Guatemala is a country where ancient history and living tradition meet in unexpected ways. The ruins of Tikal, once a major center of the Maya civilization, rise from the dense Petén jungle. Visitors can climb stone temples that pierce the forest canopy and listen for howler monkeys echoing through the trees. Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains over 3,000 structures and still holds secrets under layers of earth and vegetation.

The state of Campeche, located on the western edge of the Yucatán Peninsula, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. Rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Campeche offers a unique blend of colonial charm and ancient Maya heritage.

Espiritu Santo, one of the largest islands of Vanuatu off the east coast of Australia, is a popular destination for divers. Famous Champagne Beach, as one might guess from the name, offers crystal clear waters and powdery white sands, while the western side of the island is dotted with caves to explore and reefs team with marine life just offshore.

Panama is a country shaped by its geography and defined by its role in global history. The Panama Canal remains its most iconic feature as a 50-mile engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Visitors can watch ships pass through the Miraflores Locks from a dedicated observation deck or explore the interactive museum that explains how the canal changed international trade forever.

Located roughly in the center of the country, Riobamba is one of Ecuador's largest cities and the starting point of the scenic train ride to Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose). The city has a strong indigenous presence, which lends itself well to the open-air artisan market, and plenty of opportunities for mountainous activities such as hiking and mountain biking.