Focus on Belize Tips and Articles

     Belize is a country in Central America. Strangely enough, English is the official language, with Spanish akd Krio coming in second. Belize is the northermost country of Central America, with a border on Mexico.
     Population is a bit more than 320,000, which works out to the lowest density on their side of the planet.
     Belize is the only country in Central America with colonial ties to the United Kingdom. On the other hand, Belize identifies most with the Caribbean nations.
     The coast of Belize is full of coral reef and is pocked with something like 450 small islets known as cayes, but pronounced as "keys."
     Belize is an excellent destination if you are interested in diving and snorkeling Belize.
     The climate of Belize is tropical with wet and dry seasons. Temps average from 75-81 close to the ocean, and a little higher inland. Rainfall, depending on your location can be from 53 to 180 inches per year. Hurricanes have visited.
     About Belize: Belize is primo, if often overlooked vacation material. Expect excellent fishing, safe waters for boating, scuba diving, &snorkeling Belize, numerous rivers for rafting, and kayaking, various jungle and wildlife reserves of fauna and flora, for hiking, bird watching, and helicopter touring, as well as many Maya ruins.
Tourist attractions by Belize District:

Focus on Costa Rica and Travel to Central America

     Costa Rica is a country in Central America and is Spanish for "rich coast," and rich it is! Take you pick... From rain forests, to dry tropical and temperate forests, to volcanoes, to Caribbean and Pacific beaches, to high mountains, and marshy lowlands, oft overlooked Coast Rica will most likely be your huckleberry unless you are seeing snow ice cream. No snow ice cream in Costa Rica.
     The capital of Costa Rica is San Jose, and the country has a few more than 4 million happy Costa Ricans.
     Regions include the Caribbean Costa Rica which is the least visited because of predatory mosquitoes just happens to offer the best chance for whitewater rafting.
     The Central Valley region is where most folks live.
     The Central Pacific section offers the sea turtle's share of monster great beaches!
     Guanacaste is the driest part of the country, and also forest parks and volcanoes too.
     The northern plains don't have many folks, but is beautiful and mountainous, and has some volcanic lakes and hot springs to soak your poor tired feet in.
     South Costa Rica is jungle, lately called rain forest with all the diverse wildlife you would would expect, and some really remote and beautiful beaches.

Cities

San José - The capital.
Alajuela - location of Juan Santamaría International Airport
Cartago - Costa Rica's first capital
Dominical - the South Pacific coast's largest city, among incredibly biodiversity and natural beauty
Heredia - Coffee plantations
Liberia - Location of Daniel Oduber International Airport and gateway to the beaches of Guanacaste, such as Samara, Nosara, Carillo
Puerto Limón - Main city on the Caribbean side
Puntarenas - Ferry to Nicoya Peninsula
Quesada - the largest city by far in the country's North, surrounded by hot springs popular with Costa Rican vacationers

Other destinations

Cahuita National Park
Chirripo National Park
Cocos Island National Park
Corcovado National Park
Arenal Volcano - active volcano
Manuel Antonio National Park
Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves
Pacuare River and Protected Zone
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park

     Getting around is easy. Spanish is local, but most everyone you will do business with is bilingual. There are plenty of rental cars, though, U.S. drivers are very much best warned to let a professional do the chauffeuring. Like many Latin American countries, driving conditions can be a lot more treacherous than northerners are used to. Sort of like the Autobahn at 40mph. Rent a local driver with the vehicle. It takes only about 5 minutes to realize  the wisdom of this decision.

Numero Uno Beaches

Corcovado — the main beach on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, with black sand beaches fronted by the thick Costa Rican tropical rainforest
Dominical — probably the biggest surfing destination in the country, with a good nightlife scene
Jacó — the party beach city right by San José, a surfer's paradise full of nightlife and casinos
Montezuma — the bohemian option, on the Nicoya Peninsula, full of dreadlocks, surfers, and what you would expect would come along with them (known as "monte fuma" by
the locals)
Playa Grande — this tranquil white sand beach is home to the largest nesting site for the leatherback sea turtle on the Pacific coast, as well as, one of the best surfing waves
in the Guanacaste Province
Tamarindo — the upscale option, with beautiful beaches complemented by boutique shopping and high class dining
Tortuguero — the Caribbean side's most famous beach, which caters to eco-tourists looking to explore the rainforest and spot some manatees

     Other things to consider on your Costa Rica Vacation of a Lifetime are the superior chances to SURF  GOLF  EAT...  If you go local with the food...and why would you not?? Here's what you can expect...

Costa Rican cuisine can be described as simple but wholesome. The spiciness often associated with Latin America has typically originated in Mexico, most Costa Rican foods are not spicy, but, as they simmer in a large pot, the flavors are blended.
Gallo pinto is a mixture of rice and beans with a little cilantro or onion thrown in. While more common at breakfast, it can also be served at lunch or dinner.
Casado, which means married, is the typical lunch in Costa Rica, containing rice and beans with meat, chicken or fish, always served with salad and fried plantain.
Plato del dia, is the 'Plate of the Day' and is often a Casado, but has the meat or fish selection of the day. Usually around 5.00 USD and includes a natural juice.  

Focus on El Salvador  

     El Salvador is a country in Central America. The capital is San Salvador. The climate is tropical with the dry season from November to April. There are a few more than 6.5 million folks. Spanish is the language.
     Coming by plane, you will land at the El Salvador International Airport in Comalapa. 
     El Salvador offers mouth watering volcanoes and mountains for landlubbers and lava lovers. For water nuts, El Salvador is becoming known as a "must surf" location, with some of the best surfing in the world. Top wet water spots include La Libertad (near San Salvador), El Sunzal, El Zonte and the wild El Este. According to Wiki, here are some of the El Salvador tourism hotspots...

     There is Montecristo Cloud Forest, and a quaint fishing village with incredible local hospitality and remote coconut islands in La Isla de Méndez. Isla de Olomega in the department of San Miguel is an excellent eco-tourism destination, as are the beautiful Isla El Cajete in Sonsonate, Isla San Sebastian, Conchagua, Conchaguita, Isla Conejo, Isla Teopan, and Isla Meanguera.
     One should also visit the colonial towns of Apaneca, Juayua, Panchimalco, and Suchitoto as well as the Mayan sites of San Andrés, Joya de Cerén (The Pompeii of Central America and an UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Tazumal, whose main pyramid rises some 75 feet into the air. The on-site museum showcases artifacts from the Pipil culture (the builders of Tazumal), as well as paintings that illustrate life in pre-Hispanic El Salvador. Souvenir hunters will find some of the best artisans in San Juan el Espino and in La Palma (the artisan capital of El Salvador).
     When comes to eating time, you can find most of what you eat here...there. Buy surely you wouldn't go to the travel time and expense to get a better burger, would you?
     Our friend Wiki says, "The typical Salvadoran diet includes lots of rice and beans, seafood (particularly among those who live on the coast), and the most common Salvadoran dish, the famous Pupusa, a round corn tortilla filled with cheese and other elements, usually chicharon (shredded pork meat). It's widely agreed that the best pupusas in the country can be bought in Olocuilta, which you can get to along the highway on the way to the Comalapa airport.
     Also Salvadorans eat fried sliced plantains (platanos) usually with beans, sour cream, cheese and sometimes eggs, yuca con chicharron, pastelitos de carne, panes con pavo (turkey sandwiches), hand made tortillas among other very delicious Salvadoran foods.
     While your average El Salvadorian is the salt of the earth...One last word of warning from Wiki.... El Salvador has a bad reputation due to the civil war of the 80s. The Consular sheet from the US State Department indicates that "El Salvador has one of the highest homicide rates in the world".
     If you decide to visit El Salvador, pay close attention to your travel provider and mind your local guides. Choose your tour operator or tour operators carefully. Make sure you learn all the information about El Salvador first.

Focus on Guatemala

     Guatemala is a country in Central America. The population is a bit more than 13.2 million and the language is Spanish, as befits Latin America. 
     As for regions, Guatemala is divided into what they call "departments."

     Guatemala is largely mountainous and the climate varies between hot and humid in the lowlands and cooler and drier in the mountains. All the major cities are either up high or down on the Pacific coast.

     There are lots of places to investigate when planning a Guatemala tour...

* Guatemala City – Capital and largest city with many amenities
* La Antigua: Colonial Spanish capital of Central America, a World Heritage site, and the most popular among tourists
* Panajachel – Gateway to Lake Atitlán, a beautiful and busy tourist area
* Flores: Island city capital of Petén, good starting point to access Mayan ruins of Tikal.
* Melchor de Mencos – Border city
* Puerto Barrios – Caribbean seaport
* Puerto San José – Pacific seaport
* Quetzaltenango – Second largest city, in the western highlands
* Sayaxché – River gateway in Petén
* Santiago Atitlán – Small town on the southern shore of Lake Atitlán
* Santa Catarina Palopo – an authentic Mayan village on the northern shore of Lake Atitlán

* Chichicastenango: Highland Maya town famous for its traditional market
* Lake Atitlán: Beautiful lake in the mountains surrounded by picturesque villages and volcanos, which is becoming more and more touristic...
          - Panajachel, small tourist-oriented town that is good starting point for Lake Atitlán
          - Santiago Atitlán, small town on south side of Lake Atitlán, famous for a shrine to Maximón
          - Santa Cruz la Laguna, small village on north side of Lake Atitlán. If getting away from it all in magical surroundings but still being a short boat ride away from a night club is your desire then this is the place to be.
          - San Pedro la Laguna (also known as San Pedro de Laguna), small town on southwest side of Lake Atitlán, offering low-cost living, great views, and a modest Spanish-language training industry
* Lake Izabal, in the department of Izabal
* Livingston: Caribbean coast town with Garifuna culture
* Monterrico: The beach closest to Guatemala City and Antigua, volcanic sand. 
* Rio Dulce
* Lanquin: Small town located near the Grutas de Lanquin (caves) and Semuc Champey (limestone pools)
* Todos Santos (Guatemala): Small village in the mountains near the Mexican border. Offers good trekking, and the local people still speak the native languages, use the traditional calendar, and native dress (men and women).

     Wiki says that "Antigua Guatemala is often regarded as the travellers hub, a crumbling, picture-perfect central american town ringed by volcanoes. From here you can take a hike up Volcano Pacaya, take a bus to the bustling market of Chichicastenango, or simply sip some coffee in a street-side cafe and watch the world go by.
     Lake Atitlan (or Lago de Atitlán) is another frequent stop on any visitors itinerary. A volcano-rimmed lake with plenty of backpacker hostels and Mayan villages that dot the shores."
     A word of travel warning... Never ever take pictures of kids. This is a monster taboo no-no. As with many countries and cities around the world, it is imperative that you work closely with your travel or tour provider for safety in a sometimes unsafe world. 
     As with all countries in Central America, learn your destination well. Central America countries can be fun or a hefty nusiance. As always, you can get GREAT country specific information by contacting our experts in the links at the top and bottom all pages on this web site.   

Focus on Travel to Honduras

     Honduras is a country in Central America. The language is Spanish and the population is a few more than 8 million.
     The climate is subtropical down low and temperate up in the mountains. The country is mostly mountainous, but with narrow coastal plains.
     In Honduras, the country is divided into 18 "departments."

Atlántida, Choluteca, Colón, Comayagua, Copán, Cortés, El Paraíso, Francisco Morazán, Gracias a Dios, Intibucá, Islas de la Bahía, La Paz, Lempira, Ocotepeque, Olancho, Santa Bárbara, Valle, Yoro

     According to Wiki, the cities of Honduras with short descriptions...

* Tegucigalpa - The capital and largest city of Honduras. It has an international airport and offers connections by plane to San Pedro Sula and to La Ceiba, the door to the
Bay Islands and the Caribbean Coast.It is home to the world famous Villa Roy Museum of History and Anthropology, which is named after the legendary , black Honduran
national hero Roy Fearon.
* San Pedro Sula - Second city and industrial center in the north of the country. It has an international airport and is close by car to Tela and La Ceiba.
* La Ceiba - Jumping off point for the Bay Islands. Great beaches and daily ferries to either Utila and Roatan where snorkeling and diving are major attractions.
* El Progreso- The fourth largest city in Honduras. It is in a key agricultural sector just 20 minutes from the international airport of San Pedro Sula. It is on an important
intersection of major Honduran highways that got towards Comayagua, San Pedro Sula and to Tela.
* Comayagua - The former capital of the country is today a quiet colonial town with a beautiful cathedral and historic town center.
* Gracias - This pleasant colonial mountain town hosts Parque Celaque, in which the highest mountain in Honduras is found set among wonderful cloud forests.
* Omoa- A small beachfront town with Spanish colonial fortress to the west of Puerto Cortés.
* Puerto Cortes - The main harbour of Honduras in the Caribbean Coast
* Puerto Lempira- Departamental capital of Gracias a Dios.
* San Lorenzo - The main harbour of the whole Central America in the Pacific Coast. Close to Amapala, the historical port based in the Isla del Tigre.
* Tela - An old city about 1 hour from El Progreso which has a beautiful sandy coastline and is home to the second largest humid tropical botanical garden for commercial
plants in the world, the Lancetilla Botanical Garden and Research Center (Jardin Botanico y Centro de Investigacion Lancetilla) only 5 kilometers from downtown. Lancetilla has
three components - experimental plantations, arboretum, and (the largest component) primary and secondary tropical forest. It's a great day trip, has crystal clear running
streams for swimming most of the year, and has a long and fascinating history that will soon be told through new interpretive exhibits at the visitor center. A small fee is
charged that helps maintain the area.
* Trujillo - This is where Columbus first set foot on mainland America, founded in 1525, overlooking a beautiful bay with nice beaches against mountainous backdrop with
nature reserve. 
* Santa Rosa de Copán - Temperate mountain city in the western part of the country, not to be confused with Copán Ruinas (one of the more touristy towns in Honduras)
nor with the famous ruins of Copán.

Other destinations

* Bay Islands - Utila, Roatán, Guanaja, and the Hog Islands. A natural paradise in the Caribbean Sea where snorkeling and diving is a must.
* Copán - One of the most impressive ruins of the Maya civilization, known for the quality of its sculpture.
* Lake Yojoa - The biggest lake in Honduras. It used to be a great spot for fishing but today is too contaminated.
* Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve - The largest tropical rainforest in Central America.

     One of the most pleasant things about Honduras travel and Central America tours in general, if you are careful, is the food. According to our friend Wiki, here's what to expect when you go native...

     The Honduran "Plato tipico" is the most famous lunch. It consists of rice, beef, fried beans (frijolitos), and fried bananas (tajaditas). If you are lucky, it will also come with chimol, a fresh, non-spicy salsa made of tomatoes, green peppers, onions, cilantro and lime juice.
     Baleadas are a Honduran original. A baleada sencilla (simple) consists of a thick flour tortilla filled with refried beans, cheese (queso), and a type of cream similar to sour cream
but not sour (crema or mantequilla). A baleada especial usually also comes with eggs in it and you can sometimes get avocado or even meat.
     Other choices are tacos and enchiladas, though don't expect them to be like those in Mexico. The tacos are meat rolled in a corn tortilla and deep fried. The enchiladas are a flat fried corn tortilla topped with ground beef, cheese and a red sauce.
     In the big cities, there are also plenty of chains from the U.S. like Pizza Hut, Applebees, TGI Fridays, and all the burger and fried chicken joints you can think of, like Burger King and Church's.
     Drink bottled water and beware the poorer eating establishments. Even when everything is as good as it can be, the different mix of foods and even local minerals can give the human gut a gut wrenching experience.
      As with most countries, the two top phrase you can learn are please and thank you. In the meantime, you must work closely with your travel provider to learn the "safety" ropes. Honduras can get ugly for unwary foreigners. Any time you travel Central America, get the best travel information you can find. Let our experts be your travel guide to adventure...and not misadventure.

Focus Tips & Articles Nicaragua 

     Nicaragua is a country in Central America. The population is running above 5.9 million. The attraction to Nicaragua may be the beaches, scenic routes, the architecture of cities such as León and Granada and most recently ecotourism and agricultural tourism, particularly in Northern Nicaragua.
     The climate is tropical down low and cooler up high. Nicaragua is both the second largest Central American nation, and the second most poor. However it has the largest freshwater lake in Central America...none other than Lago de Nicaragua!

The major towns in Nicaragua are:

* Managua - Capital
* León
* Chinandega
* Granada
* Esteli
* Matagalpa
* Jinotega
* Juigalpa
* Ocotal

And regionally speaking:

Capital Region

Nicaragua's most populous region, centered on the capital, Managua...

Caribbean Nicaragua

Here travel is mostly done by boat and the rich mixture of Nicaraguan, Caribbean, Miskito Indian and Garifuna cultures makes this region seem like another country.

Northern Highlands

Visit cigar factories and see how coffee is grown in a region filled with remnants of the revolution.

Northern Pacific Coast

At the collision point between two tectonic plates, this region has some of the highest volcanic activity on Earth and is also home to two national icons : rhum Flor de Caña and poet Rubén Darío.

Rio San Juan Region

An almost forgotten part of the country with its hidden treasures like the car free Solentiname Islands or El Castillo.

Southern Pacific Coast

A narrow stretch of land bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Lago Nicaragua. Surf remote spots along the coast, party in San Juan del Sur or ride a motorbike around iconic Isla de Ometepe.

According to Wiki, there are good local eats.

"Food is very cheap. A plate of food from the street will cost 20-50 cordobas. A typical dinner will consist of a meat, rice, beans, salad and some fried plantains, costing under
US$3. Buffet-style restaurants/stalls called "fritanga" are very common, quality varies quite a bit. A lot of the food is fried in oil (vegetable or lard). It is possible to eat
vegetarian: the most common dish is gallo pinto (beans and rice), and most places serve cheese (fried or fresh), fried plantains and cabbage salad. There are a 'few' vegetable
dishes such as guiso de papas, pipián o ayote-- a buttery creamy stewp of potato, zucchini or squash; guacamole nica made with hard-boiled eggs, breaded pipian (zucchini),
and various fried fritters of potatoes, cheese and other vegetables. If you like meat, grilled chicken and beef is delicious, the beef is usually good quality but often cooked
tough; also try the nacatamales, a traditional Sunday food, that is essentially a large tamal made with pork or beef and other seasonings (~15 cordobas). Indio Viejo is a corn
meal (masa) based dished made with either shredded chicken or beef and flavored with mint. The typical condiment is "chilero" a cured onion and chile mixture of varying
spiciness depending on the cook. Nicaraguan food is not known for being spicy, though either chilero or hot sauce is almost always available.

Nicaraguan typical diet includes rice, small red beans, and either fish or meat. Nicaraguans pride themselves for their famous gallo pinto that is a well-balanced mix of rice and
beans and is usually served during breakfast.

Plantains are a big part of the Nicaraguan diet. You will find it prepared in a variety of forms: fried (subdivided into maduros/sweet, fajadas/long thin fried chips, and
tostones/smashed and twice fried), baked, boiled, with cream or cheese, as chips for a dip, smashed into a "toston". Green bananas and guineo bananas are also boiled and
eaten as side dishes.

Nicaraguan tortillas are made from corn flour and are thick, almost resembling a pita. One common dish is quesillo: a string of mozzarella-type cheese with pickled onion, a
watery sour cream, and a little salt all wrapped in a thick tortilla. It can be found on street corners or in the baskets of women who walk around shouting "Quesiiiiiillo". The most
famous quesillos come from the side of the highway between Managua and Leon in Nagarote (they also serve a local drink, tiste) and La Paz Centro. The best selection of
cheeses, from quesillo to cuajada, is in Chontales.

A typical dish found for sale in the street as well as in restaurants is Vigoron, consisting of pork grind, yuca and cabbage salad, chilis can be added to taste.

Fritangas (mid to large street side food vendors and grills that usually have seats and are found in most residental neighborhoods) typically sell grilled chicken, beef and pork
and fried foods. They also commonly sell "tacos" and "enchiladas" that can be delicious but have very little in common with their 2nd cousins-once-removed in Mexico. Tacos
are made with either chicken or beef rolled up in a tortilla and deep fried, served with cabbage salad, cream, sometimes ketchup or a homemade tomato sauce, and chile on
the side. They are a little like a Mexican taquito/taco dorado. "Enchiladas" don't have anything enchiloso about them (not spicy). They are a tortilla filled with a beef and rice
mixture, folded in half to enclose the mixture, covered in deep fry batter and then yes, deep fried. They are served similarly to tacos."

     Good to know, Nicaragua is said to be the safest destination in Central America...However, as with ANY trip out of your normal orbit, listen carefully to your travel provider, as they will have the best advice to keep you high, dry, and happy!

Focus on Panama

     Panama is a country in Central America. The capital is Panama City. The language is Spanish. It can get pretty cool in the mountains, but elsewhere it's tropical all the way averaging 84F in the heat of the day. The population is a wee bit more than 3.36 million. 
     Panama is well known, naturally, for the Panama Canal. Wiki says, "A visit to the Panama Canal is probably the most important item in the traveler´s list. There are several ways you can experience the canal, it will depend on your level of interest. For the curious visitor, there are two museums devoted to it: the Canal Museum at Casco Antiguo, featuring Panama´s history as a crossroads of cultures, oceans and a bridge between continents and a second museum is located at the Miraflores Locks. This museum shows the technical aspects of the Canal. You can observe the transits at the balcony of the restaurant on the top.
     Another way to experience the Canal is to cross it. Either partial crossing which takes four hours or complete crossing which might be done in eight, in both cases it is
recommendable to hire a guide that is knowledgeable in history of the Panama Canal.

    
A short list of Wiki Panama travel opportunities are:

* Bocas del Toro features white powdery beaches and surfing from the reefs

* The mountainous region of the Chiriquí Highlands is home to the charming town of Boquete, the habitat of the Resplendent Quetzal and the best coffee in the world at the
plantations in the highland cloud forests.

* Boca Chica, outside David in the Province of Chiriquí , is a small fishing town known as the departure point for world class sport fishing in the Gulf of Chiriqui.

National Parks
National Parks Panama
National Parks Panama

* Volcan Baru National Park - is in Panama's northern most region. The park is 35,000 acres/14,325 hectares in size, and Panama's highest peak at 11,401 feet/3,475
meters. The Volcano has been dormant for over 600 years; but with the bubbling Hot Springs and frequent seismic activity, it might not be entirely extinct. You can climb the
Baru from the Boquete side, which is an all day event; or you can camp overnight near the ranger station, and watch the sunrise. Dress in layers, as the higher you go,
temperatures will change dramatically. The famous Sendero de los Quetzales Trail(Quetzal Trail)passes through the lower slopes of the Volcan Baru.

* Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí - The PNMGC in the Gulf of Chiriqui and has some of the best whale watching in the region.

* Coiba National Marine Park - Frequently referred to as the Galapagos Islands of Central America for its abundance of rare species in both the water and on land, Coiba
National Marine Park is composed of the island of Coiba and 37 surrounding islands and islets, all of which are about 30 miles off the Panamanian coast. Here you can scuba
and snorkel and see some of the most rare pelagic species of marine life in the world.

* La Amistad International Park - is Panama's second largest park, covering over 850 square miles/207,000 hectares. The park is in both the Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro
provinces, although more than 90% of the park is in the Bocas region. It is also considered a bi-national park, as an additional 193,929 hectares stretch to the Costa Rica side.
Because of the cliffs, deep valleys, and density of this park, it is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in Central America.

Outdoor Activities

* Hiking: There are many hiking trails in Panama through the numerous National Parks. Most are accessible and easy enough to traverse with out a guide. However, due to
the density of some of the rainforests, staying on the designated trail is recommended, if you don’t have a guide. To increase your chance of actually seeing wildlife, birds, or
Quetzal’s in Boquete, you can hire a guide. In the Darien unguided travel can be dangerous. Because Panama is one of the top adventure destinations, there are many
reputable tour companies offering guided treks throughout the country.
* Quetzal Trail: Within the [] National Park, Boquete, is perhaps the most famous hiking trail in all of Panama. Visitors come from all over the world to have an opportunity to
see the Resplendent Quetzal. Although the trail is easy enough to hike by yourself, unless you are an experienced birder, you might not spot a Quetzal. It is wise to hire a
guide.
* Zip Line Canopy: There is nothing more exciting than flying over the canopy on a zip-line. You can find zip line canopy adventures in Panama City, Cocle, and Boquete.
* Horseback Riding: Horses are a way of life in Panama. It is not unusual to look out the window of your casita, and have a horse looking back. Horseback riding in Panama is
mostly Western horses and Western saddles. Privately owned horses can vary from Quarter Horse to a mix of Columbian or Peruvian Paso. By breeding the two, you get a
larger horse, than the traditional Paso Fino, with the smooth and lovely gait of the Paso. There are two great areas for riding: on the beaches of Bocas del Toro near Dolphin
Bay' and in mountains of Boquete.
* Scuba and Snorkeling - Both the Atlantic (Bocas del Toro) and Pacific (Gulf of Chiriqui) offer incredible water sport opportunities. For Caribbean coral and reef fish, go
Atlantic. For rare pelagic species and the best whale watching in the world, go Pacific.
* Fishing - The Gulf of Chiriqui is known among sport fishermen to be one of the best spots in Central America. Saltwater Sportsman Magazine recently named Panama as
the best place on earth to catch the Black Marlin. On the other side of the country, near the border with Colombia on the Pacific side, you can also find Piñas Bay and the Zane
Gray Reef, which is renown worldwide as one of the best fishing spots in the worlds (and in Piñas Bay, you will also find the Tropic Star Lodge).
* Coffee Tasting:'Boquete', Panama has now become synonymous with some of the best coffee in the world. It has always been a coffee producing region. You can visit a
coffee estate for a tasting and explanation of the coffee process. For a single estate visit Ruiz or take a tour of multiple estates, like a wine tour, with Boquete Safari Tours.
* Boating - Panama touches both oceans and is only 50 miles wide at its narrowest point, so there's plenty of opportunities for boating. From David, a 5 minute cab ride will
get you to the port of Pedregal and into the sparkling Gulf of Chiriqui. In Panama City, you will find many options for taking a boat, including Flamenco Resort and Marina,
Balboa Yatch Club, Diablo Spinning Club, the Club de Yates y Pesca, and the Miramar Marina. There are also some other marinas in the lakes of the Panama Canal, as well as
some near the city of Colon in the Atlantic side
* White Water Rafting: World Class white water rafting can be found on the Chagres River, 1 to 2 hours from Panama City; in the Chiriqui Province, on the Rio Chiriqui
Viejo; and the Rio Grande, Cocle Province. There is usually enough water to paddle year around. However, the highest water level is in November, at the end of the rainy
season, and the lowest water level is in May, at the end of the dry season. Class I to Class V rapids can be found in Panama. The classes are based upon Panamanian
classifications. During the rainy season, the Panama class III’s are easily comparable to U.S. class IVs.
* KayakingOcean and river kayaking can be found in the Chiriqui Province. Boquete has many outfitters as the rivers are perfect for rafting and kayaking. And the Gulf of
Chiriqui is protected by many islands, making the calm waters perfect for kayaking; white powdery beaches filled with wildlife.
* Rock Climbing:The best rock climbing is in the Chiriqui Province, in the highlands of Boquete. The Basaltic Rock was formed after the last volcano eruption. Cesar Melendez
has developed over 30 routes, from beginner to advanced. He is also pioneering 'bouldering', climbing rocks while suspended over the river.
* Birding:There are over 960 species of birds in Panama. Many are only found in this region. The Panama Audubon Society is a good source of information on the bird
population by region.
* Hot Springs: Even though the Volcano has been dormant for over 600 years, there are still thermal springs bubbling up around it. The Chiriqui Province has several areas
with active springs. In Volcan, on the northern side of the Volcan Baru, about 30 minutes from town, there are several springs; however, due to the mineral content, there is a
slight sulfur smell. In the Boquete region there are several hot springs to choose from. A local land owner in Caldera has started to develop his bubbling spring (no sulfur smell),
and hopes to make it more like a 'spa'. However, it is not that easy to access yet; 4 wheel drive is required.

     Panama is rated very safe, but, whenever you visit another country or even a strange large city, you should bone up on the local customs. In the case of Panama travel, you should rely on your travel provider for details. 
     One curious side note... Even though Panama is made for shorts, it's best to dress for the occasion. Don't slop around, even at the grocery store. Dress as you normally would at home...say, a nice shirt and jeans. In this respect, dress is more conservative in Panama City, Panama than Panama City, Florida!

The Central America Experience

     Perhaps our sponsor, GAP Adventures -- A company that absolutely excels with Central American packages sums up the Central America Experience best....

Diversity. The word sums up Central America travel. So geographically close to the frenzy of North America, yet a million miles away in culture and lifestyle, this small area changes colours as quickly as a chameleon. Each country is so different that a simple border crossing will bring a whole new mix of surprises and cultural experiences. If beach life and water activities are your thing then a Central America tour is perfect for you. Snorkeling, sailing, SCUBA diving, surfing, parasailing, swimming and windsurfing are all possible in virtually any Central American country. For history and culture buffs the archaeological ruins of Tikal in Guatemala or Copan in Honduras are fascinating reminders of the ancient Mayan civilization. Whether you have just a week or a full month to travel, Central America has something for you.

Your Central America Vacation Of A Lifetime Begins Here...

     But we have only begun to tell you about the lush adventures ahead.... Just dabbled in the good Central America travel news... We have given you only a taste of Central America. For more in depth information, select a country and delve much more deeply into the fascinating world of Central America Travel.
     Select the Central American state or region of your interest, and even better, let us hook you up with up to three Central America Travel Experts. Based on what you tell us, we will hand select travel agents who have intimate knowledge of your chosen Central America destination. Get first hand information and get it for FREE! You don't pay a penny unless and until you decide to book travel. Here is your link to information...  Get Central America Travel Information from top travel specialists for vacations, cruises, flights, hotels and more! 100% Free.
     We also give you access to other travel expert opportunities on our Central America  Country pages including Central America  packages and the best Central America travel agent. Have a GREAT time designing your vacation or holiday, and always, safe traveling!

     On other pages find loads more information about Central America and the Caribbean Islands as well!

Belize   Costa Rica   El Salvador   Guatemala   Honduras   Nicaragua   Panama

     Psst... Don't see your Asia travel destination listed? We have over 12,000 travel agents. We'll find the right ones for you!