 Central America |
Central America Travel Guide
Central American Overview
Mostly Spanish speaking throughout the Central American region, the people are a mix of native American and Spanish with a touch of Caribbean thrown in for good measure. A lively part of the world, and very hot!
Mexico is the main stopping point for most tourists in Central America, with Mexico City and Acapulco top attractions. The Mayan sites at Yucatan is a must-see experience.
Dominican Republic
What a great place this is. The sun shines, the sea is crystal, the sky is blue, the sands are golden; breezes from the Atlantic and Caribbean sway the palms and Merengue music sways the ever-smiling people (or is that the rum). The food is good and the rum is fiery. The landscape is stunning and varied.
The Dominican Republic forms one half of the island of Hispaniola (Haiti forms the other part) and this was the original Spanish settlement in this part of the world. This was where Columbus first landed and set up an outpost in 1492. After that history followed the usual pattern; indigenous inhabitants wiped out, slaves brought in to replace them, colonists disgruntled by central rule, rebellions and uprisings, fortunes made and lost. The island changed hands a number of times before ending up as an independent country under totalitarian rule in the 1920's. It was only in 1978 that democracy came in. Finally, in the 90's the island, free from oppression, began to develop. Growth has begun to slow a little but it had one of the highest rates of economic growth in the world and the future looks rosy.
Check out our Dominican Republic pages here.
Jamaica
Some countries walk, some stride, sadly some hobble, Jamaica positively struts. Though a place not without its problems there is much to recommend Jamaica, this far outweighs the negative aspects. Jamaica was the first place with 'all inclusive' resorts. Whilst this undoubtedly appeals to many people, to remain the entire duration of your stay in a manufactured enclave is to miss out on much of what the island has to offer.
In many ways Jamaica is the original island paradise; colourful locals, exceptional music, golden beaches, cerulean seas and stunning landscape set against a historical colonial background. All of this is true but fails to address the dark side of the island and the issues of economic hardship facing much of the population, this is reflected in the crime rate and lurid tabloid press headlines.
Check out our Jamaica pages here.
Mexico
Mexico is a huge country with a population to match.
From mountains and jungles to deserts and beaches, Mexico has stunning scenery. Historically Mexico rates right up at the top of the list of places to go. From the Mayans, Aztecs and Olmecs to the Conquistadors and General Santa Anna (remember The Alamo?) all have left an indelible mark on this most archaeologically fascinating of countries.
The people themselves are diverse in a way that reflects their past. The population splits broadly into Indigenas - Indian - or Mestizos - mixed Spanish and other descent. Whilst many Indian cultures have disappeared or been consumed by invading cultures, 50 or so are still fighting to survive.
Tourists are usually assumed to be from the US and visitors soon find there is a degree of ambivalence from the Mexicans about their near neighbours. This is invariably forgotten if visitors are undaunted and make an effort to be friendly.
Check out our Mexico pages here.
St Kitts and Nevis
Very, very tiny. The two islands comprise one of the smallest nations in the world. And if Nevis achieves the goal of many to gain independence from St Kitts the whole issue could become smaller yet.
This is the place to go for an out and out relaxing time. Do not go looking for high-octane holiday adventure, this is not the place.
The two islands offer different but exotically stunning landscapes from rainforest to black volcanic sandy beaches and climbable mountains.
There is a variation on the basic theme of colonial strife in the history of the islands. The British and the French worked together. (A historical first and last?) They did so in order to wipe out the natives - the usual methods of slavery and disease having clearly failed to work in this case - a feat achieved in a vicious battle in 1627. Thereafter French and British returned to their usual squabbling which continued until the British were granted control in 1783.
Check out our St Kitts and Nevis pages here.
The Caribbean
White sandy beaches, hammocks under palm trees, reggae music and rum. The typical view of the Caribbean is pretty much what you can expect. The many different islands offer all of these things and more. The islands are spread out into two chains - the inner chain are volcanic with mountains and volcanic sand beaches, the outer chain consists of coral islands and are mainly flat with white sand beaches.
The beaches aren't the only attraction to these islands, the diving is fantastic with warm water and coral reefs teeming with fish. Many of the islands have trails marked out for hiking - the views are spectacular with bird and wildlife to match. As you may expect the nightlife is exotic, fuelled by rum and reggae the frenetic nights are matched by lazy days in the sun.
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