Central America is a region that connects the North American continent and the South American continent. This region is notable for its tropical rainforests, dazzling Caribbean and Pacific beaches, Mayan ruins, and wildlife sanctuaries. Eco tourism is quickly being developed throughout this region. Many countries devote 30% or more of their country to protected national reserves or wildlife refuges. The Mayan civilization occupied this entire region. Many ruins are available to visit. The largest living coral reef in the Western Hemisphere is found in Central America. Several world class surfing destinations also exist in Central America. Many cities display beautiful colonial architecture due to its Spanish colonial past.

Countries in Central America include Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.

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Travel to Belize: Belize was formerly known as British Honduras. It gained its independence in 1981, although it is still a part of The Commonwealth. As a former British colony the official language is English. Belize has recognized the value of its natural resources and one third of the country is devoted to National Parks and Reserves. Mayan sites covering many historic periods exist throughout Belize. Mayan ruins worth visiting include Altun Ha, Cahal Pech , Lamanai, Xunantunich, and many others. Belize is home to many fascinating caves. Cavers might wish to visit the Blue Creek Cave, Actun Tunichil Muknal, Che Chem, or Rio Frio , although there are many others throughout the country. Take a moment to visit some of the excellent reserves before heading to the water. Types of wildlife that may be seen include howler monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, coatimundis, turtles, and possibly a jaguar. The longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere is found just off the coast of Belize. As a living barrier reef many excellent opportunities exist for diving. The Blue Hole, a clear blue sinkhole found at St. Sherman's Blue Hole National Park, is considered to be the best dive sinkhole in the world. Many of the islands off the coast of Belize contain tranquil small resort that make an excellent base for all water sports including swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, and diving. More adventurous activities include diving with nurse sharks, sea kayaking, or fishing.

Travel to Costa Rica: Costa Rica is the first nation in the world to eliminate its standing army. Costa Rica's official language is Spanish but English is spoken in almost all tourist areas. Due to its high literacy rate, almost 96%, the country's economic base is well grounded with pharmaceuticals, electronics, agriculture, and tourism. Costa Ricans are unhurried, friendly, and always ready to provide directions and help. Costa Rica recognized its unique geographic features early. As a small land country occupying a land mass connecting North and South America it contains volcanoes, mountains, rivers, lakes, Atlantic Beaches, Pacific Beaches, and rainforests. The capital is San Jose. A significant retirement community of English, Americans, Canadians, and others exists north of San Jose. When in San Jose view the traditional Spanish architecture. Also visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold, Teatro Nacional , the National Museum, and many others.

Extensive bird watching is available all over Costa Rica. Over 800 species of birds have been identified so far in Costa Rica. National Geographic named Corcovado National Park 'the most biologically intense place on Earth'. Corcovado has identified over 400 bird species alone. Corcovado also contains over 13 vegetation regions including cloud forest, montane forest, palm swamp, mangrove swamp, and many others.

Monteverde Biological Cloud Preserve is considered the best setting to see a quetzal, a brilliantly beautiful tropical bird. Other attractions include a Bat Cave, Insect Museum, the San Luis waterfalls , a Butterfly Garden, and others.

Visit Tortuguero National Park by boat and see the variety of wildlife. You might even see marine turtles laying their eggs on the sandy protected beaches of this National park.

Adventure trips abound in Costa Rica. Trips include visiting the active Arenal Volcano and Fortuna Waterfalls, whitewater rafting on Sarapaquí, (Class 3 and 4), Reventazón (Class 3) and Pacuare (Class 4), and surfing on either coast, mountain biking, and sport fishing off the Pacific Coast. The top of Irazu Volcano is an ideal location to see both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts on a clear day.

Travel to El Salvador: El Salvador is the most densely populated country in Central America. It is rapidly undergoing industrialization. Crime is quite high, so travelers should be very careful. There are few eco tourist sites, ruins, or national parks to draw tourism. However, beaches and surfing are drawing record numbers of tourists to El Salvador. In fact, El Salvador is quickly gaining a worldwide reputation as a premiere surfing destination. Pacific beaches include Costa de Sol , La Barra de Santiago, El Tamarindo, El Sunzal , and El Cuco. El Salvador is very economical, but make sure to carry small bills. Change for larger bills may not be available in many places. Visit the countries most important park, El Imposible National Park, and see the rare black hawk eagle. El Salvador has 25 volcanoes, 3 are still active. Hike a volcano. Try white-water rafting on the Lempa River, Sumpul River, and Paz River. Visit the still active Santa Ana Volcano and nearby Lake Coatepeque. Numerous water sports are available including kayaking, diving, and fishing. Visit the Montecristo Cloud Forest and see spider monkeys and toucans.

Travel to Guatemala: Guatemala is a fascinating country with active and inactive volcanoes, rivers, mountains, nature preserves, and extensive Mayan ruins. Guatemala City is worth visiting, almost half of the countries population lives nearby. In Guatemala City see the Museo Miraflores, Ixchel Museum of traditional costumes, Palacio Nacional, and Parque Central and Cathedral. When the Spanish controlled Central America their capital was La Antigua Guatemala which has now been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. From La A ntigua hiking trips may be scheduled for Volcán Pacaya, an active volcano or Volcán Acatenango, an inactive volcano. There are numerous Mayan ruins scattered throughout the country. Make sure to visit the most impressive and largest of all Mayan ruins, Tikal. Make sure to stop at the Tikal Visitor Center to get a map of the entire park, as it is quite large. Also visit the Sylvanus G. Morley Museum , the Stelae Museum, and take a jungle canopy tour. Other Mayan sites worth visiting include El Mirador, Uaxactún, Aguateca , and Quiriguá. A visit to the city of Panajachel, a small tourist town on the shores of Lake Atitlán, is a great launching point for many adventures. This is a beautiful area popular with backpackers. Lake Atitlan offers may water activities including scuba diving, swimming, boating, and kayaking. Visit the nearby Las Tarrales Nature Reserve to see wildlife including monkeys, cotamundis, many rare birds, and walk on a hanging bridge up to the waterfall.

Travel to Honduras: Honduras is recognizing that tourism will help expand the economy of this very poor country. Unfortunately the tourist infrastructure is not yet developed. Crime is quite high in the larger cities. Honduras is approximately 80% mountainous, has a small Pacific coast, and a larger Caribbean coast. Visit Honduras' former capital, Comayagua, which is a picturesque town with 18th century colonial architecture. The best ruins of the Mayan Empire, Copan, are found within the Copán Ruins Archaeological Park. While there, make sure to see the Court of the Hieroglyphic Stairway. The city of La Ceiba , located on the North Caribbean Coast, has many local activities. Visit the Pico Bonito National Park to see beautiful mountains and waterfalls. The Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve contains diverse plant life, wildlife, and over 2000 indigenous people still living in traditional methods. Visit the Bay Islands just offshore. The Bay Islands have beautiful beaches and numerous water sports including scuba diving and snorkeling. Bottlenose dolphins, manta rays, and parrot fish can all be spotted nearby. Columbus landed in Honduras in 1502 near Trujillo. The city was formerly established in 1525. Trujillo served as a shipping location for silver and gold mined in the hills, and also developed pirate history. Cuyamel Caves is located nearby. Lake Yojoa, the largest lake in Honduras, is the location of excellent fishing. Additionally, the best bird watching in Honduras can be found nearby.

Travel to Nicaragua: Nicaragua has been called 'the land of lakes and volcanoes'. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and contains 50 volcanoes, 7 are still active. Many popular activities center in proximity to the volcanoes. The second oldest colonial city in Central America is Granada. Granada is a scenic small town with beautiful painted colonial buildings. Visit the Parque Central, the Mi Museo, and local shopping. Arrange a scenic horseback tour of the Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve. Visit nearby Lake Nicaragua, home of the only freshwater shark in the world. Visit the Cerro Negro volcano to try sand skiing. Parasailing is becoming popular throughout the country, although you will need to take a quick course to become certified first. Visit Leon, a Spanish colonial town home to the university and a thriving arts scene. See the ruins of Old Leon which was destroyed during the 1610 eruption of the Momotombo Volcano. Hike the active Momotombo Volcano. Visit the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve to see jaguars, eagles, and macaws. Visit the Pacific Coastal town of San Juan del Sur to surf some of Nicaragua's best waves.

Travel to Panama: Panama has become known as 'the Crossroads of America' due to its location between North American and South America. Panama is most famous for the Panama Canal. Panama uses the American Dollar as paper currency, although it is called the Balboa. Hard currency is minted in by the U.S. Treasury in similar size and denomination to US coins. However the coinage is stamped with Panamanian stampings. The Panama Canal is primary tourist attraction within Panama, but not the only one. When in the capital, Panama City, visit the Panama Viejo (the old city ruins), the Panama Canal Museum, Plaza de Francia, the Museum of Colonial Religious Art, the Museum of the Panamanian Man, the Presidential Palace, the San Jose Church, and the Santo Domingo Church. The Panama Canal is one of the most important shipping routes in the world. Walk along the Panama Canal and watch the ships transit, ride a train alongside the Canal, or even take a leisurely boat ride down the Panama Canal. Birdwatchers will be enthralled with the variety of birds in Panama. Visit the Soberanía National Park or the for bird watching opportunities. Visit Baru National Park and hike or ride a horse to the top of Volcan Baru, and inactive volcano and the tallest mountain in Panama. On a clear day you can see the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts from the top of the mountain. Baru National Park also offers excellent bird watching opportunities. Many islands lie off the Coast of Panama which offer excellent sport fishing, swimming, diving, snorkeling, and relaxation on the beautiful beaches.