Images from a Central America journey

michnus

7th August 2019

Images from each Central American country we visited on our way from the USA to South America. 

South America that narrow isthmus of land that is bordered by North America and South America. 7 countries makes part of this land of volcanoes, tropical forest, high mountains, coffee and incredible passionate people.
According to the media Central America is a dangerous hell hole to be avoided by all cost. We traveled there for a bit more than 1 year and it could not have been further from the truth. Central America is a gritty lively colourful place where you take responsibilty for yourself. Which is why travelling there are so rewarding.

These few images are from each country our odyssey took us on our way South. There is no special meaning to each other than just a remembrance of something special in each of the countries.

Mexico

That crazy party kid of a nation with its quirky festivals, loud friendly locals and an amazing amount of beautiful landscapes.

Cuba

The island is still in the 1950’s, not some nice Vegas recreation. The entire place transports a visitor back in time. The owner of this house was kind to enough to tells us about his passion for the old times.

The largest four Caribbean Islands are Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.  There is no spot in Central America more than 125 miles (200 kilometers) from the ocean.

Guatemala

Guatemala is home to volcanoes, marine life, rainforests and ancient Mayan sites. There’s lake Atitlán, formed in a massive volcanic crater, and the Tikal ruins in the north. Guatemala is one of the best cultural experiences in Central America.

Every Central American country has a Unesco site and there are sixteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites in total.  Some include islands, ancient ruins, Coiba National Park, Spanish colonial cities, Tikal National Park, Antigua Guatemala, Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, Cocos Island National Park in Costa Rica, and Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site in El Salvador.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is gritty and rugged and nearly a quarter of its area is made up of protected jungle, filled with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds. Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity. Local saying as a greeting is Pura Vida “simple life” or “pure life”, it is more than just a saying—it is a way of life. Costa Ricans (Ticos) use this term to say hello, to say goodbye, to say everything’s great, to say everything’s cool

Belize

Belize has Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and dense jungle to the west. Offshore, the massive Belize Barrier Reef, dotted with hundreds of low-lying islands called cayes, with its massive marine life. Belize’s jungle areas are home to Mayan ruins like Caracol, renowned for its towering pyramid; lagoon-side Lamanai; and Altun Ha.

Central America is an isthmus, it is a strip of land connecting two larger land masses, with bodies of water on both sides. This makes Central America a land bridge between North and South America,  but technically it is part of North America.

Honduras

Honduras – Ancient Mayan ceremonial site Copán has stone-carved hieroglyphics and stelae, tall stone monuments and Macaws nesting in the trees around the site. In the Caribbean Sea are the Bay Islands, which is part of the 1,000km-long Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Habitat to 7% of the world’s total biodiversity, Central America makes up the majority of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot.  Panama and Costa Rica are on top with Belize and Guatemala in second spot. It is evident the countries are working hard to grow and sustain their natural assets.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua, known for its incredible dramatic terrain of lakes, blacktop volcanoes and beaches. Massive Lake Managua and the iconic stratovolcano Momotombo is just north of Managua city. The city of Granada, is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and archipelago of islets rich in tropical birdlife

This is volcano alley! Many of the volcanoes are still active. The activity of ov volcanos has had a massive influence in Central America. Their cuisine from what plants to grow, to the geographic settlements of the region’s populations all evolded due to volcanos. 

Panama

That small piece of land that had to be cut to get massive ships to pass through.