Accent on Mesoamerica

It has the largest city population in Florida, is the third most visited American city among international travelers and showcases an Art Deco Historic District encompassing one of the largest neighborhoods entered on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Miami certainly boasts its share of impressive characteristics, even before adding to the list its gorgeous beaches, spirited Cuban population and ritzy enclaves of Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.

Miami wasn’t always the glamorous and energetic city you see today. Until the late 1800s, it was mostly swamp, disconnected from the rest of the country thanks to its position on the edge of the continent and lack of the essential link of the day: a railroad. All that changed in 1896, when the railroad in northern Florida was extended to the latent tropical paradise of the south.

The rest, as they say, is history, as Miami has since seen recurrent booms fueled by surges of immigration, perennially good weather and an insouciant refusal to do anything halfway. Admire the full glory of Miami Beach with a stroll along South Beach’s famous Ocean Boulevard, where splendidly restored art deco buildings compete with fashion models and sun worshipers for attention. For a taste of Cuban cuisine and culture, visit Little Havana on the mainland (Miami Beach is separate both in its municipality and its geography: it sits on a barrier island four miles off the coast, and is reached by a causeway). Also outside mainland Miami are the acres of rare tropical plants nurtured to their fragrant and beautiful best in Fairchild Tropical Gardens. The aforementioned slice of heaven known as Coral Gables lies to the southwest. A gem of 1920s city planning, the city unfurls impressive boulevards and features the alluring Venetian Pool, where waterfalls and underwater caves offer the chance for a uniquely refreshing dip.

A bustling town gridded by colorful streets typical of Costa Rica, Quepos is the adventurer’s practical stop for sleepovers, supplies and sundries for expeditions over fish-rich seas and jungle-clad mountains. Most travelers head to the wildlife haven of Manuel Antonio National Park, established in 1972 and located just a few miles from town. While the park is not the country’s largest (indeed, it is Costa Rica’s second-smallest), it is one of the most biodiverse, with 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds within its rugged borders. You might trek along the park’s well-marked trails to spot several species of sloths, iguanas, snakes and bats and wield your binoculars to view toucans, woodpeckers, tanagers and parakeets. An ocean of possibilities awaits you offshore, where you can go dolphin watching, sport fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Dip into a tavern in town to rub elbows with the locals, some of the friendliest creatures you are likely to encounter.

Relatively new on the cruise travelers’ map, El Salvador is likely to become pinned as a surprising favorite, due to a unique blend of authenticity and rusticity combined with classic tropical attractions—think national parks, steep volcanos, wide beaches, colonial history, colorful handcrafts and an easy-going attitude. Outdoor pursuits might put you in snorkel gear or on ziplines, or you might make a beeline for a café serving the region’s famed coffee. In fact, as El Salvador’s main port, Acajutla has seen its share of coffee and sugar shipped from these shores. Today, the export is you, the visitor, who leaves with tales of a fascinating exploration of a new Central American treasure.