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From the dripping rainforests of Costa Rica, haunted by the echoing calls of howler monkeys, to the vibrant Maya markets in the Guatemalan highlands, thick with the reds, yellows, and blues of woven tapestries, fresh produce, and bundles of local flowers, Central America offers endless opportunity to experience and explore. Nowhere else in the world is there such a wide range of geography, cultural groups, ecosystems, and recreational opportunities confined within such a small space.
The nations of this narrow isthmus have emerged from two decades of tumultuous political unrest and revolution into a relatively peaceful period—all seven countries have established democratic governments, and crime is decreasing. While Central America has always allured adventurers, increased political stability has expanded the opportunities available to budget travelers.
DISCOVER CENTRAL AMERICA
More than two thousand years ago, the indigenous peoples of Northern Guatemala began hauling immense slabs of limestone out of the ground and thrusting them skyward, constructing temples and palaces more than 70m high. Rising from the tangle of the oppressive jungle, these massive pyramids embodied the grandeur of Maya civilization—mysterious, stately, and technically sophisticated. Great Maya cities date back to 500 BCE, their presence recorded by hieroglyphics and the architectural marvels the Maya built. Today, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador provide the traveler with the opportunity to explore more than 30 of these ancient Maya sites. Although the preeminence of the great Maya cities faded before the Spanish Conquest, the Maya remain a living, evolving culture. The Western Highlands of Guatemala are home to thousands of Maya who maintain many of their traditional beliefs and practices, and the towns and markets in this area present an opportunity to experience modern Maya society first-hand.
Thundering waterfalls. Cloudforests laced with climbing orchids and blanketed in mist. Tangled rainforest dropping into turquoise waters bespeckled with coral reefs. Blessed with one of the most breathtaking and extensive park systems in the world, Central America is a nature-lover’s paradise. The diversity of the region’s national parks caters to every whim—whether you seek an afternoon’s stroll along well-maintained trails or are hoping to hack with your machete through thousands of kilometers of jungle (perhaps to excavate a newly-uncovered Maya ruin), Central America is sure to please. From snorkeling and diving to surfing and sunbathing, Central America is also paradise for the ocean-hungry traveler. In Costa Rica, you'll find the perfect combination of wave-riding and beach-loving, followed by nights of wild partying on the beach. The islands of Belize ease frazzled nerves and rejuvenate the city-weary traveler — its Caribbean waters are home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, near which lies Caye Caulker. In Honduras, take your equipment 30 meters down to explore the regal sea fans, schools of yellowtail snapper, scurrying lobster, and elaborate coral formations. Nicaragua’s San Juan del Sur, on the southern Pacific Coast, is a great place to relax and hang ten. The deep-sea fishing offshore is without compare—you may hook into a wahoo or even a mighty sailfish.
“I’m not going to stay there” you say, “I’m only going for a couple weeks.” But then it happens. You find that place, that one spot where the scenery is just right: the people are friendly, there’s a great hotel with a 24-hour bar, scores of fascinating villages nearby await exploration, a local market with bundles of fresh fruit and vegetables offers a taste of the good life, and volcanoes erupt around you, glowing into the night. These idyllic spots abound in Central America, and we’ve found them. Some of our researchers are still there. What are you waiting for?
WHEN TO GO
The most important factor to consider when planning a trip is the rainy season, which generally falls between May and November. Locally called invierno (winter), the rainy season, shockingly, is characterized by lots of rainfall. The rest of the year is the dry season, or verano. On the Pacific Coast and in the highlands, the seasons are very distinct (only 15 percent of the Pacific Coast’s rain falls during the dry season), while on the Caribbean Coast, rain should be expected year-round, though the deluge is fiercest during the rainy season. Dry season, the “high season” for tourists, is manifested by larger crowds and boosted prices, particularly around Christmas vacation. Central America need not be avoided during the rainy season. Even during this time of year, the sun usually rears its happy head for most of the day, and the majority of rainstorms occur in the afternoon. Visiting during the dry season is key for travelers in search of a dark tan or extremely isolated areas where roads and trails can be washed out for weeks on end. Otherwise, the wet season can offer pleasant refuge from throngs of tourists and the intense sun. The year’s best parties happen during Semana Santa, the festival associated with Easter week. If traveling during this time of year, try to book rooms in advance. |
