Category: Central America

Traveling in Central America can be an exciting and culturally rich experience, with a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and traditions. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and active volcanoes. Visitors can explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala, or immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica. The region also offers a wide range of adventure activities, such as zip-lining, white water rafting, and surfing. However, visitors should be aware of the potential risks and challenges of traveling in Central America, including safety concerns, political instability, and health risks. It is important to research the specific countries and regions to be visited, and to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Shown below are the places we’ve had the opportunity to visit in Central America.

Costa Rica – January 2021

Donna & I flew to Costa Rica for a 10 day tour of the country, We rented a car in San Jose, then drove to LaFortuna to hike to the Arenal Volcano, then a couple days in Monteverde to zip line and walk on hanging bridges. From there we traveled to Tamarindo and stayed at a luxury resort on the beach, taking a few days to hike national parks, bath in hot springs and mud baths; see a Giant Pacific Sea turtle lay eggs in its nesting areas and do a sunset cruise on a catamaran. On our last day in Costa Rica we stayed at the Xaneri Resort in San Jose and hiked to waterfalls and relaxed in a hot tub before flying home the next day.

Nicaragua – April 2017

I traveled with 5 other Rotarians, including Doug Borrett, to Nicaragua to help with a bridge project in conjunction with the local communities through an organization known as Bridges to Prosperity. We were in Managua, Esteli, and several other cities and rural areas within the country and helped to build the bridge at the Monte Verde site.

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Posing for a picture on one of the bridges built by the Bridges to Prosperity organization

El Salvador (Rotary #2) – November 2011

This was our second trip to San Jose Villanueva with the Rotary group from Canada. This trip we built one home and toured the various businesses that are being financed through the Canadians micro-finance program.

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Donna’s meet & greet with the local residents

El Salvador (Rotary #1) – November 2010

This was our first trip with the Rotary Club of North Renfrew, Ontario, Canada. A group of 10 of us went to San Jose Villaneuva to build two houses for the poor people in the town. This Rotary Club goes there several times each year as part of their matching grant program.

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Panama Canal Cruise – May 2002

This was a cruise that we took with Carole & Dave, LuAnn & Tim and my mom & dad in honor of Mom & Dad’s 55th wedding anniversary. The cruise included a stop in Costa Rica as well as going through the Panama Canal, then returning back to the Atlantic Ocean then back to Florida, with a stop in several of the islands in the Caribbean.

Up the river to visit a native tribe in Panama

Mom & Dad on the way to the Panama Canal

Belize – November 1998

Donna & I flew to Belize City, then onto Ambergris Caye, one of the islands bordering Belize. We went there right after a major hurricane and ended up in a different hotel than the one we originally booked. We had a great time on the beach and touring the area.