Santiago is one of those metropolitan joys where the more you look, the more you find. Funky cafes and dance clubs dot Bellavista, Forest Park art collections range from pre-Columbian to contemporary, and architecture runs the gamut from the 16th-century San Francisco Church to mirrored office towers. Shop with the locals at Mall Panora¡mico and give your palate meals to remember with hearty Chilean fare.

Less than 30 miles from Santiago, you can spend the day rafting, trekking, zip-lining and indulging in many other activities. Cajon del Maipo is the perfect destination if you wish to escape the city in exchange for the tranquility of the mountains. This area is very popular with climbers and hikers.

The tiny hamlet of Jaco is located in the Pacific Coast province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. It’s the ultimate hideaway for sun seekers and active travelers, with cinnamon-hued volcanic-sand beaches, lush green rain forest and verdant mountains. Surfers flock here from around the world, but families, and honeymooners also find much to love, thanks to the multitude of beaches, outdoor activities, dining, shopping and nightlife. Explore the Costa Rican rain forest by horseback, learning about the flora and fauna in this impressive eco-system. Take an ATV tour to beaches, remote villages and waterfalls. Try your hand at sport fishing, paragliding, sea kayaking or even bungee jumping. Spend an afternoon at the Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls, where you’ll find millions of plants, flowers and orchids from around the world. Zip line through the jungle, play a round of golf or take an aerial tram tour of the rain forest. Expert surfers will want to check out La Roca Loca and Playa Hermosa for a challenge.

Romance and adventure are in the air on this lush West Indian island in the Caribbean, depending on your coast. To the west, you'll find calm waters and good swimming. To the east, there are massive, competition-caliber waves. Wherever you stay, expect turquoise waters, fine soft sand beaches, catamaran cruises and delicious island fare.

Mexico's fastest-growing resort area offers miles of empty desert and deserted beaches. Laid-back nightlife and old-fashioned fun in the sun is the Cabos' lure. Only certain beaches are safe for swimming, however, including Lovers' Beach and the more tempestuous and aptly named Divorce Beach. Whale-watching, hang-gliding, snorkelling, antique-hunting, golf and fishing, Loreto's historic mission, and sport fishing and dining in capital La Paz are other attractions. SuburBaja buses travel the coast.