Oh what a time it will be. There is quite a bit going on for St. Patty’s day in Fort Myers, Florida. The first of which is where I will begin, downtown Fort Myers at 6pm they are having a block party. St Patrick’s Day is the perfect time of year to show your true Irish, like me, a Callahan. Celebrate your (or my) Irish Heritage or simply just go out and party, either way it will be fun.
Paddy’s Day, is an annual feast day which celebrates Saint Patrick, one of the patron saints of Ireland. Around this time of year you will find several St Patricks Day Parades, Irish Festivals and of course Green Beer. Not only is this day is a national holiday in Ireland but for most here in Fort Myers FL, St Patrick’s Day 2010 is a day to party and celebrate with friends!
Drink 2 Irish car bombs and then have a *light green beer (*usually just food coloring and some shitty light brew, like Bud light)
Go party at Ichabods. Dwyers (the previous name for the same place) threw great parties, I hope and think that Ichabods is going to keep that tradition alive.
“Shamrocks and Shenanigans” St. Patrick’s Day Tent Party @ Cru Restaurant in The Bell Tower Shops (239.466-3663)
Take a shot of Jameson and follow with a Black & Tan
Party at Reserve Wine and Cigar Bar Green beer, other drink specials flowing. They are raising money too, so this should be a good one, but don’t forget your wallet you cheap f*cks.
City Tavern celebration $2 22-ounce Bud and Bud Light drafts (yikes! Bud mud here we come!!), live music by Drunk Monkeys
All the clubs downtown will have something going on…I’m sure most of it will involve everything that isn’t St. Patty’s
Gulf Goast Town Center and all those bars will have something going on. Bar Louie, Cigar Bar, etc…there has to be something going on there.
So all in all, I look forward to seeing everyone out. It should be fun. Call a cab if (or when) you get hammered. Good luck and have a great day hanging out in Fort Myers (or Naples) for Saint Patrick’s Day!
As nobody knows nor cares. I (Rick Glaser) officially live in the section of the world called Panama.
Why?
Well there are a few terrible reasons.
Low cost of living
Low cost of beer
Low cost of transit
I enjoy a fully furnished (1st world style) apartment with all the bells and whistles for $500 per month. If you compare this to apartments in Troy, NY than that would mean I would live in the hood. Well first world hood.
Sidenote: I once told a girl from Colon, Panama that my bedroom in NY was “ghetto”. She told me that I don’t know what is ghetto. I looked at her, and agreed.
Back on track:
Beer at the bar will run around $1 a pop if you go to a classier place. I duz it classy.
Transportation. Well, if you have the heart of a lion, you can pay $1.45 and take a bus from Boquete (Gringoville) to David (Where its fun). The bus system is great. They are all privately owned buses (See Capitalism), and they are in a race to pick up the next person. In my next life I would like to be the fanny pack change distributor. He has a pretty kick ass job, and gets to live on the edge.
How does he get to live on the edge?
The last bus that I took was on a Friday night, and was the last bus from Boquete to David. I pretended to make a few calls and check my blackberry as I waited for cheap transit (See N**** Rich).
Finally the bus arrived…
I jumped in the bus and we slowly started to take off. At this point there is no way I can tell them that I am a sissy and I would like to rethink my current health risks of being on this bus. So we continued to move and I made my way to……well the door. I was standing on the bottom platform with one hand on the railing, as everyone else was packed in. This is the one time I can say that I was shaking like a queer eating a hotdog. True Story.
This great experience lasted for about 20 minutes. This was 3 stops later, and about 10 people off the bus until I could lean on the bus driver. I could tell he has been working all day because his cologne was supposed to last from 9-5 and it was 7:30.
Sidenote: Brut cologne sucks. If you currently own Brut, you must be a Panamanian bus driver.
So to top everything off, if you are daring and want to be a part of the community, jump on the bus. I should note that the bus is not always like Pakistan, and it can be really funny sometimes. House music, drunk people, short people, people that stare, its all an experience.
For those who are wondering, the last bus from Boquete to David was at 7:30pm and be careful.
Central America (Spanish: Centroamérica or América Central) is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. Central America has an area of 524,000 square kilometers, a population of about 41,739,000 and a whole lot of fun to offer in your next travel. We have compiled a list of what we feel are the best spots to visit in Central America. Check them out for yourself and even leave a comment if you have one to add.
San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
Overview:
Once upon a time, San Juan del Sur was a locals-only hideaway. It didn’t take long for intrepid travelers to seek out the paradisaical, crescent-shaped bay. Now, San Juan is a joyful merging of cultures—still uncrowded and drop-dead gorgeous, yet with enough American appetizers and air conditioners to make most foreigners happy.
San Juan del Sur’s small-town lifestyle is centered around the sea. In fact, the majority of San Juan’s residents make their living from it, fishing or managing dive and snorkel tours in and beyond the picturesque bay. International travelers also find San Juan’s waters superlative for surfing, fishing, and other water sports, and its neighboring beaches ideal for embracing the Nicaraguan beachfront mantra: Relaxation, with a capital R.
What to Do:
If you’re looking for bustling nightclubs and exclusive resorts, stay in Cancun. San Juan del Sur’s attractions and amenities are much more modest—which, in many ways, is a good thing. Even San Juan Del Sur’s famous four-star hotel, Piedras y Olas (Pelican Eyes) Resort, is a loyal and generous member of the San Juan Del Sur community.
As mentioned, the Pacific ocean is rife with possibilities, from Scuba diving to deep-sea fishing to surfing (especially at Playa Maderas, twenty minutes away). Adventuresome travelers can rent horse or a bike and explore the coastline. Or they can journey by foot, hiking among San Juan’s volcanic hilltops and enjoying the remarkable views, spanning all the way to Costa Rica!
But the best part of a San Juan vacation is embracing the village’s carefree Pacific lifestyle. Sway in a hammock to reggae beats and work on your tan. Buy your dinner fresh-caught from the fishing boats—or if you’re blessed with the necessary skills, catch it yourself! Instead of booking a room, assemble a tent on Playa Maderas or Playa Majagual, and fall asleep to the sound of waves breaking. The best spot for a slumber party is nearby La Flor beach, where sea turtles waddle ashore to lay their eggs in late autumn.
Want to stay a little longer? Eighteen kilometers south of San Juan del Sur, Parque Maritimo El Coco Resort at Playa el Coco (near La Flor) offers a great selection of beach vacation rentals. When to Go:
San Juan del Sur holds a fiesta to commemorate its patron saint, San Juan (who else?), on June 22nd. Easter week, or Semana Santa, is another time of exuberant celebration. San Juan’s climate is warm and pleasant all year around, though rain showers are more frequent late in the year.
Getting There and Around:
From Managua, a cab to San Juan del Sur should cost about $50 US. If you’re on a budget, catch a public bus to Rivas. From there, you can catch another bus to San Juan del Sur. Buses also head to Rivas from the Costa Rican border at Penas Blancas. Or if the timing is right, you can catch an air-conditioned express buses from Managua direct to San Juan—they leave each day at 4pm. Once you’ve arrived, the best choice of transportation is your feet.
Where to Stay:
The Piedras y Olas (Pelican Eyes) Hotel & Resort is worth a splurge — just take a look at our Pelican Eyes Hotel photo gallery. The hotel’s proceeds go the the Jean Brugger Foundation, building futures for San Juan Del Sur’s children and wildlife.
Tips and Practicalities:
Offers the best sailing tours in the village. Surfers of all levels might enjoy booking a spot with Nicaragua Surf & Outdoor Adventures. Their 25-foot Catamaran will ferry you to exceptional breaks.
San Juan Del Sur’s leading Scuba dive shop is Scuba Shack, with two locations: at the cove, and at the Piedras y Olas (Pelican Eyes) Resort.
Nicaragua is often called the new Costa Rica for a reason. Check out Beach Front Realty or REMAX Nicaragua for real estate opportunities on Nicaragua’s Pacific and Caribbean beaches.
Fun Fact:
If you stroll up to the lighthouse south of San Juan’s bay, you’ll find the ruins of William Walker’s fort. Walker was an American soldier who reigned as Nicaragua’s president from 1856-1857, but was executed by the Honduran government in 1860.
Playa Tamarindo travel guide: Tamarindo in Costa Rica is so orderly, cheerful, and “beach-centric”, in many ways it’s reminiscent of San Diego—if San Diego’s waters were bathtub warm year-round, and if its beaches were backed by deep green jungle. Playa Tamarindo, located on the Pacific Coast in the Guanacaste province, is one of Costa Rica’s most-visited beach towns for countless reasons.
Sandy beaches, fully guided adventure tourism, busy nightlife, and world-class restaurants and accommodations ensure even the most tentative travelers will feel right at home. However, backpackers and more low-key travelers might be turned off by Tamarindo’s touristy elements.
What to Do:
The waters off Playa Tamarindo offer surfing opportunities adventurers of every level. Sport fishing is a way of life in Tamarindo, and record-breaking catches of marlin, tuna, and snapper are the norm. Scuba divers and snorkelers will enjoy an profusion of marine life right offshore, or in deeper waters. Tamarindo is a great place to sample a new water sport, like ocean kayaking, wind surfing, or jet skiing—just visit one of the multiple specialty shops in town.
However, some of the best activities in the Playa Tamarindo area are free. The thousand-acre Tamarindo National Wildlife Refuge boasts numerous hiking trails through forest and mangroves—keep your eyes out for crocodiles, monkeys, ocelots, and other wildlife. Or just string up a hammock between two beachfront palms, and enjoy Costa Rica’s most luxurious treat of all: the warm tropical sun.
When to Go:
Playa Tamarindo is sandwiched by two protected beaches, Playa Grande and Playa Langosta, that serve as nesting areas for the giant leatherback turtle. The turtles clamber ashore to lay their eggs between October and March—travel guides will take you to their nesting sites.
The dry season is also between October and March, which means great weather, but much more crowded beaches. The other half of the year is much more rainy, though showers typically occur late in the day.
Getting There and Around:
Arriving from overseas, try to book a flight into Liberia (the capital of Guanacaste) rather than San Jose. If you must fly into San Jose, buses to Liberia are cheap and frequent, though the ride is 6 hours long. From Liberia, take a public bus, minbus or taxi to Playa Tamarindo.
Flights are also available to Tamarindo’s airstrip direct from San Jose. If you prefer to drive yourself, car rental in San Jose or Liberia is straightforward.
Tips and Practicalities:
Because of Playa Tamarindo’s popularity with international travelers, American brands of snacks and toiletries are readily available in the town’s small supermarkets.
Accommodations in Playa Tamarindo generally run on the more expensive side. Budget travelers can choose from Hostel Playa Tamarindo, Tsunami Backpackers, Zully Mar, and Cabinas Rodamar, all which boast communal kitchens and discount accommodations.
Our take on it:
Pros:
Lot’s of surfing and sport fishing, Wildlife Refuge Parks, Americanized, Developing country with a strong democratic tradition
Cons:
Civil disturbances such as work stoppages and strikes, Few lifeguards or signs warning of dangerous beaches, Safety regulations enforced in Costa Rica are not as stringent as safety regulations in the United States.
Rating:
Video of the area:
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Overview:
Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica is located on the Pacific coast, in the Costa Rican province of Puntarenas. Though small, it’s the most visited park in Costa Rica — and one of the most beautiful. With the establishment of ManuelAntonio National Park in 1972, the people of Costa Rica decided to preserve, for future generations, one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse areas in the world. Although it is the country’s smallest national park, the stunning beauty and diversity of wildlife in its 683 hectares is unequaled.
Manuel Antonio contains a charming combination of rain forest, beaches and coral reefs. This beaches are the most beautiful in the country, lined with lush forest, and the snorkeling is excellent too. The forest is home for sloths, iguanas, the rare and adorable squirrel monkeys and millions of colorful little crabs. And the trail that winds around Punta Catedral affords some spectacular views. The park is easy to reach, south of the town of Quepos, and is near a good selection of hotels and restaurants.
What to Do:
Truly, Manuel Antonio looks just like a picture postcard. Every color is cranked up to full saturation, from the stingingly aqua water to the lime-green forest, with perfect strips of pale sand stretching between. Manuel Antonio boasts four beaches in total: Playita, Espadilla, Manuel Antonio, and Escondido. Take a hike along the narrow, sandy bridge to Punta Cathedral (once an island) for unforgettable Pacific views.
Stroll down one of the park’s several walking trails, and you might spy coatimundis, ocelots, sloths, monkeys (possibly even the endangered squirrel monkey), caiman, anteaters, along with birds of every shape and color imaginable. The offshore coral reefs bustle with marine life, including dolphins and whales—book a day trip out to Caño island for some prime scuba diving.
Manuel Antonio is so pristine, one would think it was entirely removed from society. But the hotels and cabins crowded along the park’s periphery offer fine dining, ample nightlife, and accommodations to satisfy most budgets.
When to Go
While the weather is best from November to May, traveling to Manuel Antonio during the rainy season—or “green” season, if you prefer the euphemism—you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and better prices. Plus, you’ll be doing the environment a favor. Though visitors to the park are limited to 600 on weekdays, 800 on weekends, so many visitors still cause stress to the flora and fauna.
Getting There and Around:
To reach Manuel Antonio from the Costa Rica capital of San Jose, catch a bus to Quepos. Manuel Antonio is about four miles south of Quepos—catch a bus or cab the rest of the way. You can also fly to Quepos from San Antonio through Travel Air or Sansa.
Tips and Practicalities:
World Headquarters offers a clear map of Manuel Antonio. Depending on the season, the park entrance fee ranges between $6 and $15 USD, payable at Playa Espadilla. The park is closed on Mondays.
Do not feed the monkeys! It’s illegal, and consumption of human food has led to cholesterol problems and shorter life spans for these sensitive creatures.
Fun Fact:
Pre-Columbian turtle traps still remain on Playa Manuel Antonio. The traps were dug from rocks, which turtles would swim over at high tide. Once the tide dropped, the turtles would be trapped in the carved basins.
Our take on it:
Pros:
Affordable, Beautiful Environment,
Adventure tourism is popular in Costa Rica, and many companies offer white-water rafting, bungee jumping, jungle canopy tours, deep sea diving, and other outdoor attractions.
Cons:
Crime has become an increasing concern for Costa Ricans and visitors alike. Daytime robberies in public places occur, and thieves have been known to brandish weapons or threaten violence if victims resist.
Rating:
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Roatan in the Honduras Bay Islands
Overview:
In terms of sheer distance, Roatan in Honduras is one of the closest Caribbean Islands to the United States. But when it comes to culture, value, and even good looks, Roatan is worlds away.At an impressive 40 miles long, Roatan attracts every type of traveler, from the luxury cruise-shipper to the budget backpacker. Most are united by a passion for scuba diving — the island is bordered by the second-largest barrier reef in the world
Part of Honduras’s Bay Islands (which also include Utila and Guanaja), Roatan has endured centuries of shuffling under British, American, and Spanish influence. Add the island’s indigenous tribes and afro-carib settlers, and it’s no wonder Roatan’s people are some of the most diverse in Central America.
Get Your Bearings:
Because Roatan is so long and skinny, most of its resorts and luxury hotels are located on private beaches outside of the island’s towns. But that’s where the island’s life and flavor is found! Roatan’s principal communities are the following:
Coxen Hole: The capital of the Bay Islands is Coxen Hole, Roatan’s largest city and the first place you’ll see — both the boat dock and the airstrip are located in Coxen Hole. Though travelers don’t tend to remain in the city, it’s the island’s center for politics and commerce.
Sandy Bay: Most of Roatan’s cultural attractions are located in Sandy Bay, such as the Institute of Marine Sciences and the Carambola Gardens and Marine Reserve. Sandy Bay is just across the narrow width of the island from Coxen Hole.
French Harbour: Lively French Harbour is the core of Roatan’s fishing trade. Several of Roatan’s most exclusive hotels are located here, as well as the island’s only Iguana conservatory.
Punta Gorda: The only Garifuna settlement on Roatan, Punta Gorda boasts a dynamic culture that has remained largely unchanged since the late 1700s. Travelers are welcome. Many of Roatan’s other local villages are found on this part of the island, like Jonesvile, Oak Ridge, Port Royal, and Camp Bay.
What to Do:
Dive! I know, you’ve got to surface sometime.
Luckily, there’s no end to Roatan’s diversions. Besides diving and snorkeling, Roatan’s beautiful waters can be enjoyed through kayaking, charter fishing trips, and glass-bottom boat tours. The island’s inland attractions include horseback riding, bicycling, museums, and miniature golf. Best of all, there are two separate canopy tours! For some different scenery (like you’ll need it), book a boat out to other Honduran islands, like the pristine Cayos Cochinos, or a plane to the Copan ruins in western Honduras.
Dinnertime on Roatan is always an adventure. While fresh fish and lobster is the most obvious choice, don’t shy away from local Caribbean cuisine, like conch fritters and coconut bread.
When to Go:
Roatan’s temperatures consistently remain in the eighties year-round. The winter rainy season begins in October and lasts until January or February. June and July can also be quite rainy.
Getting There and Around:
Taca, Delta, and Continental airlines fly direct to Roatan International Airport from Houston and Miami (certain days only). Flights from other cities connect in Tegucigalpa and/or San Pedro Sula. Overland travelers should head to the port city of La Ceiba, where they can book a ferry out to the island. Once you’re on the island, take a bus or a taxi. Or if you prefer to navigate yourself, Roatan has several car rental companies.
Tips and Practicalities:
It pays (literally) to exchange your money for Honduran currency, the Lempira, at a bank in French Harbour or Coxen Hole. Prices in US dollars are usually hiked a bit.
When Columbus landed on Roatan in the early 1500s, he wrote: “I have never tasted sweeter water of better quality.” As much as we’d like to believe him, we always recommend drinking bottled water in Central America.
Fun Facts:
Americans already know the basilisk by an intriguing name: the Jesus Lizard, named after its amazing talent for walking (or running, rather) on water. Yet its name on Roatan is even funnier: the Monkey Lala! Keep an eye out for these harmless little dragons.
Our take on it:
Pros:
English is often spoken on the Bay Islands, Roatan attracts every type of traveler, from the luxury cruise-shipper to the budget backpacker.
Cons:
A coup d’etat against the elected government took place on June 28, 2009 when the democratically elected leader ,President Zelaya was ousted and exiled to Costa Rica. Extreme dry and wet seasons.
Rating:
Video of the area:
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Bocas del Toro is a province on Panama’s Caribbean side, near the Costa Rica border. It includes a forested inland area, a lengthy strip of coastline, and the Bocas del Toro archipelago, with Isla Colon and its capital city, Bocas Town, at the helm. English is widely spoken.While Bocas del Toro in Panama attracts more travelers every year, its ecosystem remains largely intact due to the admirable efforts of conservationists. In fact, the biodiversity of the Bocas del Toro region is so exquisite, it’s internationally recognized as both a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
What to Do:
How much time do you have? It would take months to explore all of Bocas del Toro’s 9 major islands, 50 cays (low, coral-based islands), and 200-plus islets.
Beach-lovers and sufers (you’re in for a treat!) will be eager to begin their island-hopping as soon as their plane lands. However, Bocas Town itself has lots to offer, including the province’s best selection of dining, nightlife, and accommodations. It’s an archetypal Caribbean village of pastel rooftops, fresh seafood served in waterfront restaurants on stilts, fishing boats in bold, primary colors, and docks stretching over the patchwork waters. Playa Bluff is the town’s most dazzling beach.
Bastimentos Island is another terrific destination, where happy travelers can find prime diving, snorkeling, and plenty of wildlife viewing. Its most popular strip of sand, Red Frog Beach, is named after the scarlet poison dart frogs that bounce through the underbrush. The Zapatillas Cays are a top pick for pure, unadulterated relaxation. Located within the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park, the immaculate coral reefs and beaches (we’re talking sand like powdered sugar) are a poignant reminder of what many Caribbean islands used to be.
Isla Solarte is becoming a south-after destination for retirees, especially those interested in staking their claim on some untouched Caribbean real estate. Allegedly, the island has never experienced a single hurricane in recorded history. The archipelago’s other islands and cays, like Isla Popa and Isla Cristobal, are far less visited by travelers—but don’t let that stop you!
When to Go:
While Bocas del Toro Province experiences a warm and rather wet climate year-round, the least rainy months to visit are between August and October, and between February and April.
Getting There and Around:
Buses travel to Bocas del Toro Province from Costa Rica in the northwest (the long-standing bridge at the border is an experience it itself), and from David in the south. Water taxis offer swift rides from the Almirante port on the mainland to Bocas Town on Isla Colon, as well as between islands. If time’s an issue, you may choose to travel by plane from Panama City to Bocas Town instead.
Tips and Practicalities:
For about $15 US, you can book a snorkeling tour from Bocas Town through a medley of islets, cays, and other attractions including Isla Pajaros (a forested, mountainous isle populated by migratory birds), Starfish Beach, and Dolphin Bay (the names say it all). However, some of the tour operators are known to harass the dolphins, venturing too close for the gentle mammals’ comfort and even injuring them. Ask around before you choose your guide.
Watch out for turbulent waters of the coast of Bastimentos—rip tides are common.
Fun Fact:
In 1502, Columbus stopped at several Bocas del Toro islands on his fourth and last trip to the New World. Columbus was so taken by the region’s splendor that he named Isla Colon and Isla Cristobal after himself.
Our take on it:
Pros:
English is spoken, great surfing, beautiful weather, excellent mix of cultures, Use the US Dollar
Cons:
Crime is around but not as bad as the papers make it seem- use common sense and you’ll be fine.
Rating:
Video of the area:
Utila, Honduras
Overview:
At eleven miles long and approximately two miles wide, funky, laid-back Utila island in Honduras is the smallest of the Caribbean Bay Islands. Roatan might be the most visited, and Guanaja might be the most pristine. But Utila’s residents and die-hard devotees have many reasons they prefer the westernmost isle.
Besides offering more inexpensive travel options than Roatan, as well as thriving nightlife and matchless backpacker camaraderie, the island of Utila Honduras is internationally touted as the cheapest place to obtain PADI Scuba diving certification in the world.
What to Do:
Dive, of course! The world’s second-largest barrier reef runs alongside Utila island, and teems with varied and awe-inspiring marine life.
Some of Utila’s best PADI dive shops are Utila Dive Center (students stay free at The Mango Inn), the Bay Islands College of Diving, Deep Blue Divers, and Paradise Divers, among over a dozen others. For the ultimate Scuba diving experience, book a bed on the island’s only live-aboard boat, the Utila Agressor. Divers spend an entire week on board, exploring remote dive sites rarely seen by human eyes.
Utila offers a great deal of attractions once you surface, too. Take a boat out to Water Cay, an uninhabited tropical paradise only thirty minutes away. Wander for hours along the shoreline, and lay out on a deserted beach. Grab a snorkel and giggle at the baby barracudas which congregate around Utila’s docks.
In the nocturnal hours, hit up a nightclub like Coco Loco, Tranquilla Bar, or the Treetanic Bar at The Jade Seahorse. The Jade Seahorse is definitely one of Utila’s most unforgettable attractions. It’s an island wonderland that offers slushy drinks, hot eats, and mind-boggling installation artworks in an endless garden courtyard
When to Go:
Utila’s temperatures consistently remain in the eighties year-round. The rainy season begins in October and lasts until January or February. Visit AboutUtila.com for charts and more detailed climate information.
In the first week of August, Water Cay is the site of Sun Jam, a high-energy outdoor extravaganza featuring live DJs, cold drinks, and spirited dancing.
If you head to Utila—called the Whale Shark Capital of the Caribbean—in hopes of catching a glimpse of the whale shark, the months of March, April, August, and September boast the most frequent sightings.
Getting There and Around:
Planes through Aerolineas SOSA and Atlantic Airlines leave Honduras’s two largest cities, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, for the coastal city of La Ceiba. From there, planes leave for the air strips of Utila and Roatan.
Budget travelers (and those who prefer salt air and sea wind over crowded airplane cabins) can travel from La Ceiba to Utila via ferry, called the Utila Princess. The Princess leaves Tip: swipe a pill or two from the bowl of free Dramamine (for sea sickness) at the ticketing counter—you’ll probably need it!
Tips and Practicalities:
Need some company while sunbathing? Check out Bundu Café’s expansive book exchange, with enough English titles to rival your local Barnes & Noble. Stay for a meal—especially breakfast.
Fun Fact:
Keep your eyes peeled for Utila’s land crabs! The curious creatures live in burrows by day, and clamber across Utila’s pathways at night.
Our Take On It:
Pros:
Great nightlife, Great Beaches, Great Fun!
Cons:
Critters and weather. Make sure to go the right time of year or you might get rained out!
The city of Antigua Guatemala, or “Ancient Guatemala”, is one of the Guatemala’s most popular destinations for international travelers. Located in the central highlands, Antigua Guatemala is famous for the 16th-century colonial-style Spanish architecture lining its cobblestoned streets, as well as the three volcanoes looming in the distance.
Antigua Guatemala was the capital of Guatemala until it was severely damaged by a series of earthquakes in 1773. Today, its population soars above 33,000. Thousands more people visit each year, many to attend the numerous Spanish schools for which the Antigua is famous.
What to do:
Antigua Guatemala is extremely visitor-friendly. The city boasts countless hotels, restaurants, pubs, coffee cafes, and shops, all catering to the foreign traveler. Travel agencies are numerous as well. The artisan market by the bus station offers first-rate shopping, and the opportunity to perfect your bargaining skills.
Everywhere you turn, you’ll discover new examples of Antigua’s exquisite colonial architecture. Some of the best are the ruins of the San Agustin Church, the Municipal Palace, and the Cathedral ruins. The Central Park is Antigua’s social and geographical center, a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.
Views of the city from the tops of nearby volcanoes Agua and Pacaya are well worth the hike up. Another breathtaking view is that from atop the hill at Cerro de la Cruz; however, robberies and assaults have been reported along the trail. Fortunately, tourist police escort groups every day around 10am and 3pm.
When to go:
Antigua Guatemala enjoys a rather mild climate year-round on account of its highlands location, experiencing warm days, cool nights, and less rain than the rest of the country.
The week before Easter Sunday, called Holy Week or Semana Santa, is Antigua’s most elaborate celebration. Most remarkable are the brilliantly-colored sawdust carpets, sifted into beautiful designs, which are laid on the streets for the costumed religious processions to step on. Travelers interested in visiting Antigua during this week must book hotels far in advance.
Getting there and around:
Transportation to and from Antigua Guatemala is abundant. Droves of public buses (“chickenbuses”) arrive and depart from the large bus station at the extreme west side of town, which also serves as an expansive market for local goods and tourist-oriented merchandise. Buses service drop in frequency as afternoon approaches, so it’s best to leave early.
If you’d rather not brave public transportation from Guatemala City, Guatemala Reservations will arrange a shuttle to pick up from your hotel or the international airport, for about $10 USD.
Although foot traffic is the preferred mode of transportation within Antigua itself, taxicabs and motorized rickshaws, or “tuk-tuks”, are useful for longer distances, rainstorms, and nighttime travel. Make sure to have the driver quote a price before departure.
Tips and Practicalities
Antigua Guatemala can be dangerous at night. At all times, use the same caution you would in any Central America destination, i.e. don’t carry large amounts of money, don’t wear flashy jewelry, and for heaven’s sake, don’t wear a fanny pack. Women will want to use extra caution, especially when walking at night. When in doubt, hail a cab.
Fun Fact:
When the conquistadors first settled in Antigua Guatemala in 1543, they designated it “La Muy Noble y Muy Leal Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala”, or “The Very Noble and Very Loyal City of Santiago of the Knights of Guatemala”. What a mouthful!
Our Take On It
Pros:
Some really historic places to see, and a very unique city.
Cons:
Ranger, Danger! Keep yourself in the right crowd and the reward outweighs the risk. If you are in the wrong crowd, well good luck!
Rating:
Video of area:
La Libertad El Salvador
Overview:
Only half an hour from San Salvador, La Libertad’s surf breaks are the most popular of all the El Salvador beaches, though its crowds are still mainly composed of locals and backpackers.
Because of El Salvador’s lingering notoriety and its lack of a solid tourism infrastructure, you’ll discover fewer tourists on La Libertad compared to other Central America beaches. While that also means fewer luxury resorts than you’ll find in, say, Jaco Beach in Costa Rica. But instead, visitors enjoy a far more authentically Central American experience.
What to Do:
On land, La Libertad’s traveler’s scene is all about la vie boheme—reggae music, bare feet, cold beers, and sun-warmed hammocks. However, the real party in La Libertad is out at sea. Many surfers choose to book a guided surf tour through a company like Punta Mango, which offers customized packages and “surfaris” to La Libertad’s surf breaks, as well as extended trips to El Salvador’s Wild East. They also offer surf lessons for beginning surfers. The city of La Libertad offers a full range of accommodations, but it also has a grungy feel that isn’t too appealing. Many choose to stay at nearby beaches, which are worth a visit (and a jaunt in the waves) no matter what.
Some of the best:
El Zunzal (or Sunzal): Named after the village of El Zunzal, this break is a favorite of surfing newbies.
El Tunco: At the other end of the beach from El Sunzal, El Tunco is a favorite hangout for liberal types wishing to escape the bustle of La Libertad.
El Zonte: Just north of La Libertad, El Zonte is far more tidy, quiet and secure, yet its waves are just as challenging for surfers.
Other popular surf breaks near La Libertad are Punta Roca, La Bocana, and La Paz—as well as a whole host of others you’ll have to cajole out of locals experts! The best sunbathing sands are on Playa San Diego, to the east.
When to Go:
The rainy season on El Salvador’s coast is between May and November. During the dry season, it’s best to visit the beach during the week—La Libertad can be packed with visitors from San Salvador on weekends.
Getting There and Around:
Because of its proximity to San Salvador, La Libertad is easy to get to. Buses leave for the city frequently for about fifty cents, though be aware that bus companies often condense its name to “El Puerto”.
Tips and Practicalities:
Despite the gradual rejuvenation of La Libertad and surrounding beaches, robberies still occur. Use caution at night.
Help clean up La Libertad! The extensively named Comite de Mantenimiento y Limpieza de la Playa El Tunco (Committee for Maintenance and Cleaning of Playa El Tunco) hosts beach cleanups and other community maintenance events.
Fun Fact:
La Libertad travel guide: Also known as Puerto de la Libertad, the dynamic port town of La Libertad, located in the coastal crease of La Libertad state in El Salvador, is emerging as one of Central America’s best surfing destinations for international travelers.
Our Take On It
Pros:
Like Surfing? Well you need to stop what you are doing and come here now!
Cons:
Like Central America, safety is a concern. Other than that the only thing that can be a turnoff is the crowded areas.
Rating:
Video of area:
Montezuma Beach in Costa Rica
Overview:
Montezuma Beach is one of the best Costa Rica beaches for budget travelers, especially those of the bohemian persuasion. The center of the smallish town is a people-watcher’s paradise, thronged with funky international backpackers, permanent ex-pats, and open-minded locals such as artists, surfers, and the people who love them.
What to Do:
Montezuma’s abundance of liberal influence makes for diverse and delicious cuisine in the town’s numerous restaurants. It also creates the perfect nightlife hub for Costa Rica’s biggest partiers, most notably at Chico’s Bar. Arts and crafts galleries are fun to peruse, but don’t overlook the artisans selling their wares streetside.
What else? Take a snorkeling tour to Tortuga Island. Zipline through the jungle with Montezuma Canopy Tours. Rent a sea kayak or bicycle and explore. Volunteer at the new Rainsong Wildlife Sanctuary. Or head to another beach near Montezuma:
Playa Grande: Just thirty minutes north of Montezuma, vast Playa Grande is a favorite surf spot. Nude beach seekers, listen up: rumor has it, clothing is optional on Playa Grande.
Playa Cocolito: Montezuma Beach claims everyone who hikes the two hours north from Montezuma to Playa Cocolito calls it “one of the best things they did in Costa Rica.” Keep an eye out for a striking waterfall, El Chorro, that tumbles directly into the ocean.
The 20-minute waterfall hike south of Montezuma Village is popular with travelers—no tour guide necessary. Of the three waterfalls you’ll pass, only the second falls into a pool deep enough for jumping. Warning: The rocks atop the second waterfall are slippery. Several people have been killed attempting to jump, so use tremendous caution if you choose to partake.
When to Go:
The dry season (also the busy season) in Montezuma is between December and April. Rain falls with relative frequency the rest of the year, though the vegetation is far more green and lush, and prices are lower.
Getting There and Around:
From San Jose, catch a bus to Puntarenas, about two hours down the Pan-American Highway. From Puntarenas, take a ferry from the lancha terminal or the northwest ferry terminal to Paquera. From Paquera, you can catch a bus to Montezuma (the lancha ferries connect directly with the bus). If you prefer to rent a car in San Jose, Puntarenas’s northwest ferry terminal allows cars on its ferries.
Speedboat water taxis also crisscross frequently between Montezuma and Jaco Beach on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Roads from the northern part of the Nicoya Peninsula can be rather rough, but the drive is lovely.
Once in the village of Montezuma, you’ll walk everywhere—generally, barefoot!
Tips and Practicalities:
In the rainy season, the roads heading in to Montezuma from Paquera grow slogged with mud, and you’ll likely need to drive a vehicle or catch a taxi with 4-wheel drive.
Fun Facts
Playa Grande at Montezuma Beach is said to be haunted! Allegedly, it was the site of an ancient burial ground. Camp overnight if you dare. . .
Our Take On It
Pros:
Great weather (in season), safe compared to other areas, and cheap.
Cons:
You will eventually have to leave if you do not have a visa. That’s it!
Once upon a time, 
Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica is located on the Pacific coast, in the Costa Rican province of Puntarenas. Though small, it’s the most visited park in Costa Rica — and one of the most beautiful. With the establishment of ManuelAntonio National Park in 1972, the people of Costa Rica decided to preserve, for future generations, one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse areas in the world. Although it is the country’s smallest national park, the stunning beauty and diversity of wildlife in its 683 hectares is unequaled.
In terms of sheer distance, Roatan in Honduras is one of the 
Bocas del Toro is a province on 
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