Central America is one of the best spots for Canadians to soak up some BIG adventure with a SMALL investment! This region has some great perks including: short flights from most Canadian gateways, great value on both flights and tours, incredible sites and adventure activities, similar time zones which eliminate jet lag when we're back to the grind, and last but not least, tropical temperatures to escape the winter.
As the home to quintessential adventure travel destinations like Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala and some lesser known gems like Nicaragua and Panama – there's a world of adventure to be had in Central America.
Belize
With far less of a language barrier to overcome than elsewhere in Central America, Belize, perched on the isthmus' northeast corner, is the ideal first stop on a tour of the region. And, although it is the most expensive country in Central America, its reliable transportation and numerous hotels and restaurants make it an ideal place to travel independently.
Belize offers some of the most breathtaking scenery anywhere in the region: thick tropical forests envelop much of the country's southern and western regions, stretching up towards the misty heights of the sparsely populated Maya Mountains, which just offshore dazzling turquoise shallows and cobalt depths surround the Mesoamerican Barrier Reed, the longest such reef in the Americas, as well as the crown jewels in Belize's natural crown: three of the four coral atolls in the Caribbean.
Guatemala
Tourism is booming in Guatemala and understandably so: the country simply overflows with natural, historical and cultural interest. In established destinations – Antigua, around Lago de Atitlan, Flores – you'll have your choice of home-like comforts and cheap, well facilitated travel. Get off the beaten path though, and opportunities for activities like jungle trekking, exploring ancient Maya ruins and modern Maya villages and cooling off in crystalline pools and waterfalls abound. Whatever preconceived notions you have, throw them away – you'll doubtless be surprised by the variety of experiences the country has to offer.
Honduras
All too often, Honduras receives short shrift on travellers' Central American itineraries: most visitors either race to see the Maya ruins at Copan or to the palm-fringed beaches of the Bay Islands, and skip the rest of the country entirely. And while these two beautiful, worthy sights, there's much more to Honduras – from the wetlands of Mosquita to the subtropical shore of the Golfo de Fonseca, this is a land of inspiring, often untouched natural beauty – and a longer visit will pay ample rewards.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is regarded as the prime ecotourism destination in Central America. Each year many thousands of visitors come to experience the extreme biodiversity offered by its 161 parks and reserves; hiking, rafting and zip-line canopy tours are the most popular activities for exploring the enormous array of exotic flora and fauna. The country also boasts incredibly varied landscapes: active volcanoes, while the beaches on both coasts provide excellent surfing.
Panama
Though one of the more expensive countries in the region, the wildlife-viewing and adventure travel options are excellent, and the still relatively undiscovered nightlife of Panama City is a diamond in the rough.
Featured Tours:
Epic Journey: Costa Rica and Panama
15 nights $2,099
Departs Feb 4, 2012
Panama still remains largely untouched by tourists. Now is the time to explore Panama's picturesque beaches, stunning coffee soaked highlands, the engineering wonder of the Panama Canal and Central America's most cosmopolitan city. This Epic Journey combines the highlights and hidden gems of both destinations for the adventure of a lifetime!
Includes: accommodation, services of the host throughout, local guide throughout, transportation (private shuttles and transfers), Tabacon Hot Springs and Dinner, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Panama Canal Tour, taxes.
CDN$ per guest, based on double occupancy. Single occupancy add $641. Not included: return air, incidentals, insurance, airport taxes, tips, beverages, some meals, optional tours or admissions.
Epic Journey: Guatemala and Belize
12 nights $1,630
Departs Mar 18, 2012
Guatemala and Belize are two small but fascinating countries; home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the colonial city of Antigua and the Mayan Ruins of Tikal National Park. The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere and is home to the Blue Hole, an incredible natural site which has been attracting adventure travellers for years.
Includes: accommodation, services of the host throughout, local guides, welcome dinner, private transportation throughout, individual arrival transfer, taxes.
CDN$ per guest, based on double occupancy. Single occupancy add $480. Additional: return air, incidentals, insurance, tips or gratuities, beverages, meals not mentioned in detailed itinerary, departure transfer from Caye Caulker, entrance fees not listed, applicable visas, airport taxes, optional tours or optional admissions.
Leave the resorts of Varadero behind and discover the real Cuba on this eight-day active adventure. Get your blood pumping cycling the hills of the Guaniguanico and El Rosario mountain ranges and marvel at scenic vistas that will take your breath away. Tour a tobacco plantation for a taste of iconic Cuban culture. With its lush scenery, vibrant culture and incredible beaches, this active cycling adventure will have you exploring a side of this island few rarely get to know.
Includes: transportation, six days guided cycling, accommodation, some meals, tour leader.
CDN$, per person. Land only. Other dates available, prices may vary, please contact us for details.
Discover why Honduras and Nicaragua are two of Central America's best kept secrets. Explore the Mayan site of Copán, known for its remarkable stone sculptures. At the idyllic Roatán Island there are opportunities for some amazing snorkelling. Enjoy volcaic views and authentic colonial architecture in León, while Granada is similarly beautiful, on the edge of Lake Nicaragua. On Ometepe Island you can admire the twin volcanic peaks and explore the pristine beaches.
Includes: transportation, accommodation, tour leader.
CDN$, per person. Land only. Other dates available, prices may vary, please contact us for details.
Central America Encompassed
32 days $2,250
Departs Jun 30, 2012
Find many ways to play on Mexico's Playa del Carmen , Swim over underwater worlds in Caye Caulker, Marvel at the magnificent Tikal pyramids, Experience lakeside life in Rio Dulce, Sample tamales in Antigua, Visit Flores and be charmed by the colonial streetscapes , Dive the tropical waters off Honduras's Roatan Island, Travel into the heart of the rainforest on Ometepe Island, Watch molten lava flow from Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, Kick up your heels with the locals of San Jose.
Includes: accommodation, transportation, some meals, tour leader.
CDN$, per person. Land only. Other dates available, prices may vary, please contact us for details.
Travel in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica with Bamba Experience hop-on hop-off bus pass starting in Mexico City and passing through adventure travel destinations like San Jose, Monteverde, Granada, San Salvador, Antigua, Panajachel, Lanquin, and Oaxaca where you can choose from adventure activities.
Includes: transportation.
CDN$, per person. Land only. Other dates available, prices may vary, please contact us for details.
