Discover countries with hidden delights
Central America is usually greeted with a shake of the head or a cautionary look by anyone who hears it as a suggested destination.
It is true – unfortunately Central America is not without its problems. Certainly, it’s worthy of being in your world travel plans but safety has to be considered.It is a fact that the crime levels are higher here than in some other parts of the world.
But the reality is simply that there are many parts of Central and South America that are safe and if you do your travel plan and research and check the latest travel advisories, then you should have no issues.
While I have no wish to undermine the importance of safety, I have learned that the media does tend to spotlight the bad and our perceptions are warped. I should know. I live in South Africa where many horror stories have been in the media and it makes us sound like we are in the midst of a war zone. It is just not true.
Belize Brings Central America to the Caribbean
Probably one of the most popular cruise ship port of calls and resorts, Belize offers the best of both South America jungle with Caribbean beaches. It’s a great spot to spend a little time in. That said, the issue for the budget tourist or backpacker is going to be cost. Even the most basic of accommodations will be far more than most other South American countries.
Expect to be paying approximately $15 if you stay at a hostel inland. The same type of hostel would cost around $25 on the beach islands. The drink is expensive with a beer costing around $2.50 at a pub/restaurant. Food can be reasonable if you’re eating from the stalls but establishments will be pricey in the main.
Safety is not a concern, although advisable not to walk around Belize city late at night when no one is around. I guess the same applies to almost any city on earth. So, no safety concerns beyond standard precautions.
Where to explore?
The tourist mecca is Caye Caulker. This is a really good place for snorkelers or if you are a beginner diver. Surrounded by by the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world, the marine life and diving areas are excellent.
December to April is the dry season but, with great summer weather when the Northern hemisphere suffers winter can only mean one thing. You’ve got it! Tourists. Lots of them but fortunately it is not Venice or Florence in July with teeming hordes. Belize still remains a low profile destination and can be enjoyed even with a few more bodies around.
English is the primary spoken language, thanks to being a British possession in the form of British Honduras back in time. Now it is part of the commonwealth, enjoying independence. There’s a lot more that can be said for a relatively small country but suffice to say that cost or not, it deserves a look at.
Why visit Panama?
The Panama Canal of course. One of the greatest feats of human engineering, the Panama Canal needs to be experienced. Even if you have traveled on the canal with a cruise ship, watching this function from land is certainly a great experience.
Personally, I think when you travel the world, you want to take in as many of the wonders and marvels that the world has to offer and the Panama Canal is one of them.
The Panama City itself presents a surprise to the first time visitor. A modern city with plenty of construction and skyscrapers. Certainly, Panama City will give you the best shopping in Central America but expect to pay about the same as the US or Canada. What I loved about Panama City was the availability of plenty of delicious fresh fruit.
Backpacking? Then this is really good stuff to refresh on. Mangoes, watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe and other mouth-watering treats await. Hotels and food are relatively cheap in Panama City…expect to pay about half the price. Practice normal precautions and safety should not be an issue. Once roamed by pirate, the historic district is a real must to experience.
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The magic of Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica is – now. Central America’s undiscovered beauty is Costa Rica! Although it is always busy with tourists, it’s not the mass market tourism that we see in other Central or South American countries. The people who travel here do it differently. They seem quieter and calmer. Although it might sound odd, visitors to Costa Rica pick up on Costa Rica’s magical soul. They are as calm and as beautiful and the country. They see things that maybe others don’t!
Sound odd? Not really. Costa Rica is not jut gorgeous but it’s also an environmentally aware country. It’s a cutting edge country when it comes to sustainable tourism. The country looks after its own people, it’s infrastructure and it’s energy. It’s a safe country, a clean country and oh my goodness, a magnificent country. It also has the best climate; it’s always warm in Costa Rica. And it is inexpensive too!
So what do you find in Costa Rica?
Many people come for the beaches. They’re unspoiled with their white sands and exquisite clear and turquoise water. If you imagine honeymoon beaches, you find them in Costa Rica. Long stretches of beach, few people, coconut trees, lapping water – what more could you want. Except you have more because there are a wide range of hotels, resorts, chalets, hostels and even beach shacks! And of course food and music and shopping, and yes, many people come for the beaches!
A lot of people come for the hiking. Costa Rica has many well kept nature reserves. There are mountains, forests, jungle and volcanoes. You can do a little bit of hiking or you can book a hike that is a few nights long. The trails are well marked, the views are stunning, there are different level trails for different level fitness, and the beauty is seriously unrivaled. Costa Rica is famous for it’s rain forests and cloud forests, but also for its red hot volcanoes. And it’s pretty rewarding to do a fabulous hike and then land up at the ocean.
Wildlife and adventure
Birds. Yip, Costa Rica is fabulous for birds and butterflies. Many avid birders come to the country specifically to see those elusive birds they’re never going to find anywhere else and hikers are astonished at the bird calls and bird sightings that they see.
Sloths. We’ve all seen them on National Geographic but few people have seen them in real life. It’s pretty cool to go into the forest and see the sloths hanging overhead. And then, to laze in a hammock, just like them, with a lovely Costa Rican cocktail in hand.
Adventure Sports. Costa Rica is brilliant for people who are active and like to explore. We mentioned water sports and hiking, but there is also fishing, zip-lining, white water rafting, canoeing, abseiling and canyoneering.
Volcanoes. There are many tours that will take you to see the volcanoes of Costa Rica. There are 14 volcanoes, some of which are active and incredible to see from close up. Or as close up as you are allowed to get. You can climb a volcano, do a helicopter flip over one, and hopefully, not have to ever run like crazy away from one!
Food. Just think of exotic fruits and they will be placed in front of you. Costa Rica is ripe and lush, just like their fruit. Pineapples and mangos, bananas and paw paw – they are such a treat but they’re also the staple diet in Costa Rica. You can wander the local fruit and veg markets which will lead you to the local shopping markets which in turn will lead you to the beach, which in turn will lead you to the beachside restaurants, and yes, oh my! Eat as much as you want though, you’re sure to do some exercise afterwards.
We haven’t mentioned the turtles. Or the music. Or the yoga. Costa Rica has a ton to offer. Do your research now. And then book your flights. It’s worth it.