Machaca Hill Lodge in Toledo, southern Belize is under new ownership. Now called Belcampo Belize Lodge and Farms, the eco-lodge is just as much a stunner as its predecessor, and even more dedicated to branding itself as a luxury, yet sustainable agrotourism destination.

• Review of Belcampo Belize Lodge and Farms
• Photo Tour of Belcampo Belize Lodge and Farms

Did you know Lake Nicaragua is home to the world's only freshwater sharks? Or that Ometepe, an island formed by twin volcanoes, is the largest volcanic island in a freshwater lake? Did you know that the surfing in San Juan del Sur is ranked among the world's best? Or that Nicaraguans are crazy about not just soccer (futbol), but baseball, too?

Learn more about Central America's largest country with these fascinating Nicaragua facts.

Due to increased violence in the region, the U.S. Peace Corps has withdrawn all 158 volunteers from Honduras while the organization reviews security, says CNN and Honduras Weekly. In addition, the Peace Corps has decided to suspend training for volunteer placement in the neighboring Central American Countries of El Salvador and Guatemala, though current volunteers aren't being withdrawn.

"Peace Corps will continue to closely monitor and assess the safety and security climate and enhance support in these countries before making any further decisions," Peace Corps spokeswoman Kristina Edmunson said Tuesday.

• The Peace Corps kids are all right (a piece by a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala)

Mmm, coffee. No matter how hard I try, I can't stay away -- especially when I'm traveling in Central America.

Central America is undoubtedly home to some of the world's finest coffee, due to the region's rich volcanic soil. Its forests are perfect for shade-grown coffee, and many Central America coffee plantations are devoted to ensuring their products are fair trade and environmentally friendly. Central America coffee tours are a great way to get behind the scenes of this much-beloved crop -- in fact, a third of the world's population drinks coffee. Wow!

• Coffee Tours in Central America