Embarking on the Cascade Loop is a fantastic way to experience Washington's diverse landscapes. This 440-mile National Scenic Byway takes you through a variety of terrains, including the lush forests of the Cascade Mountains, the serene waters of the Puget Sound, and the rolling hills of the Methow Valley. Along the way, you'll encounter charming towns, vibrant wildlife, and breathtaking vistas that showcase the state's natural beauty.

Santa Catalina, a small, laid-back town known for having one of the best surf breaks in Central America, is located 300 km northwest of Panama City, about one hour from Santiago. The scenery and natural environment are breathtaking. World-class fishing, snorkeling and diving opportunities are found all along the coastline and around the surrounding islands. Coiba National Park can be seen from Catalina. From 1912 to 2002, Coiba Island was used as a penal colony, and Panama’s worst criminals were sent here. Nowadays the prisoners have gone, but the prison remains, and makes for an interesting visit. Moreover, the recent declaration of Coiba as a UNESCO World Heritage site prohibits any development on the island, so the wildlife here is simply spectacular. The enormous island is home to a plethora of birds, mammals and reptiles. The surrounding marine park comprises 38 other smaller islands including Cebaco and Gobernadora and is the site of the second largest coral reef in the Eastern Pacific. Coiba’s amazing variety of underwater life makes fishing and diving here incredible. Santa Catalina is a great base for exploring the islands and coastline. The town itself is small, with few attractions, but a surprising number of foreigners have moved to Catalina to start tourist-related businesses, creating an eclectic mix of people. Restaurants offer a good variety of food including authentic Tuscan Pizza and Argentinian style meats. Needless to say, the seafood in this area is to die for.

Declared by Unesco as “World Heritage Site”, the town of Portobelo is known as a “historic monument collection” since you can visit several sites in the same place. Many of the fortresses, castles and buildings have been preserved almost intact along the years: examples are Fort Santiago, San Jeronimo, San Fernando, the Customs and Controller’s building, and the San Juan de Dios Church famous for the Black Christ. During the sixteenth and seventeenth century, Portobelo became one of the most important silver-exporter ports of Nueva Grenada, the Spanish Colonial Jurisdiction which included today's Colombia, Panama, Ecuador and Venezuela. Portobelo also became one of the most important departure points from the “Indies”. For the same reason, this town was subject to many pirate attacks from Francis Drake, William Parker, William Hiking, Henry Morgan, Edward Vernon, and William Kingles. This coastal town is famous for serving excellent seafood and it is close to other great Caribbean destinations.