Central America on Sabbatical, Laterally

Transcription

- Central America on Sabbatical, Laterally -
Because I’ve always wanted to...
A.
Panama City, Panama
B.
Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Panama
C.
San Jose, Costa Rica
D.
Tortuguero, Costa Rica
E.
Arenal, Costa Rica
F.
Punta Islita, Costa Rica
G.
Granada, Nicaragua
H.
Atitlan, Guatemala
I.
Antigua, Guatemala
J.
Flores, Guatemala
K.
San Ignacio, Belize
L.
Cancun, Mexico
In a Nutshell...
Day 22 - Walking orientation of Granada. Plaza Colon Hotel.
Day 1 - Arrive in Panama City. Casa del Horno Hotel.
Day 23 - Visit the arts/crafts markets at Masaya. Plaza Colon Hotel.
Day 2 - Panama City. Casa del Horno Hotel.
Day 24 - Las Isletas & Pueblos Blancos. Plaza Colon Hotel.
Day 3 - Panama Canal. Casa del Horno Hotel.
Day 4 - Fly to Bocas del Toro archipelago. Tranquilo Bay.
Day 5 - Bocas del Toro activities. Tranquilo Bay.
Day 8 - Fly to San Jose-Central Valley - Costa Rica. Xandari Plantation.
Day 25 - At leisure. Plaza Colon Hotel.
Day 26 - Fly from Managua to Guatemala/Atitlan. Hotel Atitlan.
Day 27 - Panajachel Markets & Lake Atitlan by boat. Hotel Atitlan.
Day 28 - Atitlan surrounding Villages. Hotel Atitlan.
Day 29 - Overland to Antigua & Orientation. Santo Domingo Hotel.
Day 30 - Visit Chichicastenango Market. Santo Domingo Hotel.
Day 9 - Markets, volcanoes and Coffee Plantations. Xandari Plantation.
Day 31 - At leisure Antigua. Santo Domingo Hotel.
Day 10 - Overland and boat to Tortuguero. Manatus Hotel.
Day 32 - At leisure Antigua. Santo Domingo Hotel.
Day 11 - Activities include Turtle Conservation. Manatus Hotel.
Day 33 - Fly to Flores. Jungle Lodge Tikal National Park.
Day 12 - Village walk and National Park. Manatus Hotel.
Day 34 - Visit to Tikal Mayan Ruins. Jungle Lodge.
Day 13 - Overland journey to Arenal. Nayara Lodge.
Day 14 - Volcano visit & hot springs. Nayara Lodge.
Day 15 - Sky train & Hanging bridges. Nayara Lodge.
Day 16 - Horseback riding around Arenal. Nayara Lodge.
Day 17 - Overland or fly to Punta Islita. Punta Islita Hotel.
Day 18 - Beach time. Punta Islita Hotel. Punta Islita Hotel.
Day 21 - Journey overland to Granada/Nicaragua. Plaza Colon Hotel.
Day 35 - At leisure. Jungle Lodge.
Day 36 - Overland to San Ignacio, Belize. Chaa Creek Lodge.
Day 37 - Activities around Mountain Pine Reserve. Chaa Creek Lodge.
Day 40 - Journey to Belize City. Fly to Cancun. Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
Day 41 - Beach at leisure. Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
Day 42-45 - Beach at leisure. Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
Day 46 - Departure to the UK.
Your Recommended Itinerary...
Day 1 - Arrive in Panama City
Upon arrival in Panama City, you will be welcomed by a Lateral Life representative and
transferred to your hotel located in the city’s Old Town. Discover the charms that Panama has to offer from its stunning coastline of palm-fringed beaches, its astounding
wildlife - boasting an incredible diversity of tropical birds - and its proud, vibrant indigenous peoples.
Accommodation: Casa del Horno Hotel.
Meals: None.
Day 2 - Panama City
After breakfast, spend the day on a privately guided tour of Panama City. Tour the city
of Panama La Vieja, the first city established by the Spanish and then conquered by
Henry Morgan in 1671. Climb the newly restored cathedral tower then continue to colonial Casco Antiguo. This area was built in 1673 and today is best enjoyed on foot by
walking around the French Plaza and surrounding monuments, paying close attention
to the unique architectural styles of the French, Italian, and Spanish.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 3 - Panama Canal
Spend the morning at leisure. Your guide will meet you at the hotel to take you to a
local Panamanian Restaurant for Lunch then head to the Panama Canal area. You will
stop first at the folk art market at the old YMCA building then continue to the Miraflores Locks and watch the ships pass through one the world's most famous and amazing
engineering masterpieces, the Panama Canal.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 4 - Fly to Bocas del Toro archipelago
This morning, your guide will meet you at a pre-arranged time for your transfer to the
airport and flight to Bocas del Toro. On arrival, a local guide will transfer you to Tranquilo Bay for a 4 night stay on the island of Isla Bastimentos. Excursions are included
during your stay and the options will be presented to you on arrival. We particularly
recommend you visit the Green Acres Chocolate Farm. Your hosts, David and Linda
Cerutti, will take you on a tour of their beautiful farm which houses 4,000 cacao trees,
explaining the process by which cacao is turned into chocolate. At the end of the tour,
David will accompany you to the beautiful stone house that he and Linda live in to
taste their delicious organic chocolate. Your ‘Within the Reef ’ itinerary includes daily
activities offshore, all meals and soft drinks.
Accommodation: Tranquilo Bay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5-7 - Bocas del Toro
Spend the days at Tranquilo Bay where you can choose to visit the nearby islands for
swimming, kayaking, hiking, snorkelling, wildlife photography or opt to visit the indigenous communities in a local village. Isla Colon is the largest and most developed island
on the Bocas del Toro archipelago and was originally discovered by Christopher Columbus who arrived at what is now known as Bocas del Toro in October 1502, on his fourth
and final voyage to the New World.
Accommodation: Tranquilo Bay.
Day 8 - Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica
Today you’ll be transferred to the local airport for a flight to San Jose, capital of Costa
Rica. Spend two nights at the welcoming Xandari Plantation located in the Central Valley. The Jewel of Central America - from the pre-Columbian civilizations who made their
home in Central America to Christopher Columbus and the ensuing hordes of Spanish
colonialists, this land of tropical forests, exotic wildlife and ancient volcanoes has been a
magnet for idealists and adventurers. Whether it’s slipping into a hot thermal bath heated by volcanic steam or watching a hummingbird hover in position, it’s wings beating 70
beats per second, this journey will leave you exhilarated by the diversity and charm of
this peaceful nation.
Accommodation: Xandari Plantation.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 9 - Exploring the Central Valley
Spend the day exploring the Central Valley, San Jose and its surroundings. Witness
spectacular views of volcanoes, cloud forests and coffee plantations. Here at 4000 feet
above sea level on a temperate plateau of extraordinary beauty, is grown some of the
world’s best coffee in the lush volcanic soil. Visit the stunning baroque-style National
Theatre in the heart of San Jose, built in the 1890s, which still hosts plays, operas, ballets and performances by the National Symphony Orchestra.
Accommodation: Xandari Plantation.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 10 - Journey to Tortuguero
Today you’ll journey overland by van and boat upriver to Tortuguero on the Caribbean
side of the country, a mini-adventure in itself. Here you relax amongst the tropical natural surroundings, embark on wildlife adventures, travel through the natural water canals, kayaking, fishing and learn about the abundant flora and fauna. During this season
the turtles nest on the beaches of Tortuguero so a visit to the Conservation Centre is a
must!
Accommodation: Manatus Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 11-12 - Tortuguero National Park
Daily activities are included in your stay at Manatus. One of the main attractions of the
National Park is the hatching of marine turtles. The four species that reproduce in the
Caribbean sea and hatch on the beaches of Tortuguero are: the gigantic baula, the
green turtle (second in size and the most abundant in the Park), the brown caguama,
and the carey turtle, which is the smallest and at the highest risk of extinction because
of the shell’s value - which is used in handcrafts.
Accommodation: Manatus Hotel.
Day 13 – Journey to Arenal
Today you’ll return overland to the northern highlands and continue to Arenal national
park and check-in for 4 nights at the Arenal Kioro hotel. Surrounded by 11 hectares of
flourishing gardens and crystalline waters, Arenal Kioro is a great place for a family
getaway. Each of its lovely rooms offer magnificent views of the Arenal. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, temperate pool, spa, gym and tennis court. The hotel is ideally
located 10km from La Fortuna in front of the powerful Arenal Volcano. A sublime destination itself, Arenal is a great base for exploring La Fortuna Waterfall, Cano Negro National Park, Rio Celeste, Tabacon Hot Springs, Lake Arenal and an array of marvellous
natural attractions.
Accommodation: Nayara Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 14 - Arenal Volcano & Hotsprings
After breakfast at the hotel, morning at leisure. In the afternoon enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano on a gentle hike along the base of this marvellous “Mountain of Fire”. The hike begins on one of the trails close to the volcano, this
trail will take you through the forest over recent lava flows and to the area destroyed
in 1968 which is now in the process of regeneration. Total trek time is around 2 ½
hours. The tours ends up at a local hot springs site, where you can enjoy bathing and
swimming in the therapeutic thermal waters.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 15 - Sky train & Hanging bridges
Experience the 2 miles of interpretive loop trails, crossing fifteen bridges, ranging from
16 to 330 feet long, suspended on the primary rain forest. ‘Hanging Bridges’ is an ecoproject of trails and bridges where the main target is the observation and protection of
nature in a private natural reserve. In the afternoon, continue your adventure with an
exhilarating Sky Tram & Trek. The slow paced gondolas will provide a gentle ride
through the rainforest, so you can appreciate the natural beauty on your way to the
top. Once at the observation deck, enjoy the magnificent views of the volcano’s south
face. The journey back is by Sky Trek (optional) as you rappel your way along the fast
moving canopy tour zip-lines.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 16 - Horseback Riding around Arenal
Enjoy a day at leisure or perhaps a leisurely horseback ride around the lush countryside
surrounding the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 17 - Journey to Punta Islita
Journey overland to Punta Islita on the stunning Guanacaste Province coastline. Overlooking the Pacific from a forested ridge, this exquisite, secluded small hotel is paradise
incarnate. Hidden around the hillside are villas, casitas, suites, and spacious rooms,
each with a private porch and a hammock.
Casitas have their own private plunge pools or outdoor whirlpools and private gardens
and are ideal for families or small groups of friends. A thatched dome covers the restaurant and opens onto an infinity-edge pool with a sea view and a swim-up bar. If you
overdo with activities here - which include golfing, zip-line canopy tours (shorter and
lower to the ground than most canopy tours), and mountain biking - stop by the spa for
unique massage treatments using local herbs.
Accommodation: Punta Islita
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 18-20 - Beach at leisure
Days at leisure.
Accommodation: Punta Islita
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 21 - Overland to Granada/Nicaragua
Today you’ll set off overland to the border with Nicaragua and cross into Central America’s largest country. Continue driving north to the colonial town of Granada, a favourite
amongst travellers and expats alike!
Granada is historically one of Nicaragua's most important cities both economically and
politically. It is situated on the north-western shore of Lake Cocibolca and has a rich
colonial heritage, seen in its architecture and layout.
Accommodation: Plaza Colon Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 22 - Granada
Enjoy a walking orientation tour of Granada where the layout is typical of the Spanish
grid system. Restaurants, cafes and boutiques are abundant and this small city is easily
navigable on foot. Granada exudes colonial charm; it is small, friendly, laid back, bohemian and popular with travellers. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
An optional visit to a local school or volunteer project can be arranged for interaction
with some of the local children and families.
Accommodation: Plaza Colon Hotel.
Meals: Self-catering.
Day 23 - Masaya & Laguna de Apoyo
Known as the City of Flowers, visit the colourful arts and crafts market at Masaya.
Many of the communities surrounding Masaya produce hardwood and wicker furniture, and there is a neighborhood in Masaya near the lake dedicated to the production of hammocks and rocking chairs. In the afternoon enjoy swimming and tubing
around Laguna de Apoyo which is a clean, blue, and thermally vented body of water
contained inside the crater of the Apoyo Volcano.
Accommodation: Plaza Colon Hotel
Day 24 - Las Isletas & Pueblos Blancos
Las Isletas is an archipelago of 365 little volcanic islands (one for each day of the
year) situated inside Cocibolca Lake.
All these islands are rich in fauna and flora, especially in water birds. You can visit the
islands by small boat leaving from Acese port or Cabaña Amarilla port both situated in
the South end of the Malecón. Travel along narrow canals that divide the islands and
admire the fortification from the XIX century on San Pablo Island and a monkeycolony. In the afternoon head to the Pueblos Blancos which are a short drive from
Granada. Meander around ‘the white villages’ where the two most famous are Catarina and San Juan de Oriente. The villages are famous for artesanias and most of the
crafts you find here are pottery and wind-chimes.
Day 25 - Granada at leisure
At leisure.
Day 26 - Fly to Guatemala and onwards to Lake Atitlan
After breakfast you’ll be transferred one hour to the airport in Managua for a flight to
Guatemala City. On arrival you’ll be welcomed and driven to Lake Atitlan for a 3 night
stay. Guatemala is a magical, cultural, colourful and inspiring country. Rich in Mayan
history with the incredible ruins at Tikal and the lesser known site of El Mirador located deep in the Peten jungle, visitors also flock to colonial Antigua which during Easter
week becomes a pilgrimage town with incredible ‘alfombras’ (carpets) created daily
on the cobblestone streets from coloured sawdust and flower petals. Lake Atitlan is a
wonderful area to relax and explore remote villages and can be easily combined with
Chichicastenango where one of Latin America’s most famous handicraft markets takes
place on a Thursday and Sunday.
Accommodation: Hotel Atitlan.
Meals: None.
Day 27 - San Juan & Santiago Full Day Lake Tour
This morning take a scenic boat ride across Lake Atitlan (30min) to the village of San
Juan La Laguna where you visit the women’s textile cooperative to see hand weaving
and the natural dye process.
You will also visit the studios and homes of the celebrated naïf painters. From here,
continue to the village of Santiago where lunch will be served in a local hotel before a
tour of the village visiting the Maya God Maximon and an insight into the textile production, spiritualism and beliefs of the T’zutujil Maya.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 28 - At leisure on the Lake
Enjoy a day at leisure on the lake.
We recommend a wander around the local town of Panajachel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 29 - Overland to Antigua
Journey overland to Antigua. Antigua is an absolute gem of a city tucked into the Guatemalan highlands. Surrounded by hills and volcanoes, the cobblestone streets and
stunning colonial architecture take you back to a bygone era. Wander through parks
and plazas, explore handicraft markets where locals in their traditional dress come from
the surrounding villages to sell their fare.
For the more active, climb one of the nearby volcanoes for a great view of Antigua below. In the afternoon you will be met by a private guide who will accompany you on a
half day walking tour of Colonial Antigua. Entrances to La Merced, the Cathedral and
San Francisco Church are included.
Accommodation: Santo Domingo Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 30 - Chichicastenango Market
Transfer to the famous market at Chichicastenango (known locally as Chichi). There will
be time for shopping in this fabulous craft market and an opportunity to see Maya rituals being performed in the incense-fumed Catholic Church. The atmosphere in the town
is magical, and although now popular with tourists, the market retains a very authentic
appeal, with Maya locals chatting in Quechua, dressed in bright traditional garb and selling hand-made crafts.
Accommodation: Casa Santo Domingo.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 31-32 - Antigua at leisure
At leisure in Antigua.
Accommodation: Santo Domingo Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 33 - Fly to Flores, Tikal National Park
Spend the morning at leisure then after lunch you will be transferred to the airport in
Guatemala City for your flight to Flores.
On arrival in Flores, you will be welcomed and transferred to the Jungle Lodge for
three nights which is located very close to the Mayan ruins.
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge Tikal.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 34 - Touring Tikal
Enjoy a privately guided tour of this world famous UNESCO protected site where ancient Maya Temples tower above the rainforest canopy and visitors can enjoy the
sights and sounds of a wide variety of tropical bird and wildlife. Lunch is provided at a
restaurant in the park. Some of the pyramids can be climbed for a view at tree level of
the Peten jungle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 35 - El Peten at leisure
At leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 36 - Journey To Belize
This morning you will be collected from the hotel and transferred across the border
into western Belize for a 4 night stay at Chaa Creek Lodge located close to San Ignacio
and the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve.
The journey time is 2-3 hours approx. Encompassing a spectacular range of rolling
hills, peaks and gorges formed from some of the oldest rocks in Central America,
Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve covers nearly 300 square miles of unpaved roads and
nature trails. The karst limestone terrain is especially suited for Hiking, Biking, Horseback-Riding and Cave exploring.
Accommodation: Chaa Creek Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 37-39 - San Ignacio
All guests enjoy complimentary entry into the 365-acre Rainforest Reserve, guided
tours of the Natural History Centre and Butterfly Farm, access to the Ruta Maya Trail
System, Canoeing, early morning Bird Walk with one of the Naturalist Guides, and a
guided interpretive tour of the Rainforest Medicine Trail at Ixchel Farm.
Accommodation: Chaa Creek Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 40 - Fly to Cancun, Mexico
This morning journey to Belize City for a flight to Cancun.
You’ll be welcomed into Mexico and transferred 40 minutes to the luxurious Fairmont
Mayakoba resort for a 10 night stay.
The Yucatan Peninsula: The gateway to the Mayan world. Here you can enjoy the white
-sand beach resorts and the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, where you can snorkel
and scuba dive along the world’s second largest coral reef. You can also swim in fresh
water pools in submerged caverns, known as cenotes.
Accommodation: Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 41-49 - At leisure on the beach
Enjoy your days at leisure in Mayakoba.
Choose from a multitude of activities from snorkelling to deep sea fishing to island trips,
waterparks and inland Mayan ruins. Or simply relax; enjoy a signature spa treatment
and sundowners.
Accommodation: Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 50 - Departure day
Depart Mayakoba on a private transfer to the airport in Cancun for a direct flight to London Gatwick.
Accommodation: None.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 51 - Arrival in the UK
Arrival in the UK.
------
Laterally sleeping...
Casa del Horno Hotel, Panama City
Casa del Horno is a sweet haven for those who love art, wine and simple pleasures.
Founded on the principle that every detail must be well considered, our boutique hotel
hopes to offer you an experience like no other. It is not only within our spacious private suites that you will discover our passion for art; the fine taste of emerging artists
are deeply embedded in each suite.
Tranquilo Bay Resort, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Tranquilo Bay is a secluded all-inclusive eco-adventure lodge, nestled among 68 gorgeous tropical islands that make up the archipelago on the pristine island of Bastimentos in Bocas del Toro. Offering guests the chance to experience a variety of outdoor
activities like hiking, kayaking, fishing, snorkelling, swimming and surfing, it's a traveler’s paradise. Each cabana features a spacious tiled interior with French doors opening
to a large, covered elevated porch area and large bathrooms with a walk-in shower,
water heater and air conditioner. All cabanas are tastefully and comfortably appointed
with locally handcrafted furniture made for Tranquilo Bay. Hammocks and comfortable
Adirondack chairs on each porch allow guests to relax and enjoy the views.
Xandari Plantation, San Jose, Costa Rica
Xandari Resort & Spa comprises 19 spacious villas decorated with original art and custom-designed furniture, hidden away on a 40 acre coffee and fruit plantation overlooking Costa Rica’s Central Valley. The resort is the creation of architect Sherrill
Broudy and artist Charlene Broudy, who envisioned a paradise reflecting the natural
beauty of Costa Rica. Each villa is unique in design with a panoramic view of coffee
fields and the Central Valley. All villas have a private view terrace with a garden, a
walled-in sun area, a bar kitchen, and either a king bed or two full beds. Facilities include two lap swimming pools and outdoor heated Jacuzzi, central dining room.
Manatus Hotel, Tortuguero, Costa Rica
The finest accommodations surrounded by the natural beauty of Tortuguero, Costa
Rica. You deserve to take your vacation experience to the next level. Manatus Hotel in
Tortuguero offers you a unique combination in the area: the comfort and luxury of
our rooms and facilities, a delicious restaurant with an international and gourmet cuisine offering Caribbean fusion food, surrounded by the exotic and romantic jungle of
Tortuguero.
...sleeping Laterally
Nayara Lodge, Arenal, Costa Rica
Located in the outskirts of the amazing Arenal Volcano, Arenal Nayara is an oasis of
tranquillity, where guests can experience a profound and organic immersion with nature, while living in luxury at the same time. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest,
each one of our 50 spacious casitas (bungalows) provide an exclusive, ultra-luxurious
retreat. Each expansive casita (ranging from 855 to 1905 square feet) includes a secluded garden with an outdoor shower and a beautiful terrace overlooking the volcano
with a private, intimate Jacuzzi for two.
Punta Islita Hotel, Costa Rica
Overlooking the Pacific from a forested ridge, this exquisite, secluded hotel is luxury
incarnate. Hidden around the hillside are villas, casitas, suites, and spacious rooms,
each with a private porch and a hammock. Beds have rough-hewn wooden bedposts,
and bathrooms are tiled, with deep tubs. Casitas have their own private plunge pools
or outdoor whirlpools and private gardens, one of the main attractions for the many
honeymooners. A massive thatched dome covers the restaurant and opens onto an
infinity-edge pool with a sea view and a swim-up bar. If you overdo with activities
here -- which include golfing, zip-line canopy tours (shorter and lower to the ground
than most canopy tours), and mountain biking -- stop by the spa for unique massage
treatments using local herbs.
Plaza Colon Hotel, Granada, Nicaragua
Hotel Plaza Colon is located right in front of Parque Colón, known as Parque Central,
in the historical city of Granada. The hotel is set in an elegant antique colonial house
that has been restored to its original style and architecture, with interior courtyards
and balconies overlooking Central Park and the Cathedral.
Granada has a cheerful night life full of bars and lounges; at the Hotel you can visit El
Bar and enjoy your welcome cocktail “El Macua”, the national drink of Nicaragua. Right at the front of the Hotel you can take a horse drawn carriage and tour the
city around.
Hotel Atitlan, Guatemala
In total there are 60 rooms, each decorated individually by members of the family
with its own private balcony and breath-taking views. Each room has a unique personality that is reflected in the decor of hand-woven fabrics and hand-crafted furniture,
paintings and other decorations from the many indigenous villages in the region. The
floors are made of traditional tile and covered by area-rugs that are also hand-made.
Teeming with flowers of every description and color, the gardens are a wonder on this
part of the world. Over two hundred varieties of roses make up the Antique, the Modern and the David Austin Rose Gardens.
Laterally sleeping...
Santo Domingo Hotel, Antigua
Centrally located near the government center as well as the commercial, financial and
entertainment district along Santo Domingo's main boulevard - the picturesque Malecon - the Hotel Santo Domingo is the preferred hotel of many heads-of-state and international business travelers. Surrounded by 14 acres of lush tropical gardens, guest
staying here feel as if they are at a laid-back island resort, within a major international
city.
Jungle Lodge, Tikal National Park
The Jungle Lodge Hotel was established in 1956 by Mr. Antonio Ortiz Contreras (he
discovered the temple of the inscriptions in 1951), just a 10 minute walk from the ceremonial centre of Tikal. The Jungle Lodge Hotel has been under constant renovation
in order to adjust to the modern standards of comfort and hospitality.
Chaa Creek Lodge, Sab Ignacio, Belize
As one of the most highly regarded and awarded Belize resorts, The Lodge at Chaa
Creek takes a wildly civilised approach to adventure travel in the Caribbean and Central American region, providing casual luxury in a vibrant, unspoiled rainforest setting.
This Belize vacation resort offers customised eco tours and adventure activities including horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, birding, visits to
the onsite Butterfly Farm, Natural History Museum, and rainforest tours including a
traditional Maya medicinal plant trail.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Cacun, Mexico
A harmonious blend of nature and luxury, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, on Mexico’s famous
Riviera Maya coast, takes the Caribbean lifestyle to new heights.
Situated within the integrated resort development of Mayakoba, guests will experience
Banyan Tree’s “romance of travel”, a unique sense of tranquil and private space immersed in untouched nature, complemented by touches of our signature Asian hospitality and warmth. Along the Riviera Maya coast, home to the second-largest coral
reef in the world stretching from the Yucatán to Guatemala, this resort offers access
to a pristine coastline and a colourful range of flora and fauna.
...thinking Laterally
Bon Appétit
Costa Rican cuisine is based mainly on beans and rice. As well it is a country that
raises cattle and boasts sea coasts on either side to provide excellent seafood. Some
local dishes include the breakfast burrito, "gallos", an appetizer that is made with a
tortilla and piled with beans, cheese and rice, and ceviche, a marinated seafood salad. Many interesting snacks are available throughout the day at snack bars, and if
you have a sweet tooth, you will love the local Flan de Caramelo, and several native
cakes that are truly sinful. Of course the vast array of fresh tropical fruit here is the
most delicious treat of all.
The People
Costa Ricans, commonly called ‘Ticos’ are short statured people in general. Therefore, chairs, sofas etc are built about 6-8 inches (sometimes more) lower than furniture from Europe. If you are tall, you will find that the act of just getting up is an
effort.
Instead of saying "my other half", Ticos often refer to their significant other as their
"media naranja" or the ‘other half of their orange’.
Culture
Costa Rica has a vibrant culture that reflects the diversity of its African, European
and native roots. Costa Ricans love to dance, so the music scene here is largely
dance-oriented; the upbeat, rhythmic tempos of Calypso, Soca, Salsa and Merenge
are most commonly played in local bars and cafes. Disco is the popular "retro"
dance choice in clubs, and there is still a strong tradition of native folk music. The
national dance of Costa Rica is a folk dance for couples called the Punto Guanacasteco.
Wildlife
With rainforest vegetation that towers more than over 200 feet in height in some
places, the landscape is brimming with monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, and thousands
of other species - you are sure to come across a few. One of the most amazing is
the sound of a hummingbird as it hovers in position, its delicate wings moving at a
rate of 70 beats per second, as it drinks in the nectar from a flower.

Central America on Sabbatical, Laterally

Transcription

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