Costa Rica: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities First Woman Elected President Geography This Central American country lies between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Its area slightly exceeds that of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. It has a narrow Pacific coastal region. Cocos Island (10 sq mi; 26 sq km), about 300 mi (483 km) off the Pacific Coast, is under Costa Rican sovereignty. Government Democratic republic. History Costa Rica was inhabited by an estimated 400,000 Indians when Columbus explored it in 1502. The Spanish conquest began in 1524. The region grew slowly and was administered as a Spanish province. Costa Rica achieved independence in 1821 but was absorbed for two years by Agustín de Iturbide in his Mexican empire. It became a republic in 1848. Except for the military dictatorship of Tomás Guardia from 1870 to 1882, Costa Rica has enjoyed one of the most democratic governments in Latin America.

In the 1970s, rising oil prices, falling international commodity prices, and inflation hurt the economy. Efforts have since been made to reduce reliance on coffee, banana, and beef exports. Tourism is now a major business. Óscar Arias Sánchez worked to simultaneously heal his country's economic woes and foster peace in Central America. José Maria Figueres Olsen of the National Liberation Party became president in 1994. He opposed economic suggestions made by the International Monetary Fund, instead favoring greater government intervention in the economy. The World Bank subsequently withheld $100 million of financing. In 1998, Miguel Angel Rodríguez of the Social Christian Unity Party became president, pledging economic reforms, such as privatization. In 2000, Costa Rica and Nicaragua resolved a long-standing dispute over navigation of the San Juan River, which forms their shared border. A psychiatrist, Abel Pacheco, also of the Social Christian Unity Party, won the presidency in elections held in April 2002. In May 2003, several national strikes took place, by energy and telecommunications workers over privatization and by teachers over their salaries.

SICE: Trade Policy Developments:Central America-Panama Trade Policy Developments During the 1990s meetings of Central American presidents, an important element of the Central American peace process, were also directed towards issues relating to the Central American Integration System. These meetings extended participation to include neighbouring countries such as Belize, the Dominican Republic and Panama. Panama and the Central American countries had signed bilateral partial preferential trade agreements in the 1970s. The Central American countries and Panama agreed to initiate negotiations towards a free trade agreement on 12 July 1997 at the XIX Summit of Central American Presidents. Negotiations were initiated in July 1998, but were suspended in March 1999. Negotiations were relaunched in March 2000 at a meeting of Ministers of Central America and Panama. The first round of negotiations was held in April 2000 in Guatemala. Negotiations on the normative framework were concluded on 16 May 2001, after eight rounds of negotiations. The following year, bilateral negotiations took place between each of the Central American countries and Panama.

El Salvador and Panama concluded their bilateral negotiations in January 2002, signing a bilateral protocol to the agreement on 6 March 2002. Honduras and Panama concluded their bilateral negotiations and signed a bilateral protocol to the agreement on 15 June 2007. Costa Rica and Panama concluded negotiations on 22 June 2007 and signed a free trade agreement on 7 August 2007. Further rounds of negotiation have been held between Panama and the other Central American countries. The seventh round of negotiations between Nicaragua and Panama was held in Panama City on 12 October 2007. On 15 January 2009, Nicaragua and Panama signed a bilateral protocol to the agreement. Documents relating to the negotiations 15 January 2009 Nicaragua y Panamá sign bilateral protocol 10 October 2007 Seventh round of negotiations between Nicaragua and Panama 07 August 2007 Costa Rica and Panama sign free trade agreement 22 June 2007 Honduras and Panama sign bilateral protocol 27 April 2007 Panama City, Panama.

Seventh round of the Costa Rica-Panama FTA negotiations 9-12 April 2007 San José, Costa Rica. Sixth round of Costa RIca-Panama FTA negotiations 24-27 October 2006 Panama City, Panama. Fifth round of Costa Rica-Panama FTA negotiations 25 September 2006 Guatemala City, Guatemala. Fourth round of Guatemala-Panama free trade agreement negotiations San José, Costa Rica. Fourth round of Costa Rica-Panama negotiations 22-26 June 2006 Guatemala City, Guatemala. Second round of Guatemala-Panama negotiations 16-19 July 2002 San Jose, Costa Rica. Round II of Costa-Rica Panama market access negotiations 03-05 April 2002 Panama City, Panama.

Round I of Costa-Rica Panama market access negotiations 06 March 2002 El Salvador-Panama bilateral protocol signed 13 January 2002 Conclusion of El Salvador-Panama negotiations 02-06 September 2001 Final phase of El Salvador-Panama negotiations March 2000 Ministerio de Economía, Guatemala. Evaluación del Tratado de Libre Comercio Guatemala-Panamá May 2014 Ministerio de Economía, Guatemala. Evaluación del Tratado de Libre Comercio Guatemala-Panamá May 2013 Ministerio de Economía, Guatemala. Evaluación del Tratado de Libre Comercio Guatemala-Panamá September 2006 Secretaría de Integración Económica Centroamericana (SIECA). Estado de la Integración Económica Centroamericana May 2006 Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias de Panamá. Relación comercial entre Honduras y Panamá May 2006 Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias de Panamá.

Relación comercial entre Nicaragua y Panamá May 2006 Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias de Panamá. Relación comercial entre Guatemala y Panamá April 2005 Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias de Panamá. Relación comercial entre Costa Rica y Panamá September 2001 Ministerio de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (COMEX). El Comercio y la Inversión entre Costa Rica y Panamá: Evolución Reciente September 2000 Ministerio de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (COMEX). Negociaciones Comerciales con Canadá y Panamá: Resultados de la consulta y diálogo con los costarricenses Central America travel guide - Wikitravel Understand[ edit ] Until the 1990s, the region, (apart from peaceful Honduras, Belize and Costa Rica), was subject to brutal repression ( Guatemala ), civil wars ( El Salvador and Nicaragua ), and proxy wars between opposite parties supported either by the US or the Soviet Union.

This dark political and social situation changed with the end of the Cold War and after the signing of peace agreements at the beginning of the 1990s. Now the region is living a process of change and reforms that will hopefully allow travelers to discover an interesting and relatively cheap travel destination. Generally, the people of Central America are kind and warm, and welcoming to foreigners. There is a diversity of culture from one end of Central America to the other, and indigenous culture plays an important role in the region, especially in Guatemala , El Salvador and Honduras . Talk[ edit ] Due to the extensive Spanish colonial presence in the region, American dialects of Spanish are the primary language, especially of the government and in the cities. (English is the official language of Belize , a former UK colony, but you will still find yourself speaking a lot of Spanish in the country.) Native languages are still spoken in many rural areas. However, English is co-official in Nicaragua's Caribbean coast, along with indigenous languages. English speaking people can be found on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama. By plane[ edit ] Regular cheap flights are available from the United States to Central Americas airports.

Very regular buses run from Chetumal in Mexico to the town of Corozal in Belize, a journey lasting one hour and costing around $4 US. You may have to pay an exit tax, or a fee to validate your Mexican visa for multiple entries when you leave Mexico, and there is also an exit tax when you leave Belize.Juan Santamaría airport in Costa Rica also gets flights, from Europe (Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Madrid; US (Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, New York City, Houston, Phoenix, Charlotte, Orlando, etc). Agusto C. Sandino International Airport in Nicaragua and Comalapa Airport in El Salvador also have many destinations. Because flights directly to Central America from outside the Western Hemisphere are very expensive, it is often cheaper to fly via the U.S. For example, a flight Sydney->Mexico City costs about $2500. If you fly with Jetstar [1] to Hawaii , then with Hawaiian Airlines [2] to LA , and another plane with Volaris [3] to Mexico City, it will cost less than $1000. By bus[ edit ] It is actually much easier to bus from the United States to Central America than most imagine.

It is a distance of about 1000 miles from the US border at Brownsville to the Guatemalan/Mexican border. The trip can be done in one full day (strongly not recommended), instead the wise traveller would take his time and enjoy the many interesting sites along the way such as Real de Catorce , Veracruz , Xalapa , San Cristobal de las Casas , Palenque etc. Bus fare from Brownsville to the Guate border runs about $130 USD currently (Jan 08). From the Guatemalan Border, one can take a bus like the Tica Bus to get to Panama or any of the CA-4 countries for around 130 USD or less. There are no roads leading to Colombia from Central America. Get around[ edit ] If you have money to burn or in a tight shift, TACA and COPA offers good connections throughout the region but its relatively expensive due to the lack of competition. The international travel route leads mostly on the Pacific (west) side of Central America. It basically starts south in Panama City , crosses on the Pacific side into Costa Rica , passes by San José , crosses again at the Pacific coast into Nicaragua .

It is possible to cross the Costa Rican / Panaman border at the Caribbean coast but it takes longer and the border is just open during the day. Between Costa Rica and Nicaragua are two official borders. The more frequented one is "Peñas Blancas" at the Pacific side and the other one is between Los Chiles and San Carlos, Nicaragua . New border crossing between Costa Rica and Nicaragua,now by road a new highway, new bridge Santa Fe, and Custom & Immigration at Las Tablias. it will be open December 2014 Between Nicaragua and Honduras exist three border-crossings. Honduras and El Salvador share various border-crossings as well as Honduras and Guatemala and El Salvador . Tica Bus [4] connects all of the Central American countries except Belize. See[ edit ][ add listing ] The Cloud Forest of Cusuco National Park in Honduras . A biodiversity hot spot visited by Operation Wallacea scientific expeditions. The Cloud Forests of Panama in Boquete . Many hotels are actually within the cloud forest; or you can take a tour high in to the mountains, through the clouds. Lake Atitlan in Guatemala . One of the most beautiful spots on the planet. A volcanic lake with three volcanoes around it.

Surf, especially in Honduras , Nicaragua , Costa Rica , and El Salvador . National Natural Parks, especially in El Salvador , Costa Rica , Panama and Nicaragua which has the 2nd largest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, after Brazil. Volcanoes in Guatemala such as those framing the southern shores of Lake Atitlán considered by some to be one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Semuc Champey and the Lanquin caves in the Alta Verapaz District of Guatemala are unmissable. The Rain Forest (Rio San Juan, Nicaragua). The largest rain forest north of the Amazon, New eco-tourism destination, biodiversity hot spot, lots of wildlife, a great place for sport fishing tarpon. National Reserve indio-Maiz and other private reserve with eco lodge await for you. edit All these make this region a great yet undiscovered and affordable treasure which is worth visiting. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Just about every country in Central America accepts the U.S. Dollar. Other currencies are difficult to exchange. You can exchange Mexican Peso at the Belize Border or Guatemalan Border but that is about it. The U.S.

Dollar is the official currency of El Salvador and Panama so there is no need to exchange money in these countries. You can buy pretty much anything or any service in U.S. dollars, but it might be sometimes cheaper to buy in the local currency. Currencies such as the Córdoba or the Lempira are usually highly inflated so only get what you need. Nearly all banks change money from U.S. Dollar to the local currency and a passport is usually required to do this. Beyond border towns, currencies are always useless when brought outside the country to change money with official money changers at borders. If bringing U.S. Cash to Central America, make sure that the bills are new, clean and not torn or it may not be exchanged. $2 bills are considered lucky so bring some for tips. Banks in Belize do not exchange the Guatemalan Quetzal; they must be changed at the border or at some travel agents and tour operators. ATMs can be found in banks and in major towns but in the country side it is often hard to find working ATMs. Most ATMs dispence the local currency and U.S. dollars. In Central America, you can often find cheap buys from gifts to personal necessities.

Almost everything can be bargained for except for upscale department stores. Tourists will usually pay a higher price so this is where your haggling will be useful. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Guatemala is the country of tamales, there are regular tamales made out of corn "masa" with either meat, chicken, turkey or pork filling and tomato, and sometimes "chile". "Black tamales" are similar to the former ones but are sweet, "paches" are tamales made out of potatos, "tamales de cambray" are small sweet "masa" balls", tamales de "chipilin", and many others; rellenitos (sweet fried bean-stuffed banana bonbons) are a tasty dessert sold on streetcorners. Black beans are the main staple after corn of course. There is a variety of soups ("caldos"). Guatemalan cuisine is a mixture of Mayan and Spanish dishes. Gallo pinto is a mixture of rice and beans with a little cilantro or onion thrown in, it is the national dish of Nicaragua and Costa Rica This mixture is called Casamiento ("marriage")in El Salvador and Guatemala.

And on the north coast of Honduras, casamiento is made with coconut milk. Pupusas and "chicharron con yuca" (pork skin & yucca) are very popular dishes originated in El Salvador. Nacatamales, which are big tamales containing pork, potato, rice, chile, tomato, and masa is steamed in platano leaves, they originate from Nicaragua and can be bought in the colonial city of Granada. Oven tamales, wraped with platano leaves, are very good in Costa Rica. Grilled octopus is a very tasty dish in Panama. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Horchata is a drink made out of rice and it is of Spanish origin. It is drunk in most Latin American countries. A popular drink in most central american countries is "Rosa de Jamaica" (Hibiscus sabdariffa. "Tamarindo" also makes a very popular drink Piña Colada, a drink made from pineapple juice, coconut cream, crushed ice and rum, is drunk all around the Atlantic islands.

There are two major rum producers in Guatemala, distilling some of the best rums of the region, Ron Zacapa Centenario (aged to 12 and 23 years) and Ron Botran añejo (25 years). Flor de Caña, rated one of the best rums in Latin America. It is made in Chichigalpa, Nicaragua. Trips can also be made to visit the Flor de Caña factory. Stay safe[ edit ] Nicaragua , Panama and Costa Rica are generally safer than Honduras , Guatemala , El Salvador , and Belize , which suffer from the maras (street gangs) and also have the highest crime rates in the region. The police are often not seen as reliable or trustworthy. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights reported last year that Guatemala had the highest murder rate in all of Latin America , with 70.0 homicides per 100,000. In comparison, the murder rate in the United States is 5.6 homicides per 100,000. Night travel is dangerous anywhere in Central America, especially in national capitals. Illegal drugs are common in the region so stay clear!

Crossing into South America overland might seem like a good idea when you look at a world map, however, it's not. The border to Colombia in Panama's Darien province is surrounded by a dangerous wilderness and the only break in the Pan-American Highway . Known as the Darien Gap, this is the playground of ruthless drug smugglers and militias who will be happy to kidnap or kill you. Unless you're equipped from the movie Predator, stay away. Stay healthy[ edit ] Toilets are not always as readily available as what you may be used to in your own country, so take advantage of places where they are such as museums and restaurants. In many cases toilet paper will not be provided so it is best not to be caught short and carry your own. Water to wash hands is not always available so carrying antiseptic hand gel is a good idea. Trash cans are provided in all toilets for the disposal of toilet paper because the sewage systems in Central America cannot cope with it. Mosquitos are quite common even in the dry season and bug spray is often hard to come by. Bring a spray high in DEET. To be extra safe, bring a bug net to sleep under.

Malaria pills are a good idea but often expensive. Costa Rica Costa Rica Official name : Republic of Costa Rica Area: 51,100 square kilometers (19,730 square miles) Highest point on mainland: Cerro Chirripó (3,810 meters/2,500 feet) Lowest point on land: Sea level Hemispheres: Northern and Western A.M.

= noon GMT Longest distances: 464 kilometers (288 miles) from north to south and 274 kilometers (170 miles) from east to west Land boundaries: 639 kilometers (399 miles) total boundary length; Nicaragua 309 kilometers (193 miles); Panama 330 kilometers (206 miles) Coastline: Total: 1290 kilometers (805 miles); Caribbean Sea 212 kilometers (132 miles); Pacific Ocean 1,016 kilometers (633 miles); Cocos Island (Isla de Coco) 62 kilometers (40 miles) Territorial sea limits: 22 kilometers ( 12 nautical miles) 1 LOCATION AND SIZE Costa Rica is located in Central America, which is between the North and South American continents. Nicaragua lies to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, Panama to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest and west.

With an area of about 51,100 square kilometers (19,730 square miles), it is the second-smallest Central American country, slightly smaller than the state of West Virginia. Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces. 2 TERRITORIES AND DEPENDENCIES Cocos Island is a dependency of Costa Rica. It is located approximately 480 kilometers (300 miles) off the Pacific coast. 3 CLIMATE Most of Costa Rica has two seasons: the wet season from May to November (winter months) and the dry season from December to April (summer months). Although the country lies completely within the tropics, elevation plays a role in the variations of its climate. Temperature is also determined by proximity to the coasts. The area known as the tierra caliente (hot country) in the coastal and northern plains, experiences daytime temperatures between 29 and 32°C (85 to 90°F). The tierra templada (temperate country), including the central valleys and plains, has average daytime temperatures from 24 to 27°C (75 to 80°F).

The tierra fría (cold country) composes the land above 1,524 meters (5,000 feet) and has daytime temperatures from 24 to 27°C (75 to 80°F), but nighttime temperatures of 10 to 13°C (50 to 55°F). The tierra caliente is characterized by heavy rains; the tierra templada receives regular rains from April through November; and the tierra fría is less rainy but more windy than the temperate regions. The average rainfall for Costa Rica is more than 250 centimeters (100 inches). Natural disasters that befall the country include occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast, frequent flooding of lowlands at the beginning of the rainy season, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. 4 TOPOGRAPHIC REGIONS The landscape of Costa Rica varies from seasonally snow-capped mountains to seasonal marshlands to lush rain forests. The central highlands extend from northwest to southeast. The Atlantic and Pacific coastal lowlands are low, swampy, and heavily forested.

5 OCEANS AND SEAS Seacoast and Undersea Features Costa Rica is bordered on the east by the Pacific Ocean and on the west by the Caribbean Sea. The country sits at the boundary where the Cocos Plate in the Pacific—a piece of Earth's crust about 510 kilometers (316 miles) wide—meets the tectonic plate underlying the Caribbean Sea. The Cocos Plate moves east at a rate of about 10 centimeters (4 inches) per year, causing occasional earthquakes in the country. Sea Inlets and Straits Though there are a number of small inlets along the shore of the Pacific Ocean, the two major ones are the Nicoya Gulf (Golfo de Nicoya) in the north and the Dulce Gulf (Golfo Dulce) in the south. Islands and Archipelagos Cocos Island is an uninhabited dependency of Costa Rica. This volcanic island, located about 480 kilometers (300 miles) southwest of Costa Rica in the Pacific Ocean, is covered with tropical rainforests. There are a number of small sedimentary islands within the Nicoya Gulf, several of which are protected as wildlife refuges for roosting and nesting birds.

Caño Island, located near the mouth of the Nicoya Gulf, is a 300-hectare (740-acre) wildlife refuge island that is covered with tropical rainforest and surrounded by coral platforms. Coastal Features Along the coasts, mainly where the rivers empty into the ocean, there are extensive mangrove forests and swamps. The rest of the coastline offers numerous beaches. The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is flat and open, with gray or black sand beaches, while the Pacific coast is irregular with hilly or mountainous peninsulas, coastal lowlands, bays, and deep gulfs. 6 INLAND LAKES With a surface area of about 85 square kilometers (33 square miles), the man-made Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica. It is located in the northern part of the country near the Arenal volcano in the Arenal National Park. Lake Cachí is another man-made lake located at the eastern end of the Reventazón River (Río Reventazón). Lake Hule, south of San Miguel, is a natural lake set in a dormant volcanic crater.

Lake Caño Negro is a seasonal lake (appearing during the wet season) near Costa Rica's northern border that is fed by the fresh waters of the Frío River (Río Frío). 7 RIVERS AND WATERFALLS The longest river in Costa Rica is the San Juan. It flows from Lake Nicaragua in Nicaragua along the border with Costa Rica to the Caribbean Sea, covering a total length of about 220 kilometers (140 miles). Tributaries to the San Juan rise in the volcanic highlands of Costa Rica. Although the San Juan River lies within Nicaraguan territory, Costa Rica has, by treaty, full rights of navigation. The San Carlos and Chirripó Rivers, located near the border with Nicaragua, commonly flood during the wet season, turning the surrounding landscape into swampy marshlands. 8 DESERTS Central America Map - Maps of Central America Central America Map Central America Map > Topographical Map • Travel & Tourism • About Us Central America is a region that is situated at the southern extremity of the North American continent. It comprises 7 nations, namely, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.

Geographically, Central America is an isthmus that joins the continents of North America and South America. To its west and south lies the Pacific Ocean; to its east and north lies the Caribbean Sea. This first map of Central America depicts the region's nations, capital cities, and other major cities as well as adjacent nations and bodies of water. This next Central America map is a terrain map that shows the region's major physical features, land forms, and bodies of water, as well as its countries, major cities, and highways. Nation 3,510,045 Central American Nations The table at right shows the capital cities, areas, and estimated populations (in 2012) of the seven Central American nations. Belize , a constitutional monarchy, is located between Mexico and Guatemala, bordering the Caribbean Sea. Its terrain consists of a flat, swampy coastal plain, with low mountains in the south. The Republic of Costa Rica , or Republica de Costa Rica, lies between Nicaragua and Panama, bordering both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Its two coastal plains are separated by rugged mountains, including several major volcanoes.

The Republic of El Salvador , or Republica de El Salvador, is located between Guatemala and Honduras, along the Pacific Ocean coastline. Its terrain is mostly mountainous, with a narrow coastal plain and a central plateau. The Republic of Guatemala , or Republica de Guatemala, borders the Pacific Ocean between Mexico and El Salvador, and borders the Caribbean Sea between Belize and Honduras. Its mountainous interior yields to narrow plains along the coasts and a rolling interior plateau in the north. The Republic of Honduras , or Republica de Honduras, borders the Caribbean Sea between Guatemala and Nicaragua, and borders the Pacific Ocean between El Salvador and Nicaragua. Its terrain consists of a mountainous interior framed by narrow coastal plains. The Republic of Nicaragua , or Republica de Nicaragua, is located between Honduras and Costa Rica, with coastlines along the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Its extensive coastal plains along the Caribbean side yield to mountains in the northwestern interior and a narrow coastal plain, dotted with volcanoes, along the Pacific Ocean. See also Nicaragua.com . The Republic of Panama , or Republica de Panama, is located between Costa Rica and Columbia, with Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean coastlines.

Its terrain consists of rolling hills and plains along the coasts, with rugged mountains and upland plains in the interior. Related Map Websites Nicaragua Map / Geography of Nicaragua / Map of Nicaragua - Worldatlas.com Print this map In 1502, Nicaragua was inhabited by over a million indigenous Indians when Christopher Columbus stopped briefly along its Caribbean coastline. Twenty years later the Spanish had established permanent settlements here in their on-going colonization efforts across the Americas. Over time, most of its original people were decimated. The Spanish colony of Nicaragua was ruled from the Spanish empire's regional capital of Guatemala , with one exception - as the British influenced (or controlled) much of its Caribbean coastline, an area inhabited by Miskito (Mosquito) Indians. After the overthrow of the Spanish King by Napoleon, Nicaragua and others declared their independence from Spain in 1821. Then, Nicaragua, as well as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras formed the United Provinces of Central America, but that federation quickly dissolved, and Nicaragua became an independent republic in 1838. As factions fought for control of this new country, the U.S. inserted its considerable stabilizing power, and in fact, invaded Nicaragua on many occasions.

In the early 20th century, the U.S. Marines left, and Nicaragua quickly fell under the repressive four-decade regime of the Somoza family. Strong resistance to that brutal regime began in the late 1970s, organized by the Sandinista National Liberation Front. The Sandinistas eventually took control of the country, instigated land reforms, as well as important health and literacy changes. The U.S. remained unhappy about the removal by the Somoza family and the Reagan administration supported a heavily armed counterrevolutionary movement against the Sandinistas. They were called the "Contras" and they terrorized the countryside and inflicted great damage to the already weak economy. The Contras were secretly funded by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), with revenues from the sale of weapons to Iran ( Iran-Contra Scandal ). The civil war ended in 1990, but Nicaragua, all but destroyed by decades of fighting, would soon be dealt another tragic blow.

In 1998, Hurricane Mitch arrived and became the worst natural disaster in Nicaragua's history; killing over 10,000 people, more than 40,000 homes damaged or destroyed, and most bridges and roads simply washed away. In 2004, the World Bank forgave most of Nicaragua’s international debt, and though the country still struggles to survive, there is much optimism in this beautiful, yet fragile land. See Also Central America - Backpacking > Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Central America Trends since we started Central America A perfect, attraction rich region with enough beaches, volcanoes and temples along an easy to navigate route. Guatemala and Costa Rica the popular stand-outs. Country Summaries Central America and onwards to South America . What follows are only basic snap shot summaries. If you have decided these are some of the countries you want to visit and need more planning information then you are strongly recommended to complement what you find here with a planning guide . Trust us it will make life much easier. If you are set on going and need a guidebook or reading material please see a list of recommended guides/books here (go on have a look!).

All guides/books can be viewed in more detail and click-through purchased with Amazon in the UK, US or Canada. Plus shopping through the site is a big thank you (if you have been helped out), to see why click here . It is worth looking, if you have not already, at the example layout to see the guidelines each section of information is based on - or for other travel advice and site home head for Editorial Central America is a relatively compact region, easily travelled and very popular. Travellers are attracted to Caribbean beaches, temples and it's 'easy access' proximity to the United States of America. On the whole the region is over rated with it's northern reaches (México (see North America ) & Guatemala) being the most interesting. It's an excellent place to learn Spanish and highly recommended to get the most from your trip. When compared to South America, Central America is a more favourable destination in many ways, mainly due to beaches and beauty within a compact circuit, but it lacks many of the 'wow' exotic factors/sights of South America which should not be missed. Many thanks to Jan for Guatemala and CR updates and Monty for info on sailing to Colombia from Panama. Central America Get your bearings...

show/hide map of the region × Belize Intro: Relatively small, nestled in between México and Guatemala, Belize is the only English speaking Latin American country. It is fairly developed in relation to it's neighbours, but in many places has a very backwater feel to it. Most of the main attractions are out at sea in the form of hundreds of cayes , many with beautiful beaches and the 184-mile long (longest in the Northern hemisphere) barrier reef, complete with whale sharks, sting rays, multi-coloured fish and clear blue water. On the whole the mainland is ignored, with the main focus of activities away from the beaches, being wildlife viewing or Mayan temples that are less grander than might be found in neighbouring nations. That does not mean the main-land is totally ignored. San Ignacio is a hive of travellers (although this does have something to do with it's position on route to Tikal ) and a fantastic place. Elsewhere inland towns are less frequently visited and provide a great opportunity to get a little away from the Central American crowds and chill a little. The down-side however is that costs are much higher here than elsewhere in the region and considering this most travellers fleet through or stay less than a week.

The whole Caribbean atmosphere of the place, including the 'Bob Marley' variety of English spoken and (on the whole) friendly people makes Belize a great place when you are there - less so when you are counting the cost for excursions. Your time on the cayes will come at a price. The cayes , diving/snorkelling the reef - desert islands, sharks and sting rays plus San Ignacio (inc. mountain pine ridge, Xunantunich and cave tours). San Pedro and Ambergris Caye , Belize City, prices and especially those of excursions. Many towns like Belmopan (the capital), pleasant as they are, are non-events. Visa strategy: US, Canadian, Australian, and EU passport holders do not need a visa. There is a departure tax of about $US20 via land borders. If leaving by air this should be included in your ticket. Be aware of the scam that tries to make you pay it twice.

Typical tourist trail: From México to Guatemala (or visa-versa) via Belize City to Caye Caulker to San Ignacio What to take: The Cayes are covered in a white dirt that may or may not be sand, however when the sun reflects on it, sun glasses are necessary for comfort. As mentioned before sun protection is important when on boats, snorkelling etc. The Cayes?: Small islands. There are hundreds off Belize, many of them picture perfect and uninhabited. When backpackers talk about the Cayes they generally mean Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker (picture), being the two largest (the former much larger than the latter). Simplifying greatly: Ambergris Caye is far 'richer' and a package tourist favourite, whereas Caye Caulker is smaller and more backpacker orientated. Dangers: Belize City does have a bad reputation, but with normal care, it is no real threat. Most trips and transport use boats where the sun can be very dangerous - water-proof block, makes life much easier. Sand flies can also be a major annoyance on the Cayes depending on the time of year.

Costs: Including a few trips, but not diving you can easily spend US$50-70 per day or more, even if staying in cheap rooms. This cost is normally reflected in eating out and trips on boats, not transport on-land using public buses. Money: A US $ is worth twice that of a Belize $. This is a fixed rate and because of this simple and consistent exchange rate, U.S. dollars (notes not coins) are widely accepted, but this means you should be careful to clarify which "dollars" you're talking about when negotiating prices. International ATMs are found in Belize City. Around the country all other ATMs are generally not international (but this might change). For this reason USD cash, a stock of ATM cash from Belize City and backup travellers cheques are best. One question: in a black country, what is a white chick doing on the bank notes? Getting around: Old American school buses ply routes. These are fairly frequent and cheap if a little over-crowded. There are also some express buses, but distances are not too far. To the Cayes there are speed boat services (water-taxi) through-out the day. Prices are not cheap, but not unreasonable.

Guide book: Both the Lonely Planet: Belize (see details - UK or USA ) and Rough Guide: Belize (see details - UK or USA ) are popular and good. The Rough Guide covers Tikal and the Bay Islands so has the edge. Many travellers use a multi-country guide for the region. For a full list of regional guides please click here . Comment: After about a year of living in San Ignacio I decided to set up a site for the town with the intention offering good advice to people coming through, since San Ignacio is the transfer point between Guatemala and Belize. It is a neat town but almost everyone that comes here is using a guide book and things in the town change very quickly, so most everyone that gets here winds up listening to some shady tour dealer and get hustled for a fair chunk of change.

My site - has prices and directions and all the other information you'll need - Travis James Communications: Internet no problem, you will find good Wi-Fi in most places People vibe: Locals: Locals on the whole welcoming and friendly, although you can see how large Rastas with huge bundles of hanging dreads have led to a popular belief that Belizeans are less friendly than elsewhere in the region Other travellers: Normal crowd of Europeans, large numbers of Americans and Canadians Accommodation: Cheap accommodation is never that cheap and normally of a low standard Hot water: Don't expect hot water unless you are paying extra for a private bathroom Average cost: Between US$20 and US$50 depending on where you are. A little less if off the beaten track. Language: If English is not your first language then you may find the Belizean pronunciation of it hard to understand. Spanish is widely used around border areas. Hot/cold, wet and dry: Hot and sticky or hot and windy or hot and wet. Highland areas are beautifully cool Media: Books: Some second hand book stalls, nothing too stimulating.

The Economist and Time can be found in Belize City TV: Most bars and more expensive hotels will have American cable TV Food: Great food, although the cost of eating out adds up. It is easy to eat out of fairly well stocked supermarkets to keep costs down Vegetarians: Fine, lots of fish if that is okay Hassle and annoyance factor: None Women alone: Women will get some attention, even in pairs, but on the whole harmless Tourist factor: 8/10 Local poisons for the body: Belize is pretty famous for it's herb and it is widely available. Seeing as most travellers hit the Cayes, it is here where you are most likely to be offered it. Given that (for example) Caye Caulker is so small with a police station right in the middle, risks seem high especially if buying off the street. Despite the numbers of Rastas, pot is illegal and can land you in the sort of trouble that you would look to avoid. Rating: 6.5/10 Costa Rica Intro: Costa Rica gets a lot of attention as a travel/tourist destination, after all its name translates to rich coast, but more often than not it is over hyped and as a country somewhat perhaps overrated.

It is not that it is uninteresting or unworthy of a visit it is just it is: a) over-crowded (during peak times) b) comparatively pricey. c) similar activities/sights can be found all over the region and indeed world. Costa Rica's ignoble position stems from several sources. For one, being a democracy and thus peaceful and calm, coupled with large amounts of tourism marketing it receives huge numbers of visitors, generally from North America who might consider anywhere else in the region as 'too dangerous'. These large numbers of wealthyish tourists have the knock on effect of pushing up some prices and generating some tourist targeted crime. Another factor is the national parks and wildlife card so often played by the tourist board appeals to many traveller's sense of wanting to view wildlife. Well in Costa Rica just like anywhere else, the only place to see large amounts of guaranteed wildlife is in the zoo and as beautiful and interesting as national parks are - with the exception of monkeys - if you go with high hopes of seeing loads of wildlife you will be sorely disappointed (seeing a sloth, coati, toucan or tamandu is fairly common. Remember the focus is very much on flora rather than fauna.

Costa Rica, is lush and green so that won't disappoint. With all that cleared up, lets look at why Costa Rica is so popular and the good reasons why. The country is on the whole spectacularly beautiful with easy access to both coasts (unusual in Central America). In many places it is easy to have a good time if partying is your style and you don't mind too many gringos. Although prices are higher than in the rest of the region they are still okay and quality does raise with prices. Accommodation is expensive in comparison, but there are plentiful supermarkets so eating costs can be reduced. Directly flights from London, Paris and much of the USA also make it super accessible. If you want a less crowded and cheaper Costa Rica, take a chance and visit off-season, chances are the rain won't be too bad (or during the night) and it will be much cheaper. However, it's tours that really cost, and some you can hardly avoid if you want to see the best of what is on offer. Still the demand for them means if you have the money to spend there is a hive of activities (still reasonably priced) you can take part in, such as white water-rafting.

Along with two coasts (with some good surfing) Costa Rica also has cool mountains and the chance for some good trekking. Did you know that 25% of Costa Rica is national parks? You might also be interested to know that Belize's ratio is 35%. Costa Rica does have most things, but not everything as so often claimed. There is a lot to see and do for a country of Costa Rica's size. Volcán Arenal if in an animated active state (you have to take pot luck here), the beautiful cool highland areas around La Fortuna and Monteverde (although the jury is out on the cloud forest), Montezuma and the Nicoya peninsula , Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, Manuel Antonio national park and the trek to Chirripo Grande ( Cerro Chirripó ). Visiting off-season. Petty crime, cost of tours and tourist numbers. In the most 'gringo-infected' area, which is the northwest ( Province Guanacaste ), there is more tourist-related thievery. In Costa Rica, with the exception of the public buses and the great Centenario rum, everything is more expensive relative to the rest of Central America.

Almost twice as much as Guatemala and even more in relation to Nicaragua. Visa strategy: Almost no one needs a visa, 90 days for most developed nations apart from Oz and NZ whom along with many other countries only get 30 days. Typical tourist trail: With many points of interest there is no trail as such, but most independent travellers take in San Jose, Jaco , Montezuma , Fortuna, Monteverde and maybe the Caribbean coast. Hot, cold, wet and dry: In the Central Valley, there is a spring-like climate year round. On the coast, the temperature is much hotter and humid. The rainy season starts in May and finishes in November, but there are distinct regional variations. Technically the ‘warm' dry season is December to May. Getting around: Public transport is easy to use and a good standard. In more remote areas transport is normally limited to a few buses a day, making connections hard to meet. Many wealthier visitors hire 4x4 jeeps for their trip. This is a fantastic option, but just out of the price range of most budget travellers, unless sharing between 3-4 (US$70-140 per day) - still they make hitching easy!

What to take: If you have one an international ISIC student card can be useful and save you a little bit of money. Guide book: Lonely Planet (see details - UK or USA ) good, but widely used. Footprint (see details/buy with Amazon - UK or USA ) perhaps better. Many travellers use a multi-country guide for the region. For a full list of regional guides please see here . Hot/cold, wet and dry: Climate and humidity vary dramatically across the country. December to February which are the best times to visit are also the most crowded. Outside of these months heavy rain falls are sporadic depending on location and exact time of year. Just remember at least some rain is likely during your trip and for that reason at least an umbrella is a good idea. Costs: US$30-40 a day for most travel excluding tours and activities. To give you an example of how the cost of these can add up: the short trip to see the Volcano from La Fortuna - at least US$30 (inc.

hot springs), the 30km (Taxi Boat Taxi) short cut ride from Fortuna to Monteverde (saves you a day compared to on public transport) again at least US$30. At Monteverde canopy walks US$20, high wire rides much, much more. Add rafting to this and activity costs go sky high. There is a feeling in Costa Rica that with so many North American visitors on two week trips splashing money around, tour costs are just a reflection of what the market can stand and not good value. Money: ATMs in most towns, even smaller ones. TCs and USD easy to change. Credit cards can be used in some circumstances and are worth having. Tourist factor: 8/10 (one individual who had lived in Costa Rica for many years told that she thought in parts of the country, you might as well be in South Florida!) Accommodation: Among more expensive options catering to tourists, guesthouses and cheap hotels are plentiful. The price of these averages about US$25, but in the right places and without a bathroom you can find a room for around US$20.

In the high season many of the better rooms, especially in smaller places like Montezuma fill up quickly. In the capital there are many hostels, which charge about US$25-50 for a basic double room (no bathroom) and have many dorms (per-person from about US$10) cheaper. These hostels generally have TV rooms, kitchens, sometimes free internet or breakfast, are always crowded and noisy with either music, drunkenness or backpackers sitting and having the same conversations late into every night. Some people love this, others loath it. And finally on the Caribbean coast, beach huts and cheaper still, hammocks. These range from $5-15. Camping is possible in many places if you can be bothered with the hassle. Dangers / Crime Dangers: Like in most touristy Latin American nations, petty crime targeted at tourists is epidemic in Costa Rica. There are plenty of stories of stories of stolen bags and petty crime. It is no worse than in many other parts of the [Central/South American] continent, but the developed feel of Costa Rica does seem to give many a false sense of security. Don't let it.

We'd never heard so many stories of petty crime in one country. Luckily hardly any of these crimes are violent or serious. Nevertheless if you have your stuff stolen this doesn't make everything alright. On public transport keep any bags you have with you close to hand if under your seat or above you chain then up. It doesn't matter if no one else is doing it. Everyday travellers get off buses - which are frequented by professional thieves and stop everywhere - without their bags. There are notices in a few bus stations, but not all. Most bus companies seem indifferent to the problem. On buses, be cautious about leaving anything in the overhead bins. Almost 100% of all thefts on buses are from the overhead bins. Keep it on your lap if possible. The buses to and from San Jose to both Putarenas and Fortuna are notably bad. As is crime in the Coca-Cola bus station. Don't let anything distract you and keep everything together. Literally it can be that bad. Keep important documents on you in a money belt. Wikitravel has a good section on bus travel tips and avoiding theft .

People vibe: Locals: Fine, but quite varied from coast to coast Other travellers: Huge variety, Costa Rica draws tourists from all over the world, but mainly from America and Canada. Communications: Internet widely available and excellent value/quality in the capital. Language: English is widely spoken by those who work in the tourist trade and on the Caribbean coast. Media: Books: Very good selection of first and second hand books in the capital and other major tourist haunts. The Economist and Time are easy to find as are guidebooks TV: Hostels and better hotels will have American cable TV, cinemas are numerous in big cities Food: Many restaurants to cater for visitors, the meal of the day (casado) is normally excellent value as are the cheaper restaurants (sodas) they are often found in. Be warned better restaurants seem to slap as much as 23% onto bills. At the other end of the scale commonly found bakeries and supermarkets make basic self-catering a perfect money saving option.

Vegetarians: Fine Hassle and annoyance factor: Limited, more on the Caribbean coast Women alone: Generally fine Local poisons for the body: Pot is easily found all over Costa Rica, but most commonly on the Caribbean coast in small backpacker resorts such as Puerto Viejo (de Talamanca) where in hostels such as 'Rocking J's' can be hard for some to leave. Rating: 7/10 - Costa Rica is perhaps worthy of a higher rating if you only have to travel from North America to get there. This might explain why it is often so highly rated. El Salvador Intro: It might be recent earthquakes or perhaps the memory of civil war that keeps so many away from El Salvador in such a well-travelled region, but it is more likely the fact that the attractions of neighbouring countries - and the lack of anything truly comparable in El Salvador prevents most from even passing through. Those who do are normally pleased they did, but would agree that any 'sight' is low key and as nice and friendly as the people are, they are also so in neighbouring nations. (Interesting & nice but hardly a must sees) Suchitoto and Sonsonate . Lack of gringo crowds. Some great beaches.

USD economy, major cities and lack of anything really interesting or rural (country-side well cultivated) Visa strategy: No visa required for most (Latin America, North American, European inc. Israel), but you have to buy a tourist card on the border/airport for $10 or a visa for $30 in advance. Typical tourist trail: Normally coming from Guatemala and going to Copán (Honduras) via Suchitoto or transiting the country completely at it's length (this is normally done on an international bus. Dangers: San Salvador is not the safest city in the region and care should be taken at night especially in the area where budget hotels are Costs: US$20-40 per day Money: Since 2001 the national currency has been phased out and is now rarely seen. US$ is the new currency easily pulled from ATMs in major cities, but outside of them make sure you have cash to hand. Getting around: Old American school buses ply most routes. They are cheap, connections are easy and most roads are good (but not all) Guide book: Any regional guide. For a full list of guides and reading material, please see here .

People vibe: Rating: 5.5/10 Honduras Intro: Honduras has two main focuses with most travellers exploring little else. The first of which is Copán , one of the largest Mayan sites in the region. Copán is an easy side trip from Guatemala and sits just over the border, thus it's popularity. The second focus is the Bay Islands which are touted as budget Caribbean and rightly so with beaches, tropical islands, widely spoken English and cheap diving. Therefore making these islands one of the world's most popular backpacker hubs. As for the rest of Honduras it does hold a few surprises and beautiful (sometimes difficult) routes through hilly countryside. Gracias for example is a pretty colonial town with many trekking options surrounding it, not to mention a beautiful alternative route to the capital (over windy roads with poor connections and lack of transport.) Most do head straight for the blue waters of the Caribbean, but remember that this is a very well-travelled region so you are never really off the beaten track. Nevertheless the hillside paths of Honduras are interesting and a good chance to find some space for yourself.

Copán, the Bay islands (especially the cheap diving and the chance to see Whale sharks), Gracias and trying to get off the beaten track a little. The Parque National La Tigra often comes highly rated and is a good way to see a cloud forest without the crowds or expense of Costa Rica. The capital and major cities, plus crowds/sand flies/mosquitoes on the Bay Islands. Diving is great and cheap off the Bay Islands, but if you don't dive, there's little else to keep you entertained. Money: ATM's in major towns including Copán and on Roatán. Stock up where you can or take TCs and/or cash. ATM's normally dispense 500 Liempira notes that can be difficult to change. Not all banks will take TCs. Getting around: Chicken buses (old American school buses) ply most routes, along with more standard looking buses often called express because they're not supposed to stop so much (they still do). On major routes such as between San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa you can find nice, genuine express, AC buses although they are much more expensive. The road system in Honduras is in fact probably the best in Central America.

However, head into the hills and roads soon deteriorate and become very windy. You will of course need to take to the water to get out to the Islands. To major islands this is not a problem, but internal flights to and from the islands which can often take you as far inland as Tegucigalpa or San Pedro Sula are good value and save lots of time. Guide book: Multi-regional guide. For a full list of regional guides please click here . I spent an extensive time in Central America, and although I saw many amazing things in all the places, the one place that I truly hold in my heart in Honduras. In my 4 months that I spent in Honduras, I managed to see such a diverse range of places yet all within one country. I went from down trodden cities, to beautiful white beaches, to Mayan ruins, to the jungle, to waterfalls. It's a wonderful place, with amazing people, and I often feel that its a country that gets forgotten because its surrounded by Mexico, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. If anybody has the time to visit this country, then La Mosquitia (the Jungle) has such friendly people, and beautiful scenery.

The Bay Islands have the party vibe, and lush beaches, Copán Ruins has the culture, and the architecture. This country has something for everybody and is well and truly worth taking the time to explore. - Laura Visa strategy: Nationals of almost all developed countries do not require a visa. Typical tourist trail: From Guatemala to Copán to San Pedro Sula (overnight stop) then on to a Bay Islands (Roatán being the most popular, second to Utila). Many will then transit through Tegucigalpa , the capital. Reading: Set mainly in Honduras on/in The Mosquito Coast, the story is told through the eyes of Charlie Fox, a typical American boy. The story he tells us chronicles the "adventure" his family has when his father, Allie Fox takes them all to live in the Honduran jungle. This is a stunning book and a cracking read. The story is fantastic; a mixture of sarcastic humour, adventure and emotion. (Click image for more info and other reading recommendations).

Dangers: Parts of Tegucigalpa can be bad for theft (the capital has an unenviable murder rate), but there is little to keep visitors here and certainly not in the areas with serious problems. Mosquitoes and sand flies can be an annoyance on the Caribbean coast. Walking off into the countryside with valuables around Copán is not advised. Costs: US$20-40 per day, a little more on the Bay Islands Hot, cold, wet and dry: The dry season is from November to April and the wet season runs from May to October. The north coast is very hot with rain throughout the year and mountains are of course cooler. People vibe: Other travellers: Budget travellers from all over the world: as always many northern Europeans and North Americans. Bay Islands have even more North Americans. Tourist factor: 7/10 Accommodation: Wide range of accommodation. You can normally fine a nice room for US$20-35, not so nice rooms can be found for half that price. Nice rooms at the cheaper end are difficult to find in big cities.

Hot water: Depends on quality of room, but far from a given at the cheap end Average cost: US$20 Communications: Internet easy and plentiful in major cities and Copán. On the Bay Islands internet is available, but is more expensive. Media: Books: Basic English language book shops in Tegucigalpa and book exchanges on major islands TV: Most good hotels have American cable TV and so do some of the cheaper ones Food: Fine, more expensive on Bay Islands. Major cities are over run with American fast food restaurants. Vegetarians: Fine Hassle and annoyance factor: None really Women alone: No real problem Local poisons for the body: Alcohol is more pricey on the islands as other things are. Weed can of course be found on the Caribbean coast and larger islands. Rating: 6/10 (if you can dive or want to learn cheaply, you can increase this rating by a point or two) Guatemala Miss at your peril: (despite the crowds) - 'Highlight of Independent Travel' Intro: It's only a well travelled individual who would fail to be impressed by Guatemala.

Guatemala has no shortage of visitors for this reason and most routes/sights are far removed from virgin ground, but in a country of this size with time and effort it is easy to find yourself a little space. Here's what makes Guatemala such a deservedly popular destination: major ruins ( Tikal and others that can be reached with time and effort are marvels of the ancient world), beautiful colonial cities ( Antigua is one of the world's most beautiful), two coast lines (both distinctly different, far from first class beaches, but nesting turtles and good value compensate), scenic volcanoes plus dramatic mountains (does make transport slow in places, but keeps the climate cool and hides real gems), lakes (both Lago Atitlán and Lago Izabal are again right up there on the beauty scale) and people (the continuation of ancient traditions and costumes makes for a truly 'back-in-time' spectacle - plus some crazy festivals). There is loads more besides, including a fast network of tourist-orientated transport that makes getting around a breeze if you want to use it.

On the down-side, as previously mentioned (both here and in connection to the entire region), most routes are extremely well travelled by all types of tourists (both good and bad); in fact many businesses are owned by foreign nationals. In addition crime is an issue to be borne in mind. Nevertheless Guatemala is probably the best bargain north of Ecuador and is without a doubt the Nepal of the Americas. A trip (even express) to visit Quetzaltenango is recommended. The country's 2nd biggest town and nearly as nice in colonial aspects as Antigua, the "European Barocco Town" of the Americas. You'll find traces of Italian, French, German culture, architecture and life everywhere mixed with the traditional way of life of the Q'iche - and Mam-Mayans still living in that region of the Altiplano. 'Xela' (short name of Quetzaltenango) has a high number of Indians involved in work and social life - there's no crime risk at all and you'll feel safer than anywhere else in Central America. Tours are much cheaper from Xela than from Antigua too.

To climb Vulcan Santa María with a little active Santiaguito (see photo left) beside is about US$20-30 for whole day tour incl. experienced guide. There are over 20 different Mayan cultures in Guatemala with fantastic diversity. See comment. Comment: 'Be careful when you talk about "ancient" costumes and going "back in time". It's a pretty colonial view. Indigenous peoples are thriving and modern right now. They aren't stuck in the past, they choose to live the life they are leading according to their traditional culture and language. The Huipil and Corte that Mayan women wear is just as dynamic and changing as western fashions, your eye just might not be trained to tell the difference.' - Danielle DeLuca Numerous: Antigua (especially Easter Week (Semana Santa) and learning Spanish), Todos Santos Cuchumatan (crazy festivals, beautiful scenery), Tikal (inc. the town of Flores and wildlife seen in surrounding areas) , very touristy, but nevertheless fantastic are the weekly markets at Chichicastenango and the climb to the top of the active Volcán Pacaya .

More off the beaten track: both El Estor and Lanquín are worthwhile stops. Crime is an issue and can inhibit your freedom of movement in the countryside, such as when walking between villages with all your stuff, for fear of robbery. Such events happen frequently to unguided (even in groups) hikers around Lago Atitlán and volcanoes around Antigua. Lago Atitlán is the country's major tourist destination (both domestic and national tourism) and as beautiful as the lake can be on a clear day, Panajachel is nothing more than a tack and trinket emporium. Smaller towns around the lake are nicer, but in the lake itself and surrounding paths/roads, much litter (trash) is notable and as mentioned there have been many cases of crime against tourists walking in the area. Equally, the Caribbean coast which has a different and interesting flavour to the rest of the country holds a risk of crime especially from beach hut break-ins and better beaches can be found elsewhere in the region. Another low light is transport. In areas off the beaten track, chicken buses are slow and tiring as they wind up and down endless hills.

Dangers: Crime in Guatemala City, on the Caribbean coast and while walking around Antigua and Lago Atitlan is not a major issue, but one to consider. The foolhardy may fall foul. Visa strategy: USA, Canada, Western European, Israel, Australia and New Zealand will all get 90 days visa free on the border. Extensions must be applied for in Guatemala City or you will be fined about a small amount for every day over stayed. Typical tourist trail: Antigua to Lago Atitlan with a day side trip to Chichicastenango. Many travellers will then head to either Copan (Honduras) or Tikal (or both). Many also make the trip to the Caribbean coast. Hot/cold, wet and dry: Both Antigua and Lago Atitlan plus other highland areas are pleasantly cool. Lowland areas including Tikal are steamy and at certain times of the year are almost unbearably hot. Costs: Since 'tourist mini-buses' (good quality small private vehicles) provide easy and efficient transport in many places (at a price) the temptation is to take them rather than public buses which are about 10 times cheaper.

Equally, fantastic eating options (and bars) in both Antigua and Panajachel provide another temptation. On the beaten track without discipline you can spend between around US$40-50 a day with ease. Eating out can become a major expense with plenty of options to tempt. However with discipline and/or in more rural areas this cost can be cut in half. Guatemala is great value. Money: The large majority of banks in Guatemala have ATMs, all will change USD cash to quetzals and most will change travellers cheques. Cash advances are much easier with Visa rather than MasterCard. What to buy: Guatemala, along with Nepal, Bali and Zimbabwe is one of the best places on earth to buy cheap local crafts and textiles. The choice is staggering and the prices fair, even before bargaining. Make sure you have at least a little spare room in your bag. Getting around: Tourist geared mini-buses are well out of reach, price wise, to most locals. These white mini-buses are still however okay value and run several times per day along main tourist routes. These almost always focus around the network of travel agents in both Panajachel and Antigua.

Routes to Copan, Rio Dulce, Chichicastenango, Guatemala City and Monterrico are easy to arrange. To travel from say Panajachel to Antigua expect to pay about US$15, compared to about US$1.5 in a chicken bus. However your journey will be much quicker and you'll be dropped at your hotel. It is up to you if you use these buses, it will significantly increase your budget, but make things a little easier (and much more comfortable/faster). Prices to further destinations such as Copan are much higher. In all cases shop around in Panajachel and Antigua, since many companies under-cut each other and saving a few dollars here and there is easy. Chicken buses are as much as a national symbol in Guatemala as Tikal. They are a great experience to use and your only option in many cases. They are frequent, slow and always interesting throughout the country.

Getting to/from Tikal Tikal is perfectly safe to visit and a serious highlight of the region, but transportation has become unreasonably expensive: since Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos is flying the route to Guatemala City twice a day, standard price is about US$100-150 (oneway) - but you're there in something like 70 minutes. Higher prices are charged for bigger aircraft and the cheapest ticket may certainly gets you a seat in the cheapest/crappiest plane. It is possible to visit Tikal in one day by flying if very short of time, but this is not recommended as Flores is worth seeing. However, you don't necessarily need more than one day to get a good feeling for Tikal. There is a new overnight bus going to and from Flores. You'll get TV, food, cushions and a toilet onboard - the trip takes (via Rio Dulce) only 5 and half hrs. to the capital. Of course there's still the Chicken Bus option, but this takes you whole day or even two, depending on season and luck.

Furthermore there are first- and 'firstfirst' class buses that run to the capital (Linea Dorada y Maya de Oro), which are from 90 - 125 Quetzales (Rio Dulce - Flores) and up to 250 for Gua - Flores. People vibe: Locals: Varied. People throughout Guatemala vary from blacks who speak English on the Caribbean coast to many tribes with their own language. On the whole Guatemalans are kind and friendly. Other travellers: Many North Americans and as with a few other Latin American countries a massive amount of Israeli travellers. Aside from Americans and Israelis you also have travellers from the world over with many Germans and British as elsewhere in the world. Guatemala has long attracted alternative culture followers from North America in the same way India attracts the same type of people from Europe. Guide book: No guidebook reviewed was particularly brilliant. The Lonely Planet is most popular as always. Footprint and Rough Guide are other okay options. For those who read German, the best guide is undoubtedly: 'Reise Know-How Guatemala'. Reise guides are normally no more than German translations of the LP, but here on comparison you'll notice much greater detail and accuracy.

It's also nearly twice as fat as the Lonely Planet . For a full list of regional guides please click here . Tourist factor: 8/10. Guatemala is touristy, but it is easy if you have the time and inclination to leave most tourists behind by heading off on long bus rides into the mountains. Numerous foreign owned hotels and restaurants are one thing, but it is common to see permanent 'hippy-esque' western backpackers selling jewellery on street stalls. This foreign investment is perhaps inevitable and on the whole not a bad thing, although one does wonder about the effect to nationals of this very poor country who start a restaurant or bar and then have to compete with flasher foreign investment. Still if there is a market for it... It is perhaps the selling of items on street stalls by foreign nationals - always items that could be produced and sold by Guatemalans themselves - that illustrates best the point trying to be made here. Every traveller can exercise his or her right to spend their money as they wish. Accommodation: Numerous guesthouses and hotels throughout the country to suit all budgets. Brazil style hostels are opening up in Antigua. Away from tourist hubs rooms become more basic and cheaper.

Hot water: Only in cooler regions and in better hotels. Average cost: US$20-30 (costs do rise substantially during festivals) Communications: As Antigua is the hub of Central America, internet and international phone calls are both good value and good quality. Internet is available in most towns any traveller would set foot in. Language: Like elsewhere in the region, knowledge of Spanish is incredibly useful, but not essential. Guatemala represents the best opportunity in the region for you to learn with numerous good value schools. Media: Books: Good book shops in both Panajachel and Antigua: good fiction, guidebooks and international magazines available. TV: If into films come to Guatemala, apart from seeing them in the cheap cinemas that dot the country, in tourist centres many restaurants and cafes show films during the day and night. Several hotels and restaurants also have lounge cinemas showing a huge number of screenings per day for a small charge. In Antigua where most of these cinemas are, there are several bars that show live sporting events. Tennis, English/Spanish football and NBA is regularly shown. If following English football, here and throughout the region you can watch a full programme of highlights every Monday night.

Food: Food is excellent and very western in style within tourist centres as many restaurants are owned by foreign nationals. Quality does come at a price, but options in say Antigua are vast. Off the beaten track food is more basic, but always a bargain. Less flashy non-foreign owned restaurants in places such as Panajachel and Antigua are the best value even if they don't come with a flashy name, menu and decor. Vegetarians: Fine (more difficult off the beaten track) Hassle and annoyance factor: Very limited hassle. Some over charging on public buses, but easy to avoid by asking locals what the correct price is. Like everywhere else in the region, Spanish helps massively. Women alone: Generally fine, but there have been some safety issues at Tikal, but authorities have now changed regulations in order to make the park safer. The same goes for the police escort now offered up Volcán Pacaya. Local poisons for the body: The current hippy hangout centre is San Pedro La Laguna, a small village (now a backpacker hub) opposite Panajachel on the other side of the lake. Marijuana is easily available, harder drugs are also around.

It easy to find Mary Jane on the two coasts in backpacker popular resorts. Rating: 7.5/10 Rating: 5.5/10 Onwards to South America.. Although connected by land (via the Darién Gap ), Central and South America are not readily connected by anything near an easy overland route. Between Panama and Colombia, the Darien gap is a stretch of about 80 miles where there is no road. The Pan-American Highway comes to a girding halt, all roads stop and jungle begins. To cross the Gap involves a sharp machete, the dry season, a strong arm, good mosquito repellent, malaria prophylactic, food, and lots of patience. This is however not a practical option because since the early '90s crossing the Darien on foot is considered by most locals as dangerous (read suicidal), since it is a channel for drug smugglers and is rife with guerrilla activity. With the land route out of the question this leaves three options: fly, take a boat, or turn around. Fly: Flying is the easiest option and most readily taken with the option to head straight to Ecuador for those that would rather skip Colombia.

At time of writings the cheapest quickest way across the Gap is to fly - Cartagena (CTG) / Panama City (PTY). Other one-way fares to Bogotá or Quito and on other airlines, can be considered expensive for the distance. Take a boat, chartering a boat from Panama to Colombia: Most people decide to hit Colombia following a positive experience through Central America. By the time they hit Nicaragua they are so full of rum and bravado, they start talking about boat trips from Panama into Colombia. Typically they will cost US$550 and take 4-6 days (with 2 days on various San Blas Islands ). Never be seduced by a charter offering a ride for dramatically less than 350$. Either the captain will be a drunken fool, or you'll have rotten food and no drink on the ride. Remember, you want a great boat ride, so don't cut corners. Bring your own stock of booze and other mixers. As a recommendation, if you want a safe ride and great food charter with Captain Marcus and his wife. If you don't have sealegs you'll probably hate it, if you do, you'll love it.

Captain Marcus will get your passport stamped and you'll float into Cartagena (Manzanilla port) after a great trip. See more info in the Colombia section of the site. Note, there is currently no scheduled ferry service of any kind. Getting a car (and less so a motorbike) between Central and South America will be an expensive logistical nightmare - but far from impossible. Thanks to Monty for help out with info on charting between Central and South America. Please find Mexico info on North America page. The best source of planning information is the RG First-time Latin America . For a full list of planning guides, recommended guide books and reading material, please click here . Remember, this is only a take (an overview if you will); very few get the chance to see every inch of every country or have the time to get everyone's opinion (you are welcome and encouraged to mail in yours ). Please, please if you have been anywhere recently send your comments to contribute and help keep all information fresh for future travellers. Or if you are about to head off remember this site when you return and put a few lines in an e-mail to let us know if things have changed.

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Question: Which Central American country lies between Panama and Nicaragua?
Answer: COSTA RICA