central america
FEATURE 35
The nations of Central America all offer natural history, wildlife, culture and beaches. But some excel more than others, so be sure to shape an itinerary to the interests of your client
ANGELA PULLINGER, LATIN AMERICA EXPERT, COX & KINGS
Latin America Expert at Cox & Kings explains: “Panama is often overshadowed as a tourist destination by Costa Rica. The country’s main claim to fame is undoubtedly the canal, however it is an ornithologist’s dream; there are the beautiful beaches on the Pacifi c side, or the Bocas Del Toro archipelago on the Caribbean side. “Visit the region of El Valle for the dramatic
scenery. Alternatively visit the coffee plantations of the Chiriqui highlands in Boquete,” she added. Costa Rica continues to draw in the bulk of
visitors, as Sarah Frankish from Rainbow Tours Latin America explains. “It really is an inspirational destination – Costa Ricans are justifi ably proud of their abundance of beautiful scenery and fascinating fl ora and fauna. Costa Rica continues to be the favourite destination for Europeans, with over 177,500 European visitors; while Belize (up by 12%), and El Salvador (up by 14%); and Panama (up by 16%), saw the biggest increases in visitor numbers.
What’s new Air: There are no direct fl ights from the UK to
Central America but Air France has started direct fl ights from Paris to Panama City’s Tocumen Airport. Cruise: The fi rst cruise port on the Honduran mainland, at Bahia de Trujillo, will receive its fi rst ship in November 2014, Holland America Line’s Ryndam, followed by Silversea Cruises’ Silver Cloud, which is due to arrive on December 17. Hotels: Wyndham Hotels and Resorts has signed a franchise deal with Milagro del Mar Beach & Golf Resort on Nicaragua’s central-Pacifi c coast to open the fi rst of 42 rooms in mid-2014. Hyatt Hotels and Resorts is building a new hotel in Managua’s shopping district. The Hyatt Place Managua will have 140 rooms, aimed mostly at business tourism, and is expected to open in two years’ time. The fi rst Andaz Resort in Latin America has opened in a stunning setting overlooking the bay of Culebra, Costa Rica. , Guests will have access to two exclusive beaches, three pools and a luxury spa. Attractions: A $30-million golf development is currently under construction in El Salvador,
Facing page, clockwise from left: Stepping out and kayaking in Guatemala; Cerro Negro Volcano in Nicaragua; Cayos Cochino, Honduras; Costa Rica; Nicaraguan rooftops
between the capital San Salvador and the port of La Libertad. El Encanto Villas & Golf will include an 18-hole golf course and 285 residential villas.
Tourism talk “We have certainly seen a growing interest in Central America over the last few years, which has been refl ected in a steady
increase in the number of European visitors to the region. We expect this trend will continue next year, with SITCA, (the Secretariat of Tourism Integration of Central America), together with the tourism authorities of the seven Central American countries estimating a 6.1% growth in visitor numbers to 9.6m. “This year the spotlight is on Panama as it
celebrates the centenary of the Panama Canal. This will attract more visitors to Panama, but it also provides a great opportunity for them to explore some of the other Central American countries, which can offer diverse ecosystems, beautiful beaches, forests and volcanoes, amazing wildlife and marine life, historic Maya sites, colonial towns and indigenous communities.” Pilar Cano, CEO, the Central America Tourism Agency (CATA)
Where to book it � EXPLORE - 0844 499 0901
The 16-day Central American Highlights tour takes a journey through Central America discovering colonial towns in Nicaragua and El Salvador, exploring bustling local markets in the Guatemalan highlands and searching for wildlife in Costa Rica. Cruising along Lake Atitlan customers will visit
local villages. They will also explore the ancient site of Copan in Honduras, and uncover the rich history of the Maya kingdom. The tour costs from £1,966pp, include return fl ights, accommodation, some meals, transport, tour leader and driver.
explore.co.uk GA ADVENTURES - 0844 272 2040 New for 2014, an eight-day trip to Panama opens the lid on the natural splendour of the country, hiking cloud forests, snorkelling the Caribbean and visiting a coffee plantation. From £599pp, excluding fl ights.
gadventures.co.uk
WHO FLIES THERE
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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HEMINGWAY BY CHRISTIANE BACH, G ADVENTURES “The things I love most about travelling in Central America are the kindness of the people and how easy it is to discover diverse cultures, nature and adventure activities within a small geographic area. The ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal
Coracal and Copan are some of the most impressive buildings that I have seen in my life. Immersing myself in contemporary
Mayan culture during a home stay in San Juan la Laguna at the most beautiful lake in the world (according to Ernest Hemingway) was my most memorable travel experience. The kindness and the hospitality of the local families was overwhelming and life changing. I hiked up the active Volcano Pacaya where you can see hot lava streams, and I also learnt how to scuba dive on the Bay Islands in Honduras. In Costa Rica I tackled my fear of heights and zip lined more than 80 metres above the canopy of the cloud forest in Santa Elena. Travelling in Central America in some parts can be a little tricky and challenging as public transport can be confusing; and the locals do not always speak English – so make sure you learn a few words of Spanish before you go!”
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