Cartagena is colorful, historic, energetic, beautiful—and a little bit chaotic! It’s the kind of place that can surprise you in the best ways, but I also found myself thinking, “I wish someone had told me this before I came!”

When most people hear “Panama,” what comes to mind? The Panama Canal. Maybe a tropical beach. Perhaps Panama City as a quick stop on the way somewhere else. But after spending time in Panama, I can tell you there is so much more to this country than the famous canal. Panama is one of those destinations that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves—and honestly, I think that’s part of its charm. It offers a little bit of everything: vibrant city life, incredible history, lush rainforests,...

When people think about Central and South America, destinations like Costa Rica, Peru, or Brazil often steal the spotlight. But after recently leading a group through Panama and Cartagena, Colombia, I can confidently say this combination deserves a spot on every traveler's bucket list.