetzal. Between the coffee plantations in the mountains to the north, coastal
volcanoes and the nearby colonial capital of La Antigua, Puerto Quetzal is a massively
appealing gateway to some of Guatemala’s most fascinating sights. It’s also worth noting that
there’s a good reason Guatemalan cuisine is famous: it’s delicious. Better file native specialty
chiles rellenos (stuffed peppers) under “Must Eat.” Guatemalan currency is the quetzal, named
for the country’s national bird. Check out the central marketplace (Mercado) in La Antigua for a
taste of local flavors, apparel and wares.
Quito (Manta), Ecuador
Whoever said the Galápagos Islands don’t exist ever found themselves in Ecuador. And
here’s your chance to prove them wrong with once-in-a-lifetime pictures of animals found
nowhere else on the planet. Giant tortoises lounging in the sun, lava lizards playing hide-and-
seek between rocks and amazing frigates, birds swooping overhead - yeah, it’s quite the
experience. There’s also an entire Pacific coast to explore, you know, if you find some extra
time. All roads lead to Guayaquil, literally. It’s Ecuador’s largest city, and the locals here tout its
south coast as the Ruta del Sol - "Route of the Sun.” The sights, and perfect tan, are free. Want
to touch the sky? No problemo. Ecuador also just happens to have the Andes Mountains and
one of the tallest active volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi.
Lima (Callao), Peru
Simply put, Lima is huge. It’s so big that tourists often hurriedly pass through on their way to
greener pastures, like the Andes. Luckily, big things can be broken down into smaller doses,
which are exactly what you’ll be getting when you set foot in Callao, one of Lima’s coastal
regions. Between beaches, baroque churches speckled with ornamental skulls and a bustling
nightlife, Callao is a single serving of Lima that fills you up and keeps you that way. For an
once-in-a-lifetime experience, take an excursion to Machu Picchu, the legendary “lost city of
the Incas.” It is known as one of the most spectacular sites in the world. Don’t be too quick to
skip over areas with high-rises and condominiums. If you look closer, you might spot a pre-
Columbian temple nestled between modern developments. Pottery is always proudly on
display in Greater Lima’s many museums.
Arica, Chile
“Eternally spring” with surprisingly few showers. Sounds amazing, huh? Wait until you actually
feel this climate. Then check out the fortress of El Morro. It’s impossible to miss, even if you’re
one who usually misses things. Seriously though, the fortress is huge.
Santiago (Valparaiso), Chile
Sure, its South American neighbors Rio and Buenos Aires seem flashier and more seductive,
but this metropolis of 5 million people still knows how to show you a party. Just be prepared for
elegance. Ancient and modern stand side-by-side in the heart of the city - the neoclassical
cathedral reflected in the glass of a nearby office tower is the quintessential Andes mountains
postcard view.
Puerto Montt, Chile
As far as civilization goes, Puerto Montt is about as far south as it gets. It’s also where you get
to take it all in. Tour the cathedral for a spiritual experience before zen sunning - its
alercewood structure is modeled on the Panthéon in Paris, and is also the city's oldest
surviving building. There’s also countryside to explore, turistas! Take a shore drive for a good
view of the surrounding hills. Find an excellent selection of handicrafts at the best prices.
Admire magnificent views of lakes, woods, waterfalls and volcanoes on an excursion to
beautiful Petrohue Falls and snow-capped Osorno Volcano.
Punta Arenas, Chile
Bordering a gentle stretch of sand kissed by Pacific breezes, the former rough-and-tumble
port town of Puntarenas, Costa Rica, is now a laid-back seaside retreat. With a Puntarenas
cruise, you can stroll the mile-long seafront Paseo de los Turistas boardwalk past restaurants,
cafes, and colorful souvenir stands. On your Carnival® cruise to Puntarenas, relax on the
powdery beach and watch the sun melt into the Gulf of Nicoya. Sample Costa Rican
specialties in an outdoor café on Paseo de los Turistas. Shop for local crafts and rich Costa
Rican coffee on Puntarenas cruises. Watch the sunset from the Puntarenas beach. Swing
above the rainforest on a zipline canopy ride. Listen for the call of brilliant scarlet macaws in
Carara National Park.
Ushuaia, Argentina
If “Ushuaia” sounds like something you’d yell while storming a pirate ship on a rope swing,
that’s because this port city at the bottom of the world is a true adventurer’s haven. From penal
colony to naval base, Ushuaia has worn many hats over the years. Just a hop, skip and a jump
from Antarctica, Ushuaia was once graced by the presence of Charles Darwin, and welcomes
fellow adventurers with a hearty slap on the back. Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, the
southernmost national part in the world, known for its beautiful waterfalls, glaciers, snow-
capped mountains, lakes and forests, as well as its exotic wildlife. If you’ve ever wanted to
come face-to-face with a king crab the size of a golden retriever, head to the Acuario de
Ushuaia.
Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Puerto Madryn is considered the entryway to the wildlife sanctuary of Peninsula Valdés. Home
to not only the Universidad de la Patagonia’s marine biology campus, but the second-largest
fishing community in the country, Puerto Madryn is a small coastal town teeming with life. Take
an eco-excursion to Punta Tombo, home to South America’s largest penguin colony, and
marvel at the Magellan penguins as they protect their eggs and prepare their offspring for
migration.
Montevideo, Uruguay
If you thought Montevideo was impossible to forget on a geography test, wait until you actually
see the place. With vast swaths of business, residential and industrial “boroughs,” Montevideo
is a city’s city, with more to do and see in its little pinky than entire fair grounds. A push to
beautify the city has transformed many of the old and vacant buildings into vibrantly painted
cafés and galleries. There’s also a thriving theater scene, which always pleases those tourists
looking for more drama - the scripted kind. Montevideo’s Palacio Salvo was once the tallest
building in South America… but only stands 26 stories tall. The capital boasts many
embassies and foreign cultural centers, which give it that extra international flavor. Two words:
tango bar. Montevideo is full of them, and you do not want to miss out on experiencing one.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
If Old World Charm and New World Swagger had a baby, we’re not sure what they’d name it.
But we are sure the baby would feel right at home in South America’s most European city:
Buenos Aires. For a taste of history, lounge in old-fashioned cafés, explore breathtaking
colonial architecture, and experience the fabulously macabre Recoleta Cemetery.
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
There’s a place where you can walk freely among some of the most beautiful people in the
world, past amazing, picturesque backdrops… and it’s not a Hollywood film set. We’re talking
about, of course, Rio, and with names like Copacabana, Ipanema and Corcovado on its
roster, you simply can’t go wrong. From surfing to sunning to dancing the night away, Rio
provides the runway. All you have to do is walk it. One of the world’s most recognizable
landmarks is Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), which stands, arms outstretched, 2,400
feet above Rio. Amazing views of Copacabana and other beaches can be reached via a two-
part cable car trip up Urca Hill. Ecotourists can enjoy the largest urban park on Earth - Rio’s
Tijuca National Park.
Salvador, Brazil
Apparently, nobody told the former capital of Portugal’s New World colony to stop being
awesome. With 17th-century architectural relics, golden churches and a thriving modern-day
art movement, Salvador is still flexing its muscles as a fascinating travel destination. It’s a
mash-up of music, religion, food and dance, with heavy Afro-Brazilian rhythmic flourishes that
brings out the creative spirit in even the - ahem - most conservative of personalities. Check out
Baia de Todos os Santos, the beautiful bay that Amerigo Vespucci (namesake of the
Americas) first encountered in 1501. If it’s capoeira - a mix of martial arts and dance -
demonstrations that you seek, just look around. They’re on practically every street corner. The
old town of Pelourinho is a must-see World Heritage Site (at least according to UNESCO).
Recife, Brazil
Those looking for a jolt of caffeine in their cruise-induced state of total relaxation should look
no further than Recife. This vibrant, ultra-urban cityscape is the NYC of Brazil’s northeastern
region. Towering skyscrapers and thriving commerce give you all the big city experience in
one powerful dose. But it’s not all hustle and bustle - the historic town of Olinda graces
Recife’s northern edge, offering a less frenetic alternative for the overstimulated traveler.
Finally, don’t leave the city’s namesake off your sightseeing checklist. For those who just can’t
get enough Portuguese colonial baroque architecture, the Concatedral de São Pedro dos
Clérigos is just your scene. Check out the unique works of ceramic artist Francisco Brennand,
most notably the large green pillars that adorn the offshore reef.
Fortaleza, Brazil
If you like beaches, you’re going to be majorly crushing on Fortaleza. Smack-dab in the middle
of Brazil’s Ceará coast (actually one of the most beautiful shorelines in the known universe),
this sizeable metropolis has been working on its beach body and wants you to notice. One of
the most popular pastimes in this city of over 3 million is traversing the hundreds of local
beaches by dune buggy. There’s also a thriving nightlife that attracts tourists both local and
international. Think of Fortaleza as one great big beach party. And yes, there will be s’mores.
Don’t miss visiting the small settlement of Jericoacoara, which takes “beach town” to a whole
new level with streets of sand and its own personal dune desert. Fortaleza’s craft of choice is
lace, which means you can get exquisite tablecloths and bedspreads for a fraction of the
stateside price. Tell the local rendeiras (lace makers) we sent you. If art imitates life,
Fortaleza’s Morro Branco (sand cliffs) are the original sand art. Colors range from pure white
to yellow, gold, pink, orange, red and purple.
Barbados
High tea and cricket in the afternoons remains a tradition on the very British island of
Barbados, also called the "Little England" of the Caribbean. The Bajan landscape, with its
breathtaking panoramas of oceans and valleys, and endless pink- and white-sand beaches, is
one of the most majestic in the Southern Caribbean. Barbados is the perfect setting for
snorkeling in turquoise waters, touring historic sites or taking in a round of golf.
Grand Turk
Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, may be small, but it’s packed with scenic punch and historic
charm. Carnival® cruises to Grand Turk deliver you to an enchanted island outpost dotted with
old windmills, grassy trails, and picture-perfect beaches. Discover an oasis of green set in
aquamarine seas ringed by a pristine coral reef and the steep wall of the continental shelf with
cruises to Grand Turk. Swim in the sparkling turquoise seas off Governor’s Beach. Snorkel or
dive the coral reefs fringing Grand Turk. Tour historic Cockburn Town and the old salinas (salt
pans). Feel the velvety touch of a stingray’s wings in Gibbs Cay. Shop for duty-free jewelry and
local crafts in the colorful Grand Turk Cruise Center.
PAYMENT GUIDELINES:
Deposit: $400.00 each segment or $1200.00 for all 3 segments
no later than May 1, 2012
Final payment -- segment 1 or all segments due October 22, 2012
Segment 2 due November 08, 2012
Segment 3 due November 21, 2012
We accept payment installments.
Make your reservations NOW before the spaces are sold out!
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE:
We highly recommend that all guests purchase Travel Insurance Protection:
Segment 1 INTERIOR $109.00 OCEAN VIEW $129.00 BALCONY $149.00
Segment 2 INTERIOR $129.00 OCEAN VIEW $159.00 BALCONY $189.00
Segment 3 INTERIOR $129.00 OCEAN VIEW $159.00 BALCONY $189.00
All segments INTERIOR $367.00 OCEAN VIEW $447.00 BALCONY $527.00