Central America
Whether it's ancient Mayan ruins or an underwater paradise, Belize offers the truly venturesome a perfect vacation! The Mayan culture mysteriously vanished around 9 a.d. but left behind magnificent white temples rising above the rainforest. Belize's interior is scattered with evidence of the heritage left by the Mayan civilization. Explore some of the largest Mayan ruins in from Lamanai, Caracol, Xunantunich to some the smaller ruins found at Altun Ha, and Lubaantun. The most popular, however, is Tikal, found on the border of Guatemala and Belize.
If diving is your sport, you'll be happy to hear that Belize possesses the second longest unbroken reef of living coral in the world. The reefs are celebrated by skilled divers worldwide, and in drop to 120 feet in places. The shallow waters inside the reef provide excellent snorkeling with a incredible variety of bright tropical fish. Visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and be amazed by the abundance of marine life living within the reef. You may never get to see a black hole but why not see a blue one? Off the coast of Belize, lies the mysterious 1,000-foot Great Blue Hole. Its tunnels and chambers, along with its stalactites and stalagmites, make the Great Blue Hole an out of this world diving experience!
You can also tour the cayes. Ambergris Caye, the largest of the cayes, runs north to south off the coast of Belize. Dozens of dive shops offer trips to the reef and other famous dive spots. Some even offer a horseback ride-dive combo. Or you can see the underwater beauty without getting wet on one of the island's glass bottom boat trips. Fishing, sailing windsurfing and water skiing are other aquatic options. With a little help from Hurricane Hattie in 1961, Caye Caulker became two islands. The water sports are sensational, the fishing is world class, and the island is a bird watcher's paradise. Trips to nearby wildlife sanctuaries and Maya ruins are also available.
For more on Belize visit: Green
Arrow Guide - Belize
Belize Tourism
"Ticos" (as Costa Ricans are affectionately called) are known for their friendliness and helpfulness, most of all Ticos are proud of there country's natural beauty and do all they can to enjoy it while protecting it. Today, 12 percent of the country is protected as national park and an additional 16 percent as Indian reserves, biological reserves, and wildlife refuges. On a typical Costa Rican vacation you can include any or all of the following:
Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica's most famous national park. It is comprised of a forest area populated by monkeys and raccoons, and three pristine beaches. It is one of the few places on the earth were the squirrel monkey can still be found. Whitewater Rafting or Kayaking on Class III-IV rivers. Trekking on horseback through the rainforest. Bathing in waterfalls. And tours of Irazu Volcano National Park. The Irazu is Costa Rica's highest active volcano, visiting it at night is like a mini-natural-fire works celebration!
A site to see: Green
Arrow Guide - Costa Rica
Also visit: Costa
Rica Tourism
Eco-trekkers will enjoy the steamy lowland jungles and mountainous cloud forests of Honduras. Honduras has more than 700 species of birds including the Harpy eagle, and populations of rare mammals such as jaguars, pumas, ocelots, giant anteaters, tapir and mantled howler monkeys. The country also has the region's most extensive tracts of cloud forest and the largest remaining area of primary forest. The Miskitia region is one of the world's few remaining undisturbed true wildernesses, and visiting it is sure to be a memorable experience. Here are a few places of interest:
In 1980, La Tigra was the first area declared as a national park but in actuality it has been protected since the early 1950s. It lies just outside Tegucigalpa, is easily accessible and boasts good hiking trails.
Celaque National Park is the highest cloud forest in the country, and is made up of four mountain peaks, pine forests and hot springs.
Cusuco National Park is noted for its resident quetzals, best viewed during nesting season in April and May. It is located just two hours from San Pedro Sula and can be accessed all year round with a four wheel drive.
Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge is a enormous mangrove estuary and one of the most important protection zones for the manatee along the Caribbean coast of Central America. There are several miles of navigable canals and plenty of crocodiles and monkeys.
A place to learn more: Green
Arrow Guides - Ecotourism in Honduras
Also visit: Honduras
and Deforestation