Where to start? A Spanish language school is a great idea as you get to live like a local for a week, but more importantly after that you can actually speak some Spanish which you will find enormously helpful as you travel through these fascinating countries.
Guatemala – do visit the colonial city of Antigua which is filled with Spanish architecture, churches, monasteries and cobbled streets. Nearby is the beautiful Lake Atitlan – 128 sq km lake in a collapsed volcano cone. The unpronounceable Chichicastenango is famous for its huge indigenous market on a Thursday and Sunday – you can buy anything from local fruits and vegetables to embroidered cloths and hand carved wooden masks. Visit the world renowned Mayan ruins of Tikal which are in the Jungle unlike other sites such as Chichen Itza and Copan which have been cleared. See towering pyramids amongst the trees with howler monkeys, toucans and parrots all around, get there for sunrise – very dramatic, like being in an Indiana Jones movie.
Belize – The only English speaking country in Central America has the worlds 2nd largest barrier reef. Enjoy the laid back Caribbean life style on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. There are more Mayan ruins at Altun Ha and Lamanai.
Honduras – Home to coastal wetlands, lagoons and more stunning tropical scenery – thankfully protected in numerous national parks and reserves. Naturally you will find even more famous Mayan ruins at Copan. The bay islands of Roatan and Utila offer white sandy beaches and possibly the cheapest place in the world to learn to scuba dive.
Costa Rica – The leader in nature and eco tourism in this region has lots of volunteer trips to help protect the leatherback turtles. Visit the rainforest and possibly spot the elusive jaguars in corcovada national park. Also home to some great white sand beaches. A destination that has a little bit of something for everybody.
There are great small group tours available encompassing as little or as much of the above as you would like or you can travel independently (you need your Spanish then!).
In general November to April are the best months to visit followed by June to September but just go when you can to this fascinating region. Flight connections usually work best via Los Angeles and then onto Panama City with COPA, a Star Alliance partner of Air New Zealand. There are also direct flights from LA to San Jose in Costa Rica with Avianca. We are now awaiting Air NZ to offer these fares via their new hub of Houston!
Experiences in this area
NEW! Longitudinal World Cruise I
65 DAYS | 9 COUNTRIES Embark on a grand voyage across the Americas as you sail from “the end of the world” to the Great Lakes. Experience epic wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. Immerse yourself in … Continue reading
NEW! Longitudinal World Cruise II
71 DAYS | 9 COUNTRIES Famous waters to frozen landscapes Join Viking on a grand voyage spanning the waterways and oceans of the New World and Antarctica. Admire the natural beauty of the Great Lakes, Canadian Maritimes and the glaciers and fjords … Continue reading
NEW! Longitudinal World Cruise III
70 DAYS | 10 COUNTRIES From the Great Lakes to Antarctica Discover North America’s wilderness while sailing the striking waterways of the Great Lakes. Explore ancient civilizations and gaze upon the Chilean fjords’ towering ice shelves. Witness the wildlife of … Continue reading
NEW! World Voyage I
180 Days | 83 Guided Tours | 37 Countries Circumnavigate the world Traverse the globe on an unforgettable voyage across vast oceans to destinations on six continents. From Ft. Lauderdale, discover faraway lands in the South Pacific and Asia. Witness … Continue reading
Ultimate Central America
Lush jungle, idyllic beaches, colonial cities and good coffee Embark on an in-depth Central American adventurel from Mexico’s capital to the home of the Panama Canal. Pass through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama on … Continue reading
Mexico City: Day of the Dead Comfort
This cultural festival will have you spooked in all the right ways. Feel the mystical vibes of the weird and wonderful Dia de los Muertos, or the annual Day of the Dead festival, on a five-day cultural exploration of Mexico … Continue reading
Premium Costa Rica
Discover the natural and cultural paradise of Costa Rica Embark on thrilling adventure through Costa Rica’s verdant rainforests, ancient volcanoes and glittering beaches, where wildlife waits around every corner. This nine-day Premium journey will see you uncover the local secrets … Continue reading
Premium Mexico & Cuba
Delight in the colours and cultures of Mexico and Cuba Uncover little pockets of paradise on a 23-day Premium adventure through Mexico and Cuba. Explore Mexico City and the great ruins of Teotihuacan, learn the colonial history of Puebla and … Continue reading
Premium Mexico in Depth
Dive into the culture, cuisine and history of beautiful Mexico In 15 days, this Premium adventure weaves together Mexico’s best, from award-winning restaurants and hidden street food stalls to paradisiacal coastlines and incredible ancient ruins. Journey through Mexico City, Puebla … Continue reading
Premium Mexico City to Oaxaca
Uncover the delicious diversity of Mexico’s culture and cuisine When it comes to vibrant culture and varied cuisine, there’s nowhere quite like Mexico. Get a taste of the country’s best on an eight-day Premium adventure through Mexico City, Puebla and … Continue reading
