Latin America is the perfect getaway, with it’s exotic Caribbean isles, lush rainforests, and sun drenched beaches. This part of the Americas is fast becoming a holiday hotspot for those wanting to head south. Here are five great destinations for a divine vacation in the tropics!

Island Getaway-Caye Caulker, Belize
Tropical sun, dazzling coral reefs, and Caribbean charm… Sound like your idea of the perfect getaway? Then head to Caye Caulker, a tiny isle off the crystal clear waters off the coast of Belize. In this small island village, you can stroll barefoot down Main Street, as the mouth watering smell of succulent seafood wafts in the breeze. This paradise offers an abundance of aquatic activities. Want to become acquainted with local marine life? Take a snorkel tour of Shark Ray Alley, where visitors can swim with Spotted Eagle Rays and Nurse Sharks. For those who prefer to dive, the Hol Chan Marine Park is a natural world of wonder; offering a spectacular array of sea life, combined with an exceptional variety of diving zones, including sea-grass beds, coral reefs, and the Boca Ciega blue hole. The warm waters and excellent underwater visibility in Belize offer perfect conditions for any level of diving ability. If you need certification, PADI instruction is available. Just want to relax? Grab a good book and find a hammock, or simply laze the day away.

Other activities offered on the isle are fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. Accommodations on the island range from budget backpacker to private seaside rentals. Restaurants offer an abundance of choices, from international cuisine to Belizean barbeque. Conch fritters are a local favourite, served with lime wedges and tartar sauce, and are delicious. The annual lobster festival is celebrated the last weekend of June or first weekend of July, and is a seafood lover’s dream come true! Enjoy this heavenly escape and embrace the Caribbean rhythm of this dreamy island paradise!

Spa Resort Honeymoon Bliss- Fortuna- Costa Rica

For a heavenly honeymoon retreat, visit the Tabacon Hot Springs and Spa Resort, set at the base of an active volcano, amongst lush tropical gardens and waterfalls. Step into the thermal pools, enjoying a tropical cocktail, as the warm water flows around you, relaxing your body and calming your mind. This unique spa is the perfect destination for couples. Elegant suites, fine dining, and a pampering spa experience are the perfect ingredients for relaxation and rejuvenation. The 11 junior suites are romantic, with elegant décor, and include a private Jacuzzi on your patio or balcony, all of which provide exceptional views. There are also 95 standard rooms that are quite spacious. The resort offers a wide variety of Spa treatment therapies. Volcanic stone massage, reflexology, shiatsu, and other many other types of massage therapy are available. Couples massages are a relaxing, romantic way to spend time unwinding together. To appreciate the richness of this beautiful region, tour companies offer a variety of activities. Cave exploration, whitewater rafting, and fishing excursions are all available. ATV rentals, mountain biking, and horseback riding are other great options. Naturalists can trek off to the Rio Fortuna Waterfalls, just a short jaunt from town by taxi. Be sure to bring along sturdy shoes for this hike, as the steps down to the falls are steep and slippery. Be sure to take along a swimsuit for a refreshing dip the in the river by the cascading falls. When planning a holiday in Costa Rica, try to schedule your trip within the dry season, as the magnificent volcanic lava displays can often be obscured by the tropical weather of the rainy season. Enjoy the peace and serenity of this lovely sanctuary!

Sport fishing Fantasy-Zhihautanejo-Mexico

Zhihautanejo, known as Zhihau (pronounced Zee-wah) by the locals, is the perfect destination for serious fishermen. This world class sport fishing destination is teeming with an impressive variety of trophy fish. Marlin, rooster fish, dorado, tuna, wahoo, grouper, and barracuda, all live in the waters off the coast of this pacific town. Sport fishermen have a variety of options, from renting a large luxury charter to hiring a small local craft. Fishing outfits provide endless options, so be sure to investigate the choices.

The town of Zhihua is perched on a shimmering bay, and offers many beautiful beaches for water sports, teeming with options for your family vacation desires. While you’re off reeling in the big ones, they can explore a variety of activities, such as parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boating. For kids, Magic World, a local water amusement park has wave pools, water slides, and a pirate ship play area. Zhihau offers restaurants catering to all tastes, ranging from delicious Mexican fare to eclectic cuisine. For a little romantic indulgence in the evening, hire a car or take a taxi to Ixtapa, a nearby world-famous resort, with fine dining, dance clubs, and shopping.
More info on Zhihautanejo--

Giving Heart Vacation Volunteerism-Honduras

If you are interested in the opportunity to use your holiday time as an inspiring gift, contributing to a country and people in a unique and personal way, holiday volunteering may be right for you. The country of Honduras offers many opportunities for those seeking involvement in this rewarding mission. Animal and ecology, community development, medical care, english teachers, trail maintenance, house building, and music teachers are just a few of the areas where volunteers are needed. The possibilities are endless, and the skills desired are varied. In many cases, simply a desire to help and pair of willing hands is all that is required. There are conservation projects available on the Bay Islands, various internships in the capital city Tegucigalpa, and many basic needs in rural communities, where families and children can be provided with medical care, education, and housing. Research organizations you would be interested in donating your time to before making a decision. Be sure to contact their past volunteers to find out whether they were satisfied with the organization they worked for, and if that organization would be a good match for you. This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to our brothers and sisters in our shared global environment.

Rainforest Adventure-Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica

Nature enthusiasts will delight in the natural wonders of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica. While hiking these tropical trails, keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal, a rare and beautiful bird, and the iridescent Blue Morpho butterfly. Birds and animals are most active and likely to seen at dusk or dawn. Visitors will be delighted to discover the wide variety of life in this rainforest region. With over 4oo species of bird, 100 species of mammal, reptiles and amphibians, this reserve is a haven for both naturalists and biologists. It is a good idea to arrive at the park early, as rangers limit the number of visitors in the park per day. Also, be sure to schedule your trip in the low season, as wildlife viewing will be more abundant. It can be very helpful to hire a local guide, as many animals have natural camouflage and natives are practiced at spotting these elusive creatures. Bring along binoculars, film, a waterproof parka, and sturdy shoes. Other eco-adventure activities are available in the surrounding area. Tour companies offer exciting canopy tours, allowing guests to slide along zip lines, high in the tree tops, providing unobstructed views of the forest floor below, an exciting way to observe the natural wonder and beauty of this cloud forest! Tours are also offered in the nearby town of Santa Elena, where you will find a variety of accommodations and places to dine. Camping, swimming, and horseback riding are all available.

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