Caribbean & Central America Travel Guide

Like two sets of priceless gemstones, one embellishing the isthmus between the North and South America continents, and the other cast with euphoric abandon into the blue edges of the Mid-Atlantic, the countries of the Caribbean and Central America have attracted treasure seeking travellers for centuries. Where once the prize was silver, spices, and conquest, these days the lure is this region’s astonishing cultural and natural abundance.

Dwarfed by it's northern and southern neighbours of North and South America, the compact countries of the Caribbean and Central America are indeed like gemstones, small but exotic and priceless. Each is a unique wonderland of landscapes, cultures and experiences. Take Costa Rica as an example, a modern day eden where 25% of the land area is set aside as national parks. Walk in the Cloud Forests of Monteverde, feel the deep vibrations of Arenal Volcano as you walk the adjacent lands, carve the waves in Salsa Brava by morning, and then replenish your blood-sugar at churros stall in San José in the afternoon. This part of the world is mindboggling in it's diversity and ever-changing liquid vistas. From Barbados to the Domenican Republic, Jamaica to St. Lucia, Mexico to Antigua the story is repeated, each one seasoned with its distinct cultural flavours.

Travellers often arrive at the Caribbean with limited expectations which may not go beyond perfect beaches, sunsets over the water, laid back vibes and maybe some calypso. Those that venture beyond the comfortable poolside of the resorts will discover that treasure awaits. From the verdant jungles just a few miles from the beaches of Cancun to the faded splendour of the Cuban capital Havana, the rum and rumba of Barbados to the street cricket and reggae beat of Jamaica, no two islands are alike. Where Pirates and adventure seekers once sailed to these waters to pillage; now the greatest treasures of the Caribbean are freelyy and often unexpectedly given. It may come through the pre-dawn song of a still-yet-to-be catalogued bird, or via an invitation to a sunset game of dominoes. A magnificent bounty awaits you, and you are invited to take with you as much as your heart can carry.