Situated on the Isthmus of Panama, the tropical Republic of Panama is of course best known for its canal. Thousands of ships cruise through the Panama Canal locks each year. Visitors to the country will also find diverse wonders of nature, including plants, birds, and trees. Panama City, its capital, has over a million inhabitants and is a modern, bustling destination.

Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.

Puerto Limon is a busy port city and capital of the Limon province. This Caribbean locale is blanketed with rainforest habitats and full of tropical beauty.

Turks and Caicos Islands are located southeast of the Bahamas. The mean annual temperature is 85° F. Despite frequent hurricanes, the rainfall averages only 28 inches annually.

Hakodate sits at the southern tip of Hokkaido and combines historical charm with natural splendor.