The Xunantunich Ruins in Belize
The Xunantunich ruins, in western Belize's Cayo District, are some of the country's best-preserved. The temple El Castillo (pictured) is the second-tallest structure in Belize. (The tallest is another temple at the Mayan ruins of Caracol. That's right -- Belize's ancient buildings are taller than any modern ones!) The name Xunantunich means "Stone Woman" in a Mayan language, and refers to a ghost woman spotted climbing the steps of El Castillo. Creepy!
Private Island Resorts in Central America
Central America's islands are diverse and gorgeous, and so are Central America's private island resorts. They're perfect for travelers seeking respite and romance, away from the crowds and chaos of well-touristed destinations.
From Jicaro Island Ecolodge in Lake Nicaragua to Islas Secas off the coast of Panama, these Central America private island resorts and hotels are fantasies-come-true.
Belcampo Belize Lodge and Farms
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.
Interesting Facts About Nicaragua
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.
US Withdraws Peace Corps Volunteers from Honduras
Due to increased violence in the region, the U.S. Peace Corps has withdrawn all 158 volunteers from Honduras while the organization reviews security, says CNN and Honduras Weekly.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in the neighboring Central American Countries of El Salvador and Guatemala, though current volunteers aren't being withdrawn.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)
Central America Coffee Tours
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!
Photos of Bocas del Toro, Panama
Bocas del Toro is a province and an archipelago in Panama, undoubtedly one of the country's most (if not THE most) popular destinations for travelers. Its Caribbean location -- in Panama's northwest corner, just a hop, skip and a boat ride or plane ride from Costa Rica -- makes for incredibly arresting scenery.
Take look at the Bocas del Toro photos, from lively Bocas Town to the remote, uninhabited Zapatillas Cayes, and I'm sure you'll agree!.
Central America Photo for January: Ometepe Island
Our Central America Photo for January features an aerial view of Ometepe Island, in Nicaragua's Lake Nicaragua. The unique island is composed of two volcanoes, resulting in a lush landscape perfect for coffee-growing. The body of water at the bottom of the photo is the Pacific Ocean.
Backpacking in Panama
It's the end of the year, and time to make travel resolutions. How about backpacking in Panama in 2012?
Panama is great for luxury travelers, but also for budget travelers. It has everything from bustling cities (like Panama City, Central America's most cosmopolitan capital) to tiny villages, and lively surf beaches to far-flung Caribbean islands only glimpsed by the most intrepid travelers. Have a look at our list of the Top Backpacker Destinations in Panama!
Central America's Big Cities
Central America is home to tiny villages as well as large cities -- some, like Managua in Nicaragua, Guatemala City in Guatemala, and San Jose in Costa Rica, with more than two million people in their metropolitan areas. Most are Central America capital cities, though not all. Each boasts tons of attractions for international travelers. Take a trip to Central America's big cities!