CENTRAL + SOUTH AMERICA

Immense riches are condensed within the relatively compact isthmus of Central America. Belize and Guatemala contain some of the world’s most impressive ancient monuments. In answer to colorful Antigua in Guatemala, underrated Nicaragua has its own wonderful colonial city, Granada, and, improbable as it may sound, one of the world’s great resorts. Panama now has a wealth of private-island retreats, and the jungle and cloud-forest treasures of Costa Rica need no introduction.

Farther south, the old walled city of Cartagena on Colombia’s Caribbean coast is irresistible. Ecuador has a beautiful capital and its own ecological wonders, most famously the Galápagos Islands. Peru combines extraordinary landscapes and Incan architecture to great effect. Argentina, Chile and Uruguay all have extravagantly lovely coastlines and acclaimed wine regions. And massive Brazil offers spectacularly sited Rio, tranquil resort islands and unspoiled rainforest.