Central America
Christian September 8th, 2007
Central America is a land that is often overlooked due to the enormous neighbors to the North and to the South. Although it is small in size, it makes up for it in the diversity of the land. Ancient Mayan Ruins, volcanoes, coral reefs, lush jungles, green mountains, and colonial towns are spread out through the seven countries that make up this part of the world.
Belize | Guatemala | Honduras | Nicaragua | Costa Rica | Panama
Estimated Time in Central America: 40-50 days
Budget - 20 - 45 dollars each per day
Belize
In Belize, you can experience the warm Caribbean teeming with the wonders of the deep, and lush, exciting interior where you can walk the pathways of our rainforest and discover the exotic and breath-taking wildlife that awaits you. –Belizeit.com
Start out landing in Belize City
- Next Head to Caye Caulker
–Caye Caulker is laid back and has fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving (if not too pricey). This includes the Lighthouse Reef and the Blue Hole, a complex network of caves and crevices made famous by Jacques Cousteau. There are also many bird species here to look for as well. We may also rent a kayak to head out to the reef. We will probably head back to Belize City to catch a bus to Belmopan or San Ignacio. Some recommended place to stay on the Caye include Tina’s backpacker hostel (http://www.auxilloubeachsuites.com/tinashome.html) and Mara’s Place (http://www.toucantrail.com/Maras-Place.html).
–Many people recommend visiting Dangriga and Placencia.
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Then possibly head to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
–It is a range of hills, peaks, and gorges in Western Belize. Here we can hike and mountain bike. Also there is the Rio On, which forms a series of natural swimming pools. There is also the Thousand Foot Falls (1600ft.) waterfalls. called the Hidden Valley. For places to stay we have checked out this website so far www.belizenet.com/resortdest.shtml#cayo. Or we can also just take a day trip from San Ignacio to explore this reserve.
- Before heading into Guatemala, we may visit the Ancient Maya Site at Xunantunich
–This Mayan site is not as crowded as many of the sites in Central America, so the atmosphere is more personal. These ruins include a restored stucco frieze carved with abstract designs, human faces, and jaguar heads. These ruins are by the border crossing to Guatemala.
–Most people stay a few nights in San Ignacio exploring before crossing the border to Guatemala. Buses run from the city to Benque Viejo del Carmen, a border town. Transportes Pinita and Transportes Rosalita buses run westward to Santa Elena. One of the most reccomended places near San Ignacio is The Trek Stop (http://thetrekstop.com/index.htm) which many say is a good place to spend a couple of days before heading to Guatemala.
–Another day trip that can be taken from San Ignacio is Actun Tunichel Muknal (ATM). This is supposed to be a great tour into the depths of an ancient mayan cave where the mayans went to conduct cerimonies, including human sacrifices. You can still see some of the remains of those who were sacrificed for the Mayan gods.
Estimated Time in Belize: 7 - 10 days (dependent on cost of diving)
Budget - 45 dollars each per day
Guatemala
Guatemala offers Central America in concentrated form: its volcanoes are the highest and most active, and its Mayan ruins the most impressive. Guatemala is the Mayan heartland within Central America. Its indigenous culture is alive and well in the ancient ruins of Tikal, the Mayan/Catholic rituals of Chichicastenango and the blazing colors of everyday Mayan dresses.
What will we do in Guatemala?
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Enter the Country from Belize going first to Tikal from Flores
–Tikal is considered by many to be one of the greatest Maya sites. Its ruined temples soar majestically out of undisturbed rainforest which is home to monkeys, toucans and parakeets. Flores is the town we will most likely be staying at to do an excursion to Tikal. Everyone raves about seeing a sunrise at Tikal, so we may plan to do that. One of the hostels that was recommended here is Los Amigos (http://www.amigoshostel.com/).
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From there we may head to Livingston, which is located on the Carribean coast, to travel along the Rio Dulce.
–This is a river that runs through the jungle, passes through a narrow gorge, a thermal spring, and a reserve which protects manatees that live there (although rare to see them). This will put us out to the town of Rio Dulce. Some suggestions for the town of Rio Dulce are the canopy tour with Tijax, the cascadas agua caliente (hot waterfall)
- From Rio Dulce, we will probably head to the Colonial City of Antigua for Spanish classes with excursion from there to hike an active volcano
–Antigua is the former capital of Guatemala, and reguarded by many as the most beautiful colonial city in Central America. Here we will take classes at one of the many language schools. One of the places that has been reccomended is the Jungle Party Hostel (http://www.junglepartyhostal.com/).
–We will also make an excursion to Volcan Pacaya. This is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. You can see lava flowing while hiking on the volcano. It has some impressive views from the summit.
- We may take a side trip to Lago de Atitlan, staying in the town of Panajachel
–This is a lake that is surrounded by three volcanoes. Here there are a tradional Maya villiages, which have gone more or less unchanged. There are plenty of day hikes, or you can take the 4-5 day trip around the whole lake. There are boats that travel across the lake from village to village as well. There are many cheap hotels. One of the best hotels in the area that costs a little bit more is Casa del mundo (http://www.lacasadelmundo.com/hotel.htm). This is located in Jaibalito on Atitlan, and is said to be worth the splurge of $13.50 each per night. If we go to San Pedro, Hotel Pennelu was reccommended simply for the view and cost of $.50 a night also reccommended is the Hotel San Francisco.
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We will then head to Honduras by El Florido
Estimated Time in Guatemala: 14 - 20 days (dependent on time spent studying Spanish)
Budget - 25 dollars each per day
Whether your Honduras pleasure lies in sunning on the beaches of Roatan, climbing an ancient pyramid, taking photos, sailing or diving in the sparkling Caribbean Sea, spying a flock of native parrots or a jaguar in their natural habitat while on an eco-tour, or even dancing the night away, Honduras can fulfill all of your vacation dreams.
What will we do in Honduras?
- Enter from Guatemala overland at El Florido (Near Copan) and stop at Copan
–Copan is one of the most impressive of all Maya sites. It is not large, but the site has some of the most remarkable ruins. These include magnificently carved sculptures and the Hieroglyphic Stairway. There is also an on site Maya Museum. We will more than likely stay in the nearby town of Copan Ruinas.
- Next we will head to the city of La Ceiba and make an excursion to Parque Nacional Pico Bonito
–Parque Nacional Pico Bonito is a remote expanse of broadleaf, cloud and pine forests that has twenty rivers and is dominated by the peak of Pico Bonito(2435m). There is much wildlife to see here, including monkeys, armadillos, and pumas. Whitewater rafting is especially good on the Rio Cangrejal, which has some of the best Class III and IV rapids in Central America.
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From there we will head to the Bay Islands
–This is one of more popular destinations in Honduras. It is three Caribbean islands set on a coral reef. Scuba diving is excellent here. There are calm turquoise waters with cheap diving programs. Utila is the most popular island with the backpacking crowd, and heavy into partying. Roatan is the largest island and much quieter than Utila, and has good hiking trails. We plan on spending at least a week in the Bay Islands relaxing, soaking up the sun and obtaining more Scuba Certifications for cheap.
Estimated Time in Honduras: 10 - 15 days
Budget - 40 - 45 dollars each per day
Whether it is spending time in the Corn Islands, exploring the turquoise waters during the day and eating lobster and drinking a cold beverage watching the sun set in the evening, sufing world class breaks, discovering colonial towns, or hiking up an active volcano, we are sure to have a great time in this country.
What will we do in Nicaragua?
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Start by entering the country from Honduras and spending a couple days in the Northern Highlands (Matagalpa and Jinotega)
–The Northern Highlands of Nicaragua are filled with pine filled green hills along with coffee plantations and ranches. One place we may check out is Hotel de la Montana Selva Negra, which is a popular eco-lodge with over a dozen trails.
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From there we will head to Granada
–Granada is one of the oldest and most attractive colonial cities in Central America.
- Then we will fly to the town of Bluefields, where we will take a boat to the Corn Islands
–The Corn Islands are two tiny islands in the Carribean. It will be a relaxing time on unspoiled beaches with a laid back pace, cheap fresh caught lobster, and great snorkeling on Little Corn.
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From there we will probably fly back to Managua to move on to Costa Rica at the border at Penas Blancas
Estimated Time in Nicaragua - 7 - 12 days
Budget - $20 - $30 Each Per Day
Pura Vida Mae. Having spent more than a month in Costa Rica during college, I got a feel for the country and the people. Costa Rica is a place of beauty, not just with the land, but also with the people (Ticos as they are called). There are many things to explore in Costa Rica. Hidden waterfalls, dense rainforests, monkeys swinging above, zip lining through the tree tops, watching a volcano erupt from my hotel room, and amazing waves are just some of the memories that I have from this lush paradise. I am sure that round two will be just as thrilling.
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We will enter the country by Penas Blancas in the Northwest of the country, and head to the Peninsula de Nicoya via Liberia
–Liberia is one of Costa Rica’s most attractive town. It has wide streets of whitewashed houses lined with mango trees. It is a great jumping off point for the beaches in Peninsula de Nicoya. The main street has been restored and is a back to its 19th century glory.
–Here there are plenty of beaches strung along the coast. There is great surf and a laid back vibe. Some of the beach towns we might check out are Playa del Coco, Tamarindo, Montezuma. If we make it all the way down to Montezuma, we can take a ferry across the Golfo de Nicoya from either Playa Naranjo or Paquera. There is also take a ferry from Montezuma to Jaco that takes an hour and costs $30. Either way we will most likely be heading next to Monteverde.
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Monteverde which is considered one of the most spectacular natural sites in Costa Rica
–To get here from Punta Arenas there is a bus that takes 2 hours and costs $2.50. There are many things to do in this cloud forest preserve. There is many things to see and do here. There is a hummingbird gallery, where feeders attract hummingbirds. There is also an orchid garden, which displays over 400 species of orchids, including the world’s smallest. The Monteverde Butterfly Garden has a tour through three butterfly raising greenhouses.
–There are also more exciting activities to do here. There are canopy tours, which you zip around the tops of the trees. The best one there is Sky Trek, which offers the best views and some of the highest and longest zip lines in Costa Rica. Also, there is a Sky Walk, where you get a birds eye view of the forest on seven suspension bridges. There is also horseback riding at Sabine’s Smiling Horses and Meg’s Riding Stables. (www.smilinghorses.com) (www.stellasbakery.com).
–There is also Reserva Santa Elena. This is a more traquil, less visited cloud forest reserve. It is roughly one third the size of Monteverde, but just as nice. All the profits go to the local school. It has an observation tower that has great views of Arenal on clear days. (www.monteverdeinfo.com/reserve)
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From Monteverde we will head to the town of La Fortuna, where we will see an active volcano, a waterfall, and relax in natural hot springs
–This town is the closest to the volcano which became active in 1968. We will check out the Volcano and the hot springs. You cannot actually climb on this volcano due to it being very dangerous and of hikers being killed by lava slows in the past. The hot springs are very relaxing. There are two main ones. Baldi Termae and Tabacon Hot Springs are the main ones. Baldi Termae costs $10 and has a swim up bar and seven pools each with a different temperature. Tabacon is said to be more upscale. Here there are hot tubs, a waterslide, waterfalls, and 12 cold and hot swimming and soaking pools. Tabacon costs $19 for admission.
–We will also probably check out La Catarata de Fortuna. This is a striking waterfall is located 6km from the town and cost $6 to enter. You can take the paved road southwest of town and follow signs to the falls.
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We will then head to San Jose to make some excursions out
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If we have time, we may head to Tortuguero National Park
–This is referred to by many as a Mini Amazon. The park is known for the 40,000 green sea turtles that come every season to lay eggs. The park attracts more than 50,000 tourists a year. The beaches here are not suitable for swimming due to sharks and strong currents.
- We will take an excursion to Volcan Poas
–This is a must for anyone who wants to peer into an active volcano. The crater is 1.3 km across and 300m deep. There is a nature trail that leads to another nearby volcanic crater that contains a pretty lake. It is best to go early in the morning before the clouds arrive. It is a three hour bus ride. The bus leaves from Av 2, between Calles 12 and 14 across from Parque La Merced at 8:30 and returns at 2:30. You should get there early.
- Manuel Antonio National Park
–If we take the ferry from Montezuma, Manuel Antonio is right there. This area has forest backed tropical beaches, ocean and island views, and wildlife. This is a very pretty park, but more expensive than other areas of Costa Rica.
- Then We will head to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca before heading onto Panama
–This is a town that holds to its Carribean roots. It is a prime surfer destination, with the country’s most powerful and largest waves. There is a town of Manzanillo that lays 13km away that you can rent bikes to get to. This is best for snorkling, while the close by Punta Uva is great for diving.
Estimated Time in Costa Rica: 10 - 14 days (depending if we go to Tortugero)
Budget - 30 - 40 dollars each per day
Panama
Panama means “Abundance of Fish and Butterflys” in the indigenous language of the country. It is a country that has faced many hardships in the past, but looks to the future with hope. It has beautiful land, and should be a joy to visit.
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We will enter the country from the Costa Rican border at Guabito-Sixaola and take a bus to Changuinola then a ferry to Bocas de Toro
–Bocas de Toro is a archipelago of six large islands. It is a slow paced, relaxed community that is filled with white sand beaches, coconut palms, and reefs. Isla Colon is the island where where the town of Bocas de Toro is located. This is where all of the accomodations and restaurants are. There are diving trips offered by Bocas Water Sports (www.bocaswatersports.com) and Starfleet Eco Adventures (www.explorepanama.com/starfleet.htm). Most cost $35 for one tank dive or $50 for a two tank dive.
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From Bocas de Toro, we will head to Panama City, either by Flight or Bus/Water Taxi
–There are two ways to get to Panama City. One is a combonation of a water taxi and connecting buses, the other is a flight. There are two flights that offer daily flights for about $58. These are Aeroperlas and Aero. The extra $50 may be worth saving the headache.
–We will be spending a couple of days in Panama City. Just enough time to explore the Panama Canal (Mira Flores Locks), and to get aquainted with the city. Panama Viejo will be neat to check out. Located at the Eastern end of the city, these ruins are from 1519 when the city was founded.
–It is then off to Quito, Ecuador and to South America.
Estimated Time in Panama: 6 - 10 days
Budget - 20 - 30 dollars each per day
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