Star Collector: Caribbean Cultures: Latin America & the Greater Antilles

Explore the inner workings of the Panama Canal, head into the jungle to meet with Embera Indians, or take an aerial tram ride through the rainforest canopy.

Bocas del Toro on Bastimentos island was visited by Columbus in 1502 and then built up with colorful and Caribbean-style clapboard houses by the United Fruit Company in the early 20^th century.&nbsp;&nbsp; Situated on the beautiful Bocas del Toro archipelago, the laid-back and friendly community is a great combination of races and ethnicities living harmoniously. West Indians, Latinos and <em>Extraneros </em>(the resident gringos) make this an easy place to feel right at home and embrace the relaxed Caribbean vibe of the town. Not far from town is the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, as well as two national parks, La Amistad and many banana plantations.

At 10 square miles, the small island of San Andrés is considered a Colombia hot spot. The island, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is multicultural and bilingual with the best beaches, and snorkeling spots. It&rsquo;s a highlight to snorkel with puffer fish, angel fish, sea turtles and eels in the crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounding the island.

The ocean playground around Roatan is part of the huge Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. These protected waters provide excellent snorkeling, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and other marine life and pristine powdery white beaches. Sample tradition island cuisine like conch, baleadas or pastilles in one of the many excellent cafes accompanied by delicious Honduran coffee

With an origin as a logging camp and exporter of mahogany, Belize City is known now as the gateway to lovely nature and beautiful offshore islands. But stay in town long enough to check out the Swing Bridge &ndash; the only functioning manually operated bridge in the world. Then find the Cave Branch River for a float through ancient Mayan caves or visit the howler monkeys at the Community Baboon Sanctuary.

Costa Maya is the closest gateway to the Chaccoben Mayan Ruins some of which you can climb to get an amazing view. The port features interesting shopping, local artisans and good restaurant and bars. It is part of the massive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve, home to sharks, dolphins and turtles and the Sian Ka&rsquo;an Biosphere Reserve where jaguars, monkeys and hundreds of bird species live.

The Mesamerican Barrier Reef spans 14 miles around the Mexican island of Cozumel and the impressive marine diversity here makes it an excellent place for snorkeling and diving. Chankanaab, an eco-park surrounding a lagoon offers underwater caverns that are home to dolphins, manatees and sea turtles.&nbsp; Or take a ferry ride over to the mainland to explore the beaches of Playa del Carmen.

The largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman is known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Seven Mile Beach, for one is a long stretch of white sand, calm turquoise waters and shops and restaurants. Stingray City is the most popular attraction where the stingrays can be touched, fed and even held. The island has one cross-country walking path, the Mastic Trail and horseback riding on the beach may be the best way to experience the beauty of this place.

On tiny Cayman Brac, The Bluff, a limestone cliff running the length of the island contains numerous caves including the Bat Cave. It is a nature lover&rsquo;s dream of lovely secluded beaches and lush green forests. Birdwatchers can search for endangered parrots, brown boobies and peregrine falcons or see the parrots at the Parrot Reserve. The hiking trails that crisscross the island lead to historic sites, reptilian habitats and unusual flora.

Tourist friendly Ocho Rios is situated in what the locals refer to as &ldquo;the garden parish&rdquo; with its abundance of greenery and scenery. See the popular Dunn&rsquo;s River Falls or zipline at Mystic Mountain Rainforest.&nbsp; Visit National Heritage Sites like the Port Maria Courthouse or Fort Haldane.&nbsp; See the estate made famous in the James Bond &ldquo;Goldeneye&rdquo; movie and weave through the variety of shops at the Ocho Rios Craft Market.

La Capital, as Santo Domingo is affectionately known, is a UNESCO site and one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, with Zona Colonial buildings dating back to the 1500s. Santo Domingo is also considered the most modern metropolis in the Caribbean doing a great job of converging old and new.&nbsp; At the heart of the Zona Colonial, a pedestrian-friendly maze of cobblestones and interesting architecture is the first cathedral built in the New World. Find time to sample the aromatic coffee and cacao.