Shari Belafonte Travels in Mexico & the Caribbean S1:E4

St. Martin and Martinique

Shari savors the French ambiance of Martinique and visits the birthplace of Napoleon’s empress. Then hike through the ruins of St. Pierre, a city eerily preserved by the volcano Mount Pelee in 1902. Next, travel to the island’s other side to discover a distinctly Dutch influence where you’ll jet-ski through St. Martin’s turquoise waters and visit an enchanting butterfly farm.

St. Kitts, Nevis, and Antigua

In St. Kitts, you and Shari explore the imposing fortress atop Brimstone Hill. Then you take the ferry to idyllic Nevis for water-skiing at the world-famous Pinney’s Beach. In Antigua, Shari parties aboard the Jolly Roger pirate ship, then leads you through Nelson’s Dockyard, the carefully restored Georgian navy yards which have changed little since the days when Horatio Nelson was in charge.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Shari shows you around the lively port Charlotte Amalie and historic Fort Christian, then takes you aboard a sleek Atlantis submarine, from which you can view the sea’s teeming marine life. In St. John, hike through a lush tropical wilderness and comb tranquil beaches. Snorkel along the underwater trails near Buck Island and, on the subdued island of St. Croix, explore a restored sugar plantation.

Miami, Key West, and the Bahamas

Shari begins by touring Miami’s Art Deco district, then Vizcaya, an immense mansion whose rooms lead you on a journey through the past 400 years. In Key West, you stop by Ernest Hemingway’s house, meet his six-toed cats, then watch the island’s legendary sunset. Finally, you head for the Bahamas, where you’ll explore a pirate museum and stay in some of the most luxurious hotels imaginable.

Jamaica

You and Shari first look around Harmony Hall, a gallery exhibiting colorful works by Jamaican artists. Next you step back in time at Firefly. Noel Coward’s tropical getaway. In Port Antonio you swim in the turquoise water of a beautiful island lagoon, before heading for Kingston, where you’re in the heart of Jamaican culture. Finally, ascend into the Blue Mountains for a stay at a luxurious spa.

Mexico City

Join Shari and climb the towering ancient pyramids at Teotihuacan. Then visit the National Museum of Anthropology containing countless historic artifacts. Next, explore Mexico City’s spectacular urban spaces, including Reforma, Zocolo, and Zona Rosa. Finally, float down Xochimilco’s colorful canals, sailing past boats filled with the bright flowers, delicious food, and vivacious mariachi bands.

Guadalajara

Shari first introduces you to the myriad architectural styles of Guadalajara, then takes you to see the Ballet Folklorio de Mexico, the nation’s history told through a pageant of resplendent costumes and rousing dances. After touring a tequila factory, head for the lush beaches of Puerto Vallarta, and finally, visit San Miguel de Allende, an artist’s colony that seems almost frozen in time.

Cuernavaca

Begin your trip with Shari by traversing Pacific resorts in glitzy Ixtapa and laidback Zihuatanejo. Then you’re off to Mexico’s highlands and Cuernavaca where you’ll walk through the Palace of Cortes containing works by painter Diego Rivera. You will also explore the colossal pre-Aztec pyramids at Xochicalco. Finally, you head to Taxco to look for silver treasures in its many quaint shops.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a traveler’s dream. Join Shari and roam through the villages to witness artisans at work, including a demonstration on how to make black pottery. After exploring the well-preserved ruins at Monte Alban, travel to the beach-town of Puerto Escondido, consistently named as one of the top 10 surfing spots in the world. Your adventure then winds down at the mysterious ruins at Mitla.

Merida and Western Yucatán

You and Shari explore Merida’s elegant, old-world architecture before relaxing at a free concert in the park. You also ride to the peaceful town of Progreso on the Gulf Coast and visit the pyramids at Chichen Itza and Uxmal that bring to life the ancient Maya and Toltec civilizations.

Cancún

Shari shows you around Cancun, describing how this glitzy resort has grown from the tiny hamlet it used to be decades ago. Then she takes you snorkeling in the blue Caribbean waters at Akumel and Isla Mujeres. Finally, you visit Mayan ruins both on the high cliffs at Tulum and the jungle at Coba.

Belize

You and Shari visit the world’s second-largest underwater reef at Ambergris Caye, then unearth the Maya past at Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Lamunai. You also visit Belize City, dance to the hypnotic beats of Punta drums, and stay overnight in an exotic jungle lodge.