Travel to Central America

Tikal

If you decide to visit Tikal you will need a travel angency that arrange a daily and weekly tours to various parts of Costa Rica. Some destinations, such as Tortuguero, are difficult to get to without the help of an agency, so even if you are very independent, you can consider looking into a tour. Also ask about the vaccinations or medicines that you might need. Tikal it's muddy, probably will rain all the time and the mosquitos will eat you alive, but you are an adventurer right? ;)

Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo

Visitors to San Jose should not miss this enormous national wildlife reserve, home to monkeys, quetzals, jaguars and many other animals. Hiking trails wind through the thick plant growth, over streams and usually past numerous wild animals. Ride the Rain Forest Aerial Tram to view the park from above and see birds and plants not usually encountered at ground level. The park is just 50 minutes from San Jose. Arrange to sleep overnight in a cabin in the park, where Restaurant "Sacramento" offers simple but tasty meals.

Taboga Island

Taboga Island, also known as the Island of Flowers is located in the Gulf of Panama, 12 miles south of Panama City. You will find a great deal of hotels and restaurants, as well as many beach activities like snorkeling, boating, diving and fishing, specially at the beaches La Restinga and Playa Honda. If you like wildlife, pay a visit to the Taboga Island Wildlife Refuge, it is an amazing place.

Mixco Viejo

Mixco Viejo is a beautiful Mayan site located about 1.5 hours outside of Guatemala City. The admission charged to foreigners is Q25 (or roughly $3.33) per person and the roads to get there are in good conditions, although there is no directional signage until you are really close to your destination point. You should check with a local for detailed driving directions before you leave. Once you arrive there is a relief map of the site with the various plazas and areas labeled, but there is absolutely no other information (in any language) to inform you about the site or its culture anywhere on the property. Despite the lack of information, the views alone are worth the trip and the remains have been well restored. Some of the taller temples provide an excellent view of the site from their summits. Be sure to note the carved serpent heads on either side of the ball courts.

Arenal Volcano

Amazing dining, rustic setting, superb views of the rainforest and volcano (if the weather is clear). An unique experience of hiking to a waterfall, seeing up close an old lava flow and the chance of seeing a big cat or other wildlife. The price for the room and meals it's more then reasonable. You can have a private guide that include the transportation and the guide hike to the lave flow and the retired banana plantation. Even with the guide it  is not going to ruin your economy. This is a "dont miss" if you are up for adventure.

Cerro Punta

Cerro Punta is a wonderful little town in Panama with amazing views, full of friendly people, and a great place to go if you are looking for a quiet place to relax. You can stay at some of the amazing Bead & Breakfast places, and the weather is great, cool nights and warm days.   

Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is located on an island in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, off the northwest coast of Panama. You will find a great number of world-class resorts, eco tourism, sandy beaches, incredible water ideal for scuba diving. A small paradise waiting for you to explore it.

Puerto Barrios

Puerto Barrios is a seaport on the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala, and it is a very beautiful place. You might want to visit Las Escobas, a local river famous for its crystalline water, in the middle of the jungle, with many natural pools that will make you feel like you are in paradise.

Ecoscape Nature Tours, San Jose

Ecoscape Nature Tours it's an excellent choice for those tourists who are in the country for short vacations. Their "Highlights Tour" is a non expensive trip that runs approximately 11 hours. They try to keep a leisurely pace with plenty of stops, using well-informed, professional guides. The tour includes breakfast at a mountain lodge, coffee fields, Poas volcano, cloud forest walk, La Paz waterfall, hummingbird gallery, buffet lunch at a Rainforest Lodge, Sarapiquí River safari and a drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park. All that plus all the fun you can have for only $79 per adult.

Monterrico

One of the most popular beaches in Guatemala, Monterrico is located very close to Guatemala City and Antigua. It is a very good spot for surfing, great waves, but you need to be careful with the undertow. The sand is black, of volcanic origins, and gets too hot after 10am, so you better remember to bring something for your feet!