Introducing Central America
Tiny on a map, Central America packs in more diversity than any similar-sized area on the planet. No matter when you visit, or how long you're there, daily adventures are there for the taking. They come in all styles – fun, easy, bumpy, challenging, surprising, fulfilling – the sort you’ll be talking about for decades.
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Caribbean white-sand beaches and offshore reefs border lazy backpacker towns while, not far away, coffee-scented mountains reach, Dr Seuss–like, through smoke-ring clouds. Spanish haciendas line the cobblestone streets of 16th-century colonial towns under the ominous gaze of lava-gurgling volcanoes. Wander through dense jungle to find Mayan pyramids that date back a millennium as bulldog-sized rodents scurry past and howler monkeys commute in the treetops above you.
Best are the people you’ll meet. Skip from country to country on open-boats over chocolaty waters, witness colorful modern Mayan life, not much changed over the centuries, or kick back in a Garífuna village, the home to African-Carib culture. Excellent Spanish schools abound so try a border-crossing study hop or stay with a local family to discover more about daily life.
Central America – Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and, parts of southern Mexico – is distinctly apart from its bigger, more well-known American neighbors. That it remains a mystery to so many, makes the trip all the more rewarding.
Last updated: Mar 24, 2010
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Recent posts
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our trip was successful
by jerrytanguay 1 reply, last post 05 September 2010
We returned safely from our 3 month adventure, thanks to all who gave info before we went from the Thorn Tree - not too bad for 2 mature…
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I keep watching the storms heading for the US and I'm wondering how bad has Cuba been hit. Can't find any news on this.
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by keepontravelling 5 replies, last post 02 September 2010
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