Volcanoes – there’s something just incredibly compelling about them and the primal forces they represent, isn’t there? The western side of Central America‘s most volcanic country is lined with some 18, both extinct and active – in fact, one of Nicar
When it comes to tourism in Central America’s largest country, the city that tends to get most of the attention is Granada (while ironically, capital Managua is pretty much avoided by all but business people). But in many ways I find its traditional
Is Costa Rica a new foodies’ travel destination? Hotel Trópico Latino Chef Randy Siles takes the world by surprise showing off Costa Rican cuisine.
Award-winning and gaining international celebrity status in his role as Costa Rica’s Ambassador of Nat
The allures of the tiny Central American country of El Salvador are still not all that well known beyond its borders. Furthermore, local tourism, even though ramping up infrastructure, has been further challenged by perceptions of insecurity, though
I confess, I am especially fond of Guatemala. In many ways, it’s the country of Central America which more than any other truly “has it all”. That includes breathtaking Mayan archaeological sites (Exhibit A: Tikal), lovely Spanish colonial architect
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One of Central America’s most atmospheric cities, named upon founding in 1524 after the original Granada in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, this city on the shores of Lake Nicaragua (aka Lake Concibolca) in the west of the long peaceful country of
You’ll barely hear a sound, except maybe for the wind and the waves. For there’s a side to Central America’s southernmost country, away from its famous Panama Canal and the bustling streets and towering skyline of capitalPanama City, that still looks
Up 4,600 feet in the mountains of northwest Costa Rica, a roughly three-hour drive from capital San José, Monteverde is famous for its cloud forests (rain forests whose microclimates make them usually foggy); nature and wildlife; and adventure attrac
When it comes to shopping on holiday, the 20 countries of Ibero-America are a stupendous trove that reflect the diversity of both their modern culture and their Hispanic and pre-Columbian heritages. Some of the most striking items that decorate my ho
In Costa Rica there are as many wildlife tours as kinds of animals, all of them very worthwhile. But nearly nothing beats the thrill of whale watching. There must be something about being in close proximity to a giant intelligent being that is fascin
The relaxed Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo not only boasts some of the country's prettiest beaches, and a selection of fine smaller lodgings, but also a great dining scene reflecting its varied international population. In addition to Costa Rican, yo
Java hounds sniffing after both a copacetic cuppa and the chance to experience key aspects of history, culture, and ecology relating to coffee in several Latin American countries have the opportunity to have it all in a number of regions which have f
Picturesquely set amid volcanoes, Antigua may be antigua (old), but these days there’s always something new percolating along these cobblestone streets, alive with Guatemalans hawking their wares; local commerce; tourists from all over the world; Nor
Panama is well-known for its famous Panama Canal, the modern Panama City, and its idyllic islands. Now, thanks to a newly created wildlife refuge, Panama is one of the best destinations for bird lovers in the Americas. Reently on World Wetlands Day –
Central America’s largest country was, not so many years ago, a staple of world headlines pretty much weekly for war and geopolitical intrigue. Yet despite its very flawed ruling régime, Nicaragua today is peaceful, stable, and welcomes tourists of a
It's been just over 500 years since Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa “discovered” the Pacific Ocean while traipsing across the isthmus ofPanama. That event changed mankind’s concept of geography and the world, and Panama has played a key role i
There are various good reasons to consider a visit to the tiny country of Honduras in Central America, especially if you’re a fan of diving, adventure, ecotourism, and castaway beaches. But if you’re fascinated by ancient archaeology - and in particu
Look up anything about Nosara, Costa Rica, and you are going to find mention of yoga and surfing. First surfing, and then yoga, has been a magnet for four decades to the quiet stretch of sand, ocean and tropical dry forest on thePacific’s Nicoya Pen
There are many good reasons to consider a visit to the tiny country of Honduras in Central America, especially if you’re a fan of diving, adventure, ecotourism, and castaway beaches. But if like me you’re fascinated by the Mayans and the magnificent
Read more…The Tortuguero coast in Costa Rica is a 22-mile-long, desolate, volcanic black sand beach littered with driftwood and tree logs tossed up on shore from the untamed ocean. It is a wild place – like the imaginary jungle coast in Maurice Sendak’s “Where
