Undiscovered Nicaragua

In comparison to the rest of Latin America, Nicaragua travel is still an unknown destination. It is best compared to Costa Rica 30 years ago; a raw destination with huge potential and as such now is the time to go.

Whether it is a honeymoon in Nicaragua or just a Nicaragua vacation, the country has a lot to offer. San Juan del Sur is the best area for beaches and the new Mukul Resort, close to the border with Costa Rica has it all; private plunge pools, bungalows with ocean views and a long sweeping white beach.

Granada has always been the main area for tourism and has some of the best options with regards accommodation in the country. Leon is a beautiful colonial town in the west of the country and receives fewer visitors, but is well worth the effort of getting there. Lake Nicaragua and Ometepe Island with its twin volcanoes offers a range of activities from bike riding to hiking and kayaking and is easily linked with the nearby San Juan del Sur.

The south east of the country is less accessible, but worth the time and money to get there. The remote Solentiname Archipelago is home to Nicaraguan art and also offers some great wildlife opportunities. The Rio San Juan which creates the border with Costa Rica is still very much untouched. The Rio Indio lodge is on the Caribbean Sea and is a great place to go game fishing whilst the rustic Sabalos lodge is a unique place to stay and perfect for breaking up the 7 hour motor boat ride to the coast.

The Corn Islands in the Caribbean Sea are the best place to go snorkelling, though visibility can be an issue at times. The islands are a backwater where small towns and wooden huts are the norm. The beaches are excellent and superb for beach combing and forgetting everyday life.

If you want to see a country before it changes, then head to Nicaragua sooner rather than later. It won’t be long before its true potential is realised and a range of new, modern, boutique hotels start popping up all over the country and some of that unique authenticity is lost.

Leave a comment

Belize vacations

With the rains having gone and the sun now shining, it is time to start thinking about Belize vacations! Whether it is diving in Belize or just laying back and enjoying the coconut rum in San Pedro on Ambergis Caye, now is the time to go. The weather will remain until early May when the rains return. The country has a huge amount to offer and is one of the most diverse in Central America.

In the west of the country is the jungle where you can go horse riding, caving, canoeing or just float down the Macal River on an inner tube. From here you can access the hidden Mayan ruins of Caracol and perhaps even spot an elusive jaguar en-route. This region is also the jumping off point if you wish to see Tikal in Guatemala.

To the south of the country is Placencia Belize, one of the most laid back regions you will ever find. From Placencia you can easily reach the Belize barrier reef and the famous blue hole, an experts diving paradise. Even further south is the Toledo district, an untouched wilderness with some superb lodges.

Lying in the heart of the country is Lamanai and Chan Chich, both offer some of the best birding options in the country and also the stunning Mayan ruins of Lamanai, where, from the top, you have a 360 degree view across the jungle canopy!

Leave a comment

The perfect family adventure in Guatemala and Belize (and it wont cost the earth)

We believe that a truly memorable family holiday combines several things. Firstly choose a country which is a natural paradise (ideally with some exotic rainforest jungle, creepy crawlies and adventure activity thrown in). Secondly a unique cultural experience which captures the imagination and takes you back in time (good to expand young minds). And finally some time on a sun drenched beach to kick back, play and relax.

A holiday in the neighbouring nations of Guatemala and Belize combines all of these things and more.

Guatemala has absolutely stunning scenery with towering volcano’s, epic lakes surrounded by mountains and thick tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife set to the calls of the birds. It was was the heartland of the Mayan world and the majority of the local people are still indigenous Indian and wear their colourful traditional costumes. The bustling Chichicastenango markets packed with beautifully hand crafted home wares are a world away from western city life and a unique cultural experience.
It’s a once in a lifetime experience exploring the famous Mayan temples of Tikal set in deep verdant tropical jungle. Children are enthralled by the sometimes gloriously gruesome Mayan history stories.
After all this it’s time to hit the beach! Caribbean Belize is ideal for children of all ages with its dazzling coconut-white sand beaches, warm waters and coral reefs. With the world’s second longest barrier reef on your doorstep you have spectacular snorkelling and diving just minutes away. And of course parents looking for some serious r&r will adore Belize’s fabulously laid-back atmosphere.

The other great thing about a holiday in Guatemala and Belize is that it is very reasonable compared to the rest of Latin America. You’ll find that you can stay in rather lovely hotels at a fraction of the cost of what you would expect. So what you waiting for?

Leave a comment

Unusual Honeymoon Destinations

You’ve had various tricky discussions with your mother about the rising number of guests and a huge argument with your husband to be about the ‘insane’ cost of the church flowers. Organising this wedding feels a bit like running a marathon and the champagne filled days of the engagement seem a long time ago now!!

The honeymoon is all you can think about and you can’t wait to disappear completely and relax as a couple alone. But where to go? Two weeks of lazing on a beach no longer cuts it as the ultimate romantic trip. People are steering away from the classic beach destinations such as the Maldives and Mauritius, as they are determined to have the trip of their lives and return home with a story to tell.

So, if you are looking for a unique and unusual honeymoon, we at Latin Odyssey can find exactly what you are looking for, but for now, we have selected three honeymoon experiences you should consider…

1. Argentina & Uruguay (wine, wildlife and beaches)

For those looking for somewhere a little different in Argentina you should take look at the North West of the country. Here you will find salt flats, multi coloured canyons, mountains, vineyards and small colonial towns. Take the famous ‘Train to the clouds’ together, the highest in the world built in 1932 which begins in Salta and ends in La Polvarilla. The trip takes approximately 15 hours and passes through some incredibly striking scenery. If you’re both wildlife enthusiasts why not combine this with the Ibera wetlands, an untouched region with some superb wildlife (you will see Pampa deer, giant anteater and if you’re lucky the elusive jaguar). It’s worth mentioning that Argentina offers the best value of any South American country – so you will be able to afford to spoil yourselves.

The only thing Argentina doesn’t have is good beaches, so if you want to add a few days on the beach you can take a 40 minute flight from Buenos Aires to the quaint fishing village of Jose Ignacio in Uruguay. In the past few years it’s caught the eye of a
few celebrities – last Summer visitors included the son of Princess Caroline of Monaco, Shakira, Ralph Lauren, and Jennifer Lopez.

2. Nicaragua (colonial towns, volcanoes and beaches)

Nicaragua is the largest yet least travelled country in Central America. It’s an ideal destination for honeymooner’s seeking authentic Central American character and something truly different. This is Central America at its rawest and purest.

History buffs should visit the beautifully preserved Spanish colonial city of Granada, on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. When you’ve tired of walking the beautiful plazas, exploring churches and the colonial facades you can head to the beaches of the
nearby Pacific coast. San Juan del Sur is a scenic fishing village at the head of a horseshoe bay. Great surfing, diving and snorkelling can be found nearby, and the sport fishing and sailing are world class. Kayaking, mountain biking and horse riding are also possible. Otherwise do nothing at all and curl up together under a palm tree on the beautiful and almost deserted beaches. We think the most romantic place to stay is Morgan’s Rock.

3. Honduras (Mayan ruins, jungle, beaches and coral reefs)

If you and your partner are water babies then this is the honeymoon made for you. Located in amongst the second longest barrier reef in the world the Bay Islands spectacular coral-reef systems are home to some 96% of all species of marine life known to inhabit the Caribbean! There are three main islands, Roatan, Utila and Guanaja, plus some 60 other smaller Cayes.
Roatan is the largest at 40 miles long, with a beautiful mountainous backbone and a shoreline dotted with white sandy beaches and small Garifuna communities. Honeymooner’s looking to get away from it all should grab their snorkels and hire a car on Roatan. They’ll find dozens of idyllic little coves and beaches – some of these are inhabited, others are home to nothing but palm trees and iguanas.

However, the country has more to offer than just diving. The Mayan ruins of Copan were the artistic centre of the Mayan world and are easily accessible whilst the jungle clad Pico Bonito National park is a haven for walkers and wildlife.

Leave a comment

Our Favourite Honeymoons in South & Central America

Your honeymoon should be one of the most magical and luxurious holidays you will ever have. We’ve been having a good think about our favourite spots for romance and indulgence. These are just a taste of our handpicked selection but hopefully they illustrate the variety and beauty of what we have discovered in our travels in South and Central America. Whether a newly married couple are looking for underwater fun, gastronomic delights, a great adventure story or just some peace and quiet – we will be able to craft the idyllic honeymoon for you.

1. The One for Adventure Lovers – Argentina

Argentina honeymoons work well for those who seek a more adventurous honeymoon, somewhere with more activity than relaxing on the beach, though this can of course still be done. The joy of walking or kayaking in the shadows of the Andes or wine tasting in Mendoza whilst still staying in exclusive, authentic estancias or lodges makes an Argentinean honeymoon unique.

Why do we like it?

• Luxurious, remote posadas and hotels; intimate romance

• A diverse mix of activities and relaxation

• An exotic taste of Latin America

• Outstanding food and wine

Where to stay

Luxe it up – The Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza

Without a doubt one of the most stylish places to stay in Argentina, the Cavas Wine Lodge is luxurious and chic without being

pretentious. It is set in the perfect location with the impressive snow-capped back drop of the Andes and miles of vineyards below.

More affordable – El Pilar on the edge of Fitzroy national park, El Chalten

You come to Fitzroy national park to walk and go horse riding and here in this remote little corner of El Chalten is El Pilar. The lodge is surrounded by forest with the towering Fitzroy peaks above. It is a simple lodge with lovely service in a great location.

When to go

From November to April are the best months in Patagonia, though Mendoza can be visited all year round.

2. The One for Water Babies – Belize

Why do we like it?

• Experience the second longest barrier reef in the world

• Some sumptuous lodges both inland and on the coast

• Small distances, so no full days of travelling

• Go inland and explore beautiful Mayan temples

Where to stay

Luxe it up - Mata Chica, The Cayes.

Mata Chica is situated on arguably one of the most sought after stretches of the Ambergis coastline. Facing the translucent waters of the Caribbean, resting in your hammock outside your brightly painted cabana, you know that it’s going to be difficult to beat this. There is a wonderfully relaxed yet chic vibe at Mata Chica. The decorative style is unique and eclectic - from the bright painted murals to the embroidered Indian wall hangings.

More affordable – Costa Maya Reef, The Cayes

This is a remote hotel, far away from anywhere else on the island, a place where tranquillity meets adventure. The villas have been designed with a romantic island flare and are situated overlooking the water. At the centre of the hotel is the large swimming pool which overlooks the ocean and lovely little bar to sit and watch the sun go down.

When to go

December to May

3. The One for Beach Combers - Brazil

Brazil excels in terms of hospitality and luxury holiday style. It tends towards private, suave glamour of the boutique hotels, as well as having the Robinson Crusoe style 'barefoot luxury'. Private villas, plunge pools, spas galore and wide, sweeping white sand beaches all with a wide choice of dining options, this is Brazilian honeymoon style.

Why do we like it?

• A stunningly diverse natural landscape

• Remote and exquisite beaches

• Chic lodges where you can get away from it all

• Easily accessible with direct flights

Where to stay

Luxe it up - Ponta Dos Ganchos, Florianopolis

Undoubtedly this is one of the best hotels in Brazil, if not the very best. Staff, service food and rooms are all first class. Tucked away from everything else, this is a place to lose yourself in pure luxury.

More affordable - Sombra e Agua Fresca, Pipa

The Sombra e Agua Fresca is a beautiful and relaxed hotel, located on top of a hill overlooking the Praia do Amor (‘Love Beach’).
Selecting the right room is very important - although all their rooms are nice, we know the truly spectacular ones with the best views with indoor Jacuzzis, a private plunge pool on your deck.

When to go

April to October are the cooler months in the south, January and February can be wet

Leave a comment

Top 5 best value holidays in South & Central America

With the economy showing no signs of recovery, we thought now was a good time to highlight which destinations in South and Central America offer the best value for money. For some it is simply a cheap place to travel whilst for others it is what you do when you are there that makes it a ‘value for money’ destination even if it is not the cheapest country in Latin America.

In order to get the lowest price for your holiday the first thing we recommend you do is book your flights as early as possible. This will secure the cheapest seats on any flight allowing you spend your hard earned cash on the hotels and rooms you want. Please note that as a general rule, flights to Central America are cheaper than those to South America. There are also some great ways to get cheap business class seats

Once at your chosen country try to avoid too much moving around as transfers to and from airports or towns can push your price up very quickly. We would therefore recommend staying in two or three (maximum) well chosen places within each country and exploring the surrounding areas from there. Our final piece of advice is; avoid multi country holidays as this is a contributing factor to cost!

Our top 5 ‘best value’ holidays

Nicaragua. Top of our list for so many reasons; the international flights are reasonable priced, the cost of food is low and general travel is inexpensive. On top of this the main destinations are close together hence limiting the travelling time and your costs. To get from Leon to Granada takes 3 hours, Granada to Ometepe Island 4 hours and from Ometepe to San Juan del Sur takes 3 hours. Expect to pay approximately $2,000 per person for a 2 week holiday excluding international flights.

Bolivia. The cheapest country in South America with regards food and travelling costs, though you may pay a little more for the airfare to get here. Once in Bolivia the destinations of La Paz, Sucre, Lake Titicaca and Uyuni can all be reached by road or train and each can be easily explored on your own with the exception of Uyuni where we recommend booking a 2 day 1 night excursion to explore the salt flats. Expect to pay approximately $2,300 per person for a 2 week holiday excluding international flights.

Mexico. With direct flights from both the US and the UK and the introduction of direct flights with Virgin Airlines (from the UK) in the middle of 2012 the cost of flying to Cancun has never been so cheap. Once here we recommend hiring a car which is the cheapest way to get around but it also gives you the freedom to explore the Yucatan Peninsula on your own. Hotels along the coast regularly have promotional stays which can easily be combined with a drive inland to the impressive Maya sites of Chichen Itza and Uxmal. Expect to pay approximately $2,200 per person for a 2 week holiday including car hire but excluding international flights.

Brazil. At first glance you would not expect Brazil to make the list, but if you choose your destination carefully and book your flights at least 8 months in advance you can visit this fascinating country for a snip of the normal price. We recommend flying directly into the north east of the country to Salvador, Natal or Fortaleza. By avoiding Rio de Janeiro you will save on both your international and internal airfares and from any of the above mentioned destinations you can have a 12 night stay at one of the best beaches in Brazil; Morro de Sao Paulo, Pipa or Jericoacoara. Expect to pay approximately $1,700 per person for a 12 night holiday excluding international flights.

Honduras. One ofthe lesser visited countries in Central America, Honduras has long been known as the cheapest place in the world to learn how to SCUBA dive. However, the country has more to offer than just diving. The Mayan ruins of Copan were the artistic centre of their world and are easily accessible, the jungle clad Pico Bonito National park is a haven for walkers and wildlife whilst the Bay Islands of Roatan and Utila are the perfect places to relax and explore the underwater world. In order to keep costs down you need to avoid too much moving around as internal flights can be expensive. By combining the Bay islands and Pico Bonito and using the ferries from the mainland to link the two you can catch a bargain. Expect to pay approximately $2,300 per person for a 2 week holiday excluding international flights.

Leave a comment

Planning the perfect holiday at the perfect time

One of the most common questions we’re asked by customers is “We’ve always wanted to go to Brazil (or Argentina or Guatemala) and when is the best time to visit?” For others who are constrained by a set time it’s more a question of “Where do you think we should go in March (or June or November)?”. So we thought a monthly guide on where to go and when in South and Central America would be helpful. Do let us know what you think.

January
Mexico’s Caribbean coast

Why not escape the British winter and celebrate New Year basking in the sunshine of Mexico’s Caribbean coast – the Mayan Riviera. With hundreds of miles of perfect, white-sand beaches with clear turquoise waters, hotels to suit every budget and some great flight deals available it’s a great choice.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is an undiscovered gem. It’s what Costa Rica was like years ago – untouched and with little infrastructure. The Corn Islands off the Eastern coast have pristine white beaches and a typically Caribbean atmosphere. If you’re looking for a bit more luxury, you’ll find it on the Western Pacific coast at Morgan’s Rock (probably one of the best beach lodges in the America’s) and Punta Teonoste, which is a perfect place to get away from it all. The colonial towns of Leon and Granada are a must see and those with an adventurous spirit will like the Rio Indio lodge at the end of the Rio San juan.

February
Salvador, Brazil

No doubt, the carnival parade in Rio is maybe the most visually beautiful spectacle in the world, but if you are looking for real fun, the Salvador Carnival is the place to go. It’s no coincidence that thousands of Brazilians come to Salvador every carnival. In Rio you are a spectator of the parade, whereas in the Salvador Carnival you are the show. This is by far the biggest street party in the world with around 2 million people participating in the parades over six consecutive days.

Costa Rica

It’s the dry season in Costa Rica so it’s the perfect time to visit most areas. Nature lovers can explore the country’s volcanoes and rainforests to see beautiful poison dart frogs, cloud forests, macaws, hummingbirds and the elusive quetzal. Costa Rica is a heaven for adventurers with rafting, hiking, mountain biking, horse-riding, surfing and zip-lining through the forest canopy.

March
Soberania, Panama

Panama is frequently described as “Central America’s best-kept secret” due to its rich history, incredible natural beauty and an astounding degree of biodiversity. If you’re passionate about birding this really is the place to be with over nine hundred bird species – more than in Costa Rica or in the whole of North America. Soberania is a world famous destination among birdwatchers – and March is one of the best times to come as it’s mostly dry.

Patagonia, Chile

This is the last month of the season in Chilean Patagonia as from April through to September Patagonia can become inaccessible. People looking to get off the beaten track will find Patagonia blissful as this is one of the most remote and beautiful areas of the world. It has lush forests, deep fjords, spectacular shaped mountains and awe inspiring glaciers. Expect to see an abundance of wildlife including llama, guanaco, rhea, condors and Magellan penguins.

April
The Cayes, Belize

These tiny Caribbean islands are good value for money at this time of year, as prices begin to drop. And if you’re looking to get away from high-rise hotels, over the top resorts and crowded dive and snorkelling sites, then this is the right spot for you! The Cayes have two stunning atolls and miles of barrier reef, much of which is totally unexplored and all of it is easily accessible by boat. Why not snorkel off the Turneffe islands or dive the infamous Blue Hole made famous by Jacques Cousteau in 1972 – it’s almost 1000 feet in diameter and over 450 feet deep!

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, the ‘lost city of the Incas’ is a world famous destination so it can get very crowded. We recommend going either at the beginning or the end of the dry season (April to October) when there are fewer travellers. For us April is a truly special month with the orchids along the Inca trail in full bloom and the rivers ideal for white water rafting.

May
Galapagos Islands
A trip to the Galapagos Island is the journey of a lifetime; offering you a magical opportunity to view animals in their natural habitat who are completely unafraid of man. There are two seasons – the warm season is January to June and the dry Season July to December. May is a wonderful month with sunny clear skies and warm seas. You can snorkel with penguins and sea-lions and get close to penguins and flamingos. You’ll see waved albatrosses laying their eggs as well as green sea turtles hatching and marine iguana eggs.

Costa Rica Pacific
The sun drenches the land from November until the end of May; and the remote, pristine beaches lined with lush tropical jungle make this an idyllic place to relax and re-charge your batteries. You’ll find some of Costa Rica’s most exclusive beach retreats here on the Nicoya Peninsula. If you’re feeling more energetic why not learn to surf – the Pacific coast presents one of the best stretches of surfing coastline in the world.

June
Cuzco, Peru
The Inca festival of the Sun ‘Inti Raymi’ is held in Cuzco every June. Tens of thousands of people come here from other parts of Peru and South America for the celebrations that last an entire week. There are parades, dancing, street fairs, music and there is even a re-enactment of a llama sacrifice (just in case any of you are faint-hearted, it’s fake). After this you can take the short drive to the Sacred Valley with its fertile valleys, white water rivers, colourful markets and hiking trails.

Brazil
In June the weather in Brazil is perfect. You can expect temperatures in the mid-twenties on the coast in the south and low thirties further north and all without the rain. This is also the best time to see the mighty Iguazu Falls as with less water coming over the canyons there are actually more individual waterfalls!

July
Ecuador
Ecuador is a diverse country offering everything from colourful markets to colonial towns and snow-capped volcanoes to Amazonia jungle. July’s dry, warm weather is perfect for trekking, climbing or horseriding holidays here and the tropical vegetation is still lush and green. One of the most authentic and off the beaten track expeditions we offer is to the Huaorani Lodge on the edge of the Amazon where you can meet the people of this unique Indian settlement that still maintains all of their original ways of life.

Northwest Argentina
This is a relatively unknown region of Argentina – explore the multi-coloured valleys and canyons of Calchaques, visit the ancient pre-Inca ruins of Quilmes, walk through narrow canyons to hidden waterfalls, or sample wine from the many vineyards. Take the famous ‘Train to the clouds’, the highest in the world built in 1932 which begins in Salta and ends in La Polvarilla – the highest point at 4220m. The trip takes approximately 15 hours and passes through some incredibly striking scenery.

August
Pantanal, Brazil
The Amazon maybe better known but the Pantanal is a superior place to see wildlife. In the Amazon, the animals hide in the dense foliage so you will always hear more than you can see, but in the open spaces of the Pantanal, wildlife is highly visible. From May to October, the world’s biggest wetland area drains into the Amazon River to the north and through the River Plate to the south, and as the month’s progress the wet lands subside. This leaves behind small pockets of water, trapping the fish, which in turn attracts large numbers of migratory birds and resident mammals.

Bolivia
Bolivia’s population is 90% indigenous and travelling around this fascinating country is an adventure. You don’t find the high levels of luxury found elsewhere on the continent, but you will find an array of spectacular scenery. The Bolivian Amazon (or the Yunga’s as they are known) is where the Andes meet the Amazon – you’ll find small mountains draped in jungle and a wide variety of wildlife. The Uyuni salt flats are the largest in the world and are difficult to reach, but worth the journey. Most people visit Bolivia during their Winter (May-October) because of the dry, clear days.

September
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Fernando de Noronha’s weather is tropical with heat and sun all through the year – however September is a great month with average temperatures of 30 oC. Honeymooners will adore Brazil’s best and most exclusive hideaway, its 22 beaches have been fabled as an eco-wonderland. It offers a range of attractions that include snorkelling, diving, walking as well as wildlife and its beaches are regularly voted as the best in Brazil. Being a national park island it limits the amount of people on the island at any one time, which will hopefully preserve this pocket of paradise.

North East Brazil
The North East coast of Brazil is still hot at this time of year and there is no better place to get away from it all than the Marau Peninsula. To get to this remote paradise hotel, you take a private plane from Salvador landing just 100 meters from the reception, after a 35-minute scenic flight. The eco-luxury resort of Kiaroa is situated on an endless deserted beach with crystalline water and natural pools which are ideal for swimming in – you can walk for miles and you won’t see a soul.

October
Buenos Aires, Argentina
It is early spring in Buenos Aires right now and the city is warming up. Known as the ‘Paris of South America’ it’s a fascinating, colourful city with a European feel. What’s more eating out is really affordable – so you can indulge yourself dining al fresco in the rejuvenated and hip Palermo Soho with all the new boutique hotels and bars. Then dance the night away in San Telmo!

The Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert is a haven for adventure and in the past few years some superb hotels have been built in and around the adobe town of San Pedro de Atacama. The landscape is positively lunar and when the sun sets and rises in the Valley de la Luna the hues of colours are amazing. The area also has salt flats, geysers, pre-Inca ruins and is surrounded by numerous 5,000 and 6,000 metre volcanoes.

November
Guatemala
November is an ideal month to explore Guatemala – the heartland of the ancient world of the Mayans – as it’s fairly dry. Unlike most of Latin America, the majority of the local people are still indigenous Indian and many still wear their colourful, traditional costume. The beautiful colonial city of Antigua is located close to the capital making it an ideal first point of call. Then head on to see Tikal probably the most impressive of the ancient Mayan cities, set deep in the rainforest and an absolute must.

Uruguay
Uruguay has year round good weather, but from November onwards the temperatures steadily increase making it a perfect beach destination after a visit to Argentina or Chile. The new Playa VIK hotel has set a gold standard, but the Posada del Faro and the Casa Suaya are both excellent alternatives. Around the small fishing village of Jose Ignacio are numerous activities from horse riding and surfing to beach combing and watching the fisherman bring in their catch – a time when the local restaurants vie for the best fish for your dinner!

December
The Bay Islands, Honduras
Located in amongst the second longest barrier reef in the world the Bay Islands spectacular coral-reef systems are home to some 96% of all species of marine life known to inhabit the Caribbean! Prices remain remarkably low, making the Bay Islands a great place to learn, and in turn love, scuba diving. December is a great month to visit because hurricane season (June to November) has ended plus its lobster season so you can indulge yourself in a fantastically fresh, incredibly cheap, sustainably fished lobster dinner.

Antarctica
Join an exclusive group of intrepid travellers and take an Antarctic voyage past Cape Horn, across the Drake Passage to the peninsula. It’s Summer in the White Continent and being unimaginably rich in fauna the southern ocean is a constant drama. Get close to penguins, seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins and albatrosses. With each boat limited to about 50 passengers there is an intimate, friendly atmosphere and there are educational lectures on board.

Leave a comment

Dad Ibe Island, Panama

Swimming and snorkelling here is a delight with hundreds of deserted islands to play around and beautiful well preserved coral to explore. The inner child in me was released, it felt so free to leap off our battered wooden boat and swim off in this way. We swam from island to island across translucent waters seeing spotted eagle rays with long, long tails like poker straight black liquorice and pairs of iridescent squid.

My final comment would be that it’s a shame that the Kuna don’t see any value in looking after the natural beauty of the environment they have. Soon the huge number of plastic bags, bottles and flip flops floating past will result in lasting damage to the sea life in the San Blas and then.. they will have nothing. If only they would consider changing this aspect of their way of life.

Leave a comment

This creature is evil incarnate

When we about to head out snorkelling we saw this Medusa Jellyfish – one of the most dangerous there is. It looks other worldly as it curls its way along the water with its translucent purple threads streaming behind.

Leave a comment

Play act Castaway on the Zapatilla Cayes

You simply have to take a boat–trip to the Zapatilla Cayes in Panama. There are two islands and they are part of the marine park, home only to a park ranger and covered in coconut palms. They are picture postcard pretty and if you take a packed lunch you can stay all day. Snorkelling is possible right off the beach as the reef is just a few strokes away.

Leave a comment

Undiscovered Nicaragua

Belize vacations

The perfect family adventure in Guatemala and Belize (and it wont cost the earth)

Unusual Honeymoon Destinations

Our Favourite Honeymoons in South & Central America

Top 5 best value holidays in South & Central America

Planning the perfect holiday at the perfect time

Dad Ibe Island, Panama

This creature is evil incarnate

Play act Castaway on the Zapatilla Cayes

Search

Categories

Search

Categories

Tags