Belize and Honduras offer Ambergris Caye and Roatan, spectacular Caribbean islands and the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Belize is an ideal place to go caving, explore reefs and monumental Mayan ruins. In neighboring Guatemala you find highlands full of Maya mystery and magic.
Then there is Costa Rica and Panama, both with lush tropical rainforests and fine national parks teeming in exotic wildlife, hot springs, volcanoes, and more islands where to scuba or just relax on the beach.
The nature in all these countries is simply stunning. Tortuguero National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most memorable wildlife parks. Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, Corcovado National Park on Osa Peninsula are all must-see habitats.
In Panama you can find El Valle de Anton and Boquete below Vulcan Baru, exciting small towns in the Cordillera built inside extinct volcanoes. Panama also abounds in fine islands such as Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean and the Pearl Islands in the Pacific. If you prefer indigenous tribes, there are the Kuna Indians of the San Blas archipelago and you have more reasons to tour this part of the world.
There are many destinations in Central America that continue to lure specifically when it comes to the experience of Spanish architectural splendors. In terms of the best preserved colonial architecture, however, Antigua in Guatemala and Granada, Nicaragua, stand above the rest.
Sure there are other towns to see from the Spanish colonial era, for example Casco Viejo in Panama City. But while what had been well-resorted of Casco Viejo, namely the section around the French Embassy, the rest of San Filipe old town is still too rough on the edges and years away from being completely removed from its present blight.
Antigua and Granada both have also spectacular locations. Located in the Valley of Panchoy, Antigua is surrounded by three impressive volcanoes called Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Above Granada towers the Mombacho Volcano, not far beyond the Masaya Volcano, so both towns possess similar physical setting.
Both towns harbor impressive baroque churches and monasteries but above all display wonderful Spanish colonial mansions. The picturesque landscape and inviting setting tempt many Westerners to stay far longer than they planned. In fact, many Americans as well as Europeans end up retiring in Antigua and Granada, some even open attractive B&Bs, bars and restaurants.
If you ever had the craving that you’d like to refurbish an old Spanish colonial house, do make sure you visit Antigua and Granada for inspiration. Who knows, you may even decide to stay.