Animal-rights issues, 76 Ataco (El Salvador), 294–298 Index Antigua (Guatemala), 151–152, Atitrans (Guatemala), 160, 178, 176, 177–188 189, 193 accommodations, 184–186 Atlantic lowlands A getting around, 179 (Guatemala), 153 AAdictos (Flores), 219 Internet access, 180 ATMs (automated teller AARP, 72–73 nightlife, 188 machines), 68 INDEX Above and Beyond Tours, 72 outdoor activities and side Audiencia de los Confines Abya Yala (San José), 584 trips, 188 (Gracias), 373 Accommodations restaurants, 186–187 Auditorio Nacional (San best, 8–11 shopping, 183–184 José), 585 tips on, 81–82 sights and attractions, 180–182 Autoridad de Turismo de Addresses in Central America, 65 Spanish and other Panama (ATP), 668 Adrenalina Tours (Guatemala), educational classes, 182–183 Avadon Divers (Belize), 144 201, 202 traveling to, 178–179 Aventuras Panama, 698 Advantage Panama, 655, 673, visitor information, 179 Axul (Ataco), 295 675, 696–698 Antigua Tours (Guatemala), 180 Adventure Associates, 77 Antiguo Convento San Francisco Adventures in Panama, (Granada), 483 B 655, 696, 723 Apaneca Canopy Tours (El Bahía Culebra (Costa Rica), 595 Ahuachapán (El Salvador), 298 Salvador), 293 Bahía de Jiquilisco (El Air travel, 61–63 Apaneca (El Salvador), 293–294 Salvador), 269 Ak’Bol Yoga Retreat (Ambergris APREFLOFAS (Association for the Bahía de San Juan Caye), 113 Preservation of the Wild Flora (Nicaragua), 536 Alas Encantadas (Copán), 365 and Fauna; Costa Rica), 623 Bahía Majagual (Nicaragua), 521 Albrook Mall (Panama City), 676 Arbenz, Jacobo, 24 Bainbridge-Ometepe Sisters Alegre Pub (San Pedro), 198 Arboretum Nacional Island Association Alegría (El Salvador), 316–319 (Managua), 457 (Ometepe), 491 Alfarería Lenca (La Campa), 376 ARCAS (Flores), 214 Bajo Mono Loop (Panama), 703 All Saints’ Day, Guatemala, 58 Archipiélago Zapatera Balboa, Vasco Nuñez de, 36–37 Altagracia (Nicaragua), 530–531 (Nicaragua), 493 Baldi Hot Springs (La Alvarado, Pedro de, 23, 26 Arch’s Iguana Farm (near French Fortuna), 617 Amador Causeway (Panama Harbour), 408 Balneario Aguas Termales City), 673–674 Arco de Santa Catalina (Gracias), 373–374 Ambar (Ambergris Caye), 113 (Antigua), 180 Balsamo Coast (El Salvador), 256 Ambergris Caye (Belize), 106–119 Arenal Hanging Bridges (Costa Bambu Beach Club (San Juan accommodations, 113–116 Rica), 618 del Sur), 527 getting around, 108 Arenal National Park (Costa Banderas Hill (Nicaragua), 493 nightlife, 119 Rica), 618 Bando Beach (Utila), 420 orientation, 109 Arenal Volcano and environs Barbaro (León), 477 restaurants, 116–119 (Costa Rica), 613–624 Bar Bongó (Managua), 465 shopping, 113 exploring, 616–618 Barefoot Beach Bar side trips from, 119 Ark Herb Farm (near (Placencia), 149 sights and attractions, 109–113 Heredia), 590 Bar in the Bush (Utila), 425 traveling to, 107–108 Arrecifes (Tela), 386 Bar La Cavanga (Managua), 465 visitor information, 109 Artesanía La Esquina (Estelí), 504 Baron Bliss Day (Belize), 56 Ambergris Maya Jade & History Artesanía Nicaraguense Baron Bliss Memorial (Belize Museum (Ambergris Caye), 113 (Estelí), 504 City), 100 American Airlines Vacations, 76 Artesanias Cassal Bar Platea (Panama City), 689 American Express (Nahuizalco), 290 Bar Raices (Flores), 219 Belize, 89, 93 Artesanias Kemuel (La Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill El Salvador, 232 Palma), 285 (Caye Caulker), 128 Honduras, 334 Artesma Garífuna (Trujillo), 401 Barton Creek Cave (Belize), 133 Nicaragua, 449 Arte y Mueble (Nahuizalco), 290 Barú Volcano National Park Panama, 662 Art of Touch (Ambergris (Panama), 704–706 American Foundation for the Caye), 113 Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Blind, 72 COPYRIGHTEDArt Workshops in Guatemala, MATERIAL177 los Angeles (Cartago), 588 AmeriSpan, 79 Asia Garden Day Spa (Ambergris Basílica Nacional de Suyapa Amigos de las Américas, 79 Caye), 113 (Honduras), 340 Amigo Tours (Nicaragua), 495 Asociación de Voluntarios para Batalla (Honduras), 432 Amitigra (Tegucigalpa), 345 el Servicio en las Areas Bat Jungle (Monteverde), 609 Ancon Expeditions (Panama), Protegidas (ASVO), 623 Bat Palace (Tikal), 211 655, 669, 673, 675, 694, Astrum Helicopters (Belize), 130 Bay Island Airways 696–698, 719 (Honduras), 413 Ancón Theater Guild (Panama City), 688
740
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 740740 22/24/11/24/11 111:071:07 PMPM The Bay Islands (Honduras), suggested itinerary, 85 Bird-watching, 77–78 324, 329, 403–430. See also taxes, 94 Costa Rica specific islands telephone, 94 Manuel Antonio, 628
Beaches telephone dialing, 88 Monteverde area, 607 INDEX best, 4–5 tipping, 94 near San José, 571 Costa Rica tour operators, 87 Honduras Corcovado National traveling to, 90 Parque Nacional Capiro y Park, 638 visitor information, 85, 87 Calentura, 400 Guanacaste, 595 volunteer and learning Refugio de Vida Silvestre Manuel Antonio area, opportunities in, 105 Guaimoreto, 400 628–629 websites, 87 San Pedro Sula, 356 Honduras Belizean Arts (Ambergris Isla de Montecristo (El La Ceiba, 391 Caye), 113 Salvador), 268 Omoa, 379 Belize Botanic Gardens, 134 Nicaragua, 485 Raista/Belén, 434 Belize City, 83–84, 94–106 Isla Juan Venado Wildlife Tela, 384 accommodations, 102–103 Reserve, 478 Trujillo area, 400–401 getting around, 95–96 Reserva Biológica Indio Utila, 420 laundry and dry cleaning, 96 Maiz, 537 West Bay, 416 nightlife, 104–106 Zapote, 540 Nicaragua orientation, 95 Panama, 675, 694–696, Poneloya and Las outdoor and wellness 698–699, 703, 704 Peñitas, 478 activities, 101 Black Christ Festival San Juan del Sur, restaurants, 103–104 (Panama), 58 520–521 shopping, 101–102 Black Hills (Honduras), 421 Panama side trips from, 106 BLG (Panama City), 690 Bocas del Toro, 716–719 sights and attractions, 96–101 Bliss, Baron, 100 Pacific beaches, 711 traveling to, 95 Bliss Institute of Performing Arts Beer Bar (San Pedro Sula), 353 visitor information, 96 (Belize City), 104 Belén Gualcho (Honduras), walking tour, 97, 100 Blowing Rock (Nicaragua), 546 377–378 Belize Diving Services (Caye Bluefields (Nicaragua), 541–543 Belén (Honduras), 433–435 Caulker), 124 Blue Hole (Belize), 112, 124, 129 Belize, 83–150 Belize Horse & Carriage Tours Blue Lake (Costa Rica), 597 accommodations, 92 (Belize City), 97 Blue Mountain (Granada), 484 ATMs, 88 Belize Independence Day, 58 Bluff Beach (Panama), 716 business hours, 93 Belize Medical Associates (Belize Boating (boat rentals), Belize, climate, 89 City), 96 112, 122 credit cards, 88–89 Belize Tourism Board, 85, 87 Boat travel and cruises, 65–66 customs regulations, 87–88 Belize Tourism Village (Belize Batalla (Honduras), 432 dining, 92 City), 100, 101 Belize, 134–135 drugstores, 93 Belize Trips, 87 Costa Rica, 587–588 embassies and consulates Belize Zoo (near Belize City), Guatemala in, 93 100–101 Lake Atitlán, 189–190 embassy locations, 87 Best of Both Adventures for Lake Petén Itzá, 214 emergencies, 93 Women (Bocas del Toro), 720 Panajachel, 193–194 entry requirements, 58–59, 87 Best Western Belize Biltmore Nicaragua, Río San Juan, getting around, 91 Plaza (Belize City), 101 535–536 health concerns, 89–90 Beverages, 53–54 Roatán (Honduras), 406 history of, 20–23 Big Daddy’s (Ambergris Boca del Drago Beach holidays, 89 Caye), 119 (Panama), 716 hospitals, 93 Big Foot (León), 474 Boca de Sábalos (Nicaragua), 536 money matters, 88 Big Gully Waterfall (Guanaja), 427 Bocas del Toro archipelago newspapers and Biking and mountain biking, (Panama), 651, 712–724 magazines, 93 78, 170 beaches and other natural outer atolls, 128–130 Belize, 108, 134 attractions, 716–719 planning your trip, 85, 87–92 Costa Rica, 630 Bocas Town (Panama), 713–724 police, 93 Guatemala, 194 accommodations, 720–722 post offices and mail, 93–94 Nicaragua, 531 nightlife, 723–724 regions in brief, 83–84 Panama, 706 restaurants, 722–723 safety, 94 Birding Club of Costa Rica, 571 Bocas Water Sports (Panama), seasons, 89 Bird’s Isle Restaurant & Bar 718–719 shopping, 92 (Belize City), 105 Bonacca town (Honduras), 426
741
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 741741 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM Bonefishing, Guanaja Café Ruiz (Panama), 708 Car rentals, 66 (Honduras), 426 Café Welchez Coffee Plantation Cartago (Costa Rica), 588–590 Boquete Mountain Safari Tours (near Copán), 365 Car travel, 63, 66 (Panama), 703 Café Xibalba (Copán), 370 Casa Cuna Carlos Fonseca Boquete Outdoor Adventures Cahuita (Costa Rica), 640–646 (Matagalpa), 512 (Panama), 706 Cahuita National Park (Costa Casa de Antigüedades Boquete (Panama), 699–712 Rica), 641–642 (Granada), 485 INDEX accommodations, 709–710 Caldera Hot Springs Casa de Arte (Monteverde), 609 getting around, 701 (Panama), 707 Casa de Artes (Antigua), 183, 184 nightlife, 712 Calendar of events, 56–58 Casa de Cultura orientation, 701–702 Calico Jack’s Village (Belize), 135 Estelí (Nicaragua), 504 restaurants, 710, 712 Calvin’s Crack (dive site), 409 León (Nicaragua), 471 shopping, 709 Calzada de Amador (Panama Casa de la Cultura sights and activities, 703–708 City), 673–674 Apaneca (El Salvador), 293 traveling to, 701 Camino de Cruces (Panama Quetzaltenango Boquete Tree Trek (Panama), 707 City), 695 (Guatemala), 200 Boutique Annemarie (San Camino de Oleoducto (Panama Quezaltepeque (El José), 573 City), 695 Salvador), 281 Boutique Kiosco (San José), 573 Canal Administration Building San Salvador (El Boxing Day (Belize), 58 (Panama City), 672 Salvador), 255 Bridge of Life Biodiversity Canal & Bay Tours (Panama Casa del Escultor (Suchitoto), 275 Museum (Panama City), 674 Canal), 694 Casa del Jade (Copán), 367 British Honduras. See Belize Cancilleria (Managua), 457 Casa de los Leones (Granada), 483 Britt Expresivo (San José), Cannon Island (Honduras), 437 Casa del Sol 584–585 Canoeing Copán, 367 Bromelias (Monteverde), 613 Costa Rica, 620 Tela, 384 Brus Laguna (Honduras), Guatemala, 194 Casa del Tejido Antiguo 436–438 Caño Island Biological Reserve (Antigua), 180 Buddha (San Pedro), 198 (Costa Rica), 639 Casa de Obrero (León), 473 Buena Vista Surf Club (San Caño Negro National Wildlife Casa Galeano (Gracias), 374 Juan del Sur), 521 Refuge (Costa Rica), 620 Casa K’inich (Copán), 365 Building New Hope, 79 Canopy tours Casa Museo de Alejandro Cotto Building New Hope Belize, 135 (Suchitoto), 274 (Nicaragua), 490 Costa Rica Casa Natal (Granada), 485 Bullfrog Adventures (Hopkins Arenal volcano area, Casa Presidencial (Managua), 456 Village), 150 618–619 Cascada San Ramón Bungee jumping, San José Guanacaste area, 597 (Nicaragua), 531 (Costa Rica), 585 Manuel Antonio area, 631 Casco Viejo (Panama City), 671 Bus travel, 64 Monteverde, 607 CASEM (Monteverde), 609 Butterflies near San José, 585–587 Cashew Festival (Belize), 56–57 Belize, 112–113, 134 El Salvador, 293 Casino Copán (San Pedro Costa Rica Guatemala Sula), 354 Manuel Antonio area, 630 Panajachel, 191 Casino Royale (Tegucigalpa), 344 Mariposario Cahuita, 644 Tikal, 214 Casinos Monteverde area, 608 Nicaragua Belize, 106, 139 Honduras Granada, 484 Panama City, 690 Alas Encantadas San Juan del Sur, 521 Castillo Cacao (Nicaragua), 514 (Copán), 365 Panama, 707 Catamaran Sailing Adventures Museo de Mariposas Canopy Tours Mombacho (Bocas del Toro), 718 (La Ceiba), 390 (Nicaragua), 484, 495 Catarina Mirador (Nicaragua), 501 Roatán Butterfly Canopy Tour Tikal, 214 Catedral Metropolitana Garden, 413 Caracol (Belize), 132–133 de los Altos Butterfly garden, 365 Carambola Gardens (Sandy (Quetzaltenango), 200 Bay), 411 Guatemala City, 167 Caribbean Conservation San Salvador (El C Corporation (Costa Rica), 623 Salvador), 240 Caana (Belize), 132 Caribbean Conservation Cathedral (Catedral) Cacao Trails (Costa Rica), 644 Corporation’s Visitors’ Center de la Asunción (León), Café Britt (Costa Rica), 562 and Museum (Tortuguero), 649 470–471 Café Britt Farm (Costa Rica), Carlos Woods Arte Antiguo y de la Asunción (Masaya), 498 570, 590 Contemporáneo (Guatemala de la Diócesis de los Altos Café de la T (San Salvador), 255 City), 171 (Quetzaltenango), 200 Café 2000 (Antigua), 188 Carnaval de la Señora de Santa Ana Café Kotowa (Panama), 708 La Ceiba (Honduras), 389 (El Salvador), 305 Café No Sé (Antigua), 188 Panama, 56
742
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 742742 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM del Espíritu Santo Centro de Visitantes Mixtepe Comayagua (Honduras), (Quetzaltenango), 200 (Parque Nacional el 358–360 de San Pedro (Nicaragua), Imposible), 300–301 Complejo Turístico Cocibolca
512–513 Centro Girasol (Nicaragua), 491 (Nicaragua), 484, 493 INDEX de Santa María (Comayagua), Centro Monseñor Romero (San Complex N (Tikal), 211 358–359 Salvador), 241 Complex P (Tikal), 210–211 Granada (Nicaragua), 483 Centro Nacional de Arte y Concepción de Quezaltepeque Nueva Catedral Cultura (San José), 569 (El Salvador), 281–283 (Managua), 458 Cerro Ancón (Panama City), Conchagua volcano (El San José (Antigua), 182 671–672 Salvador), 270 San Pedro Sula Cerro Apante (Nicaragua), 514 Continental Airlines Vacations, 76 (Honduras), 349 Cerro de la Cruz (Guatemala), 194 Contras (Nicaragua), 512 Tegucigalpa (Honduras), 339 Cerro El León (Parque Nacional Convento de las Capuchinas Caves Branch River cave system el Imposible), 301 (Antigua), 182 (Belize), 140–141 Cerro Grande (Nicaragua), 493 Cool Beans (Flores), 219 Caxa Real (Comayagua), 358 Cerro Mico (Honduras), 436 Copa, 63 Caye Caulker Airport (Belize), 120 Cerro Negro (Nicaragua), 472 Copán Connections Caye Caulker (Belize), 120–130 Cesars (Granada), 492 (Honduras), 361 accommodations, 125–127 Chachauate Cay (Honduras), 398 Copán (Copán Ruínas; getting around, 121 Chagres River (Panama), 697 Honduras), 360–371 nightlife, 128 Chaverri Oxcart Factory accommodations, 367–369 orientation, 121 (Sarchí), 591 getting around, 362 restaurants, 127–128 Cheers (Guatemala City), 175 orientation, 362 sights and activities, 122–125 Chepes Beach (Utila), 420 outdoor activities, 366 traveling to, 120–121 Chichicastenango (Guatemala), restaurants, 369–370 visitor information, 121–122 176, 205–206 shopping, 367 Caye Caulker Forest Reserve Children of the Light sights and attractions, (Belize), 125 (Honduras), 397 362–366 Caye Caulker Mini-Reserve Children’s Museum (San traveling to, 360–362 (Belize), 125 José), 570 visitor information, 362 Cayo Adventure Tours (San Chiminike (Tegucigalpa), 339 Coral Bay (Guanaja), 427 Ignacio), 132 Chiriquí River (Panama), 706 Coral Explorer (West End), 413 Cayo Grande (Honduras), 398 Chiriquí River Rafting Corcovado National Park (Costa Cayos Cochinos (Honduras), (Panama), 706 Rica), 635–638 397–398 Chiriquí Viejo River (Panama), 706 Cornerstone Foundation Cayos Zapatillas (Panama), 717 Cholera, Guatemala, 159 (Belize), 105 Cellphones, 80–81 Churches, best, 7–8 The Corn Islands (Nicaragua), Cementerio Viejo (Honduras), Cienequita Trail (Panama 544–550 399–400 City), 673 Corotu Bookstore (Panama Centers for Disease Control and Cinemark (Tegucigalpa), 344 City), 677 Prevention, 69 Cinquera (El Salvador), 276 Corpus Christi (Panama), 57 Central Acropolis (Tikal), 212 Circus Bar (Panajachel), 198 CORSATUR (El Salvador), Central Market (Mercado Central) City Mall (San Pedro Sula), 350 224–225 Guatemala City, 171 CJ’s Drop Off (Utila), 421 Costa del Sol (El Salvador), San Salvador, 246 Clark Tours (Guatemala), 156, 265–267 Centro Comercial de Managua 160, 166, 167, 176, 207 Costa Maya Festival (Belize), 57 (Nicaragua), 459 Claro Trail (Costa Rica), 638 Costa Rica, 551–649 Centro Cultural Managua Cloud forests, 50 accommodations, 561 (Nicaragua), 456 Club Hollywood (Managua), 466 business hours, 563 Centro Cultural Miguel Angel Coastal Xpress (Belize), 108 Caribbean coast beaches, Asturias (Guatemala City), Coffee, 53–54 640–646 167, 176 Coffee Adventures (Panama), climate, 558 Centro de Arte Fundación 704, 708 coffee, 562 Ortiz-Gurdian (León), 471 Coffee farms, Nicaragua, 515 cultural overview, 47–48 Centro de Arte Occidental Coffee tours, Panama, 707–708 customs regulations, 557 (Santa Ana), 305 Colección 21 (Guatemala embassies and consulates Centro de Intercambio y City), 171 in, 563 Solidaridad (San Salvador), 254 Colegio de San Ramón embassy locations abroad, 556 Centro de Intercambio y (León), 473 emergencies, 563 Solidarity (San Salvador), 282 Colegio La Asuncion (León), 473 entry requirements, 59, 556 Centro de Interpretación de Columbus, Christopher, 21, 28, getting around, 560–561 Alfarería Lenca (La Escuelona; 34, 37, 399 health concerns, 559 La Campa), 376 Comarca Kuna Yala (San Blas Archipelago), 652
743
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 743743 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM Costa Rica (cont.) Decapolis Radisson Sushi Bar & The Elbow (Turneffe Island history of, 34–36 Martini Lounge (Panama Atoll), 129 holidays, 558–559 City), 690 El Castillo de la Inmaculada hospitals, 563 De Cien Años (Parque Concepción de Maria money matters, 557–558 Montecristo), 314 (Nicaragua), 535–537 newspapers and D’Eclipse Entertainment Club El Ceibal (Guatemala), 215 magazines, 563 (Placencia), 149 El Chaman (Managua), 466 INDEX planning your trip to, Del Paseo (Guatemala City), 176 El Chapiteau Discoteque 555–564 Delta Vacations, 76 (Panajachel), 198 police, 563 Dengue fever, 70–71 El Club (Granada), 492 post offices and mail, 563 Desafío Expeditions (Costa El Comalito (Nicaragua), 500 regions in brief, 551–553 Rica), 553, 614, 619, 620 El Cusuco (San Pedro Sula), 350 restaurants, 561–562 Día de la Purísima Concepción Elderhostel, 73 safety, 563–564 León (Nicaragua), 470 Electricity, 725 shopping, 562 Nicaragua, 58 ElderTreks, 73 southern zone, 635–640 Día de la Virgen de Merced Elfin forests, 50 suggested itinerary, 553–555 (León), 470 El Florido (Honduras), crossing taxes, 564 Día de los Muertos the border at, 362 telephone dialing info, 556 (Guatemala), 58 El Fuerte de San Cristóbal tipping, 564 Diconte artisans shop (Ataco), 295 (Gracias), 374 tour operators, 555 Dietary distress, 70 El Guerrillero sin Nombre traveling to, 559 Dining customs, 54 (Managua), 457 visitor information, 555 Diriá and Diriomo (Nicaragua), 501 El Hombre de la Mancha when to go, 558 Disabilities, travelers with, 72 (Panama City), 677 Costa Rica Expeditions, 555, Discovery Expeditions (Belize), El Malecón (Masaya), 498 585, 586 87, 97, 106 El Mirador at Cerro de Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Diseases and ailments, 70 Perquín, 320 Bound School, 623 Diving. See Scuba diving El Mirador (Flores), 214 Coxen Hole (Honduras), 407 Dolphin Encounter (Sandy El Mirador (Guatemala), 215 Coyotepe Fort (Nicaragua), 499 Bay), 411 El Mundo Perdido (Tikal), 212 Crawl Cay (Panama), 717 Dolphin Scuba camps (Sandy El Museo Ometepe (Altagracia), Credit cards, 69 Bay), 411 530–531 Crime and safety, 71–72 Doña Elba Cigar Factory El Necio (Suchitoto), 280–281 Crocodile spotting, Raista/ (Granada), 485 El Padre (El Museo Archipiélago Belén, 434 Doña María Gordillo (Antigua), 184 de Solentiname), 540 Cruise ships and lines, 62–63 Don Enrique, 427 El Petén (Guatemala), 152–153 Cruz Alta (Honduras), 377 Dos Mundos Spanish Academy El Pino (La Ceiba), 390 Cube (San Pedro Sula), 353 (Guatemala), 215 El Pital mountain (El Salvador), Cucumber Beach (Belize Drake Bay (Costa Rica), 639 283–285 City), 101 Driving laws, 725 El Pueblo (San José), 583 Culture of Central America, 40–49 Dry season, 55 El Puente (Copán), 366 Belize, 41 El Quetzal (Managua), 466 Costa Rica, 47–48 El Rosario Mining Company El Salvador, 44–45 E headquarters (La Tigra), 345 Guatemala, 43 Early Bird Fishing Charters El Salvador, 220–322 Honduras, 45–46 (Roatán), 413 accommodations, 231 Nicaragua, 46–47 Earthwatch Institute, 79 American Express, 232 Panama, 48–49 Ecocircuitos (Panama), border crossing to Honduras Currency and currency exchange, 655, 703, 707, 723 from, 285 67–68 Eco Escuela de Español business hours, 232 Customs regulations, 60–61 (Guatemala), 215 climate, 227–228 Eco Expedition Tours cultural overview, 44–45 (Nicaragua), 482 customs regulations, 227 D Ecological Sanctuary (near driving in, 230 Da Flying Frog (Nicaragua), Monteverde), 608 eastern, 316–322 520, 521 Eco Mayan Tours (El Salvador), embassies and consulates in, Damas Island estuary (Costa 226, 269, 298, 306 232–233 Rica), 630 Ecosystems, 50–51 embassy locations abroad, 226 D&D Brewery (Honduras), 3 Eco Teach (Costa Rica), 623 emergencies, 233 54, 356, 357 Eco Termales (La Fortuna), 617 entry requirements, 59, 226 Dangriga (Belize), 141 Eco Tourism La Mora (El getting around, 229–231 Danilo’s (San Pedro Sula), 350 Salvador), 273–274 health concerns, 228 Danuta’s Holistic Therapy (Bocas El Aguila wreck (Honduras), 409 history of, 25–28, 317 del Toro), 720 El Aleph (Panajachel), 198 holidays, 228 Dariana Spanish School El Arbol de Dios (San Salvador), hospitals, 233 (León), 471 241–242 language, 233 Darién Province (Panama), 652 El Barrio (San Pedro), 198
744
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 744744 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM maps, 233 Festival Corpus Christi Flor de Copán Cigar Factory money matters, 227 (Panama), 57 (Santa Rosa de Copán), newspapers and Festival de la Mejorana 371–372
magazines, 233 (Panama), 57–58 Flores (Guatemala), 208, INDEX planning your trip to, Festival del Cristo Negro 213–214, 216, 218–219 224–233 (Panama), 58 Flower and Coffee Festival police, 233 Festival de Maiz (Suchitoto), 277 (Boquete, Panama), 56 post offices and mail, 233 Festival of El Salvador (San Fly Fish Guanaja (Honduras), 427 regions in brief, 220–222 Salvador), 239 FMLN (Farabundo Martí National restaurants, 231–232 Festival of San Lázaro Liberation Front; El Salvador), safety concerns, 244 (Masaya), 498 27, 317 shopping, 232 Festival of San Sebastián, Folkloric Festival (Masaya), 499 suggested itinerary, 222–224 (Nicaragua), 56 Food and cuisine, 52–54 telephone dialing info, 231 Festival of San Sebastian Fortaleza de la Pólvora tipping, 233 (Masaya), 498 (Granada), 483–484 traveling to, 228–229 Festival Patronales de La Virgen Fortaleza de San Fernando de visitor information, 224–225 de Santa Librada (Panama), 57 Omoa (Honduras), 379 volunteer opportunities in, 282 Fido’s Courtyard (Ambergris Fortaleza de Santa Barbara when to go, 227–228 Caye), 119 (Trujillo), 400 Else Kientzler Botanical Garden Fiesta de la Virgen de la Fort George Lighthouse (Belize (Sarchí), 591 Asunción (Guatemala), 57 City), 100 El Tigre (Corcovado National Fiesta de los Aguisotes Fortín San Pablo (Nicaragua), 493 Park), 637 (Masaya), 499 Four Sponges (Honduras), 409 El Tope and Carnaval (Costa Fiesta de Palmares (Costa Fourtrax Adventures (Costa Rica), 58 Rica), 56 Rica), 598, 618, 630 Embera Indians (Panama), 698 Fiesta de Toro Venado Four-wheeling, Costa Rica, 598, Enforex, 79 (Masaya), 499 618, 630 Enoteca Galerías Santo Domingo Fiesta Nacional Indígena de French Harbour (Honduras), 408 (Managua), 465–466 Guatemala, 57 Frenchie’s Diving (Caye Entre Mundos (Guatemala), 177 Fiesta of the Virgin of Los Caulker), 124 Entry requirements, 58–61 Angeles (Costa Rica), 57 Frog Pond of Monteverde (Costa Envy (San Salvador), 255 Fiesta of the Virgin of the Sea Rica), 608 Escorted tours, 76 (Costa Rica), 57 FSLN (Frente Sandinista de Escuela Nacional de Danza (San Fiesta Patronales, San Juan del Liberación Nacional), 32–33 Salvador), 255 Sur (Nicaragua), 518 Fundación Cocibolca Estanzuela Falls (Nicaragua), Fiesta Patronal (Santa Ana), 305 (Nicaragua), 494–495 504–505 Fiestas Julias (El Salvador), 57 Fundación de la Provincia de Estatua al Soldado (Managua), Fiestas Julias (Santa Ana), 305 Bocas del Toro, 719 457 Fiestas Patronales (Masaya), 499 Funes, Mauricio, 27–28 Estelí (Nicaragua), 502–509 Fiestas Patronales (Nicaragua), 58 Futura Tours (Panama), 655 Esti River (Panama), 706 Finca La Isla Botanical Gardens Etiquette tips, 49 (Puerto Viejo), 644 Etnico Bar Café (Managua), 466 Finca Lérida (Panama), 708 G Exedra Books (Panama City), Fincas Naturales/The Nature Farm Galeria de Héroes y Mártires, 677 Reserve (Costa Rica), 630 León, 471 Explore Nicaragua Tours, 443 Finca Suiza (Panama), 703 Galería de Héroes y Mártires, Fine Arts (Belize City), 102 Estelí, 504 Fine London Pub Galeria del Sur Art Gallery (San F (Tegucigalpa), 344 Juan del Sur), 522 Families with children, 73 Fishing, 78 Galería de Pascal (Suchitoto), 277 Farabundo Martí National Belize Galeria Istmo (Granada), 485 Liberation Front (FMLN; El Ambergris Caye, 109–110 Galeria Nacional de Arte Salvador), 27, 317 Belize City, 101 (Tegucigalpa), 339 Far Horizons, 77 southern Belize, 143 Galería Namu (San José), 573 Feria de las Flores y del Café Costa Rica Galería 11-12 (San José), 573 (Flower and Coffee Festival; Guanacaste area, 597–598 Galerías Escalón (San Boquete, Panama), 56 Manuel Antonio area, 630 Salvador), 246 Feria de la Virgen de Suyapa Honduras Galería Solentiname (Honduras), 340 Brus Laguna, 437 (Nicaragua), 539 Feria de San Isidro Guanaja, 426–427 Galerias Santa Domingo (Honduras), 57 Roatán, 413 (Managua), 459 Fería Internaciónal del Mar Nicaragua, 546 GAP Adventures, 74 (Bocas del Toro), 719 Panama, 697, 702 Gariche River (Panama), 706 Feria Juniana (Honduras), 57 Five Sister Falls (Belize), 133 Garífuna, 45–46, 149 Feria San Isidro (La Ceiba), 389 Flora and fauna, 51–52 Batalla (Honduras), 432 Raista/Belén (Honduras), 434
745
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 745745 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM Garífuna Day, 56, 412 Guamilito Market (San Pedro orientation, 165 Garífuna Settlement Day Sula), 350 outdoor and wellness (Belize), 58 Guanacaste (Costa Rica), activities, 170–171 Garífuna Tours (Honduras), 328, 552, 591–603 restaurants, 174–175 382–384, 390–392, 397 accommodations, 600–602 shopping, 171 Gatún Lake (Panama Canal), 696 beaches and attractions, side trips from, 176–177 Gay and lesbian travelers, 72 595–596 sights and attractions, 167–172 INDEX Panama City, 690 nightlife, 603 traveling to, 164–165 San José (Costa Rica), 584 outdoor and wellness visitor information, 166 Gladden Spit (Belize), 144 activities, 597–600 Guatemalan Tourism Commission Glam: The Club (Panama restaurants, 602 (INGUAT), 156 City), 690 sights and attractions, Guatemala City, 166 Global Crossroad, 282 596–597 Guitarras y Requintas el Arte Global Volunteers, 79, 623 traveling to, 592, 594 (Estelí), 504 Glover’s Reef Atoll (Belize), 141 visitor information, 594 Gulf Coast route, 63 Go Fish Belize, 110 Guanaja (Honduras), 425–430 Gumbalimba Park (West End), Goldames, Missal Guaruma (Honduras), 390, 397 412–413 (Quezaltepeque), 281 Guaruma trail (Honduras), 390 Gold Museum (San José), 570 Guatemala, 151–219 Golf accommodations, 161 H Costa Rica, 572 addresses in, 165 Habana Panama (Panama Guanacaste, 598 business hours, 162 City), 689 Tegucigalpa (Honduras), 340 cultural overview, 43 Habitat for Humanity Golfo de Fonseca (El customs regulations, 157 International, 79 Salvador), 271 embassies and consulates in, Costa Rica, 623 Golfo Dulce (Costa Rica), 635 162–163 El Salvador, 282 Golosón International Airport embassy locations abroad, 157 Guatemala, 177 (La Ceiba), 387 emergencies, 163 Nicaragua, 491 Gracias (Honduras), 372–378 entry requirements, 59, Hacienda Cutirre (Granada), 484 Granada (Nicaragua), 156–157 Hacienda Guachipelin (Costa 440, 479–496 getting around, 160–161 Rica), 599 accommodations, 485–489 health concerns, 159 Hacienda San Lucas (near getting around, 482 history of, 23–25 Copán), 329 Internet access, 483 holidays, 159 Half Moon Bay Kayak CO nightlife, 492 hospitals, 163 (Guanaja), 427–428 orientation, 480, 482 language, 163 Half Moon Caye Wall (Belize), 129 outdoor activities, 484–485 mail, 163 Halliburton (wreck dive), 421 restaurants, 489–492 money matters, 158 Health concerns, 69–71 shopping, 485 newspapers and Health insurance, 69 side trips from, 492–496 magazines, 163 Hedman Alas (Copán), 361 sights and attractions, peak season and climate, Hepatitis A, 70 483–484 158–159 Heredia, Lionel “Chocolate,” 124 tour operators, 482 planning your trip to, 156–162 Heredia (Costa Rica), 590–591 traveling to, 479–480 police, 163 Hibou (La Ceiba), 396 visitor information, 482 regions in brief, 151 Hiking, 78, 390 Granada Nicaragua Spanish restaurants, 161–162 Honduras School, 484 safety, 163 Cayo Grande, 398 Grand Tikal Futura (Guatemala shopping, 162 Guanaja, 427 City), 170, 171 suggested itinerary, 154–155 Parque Nacional La Gran Morrison (Panama City), 677 taxes, 163–164 Tigra, 345 Grayline Tours, 345, 478 telephone dialing info, 157 Parque Nacional Montaña Great Plaza (Tikal), 211–212 tipping, 164 de Celaque, 378 Great Pyramid (Tikal), 212 toilets, 164 Manuel Antonio (Costa Greenfields Nature Reserve traveling to, 159–160 Rica), 629 (Bluefields), 544 visitor information, 156 Nicaragua, 484 Green Hills Butterfly Ranch volunteer and learning Isla de Ometepe, 531 & Botanical Collection opportunities in, 177 Volcán Masaya, 500 (Belize), 134 water, 164 Panajachel (Guatemala), 194 Greytown (Nicaragua), 536 Guatemala City, 164–177 Panama, 703–706 Gringo Tours (El Salvador), accommodations, 172–174 Boquete area, 705–706 226, 274 brief description of, 151 Hipa Hipa (Managua), 466 Grumpy & Happy (Belize), 112 getting around, 165–166 Hipódromo Presidente Remón Grupo Taca, 63 hospitals, 166 (Panama City), 675 Grupo Venancia (Nicaragua), 517 nightlife, 175–176 Historical sites, most intriguing, Guadeloupe (Honduras), 401 6–7
746
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 746746 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM History of Central America, Horseback riding León, 473 20–40 Belize, 134 Tegucigalpa, 339 Belize, 20–23 Costa Rica, 598, 608, 631 Iglesia San Francisco (Guatemala
Costa Rica, 34–36 Guatemala, 194 City), 167 INDEX El Salvador, 25–28 Honduras, 391–392, 420 Iglesia San Juan (León), 473 Guatemala, 23–25 Nicaragua Iglesia Santa Lucia (Suchitoto), Honduras, 28–31 Estelí, 505 274–275 Nicaragua, 31–34 Granada, 484 Iglesia Solentiname (Nicaragua), Panama, 36–40 Isla de Ometepe, 531 539–540 Hode’s Place Bar & Grill (San Panama, 707 Iglesia Xalteva (Granada), 484 Ignacio), 139 Horse racing, Panama, 675 Iglesia y Convento de San Hode’s Place (San Ignacio), 139 Hospital La Divinia Provedencia Francisco Hogar Madre Albertina (San Salvador), 242 Comayagua, 358 (Granada), 490 Hospital Point (Panama), 717 León, 473 Hol Chan Marine Reserve Hot springs Iguana Research and Breeding (Belize), 110, 124 Arenal Volcano area (Costa Station (Utila), 419–420 Holidays, 55–56 Rica), 617–618 Iguanas Sports Bar and Discotec Holistic Alternative Therapy Luna Jaguar Spa Resort (Tela), 386 (Bocas del Toro), 720 (Copán), 366–367 Iguana Tours (Costa Rica), Holy Week (Semana Santa), 56 Panama, 707 629, 630 Antigua (Guatemala), 183, 178 Termas del Río (Gracias), 374 Imaginative Traveller, 77 Comayagua (Honduras), 359 House of Culture (Belize City), 100 Imposible Tours (El Salvador), 299 León (Nicaragua), 470 Huellas de Acahualinca INBio Park (near Heredia), Santa Rosa de Copán (Managua), 457 570–571, 590 (Honduras), 372 Hummingbird Gallery Independence Day, Costa Rica, 57 Honduras, 323–438 (Monteverde), 609 Indio Desnudo trail (Costa accommodations, 333 Hunab Kú Travel & Adventure Rica), 597 American Express, 334 (Guatemala), 193 In Nola (Guatemala City), 171 border crossing from El Hurricane Mitch (1998), 27, 30, Institute for Central American Salvador into, 285 33, 398, 401, 425, 502 Development Studies, 623 business hours, 334 Hurricane season, 55 Instituto Costarricense de cultural overview, 45–46 Turismo (ICT), 568 customs regulations, 329 Instituto Guatemalteco Americano doctors, 334 I (IGA; Guatemala City), 176 embassies and consulates I&I Bar and Cafe (Caye Instituto Nicaraguense de in, 334 Caulker), 128 Turismo (INTUR), 443 embassy locations abroad, 329 Iglesia de Cristo Negro Instituto Salvadoreño de Turismo emergencies, 334 (Juayúa), 291 (ISTU), 226 entry requirements, 59, Iglesia de El Calvario (León), 473 Insurance, 725 328–329 Iglesia de La Merced, Medical, 725 getting around, 331–332 Granada, 483 Travel, 726 health concerns, 330 Iglesia de la Recolección Trip-cancellation, 726 history of, 28–31 (León), 473 International Association for hospitals, 334 Iglesia de Molaguina Medical Assistance to language, 334 (Matagalpa), 511–512 Travelers (IAMAT), 69 money matters, 329–330 Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los International Permanent Festival North Coast, 378–403 Dolores (Tegucigalpa), 339 of Art and Culture (Suchitoto), planning your trip to, 327–335 Iglesia de San Francisco 56, 275 post offices and mail, 334 (Estelí), 504 International Student Identity regions in brief, 324 Iglesia de San Jerónimo Card (ISIC), 73 restaurants and cuisine, 333 (Masaya), 498 International Youth Travel Card safety, 334 Iglesia de San Marcos (IYTC), 73 shopping, 333 (Gracias), 373 International Zoological suggested itinerary, 325–327 Iglesia de Santo Tomas Expeditions (Belize), 105 taxes, 334–335 (Chichicastenango), 205–206 Internet access, 81 telephone dialing info, 327 Iglesia El Calvario Irazú Volcano (Costa Rica), tipping, 335 (Ahuachapán), 298 586–587 tour operators, 328 Iglesia El Rosario (San Isla Bastimentos (Panama), 717 traveling to, 330–331 Salvador), 242 Isla Coiba (Panama), 702 visitor information, 327–328 Iglesia Guadalupe (Granada), 484 Isla Colón (Panama), 713–724 western, 346–360 Iglesia La Merced Isla del Caño (Costa Rica), when to go, 330 Antigua, 182 630, 639 Honduyate Marina (San Pedro Comayagua, 359 Isla de Montecristo (El Salvador), Sula), 356 Guatemala City, 167 268–271 Hopkins Village (Belize), 141, 149–150
747
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 747747 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM Isla de Ometepe (Nicaragua), Nicaragua Lago Coatepeque (El Salvador), 527–534 Corn Islands, 546 308–312 Isla el Muerto (Nicaragua), Granada, 484–485 Lago Cocibolca (Nicaragua), 484 493–494 Isla de Ometepe, 532 Lago de Coatepeque (El Isla Escudo de Veraguas León, 473 Salvador), 245 (Panama), 717 Panama, 706 Lago de Güija (El Salvador), 314 Isla Juan Venado Wildlife San Blas Islands, 722 Lago de Nicaragua (Lake INDEX Reserve (Nicaragua), 473, 478 Kelly’s Bar (Granada), 492 Cocibocha), 440, 479 Island Taste (Managua), 466 Kitesurfing, Caye Caulker Lago de Yojoa (Honduras), 354 Isla Zapatera (Nicaragua), 493 (Belize), 122 Lago Ilopango (El Salvador), Israel Lewites (Managua), 458 Kitexplorer (Caye Caulker), 122 244–245 Itineraries, suggested, 15–20 Kloster (Guatemala City), 176 Lago Suchitlán (El Salvador), I-to-i, 79 Kuna Cooperative (Panama 271–281 Ixchel Museum of Indigenous City), 677 La Gran Via Mall (San Dress (Guatemala City), 170 Salvador), 246 Ixcoteli (Estelí), 509 La Griteria Chiquita (León), 470 L Laguna de Apoyo (Nicaragua), La Aurora International Airport 484, 495–496 J (Guatemala City), 164 Laguna de Ibans (Honduras), 433 Jades S.A. (Antigua), 184 La Barra. (Nicaragua), 536 Lagunas de Metapán (El Jado Trader (wreck dive), 427 La Buga Dive and Surf (Bocas Salvador), 314 Jaguar’s Temple Club del Toro), 718 La Isla de Los Pájaros (Ambergris Caye), 119 La Campa (Honduras), 376 (Suchitoto), 276 Jaguar Tunnels (Copán), 364 La Cangrejo Waterfall (Costa La Isla Elvis Chavarría J & J Transparente Boat Tours Rica), 597 (Nicaragua), 540 (Bocas del Toro), 718 La Casa de Cultura (Estelí), 504 Lake Atitlán (Guatemala), 152, Jardín Botánico (Gracias), 374 La Casa de Cultura (León), 471 189–198. See also Panajachel Jardín Botánico La Laguna La Casa del Escultor Lake Cocibocha (Lago de (San Salvador), 242 (Suchitoto), 275 Nicaragua), 479 Jardín Botánico Lancetilla La Casa de los Mejía Godoy Lake Petén Itzá (Guatemala), 208 (Tela), 383 (Managua), 465 La Libertad (El Salvador), 256–258 Jardín de América Spanish La Casa del Soñador (near La Luna Casa de Arte (San School (Panajachel), 192 Cachí), 589 Salvador), 255–256 Jim Cline Photo Tours, 177 La Casa de Todo (Copán), 367 La Merced Church (Guatemala Jogging La Casbah (Antigua), 188 City), 167 Guatemala City, 170 La Casona (Costa Rica), 597 La Moskitia Ecoaventuras San José (Costa Rica), 572 La Ceiba (Honduras), 387–397 (Honduras), 328, 392, 432 Journey Latin America, 77 accommodations, 393–395 La Mosquitia (Honduras), Joya de Cerén (El Salvador), festivals, 389 324, 430–438 243–244 getting around, 389 La Muralla trail (Honduras), 390 Joyería del Angel (Antigua), 184 nightlife, 396–397 La Nariz del Indio Juan Santamaría International orientation, 388–389 (Guatemala), 194 Airport (San José), 565 outdoor activities, 391–392 La Negrita (Cartago), 588–589 Juayúa (El Salvador), 291–293 restaurants, 395–396 Language, 726 Julio Tours (León), 470 shopping, 392–393 Lankester Gardens (near Jungle Land Explorers (Panama sights and attractions, Cartago), 589 City), 697 389–391 La Palapa (La Ceiba), 396 Jungle River Tours (Honduras), traveling to, 387–388 La Palma (El Salvador), 283–287 328, 390–392, 395 visitor information, 389 La Paz Waterfall Gardens (Costa La Cueva del Duende (El Rica), 571 Museo Archipiélago de La Playa Lounge (Ambergris K Solentiname), 540 Kabballah Lounge Caye), 119 La Curva (Managua), 466 La Plazuela de los Leones (Tegucigalpa), 344 Ladatco Tours, 77 Kahlua (Granada), 483 La Escuela Nacional de Danza La Ruta Lenca (Honduras), 376 Guatemala City, 176 (San Salvador), 255 Tela (Honduras), 386 La Ruta Moskitia (Honduras), La Esperanza Granada 328, 431, 432, 438 Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (Nicaragua), 490 (Belize City), 96 Las Cabanas Lounge La Fiesta Nacional Indígena de (Boquete), 712 Kayaking, 78 Guatemala, 57 Belize La Señora de la Asunción La Fortuna (Costa Rica), 613, (Masaya), 498 Caye Caulker, 122 614, 616, 618–622, 624 southern Belize, 143–144 Las Fuentes Georginas accommodations around, (Guatemala), 202 Costa Rica, 588, 620 621–622 Guatemala, 194 Las Isletas (Nicaragua), 492–493 nightlife, 624 Las Mangas (Honduras), 390 Honduras, 392 restaurants around, 622, 624 Brus Laguna, 438 Las Marias (Honduras), 435–436 Guanaja, 427–428
748
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 748748 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM Las Mercedes (Gracias), 373 Los Tercios (Suchitoto), 275 Martsam Travel (Guatemala), Las Pailas loop (Costa Rica), 596 Luna Jaguar Spa Resort 214, 215 Las Peñitas (Nicaragua), (Copán), 366 Mary’s Place (Honduras), 409
478–479 Masatepe (Nicaragua), 501 INDEX Las Pirámides del Ka Masaya (Nicaragua), (Guatemala), 192 M 440, 496–501 Las Puertas (Flores), 219 Macaw Mountain (Copán), 365 Matagalpa (Nicaragua), 510–517 Las Ruinas de la Catedral Vieja Made in Honduras (Trujillo), 401 Maudslay Causeway (Tikal), 211 (Managua), 456 Magaña Zaactunich Art Gallery Mausoleo de los Héroes y Las Sepulturas (Copán), 364 (Belize), 135 Mártires (León), 473 La Suerte Biological Teaching Mail, 727 Maverick Reading & Smoothie Station (Ometepe), 491 Malaria, 70 Lounge (Granada), 485 Latin Discover, 77 Guatemala, 159 Maximón, 192 Laughing Bird Caye (Belize), 144 Malecón Maximón (San Simon), 201 Lebeha Drumming Center Managua, 457 Maya Expeditions (Hopkins Village), 150 Masaya, 498 (Guatemala), 176 Le Loft (San Pedro Sula), 353 Maler Causeway (Tikal), 210 Maya Island Air (Belize), 107 Lenca Land Trails (Santa Rosa de Mall Megaplaza (La Ceiba), Maya Jade (Belize City), 102 Copán), 372 392–393 Maya people and culture León and the volcanic lowlands Mama Delfina (Managua), 458 El Salvador, 25–26 (Nicaragua), 467–478 Managua (Nicaragua), 450–467 Guatemala, 23, 43 accommodations, 474–476 accommodations, 459–462 history of, 21 festivals, 470 finding addresses in, 455 Honduras, 28 getting around, 468 getting around, 453–454 Museo Regional de nightlife, 477 nightlife, 465–466 Arqueología Maya (Copán), orientation, 468 orientation, 453 365–366 outdoor activities, 473–474 restaurants, 462–465 Maya Research Program at Blue restaurants, 476–477 restrooms, 455–456 Creek (Belize), 105 side trips around, 477–478 shopping, 458–459 Maya ruins tour operators, 469–470 side trip to Pochomil Beach, Belize, 130, 132–133 traveling to, 468 466–467 El Salvador visitor information, 468 sights and attractions, Joya de Cerén, 243–244 volcano hopping from, 472 456–458 Tazumal, 306 León Spanish Language School street maps, 453 Guatemala, 176–177 (Nicaragua), 471 traveling to, 450, 452–453 El Ceibal, 215 León Viejo (Nicaragua), 477–478 visitor information, 454 El Mirador, 215 Lighthouse Reef Atoll (Belize), Manatees, 124 Tikal, 206, 210–213 128, 129 Mancarroncito (El Museo Topoxté, 214–215 Lighthouse Reef (Belize), 112, 124 Archipiélago de Yaxhá, 214–215 Lighthouse (San Juan del Solentiname), 540 Honduras, Copán, 362–365 Sur), 520 Mancarrón (Nicaragua), 539 Maymo Art Gallery (San Pedro Lin Canola (Guatemala City), 171 Mangrove forests, 51 Sula), 350 Linder, Benjamin, 512 Manuel Antonio (Costa Rica), The Maze (Honduras), 421 Lips (Panama City), 690 624–634 Measurements, 727 Lithic Museum (Tikal), 213 accommodations, 631–633 MedicAlert identification tag, 69 Little Corn Island (Nicaragua), getting around, 627 Medical insurance, 69 549–550 nightlife, 634 Megaplaza Mall (French Little Theater Group (San restaurants, 633–634 Harbour), 408 José), 584 shopping, 631 Megaplaza Mall (Tegucigalpa), 341 Lobster Festival (Belize), 57 sights and attractions, Menchú, Rigoberta, 43 Loma de Tiscapa (Managua), 628–629 Mercadito Artesanal (La 457–458 traveling to, 626–627 Palma), 285 Los Enganches (Parque Nacional visitor information, 628 Mercado Central (Central Market) el Imposible), 301 Manzanillo-Gandoca Wildlife Guatemala City, 171 Los Momótides trail (Panama Refuge (Costa Rica), 642–643 San José (Costa Rica), 572–573 City), 673 Margo Tours (Panama), 655, San Salvador (El Los Patos (Corcovado National 670, 694, 698 Salvador), 246 Park), 637 Maribio Volcanoes Mercado de Artesanías, Los Planes de Renderos (El (Nicaragua), 472 Guatemala City, 171 Salvador), 245 Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce, 92 Mercado de Artesanías y Los Sapos (Copán), 365 Mariposario Cahuita (Costa Compañía de Jesús Lost & found, 726 Rica), 644 (Antigua), 184 Los Tapices de Luis (Masaya), 500 Martsam Tour and Travel Mercado de Mariscos (Panama (Guatemala), 156 City), 676
749
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 749749 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM Mercado Ex-Cuartel (San orientation, 604 Museo de la Palabra y La Imagen Salvador), 246 restaurants, 611–612 (San Salvador), 243 Mercado Municipal Ernesto shopping, 609 Museo de la Revolución Fernández (Masaya), 500 sights and attractions, Salvadoreña (Perquín), Mercado Municipal 606–609 319, 320 (Granada), 485 traveling to, 604 Museo del Canal Interoceánico Mercado Nacionál de Artesanía visitor information, 606 de Panamá (Panama City), 674 INDEX (Masaya), 497–498 Monteverde Institute (Costa Museo de Los Niños (San Mercado Nacional de Artesanías, Rica), 623 José), 570 San Salvador, 246–247 Monteverde Serpentarium Museo de Mariposas (La Mercado Nacional de Artesanías, (Costa Rica), 608 Ceiba), 390 Panama City, 676 Monumento a la Memoria y la Museo de Obras Maestras Mercado Oriental (Managua), 458 Verdad (San Salvador), 242 de la Pintura Nacional Mercado Público (Panama Monumento a Victimas del (Suchitoto), 275 City), 676 Terremoto (Managua), 457 Museo de Tradiciones y Mercado Roberto Huembes Moods (Managua), 466 Leyendas (León), 471 (Managua), 458 MossRehab, 72 Museo Ixchel del Traje Indígena Mestizo Reef (Honduras), 427 Mountain biking. See Biking and (Guatemala City), 170 Metapán (El Salvador), 312–316 mountain biking Museo Lacustre Atitlán Metrocentro Mountain Equestrian Trails (Panajachel), 191 Managua, 458 (Belize), 134 Museo Nacional de Antropología San Miguel, 322 Mount Pleasant (Corn Dr. David J. Guzman (San San Salvador, 246 Islands), 546 Salvador), 240 Metro Mall (Panama City), 676 Moyogalpa (Nicaragua), 530 Museo Nacional de Costa Rica Metropolitan Cathedral Mozote (El Salvador), 321 (San José), 569 (Guatemala City), 167 Mozote Massacre (El Salvador), Museo Nacional de Etnología Metropolitan Nature Park and 27, 317 y Arqueología (Guatemala Smithsonian Rainforest Canopy Mr. Greedy’s (San Ignacio), 139 City), 170 Crane (Panama City), 673 Multicentro (Panama City), 676 Museo Nacional (Managua), 456 Miami (Honduras), 382 Multiplaza Mall (San Salvador), Museo Regional de Arqueología Miguel Angel Asturias Cultural 246, 254 (Comayagua), 359 Center (Guatemala City), 167 Multiplaza Pacific (Panama Museo Regional de Arqueología Mi Pueblito (Panama City), 672 City), 676 Maya (Copán), 365 Mirador de la Cruz (Ataco), 295 Municipal Theater Museo Regional del Occidente Mirador El Mulo (Parque (Quetzaltenango), 200 (Santa Ana), 305 Nacional el Imposible), 301 MUSAS (El Museo Archipiélago Museo Regional de Oriente (San Mirador Madre Cacao (Parque de Solentiname), 539, 540 Miguel), 322 Nacional el Imposible), 301 Museo Afroantillano (Panama Museo Rubén Darío (León), Mirador Tiscapa (Managua), 465 City), 674 471, 473 Miraflores Locks (Panama Museo Colonial de Arte Religioso Museo Rufino Galan Canal), 692–693 (Comayagua), 359 (Honduras), 400 Mombacho volcano Museo de Arqueología e Museos del Banco Central de (Nicaragua), 494 Historia de San Pedro Costa Rica (San José), 570 Mombotour (Nicaragua), Sula (Honduras), 349 Museo y Galería Héroes y 484, 485, 493, 495 Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Mártires (Masaya), 498 Momotombo (Nicaragua), 472 (Panama City), 672, 674 Museum of Anthropology and Money and costs, 67–69 Museo de Arte Costarricense History of San Pedro Sula Monimbó (Masaya), 500 (San José), 569 (Honduras), 349 Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Museo de Arte Popular (San Museum of Belize (Belize (Belize), 105 Salvador), 242 City), 97 Monkey Hut (Granada), 484 Museo de Arte Religioso Colonial Museum of Maya Sculpture Monkey River (Belize), 144, 146 (Panama City), 674 (Honduras), 363 Mono Tití (Panama City), 673 Museo de Arte (San Monteverde Amphitheater Salvador), 240 (Costa Rica), 613 Museo de Cafe (Matagalpa), 513 N Monteverde Biological Cloud Museo de Cultura Popular (near Nahuizalco (El Salvador), Forest Reserve (Costa Rica), Heredia), 590 289–290 603, 606–607 Museo de Historia Natural National Autonomous University Monteverde Cheese Factory (Quetzaltenango), 200 (Heredia), 590 (Costa Rica), 609 Museo de Historia y Arqueología National Museum of Ethnology Monteverde (Costa Rica), (Estelí), 504 and Archaeology (Guatemala 603–613 Museo de Identidad Nacional City), 170 accommodations, 610–611 (Tegucigalpa), 339 National Orchid Show (San getting around, 604 Museo de la Naturaleza (San José), 56 nightlife, 613 Pedro Sula), 349 National Symphony Orchestra (San José), 585
750
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 750750 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM National Theater Company (San North Long Caye Wall traveling to and around, 189 José), 584 (Belize), 129 visitor information, 190 National Theater (Panama Now, Voyager, 72 Panama, 650–724
City), 688 Nuestra Señora de la Caridad accommodations, 661 INDEX The Nature Museum (San Pedro (Comayagua), 358 American Express, 662 Sula), 349 Nuestra Señora La Asunción business hours, 662 Nautilus (Guanaja), 427 (Ahuachapán), 298 cellphones, 658 Nebaj (Guatemala), 152, 201 Nuestro Pequeños Hermanos central, 711 Newspapers & magazines, 727 (Ometepe), 491 climate and seasons, 656–657 Newton-San Juan del Sur Sister Nueva Catedral (Managua), 458 cultural overview, 48–49 City Project, 491 customs regulations, 655 Nicaragua, 439–550 electricity, 662 accommodations, 448 O embassies and consulates American Express, 449 Ocean Pulse (Panama), 718 in, 662 business hours, 449 Oceanside Bar (Caye Caulker), 128 embassy locations abroad, 655 Caribbean coast, 541–544 Ojo del Agua (Nicaragua), 531 emergencies, 662 climate, 445 Old Belize (Belize City), 97 entry requirements, 59, 655 cultural overview, 46–47 Old Jail (León), 473 etiquette and customs, 662 customs regulations, 444 Old Town Outfitters gasoline (petrol), 662 embassies and consulates (Guatemala), 188 getting around, 659–661 in, 449 Olivia Cruises & Resorts, 72 health concerns, 657–658 embassy locations abroad, 444 Omega Tours (Honduras), history of, 36–40 emergencies, 449 390–392, 432 holidays, 657 entry requirements, Ometepe Tours (Nicaragua), 530 Internet access, 662 59, 443–444 O.M. (Managua), 466 language, 662 getting around, 447–448 Omoa (Honduras), 379–380 mail, 662 health concerns, 446 Orchid Garden (Santa Elena), 609 money matters, 656 history of, 31–34 Original Canopy Tour newspapers and magazines, holidays, 445 (Monteverde), 607 662–663 hospitals, 449 Original Grand Gallery (La planning your trip to, 653–663 language, 449 Fortuna), 620–621 police, 663 maps, 449 Oro Travel (Nicaragua), 482 regions in brief, 650–652 money matters, 445 Ortega, Daniel, 33–34 restaurants and cuisine, 661 newspapers and Osa Peninsula (Costa Rica), 635 restrooms, 663 magazines, 449 O’Shea’s (Granada), 492 shopping, 661 north-central, 502–517 Outdoor adventures, best, 5–6 smoking, 663 planning your trip to, 443–450 Outdoors (Panama City), 677 suggested itinerary, 652–653 post offices and mail, 449 Oz Bar and Lounge (Panama taxes, 663 regions in brief, 439–441 City), 689 telephone dialing info, 657 restaurants and cuisine, 448 telephones, 663 safety, 449 P time zone, 663 shopping, 449 Pabellon Maya (Copán), 367 tipping, 663 suggested itinerary, 441–442 Pacaya Volcano (Antigua), 188 tour operators, 655 taxes, 449–450 Pacific coast (El Salvador), traveling to, 658–659 telephone and fax, 450 256–265 visitor information, 653 telephone dialing info, 444 eastern, 265–271 water, 663 tipping, 450 Pacific Slope (Guatemala), 153 when to go, 656–657 tour operators, 443 Pacz Tours (San Ignacio), 132 Panama Canal, 37–39 traveling to, 446–447 Palacio Episcopal (León), 473 Panama Canal and Canal Zone, visitor information, 443 Palacio Municipal (Santa Ana), 305 651, 690–699 volunteering opportunities, Palacio Nacional de la Cultura transiting, 693–694 490–491 (Managua), 456 Panama Canal Fishing, 697 websites, 443 Palacios (Honduras), 432–433 Panama Canal Murals (Panama when to go, 445 Palapa Bar (Ambergris Caye), 119 City), 672 Nicaragua Adventures, 443 Palo de Mayo (Bluefields), 542 Panama City, 651, 663–690 Nicaragua Mia (Granada), 484 Panajachel (Guatemala), 189–198 accommodations, 678–682 Nic Cigar-Tabacalera Perdomo accommodations, 195–196 gay and lesbian scene, 690 (Estelí), 506 orientation, 190 getting around, 668 Nicoya peninsula (Costa outdoor activities, 193–194 hiking and bird-watching Rica), 552 restaurants, 197–198 trails, 695–696 Nim Po’t (Antigua), 184 shopping, 194–195 nightlife, 688–690 Niquinohomo (Nicaragua), 501 sights and attractions, 191–192 orientation, 667 North Acropolis (Tikal), 212 Spanish-language classes, outdoors, spectator sports and North & South Bookstore 192–193 wellness activities, 675 (Quetzaltenango), 203
751
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 751751 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM Panama City (cont.) Parque Nacional Jeanette Planning your trip, 55–82 postal service, 668–669 Kawas/Punta Sal (Honduras), calendar of events, 56–58 restaurants, 682–688 382, 383 crime and safety, 71–72 safety, 669 Parque Nacional La Tigra entry requirements, 58–61 shopping, 676 (Honduras), 345 health concerns, 69–71 sights and attractions, Parque Nacional Los Volcanes money and costs, 67–69 669–675 (El Salvador), 311 special-interest and escorted INDEX traveling to, 666–667 Parque Nacional Montaña de trips, 76–79 visitor information, 668 Celaque (Honduras), 378 specialized travel resources, Panama Marine Adventures, Parque Nacional Montaña de 72–74 693–694 Santa Barbara (Honduras), 356 staying connected, 80–81 Panama Pete Adventures, Parque Nacional Pico Bonito sustainable tourism, 74–76 696, 698 (Honduras), 390 traveling to and around Panama Viejo, 670–671 Parque Naciones Unidas El Central America, 61–66 Panama Viejo Visitors’ Center & Picacho (Tegucigalpa), 339–340 when to go, 55–56 Museum (Panama City), 670 Parque Natural Metropolitano Plaplaya (Honduras), 433 Pana Rock Café (Panajachel), 198 (Panama City), 673 Playa Coco (Nicaragua), 521 Panga Drops (Nicaragua), 522 Parque Rubén Darío Playa Conchal (Costa Rica), 595 Pantera (Granada), 492 (Managua), 456 Playa del Coco (Costa Rica), 595 Papa Chango’s (Copán), 371 Parque Valle del Sol (Santa Playa El Cuco (El Salvador), 265, Papagayo Peninsula (Costa Ana), 572 269–270 Rica), 595 Parque Zoológico Nacional Playa El Espino (El Salvador), Páramos, 50 (San Salvador), 243 265, 269 Parasailing, Belize, 112 Parroquia San Francisco Playa El Zonte (El Salvador), 256 Parque Acuático Apuzunga (near (Tegucigalpa), 339 Playa Espadilla (Costa Rica), 629 Metapán), 316 Parroquia San Juan (San Juan Playa Espadilla (Manuel Parque Acuático Atecozol (El del Sur), 520 Antonio), 628 Salvador), 290 Parroquia Santa Ana Playa Espadilla Sur (Costa Rica), Parque Archeologíco San Andrés (Nicaragua), 501 628–629 (El Salvador), 245 Paseo La Leona (Honduras), Playa Flamingo (Costa Rica), 595 Parque Arqueológico Casa 340–341 Playa Grande (Costa Rica), 596 Blanca (Santa Ana), 305–306 Passports, 59–60, 727 Playa Hermosa (Costa Rica), 595 Parque Central (Central Park) Pearl Cays (Nicaragua), 544 Playa Hermosa (Nicaragua), 521 Gracias (Honduras), 373 Pearl Lagoon (near Playa Los Cóbanos (El Salvador), Granada (Nicaragua), 483 Bluefields), 544 263–265 León (Nicaragua), 473 Peninsula de Azuero Playa Maculis (El Salvador), San Pedro Sula (Panama), 711 270–271 (Honduras), 349 Perquín (El Salvador), 319–321 Playa Madera (Nicaragua), 522 Parque Centro América (Xela), Pesantez Tours (Panama), 655, Playa Madera (San Juan del 199, 200 669, 711 Sur), 521 Parque Colón (Granada), 483 Petencito Zoo (Flores), 214 Playa Majagual (Nicaragua), Parque Darío (Nicaragua), 517 The Petén (Guatemala), brief 520–521 Parque de la Paz (Managua), 457 description of, 152–153 Playa Manuel Antonio (Costa Parque del Este (near San José), Picnic Beach (Corn Islands), 546 Rica), 629 571, 572 Pico Baltimore, 436 Playa Marsella (San Juan del Parque Eco-Archeological de Los Pico Bonito National Park Sur), 521 Naranjos (San Pedro Sula), (Honduras), 390, 392 Playa Ocotal (Costa Rica), 595 354–355 Pico Dama (Honduras), 436 Playa Panamá (Costa Rica), 595 Parque Ecológio de Cinquera (El Pico de Zapote (Honduras), 436 Playa Potrero (Costa Rica), 596 Salvador), 276 Piedras Blancas National Park Playa Remanso (Nicaragua), 521 Parque La Sabana (San José), (Costa Rica), 635 Playa San Blas (El Salvador), 258 571, 572 Piedra Sellada (Parque Nacional Playa San Diego (El Salvador), 258 Parque Libertad (Santa Ana), 302 el Imposible), 301 Playa Santo Domingo. Parque Nacional Archipielago Pier Lounge (Ambergris Caye), 119 (Nicaragua), 531 Zapatera (Nicaragua), 493 Pipante canoe ride to the Playa Sunzal (El Salvador), Parque Nacional Capiro y Walpaulban Sirpi petroglyphs 256, 262 Calentura (Honduras), 400 (Honduras), 436 Playa Tamarindo (Costa Rica), 596 Parque Nacional Cerro Azul Pipeline Road (Panama City), 695 Playa Tamarindo (El Meámbar (Honduras), 355 Piq’ Art Gallery (La Ceiba), 392 Salvador), 270 Parque Nacional de Montecristo Piratas (Managua), 466 Playa Tamarindo (Nicaragua), (El Salvador), 313, 314 Placencia and southern Belize, 521, 522 Parque Nacional El Imposible 141–150 Playa Tunco (El Salvador), (El Salvador), 298–302 Placita Artesanal La Palma (El 256, 259–261 Salvador), 285 Playa Yanqui (Nicaragua), 521
752
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 752752 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM Playa Zonte (El Salvador), Q Reserva Ecológica El Limo 262–263 Quema del Diablo (El Salvador), 315 Plaza Concordia (Guatemala), 58 Reserva Natural Atitlán
(Ahuachapán), 298 Quepos (Costa Rica), 626 (Panajachel), 191 INDEX Plaza de la Cultura República de Quetzaltenango (Xelajú or Xela; Reserva Natural Miraflor Guatemala (Managua), 456 Guatemala), 198–206 (Nicaragua), 505 Plaza de la Democracia (San accommodations, 203–204 Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho José), 573 nightlife, 204–205 (Nicaragua), 484, 494–495 Plaza de la Fe (Managua), 457 restaurants, 204 Reserva Silvestre Privada Plaza de la Revolución shopping, 203 Domitila (Nicaragua), 495 (Managua), 456 side trip to Chichicastenango, Reserva Tisey (Nicaragua), 505 Plaza de Las Américas (San 205–206 Resplendent quetzal, 704 Salvador), 243 Quetzaltrekkers (León), 470, 474 Restaurants, best, 11–12 Plaza Inter (Managua), 459 Quezaltepeque (El Salvador), Rincón de la Vieja National Park Plaza Mayor 281–283 (Costa Rica), 596 Antigua (Guatemala), 180 Rincon Legal (Estelí), 509 Guatemala City, 167, 170 Río Cangrejal (Honduras), 392 Plaza of the Seven Temples R Rio Frio Cave (Belize), 133 (Tikal), 212 Rabies, 71 Río Indio (Nicaragua), 536 Plazuela de los Leones Radisson Fort George Hotel & Río On Pools (Belize), 133 (Granada), 483 Marina (Belize City), 101 Río Perezoso (Costa Rica), 642 Poás Volcano (Costa Rica), 587 Rafting. See White-water rafting Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve Pochomil Beach (Nicaragua), 466 Raggamuffin Tours (Belize), (Honduras), 430–431 Polo Beach (Panama), 717 122, 125 Río Samoso (Nicaragua), 536 Poneloya (Nicaragua), 478–479 Raindrop Spa (Manuel Río San Juan (Nicaragua), Popol Vuh, 43, 206 Antonio), 631 534–541 Popoyo (Nicaragua), 522 Rain Forest Aerial Tram Atlantic Río Sarapiqui (Nicaragua), 536 Prince Albert (wreck dive), 409 (near Braulio Carrillo National Rios Tropicales (Costa Rica), Princess Casino (San Ignacio), 139 Park), 585–586 620, 629 Princess Cruises, 63, 447 Rainforest Medicine Trail Riptides, 71 Princess Hotel & Casino (Belize (Belize), 134 River rafting, 78. See also City), 106 Rainforests, lowland, 50 White-water rafting Procesión de San Jerónimo Rain Forest Souvenir shop Riverside Tavern (Belize City), (Masaya), 499 (La Ceiba), 392 104–105 Proyecto Aldea Global/Project Rainmaker Nature Refuge (near Roatán Butterfly Garden (West Global Village (Honduras), 355 Quepos), 631 End), 413 Proyecto Mosaico (Antigua), 183 Rainy season, 55 Roatán Charters (Honduras), 328 Pueblos Blancos (Nicaragua), Raista/Belén (Honduras), Roatán (Honduras), 405–418. 496–497, 501 433–435 See also specific towns Puerto Asese (Nicaragua), 494 Rattle ‘N’ Hum (Guatemala getting around, 406–407 Puerto Escondido (Costa City), 175 orientation, 406 Rica), 629 Raudal el Diablo (Nicaragua), 536 outdoor activities, 413 Puerto San Juan (Lago Red Ridge Stables shopping, 413 Suchitlán), 276 (Honduras), 420 traveling to, 405–406 Puerto Vargas (Costa Rica), 642 Refugio de Vida Silvestre visitor information, 407 Puerto Viejo (Costa Rica), Guaimoreto (near Trujillo), 400 Roatán Institute of Deep Sea 640–646 Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor Exploration (Honduras), 413 Pulhapanazak Falls (near San Juan del Sur), 520 Roatán Marine Park Office (Honduras), 356 Refugio de Vida Silvestre Punta (West End), 413 Punta Catedral (Costa Rica), 629 Izopo (near Tela), 383–384 Roatán Museum and Institute Punta Coral (Costa Rica), 588 Refugio Nacional de Vida of Marine Sciences (Sandy Punta Culebra Marine Exhibition Silvestre Cuero y Salado Bay), 411 Center (Panama City), 674–675 (Honduras), 391 Rogue’s Gallery (Trujillo), 402 Punta Gorda (Belize), 141 Rendezvous Point (Turneffe Romero, Monseñor Oscar Punta G (Panama City), 690 Island Atoll), 129 Arnulfo, 241 Punta Jesús Maria Reserva Biológica Indio Maiz Roots Campground (Playa (Nicaragua), 531 (Nicaragua), 535–537 Tunco), 261 Puntarenas (Costa Rica), 552 Reserva Charco Verde Rosalia Tunnels (Copán), Punta Surrucho (Costa Rica), 629 (Nicaragua), 531 364–365 Punto Trifinio (El Salvador), 314 Reserva de la Bíosfera del Río Rotonda Bello Horizonte Purple Turtle (West End), 416 Plátano (Honduras), 435–436 (Managua), 465
753
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 753753 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM Rum, 53 nightlife, 583–585 restaurants, 352–353, 357–358 Rumba Disco (Panajachel), 198 organized tours, 569 shopping, 349–350 Ruta de las Flores (El Salvador), orientation, 565–566 sights and attractions, 349, 288–298 outdoor and wellness 354–356 activities, 571–572 traveling to, 346–348 restaurants, 579–583 San Salvador (El Salvador), S shopping, 572–573 220–221, 234–256 INDEX Sabor Cubana (Tegucigalpa), 344 side trips and adventure accommodations, 247–250 Sailboarding, Caye Caulker tours from, 585–591 drugstores and medical (Belize), 122 sights and attractions, care, 239 Sailing 569–571 getting around, 238 Belize, 122, 144 traveling to, 565 Internet access, 239 Ambergris Caye, 110 visitor information, 568 nightlife, 254–256 Costa Rica, 599 San Juan Bautista de Subtiava orientation, 235 Panama, 719, 723 (León), 473 post offices, 239 San Juan del Sur San Juan del Norte restaurants, 251–254 (Nicaragua), 521 (Nicaragua), 535 shopping, 246–247 Sail Sports Belize (Ambergris San Juan del Norte. sights and attractions, Caye), 112 (Nicaragua), 536 240–246 Sala Arqueológica San Juan del Sur Biblioteca traveling to, 234–235 (Moyogalpa), 530 Movil (Granada), 490 visitor information, 238 Salcoatitán (El Salvador), San Juan del Sur (Nicaragua), San San Pond Sak Wetlands 290–291 517–527 (Panama), 716 Sally Peaches (Corn Islands), 546 accommodations, 522–526 San Sebastián (Honduras), 377 Salt & Pepper (Tegucigalpa), 344 beaches, 520–521 San Simian Eco Resort SalvaNatura (Parque Nacional nightlife, 527 (Nicaragua), 484 el Imposible), 300 orientation and getting Santa Ana (El Salvador), 302–308 SalvaSpan language school around, 518 Santa Catalina Arch (Santa Ana), 254 outdoor activities, 521–522 (Antigua), 180 Sambo Creek (Honduras), restaurants, 526–527 Santa Catarina Palopó 389, 391 shopping, 522 (Guatemala), 192, 194 San Andrés Xecul (near Xela), 203 sights and attractions, 520 Santa Cruz (Guatemala), 192 San Antonio (Honduras), 401 traveling to, 518 Santa Elena Cloud Forest San Antonio Palopó visitor information, 518–519 Reserve (Costa Rica), 607–608 (Guatemala), 192 San Juan de Oriente Santa Elena (Guatemala), San Blas Archipelago (Comarca (Nicaragua), 501 208, 216 Kuna Yala), 652 San Juan Travel (Guatemala), 90, Santa Fe (Honduras), 401 San Blas Islands (Panama), 207, 214 Santa Lucia (Honduras), 340 722–723 San Manuel de Colohete Santa María volcano San Blas Sailing (Panama), 723 (Honduras), 377 (Guatemala), 202 San Cristobal (Nicaragua), 472 San Marcos Santa Rosa de Copán Sand flies (no-see-ums), 405 Guatemala, 192 (Honduras), 371–372 Sandinistas, 32–33 Nicaragua, 501 Santa Rosa National Park (Costa S & L Travel and Tours (Belize), San Marcos de Caiquín Rica), 597 87, 97, 106 (Honduras), 377 Santiago Crater (Nicaragua), 500 Sandy Bay (Honduras), 410–412 San Pedrillo (Corcovado National Santiago de Atitlán (Guatemala), San Francisco Church Park), 637 191–192, 194, 196 (Guatemala City), 167 San Pedro Airport (Ambergris Santiaguito (Guatemala), 202 San Francisco El Alto Caye), 107 Santo Tomás de (Guatemala), 203 San Pedro (Ambergris Caye). Chichicastenango San Ignacio and the Cayo See Ambergris Caye (Guatemala), 205–206 District (Belize), 130–141 San Pedro Belize Express Water San Vicente (El Salvador), 319 accommodations, 135–138 Taxi (Ambergris Caye), 108 Sapo Rojo (Copán), 371 getting around, 131 San Pedro Family Fitness Club Sarchí (Costa Rica), 590, 591 nightlife, 139 (Ambergris Caye), 113 Savegre River (Costa Rica), 629 restaurants, 138–139 San Pedro La Laguna Scorpions, 71 shopping, 135 (Guatemala), 191, 196 Scuba diving, 78 sights and activities, 131–135 San Pedro Sula (Honduras), Belize, 101, 144 traveling to, 130–131 346–354 Ambergris Caye, 110, 112 visitor information, 131 accommodations, 350–352, Caye Caulker, 122, 124–125 San José and the Central Valley, 356–357 Corn Islands (Nicaragua), 546 564–591 getting around, 348 Costa Rica San José (Costa Rica), 551–552 nightlife, 353–354 Drake Bay, 639 accommodations, 573–578 orientation, 348 Guanacaste, 599 getting around, 566–568 outdoor activities, 356 Manuel Antonio area, 630 Internet access, 568–569
754
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 754754 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM Honduras Snakes, 71 shopping, 277 Guanaja, 427 Snorkeling, 78 sights and attractions, Roatán, 407, 409, 414 Belize, 101, 144 274–276
Trujillo, 398 Ambergris Caye, 110 tour operators, 272–274 INDEX Utila, 420–421 Corn Islands (Nicaragua), 546 traveling to, 272 Panama, 702 Costa Rica, 630, 642 visitor information, 272 Bocas del Toro, 717–718 Honduras, 398 Summit Gardens Park & Zoo Seabourn Cruise Line, 62 Panama, 702, 717–718 (Panama City), 698–699 SEA-duced (Ambergris Caye), 119 Soberania National Park Sundowners (West End), 416 Seahorse Dive Shop (Belize), 144 (Panama City), 694–695 Sun Jam festival (Utila), 420 Sea Rious Adventures Soccer (fútbol), San José (Costa Surfing, 78 (Ambergris Caye), 119 Rica), 572 Costa Rica, 600, 639 Seasons, 55–56 Society for Accessible Travel and El Salvador, 256, 265 Sea Turtle Conservation Project Hospitality (SATH), 72 Panama, 719 (Plaplaya), 433 Solentiname Archipelago San Juan del Sur (Nicaragua), Sea turtles, Costa Rica, 642–643, (Nicaragua), 538–541 520–522 647–649 Solera Bar (León), 477 Surf Tours Nicaragua (León), 470 Seeds of Learning (SOL), 282 Sololá (Guatemala), 194 Sustainable Harvest International Selvatura Park (Costa Rica), 607 Somoza family, 32–33 (Belize), 105 Semaforo Rancho Bar (Estelí), 509 Sonsonate (El Salvador), 290 Sustainable tourism, 74–76 Semana Santa (Holy Week), 56 Sophos (Guatemala City), 172 Swallow Caye Manatee Reserve Antigua (Guatemala), 183, 178 South Acropolis (Tikal), 212 (Belize), 124 Comayagua (Honduras), 359 Souvenir El Buen Amigo (La Swamps, 51 León (Nicaragua), 470 Ceiba), 392 Swan’s Cay (Panama), 716, 717 Santa Rosa de Copán Spa Flora Bella (Bocas del Swimming (Honduras), 372 Toro), 720 Belize City, 101 Sendero el Crater Spa Ixchel (Copán), 367 Guatemala, 194 (Nicaragua), 494 Spanish Abroad, Inc., 79 Guatemala City, 171 Sendero El Plantación (Panama Spanish-language classes Sylvanus G. Morely Museum City), 695 Guatemala (Tikal), 213 Sendero la Cascada (La Antigua, 182 Tigra), 345 Panajachel, 192 Sendero la Mina (La Tigra), 345 Quetzaltenango, 202 T Sendero la Puma (Nicaragua), 494 San Andrés, 215 Tabacalera Santiago (Estelí), 506 Sendero las Plancitos (La Honduras Tabacón (Costa Rica), 613 Tigra), 345 La Ceiba, 392 Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Sendero los Coyotes Tela, 384 Resort (Costa Rica), 617 (Nicaragua), 500 Nicaragua Tabacos Hondureños S.A. (Santa Sendero Los Quetzales Estelí, 507 Rosa de Copán), 372 (Panama), 705 Granada, 484 Tackle Box (Ambergris Caye), 119 Sendero (Panama City), 695 León, 471 Tacuba (El Salvador), 299–302 Sendero Principal (La Tigra), 345 San Juan del Sur, 522 Tajumulco volcano Seniors, 72–73 San Salvador (El Salvador), 254 (Guatemala), 201 Serenity Spa (Manuel Spanish School Jabel Tinamit Tanah Mayan Art Museum Antonio), 631 (Panajachel), 193 (Belize), 135 Shark-Ray Alley (Belize), 110, 124 Spas and wellness centers, Tapantí National Park (Costa Shopping, best markets and Ambergris Caye (Belize), 113 Rica), 589 shops, 12–13 Spa Uno (Manuel Antonio), 631 Tara Tours, Inc., 77 Si a la Vida (Managua), 491 Spiders rarely, 71 Tarpon Caye Lodge (Belize), 143 Single travelers, 74 The Split (Caye Caulker), 122 Taxis, 65 Sirena (Corcovado National Spooky Channel (dive site), 409 Tazumal (El Salvador), 306 Park), 637 Stanza 6 (San Salvador), 255 Team Marin Fishin (Brus Sirena (Costa Rica), 638 Starfleet Scuba (Panama), Laguna), 437 Sitio Archeologico Tazumal 716, 718, 720 Teatro ABA (Panama City), (El Salvador), 306 STA Travel, 73 688–689 Sivana Yoga (Manuel Stelae Museum (Tikal), 213 Teatro Anita Villalaz (Panama Antonio), 631 Stele no. 31 (Tikal), 213 City), 689 Skyscraper (Belize), 132 Stingray Point (Honduras), 421 Teatro de las Ruinas Sky Tram (Costa Rica), 618 Stork Club (San Ignacio), 139 (Suchitoto), 276 Sky Trek (near Santa Elena), 607 Students, 73 Teatro en Círculo (Panama Sky Walk (near Santa Elena), 608 Suchitoto (El Salvador), 271–281 City), 689 Smithsonian Tropical Research accommodations, 277–279 Teatro la Quadra (Panama Institute (Bocas del Toro), 719 orientation and getting City), 688 Smoking, 728 around, 272 Teatro Municipal Snake Bar (León), 477 restaurants, 279–281 León, 477 Quetzaltenango, 200
755
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 755755 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM Teatro Nacional Toadal Adventures V San José, 584, 585 (Placencia), 144 Valentine’s Day Cycle Race, San Salvador (El Salvador), 255 Tobacco factories, Nicaragua, 506 (Belize), 56 Teatro Nacional de Santa Ana Todos Santos Chuchumatán Valle de Angeles (Honduras), (El Salvador), 305 (Guatemala), 201 340, 341 Teatro Nacional Manuel Toilets, 728 Valle de Antón (Panama), 711 Bonilla, 344 Toledo Institute for Development
INDEX Vapues Tours (Nicaragua), 443, Teatro Nacional Rubén Darío and Environment (Belize), 105 469–470, 474, 478, 482 (Managua), 456–457 Toll-free numbers & websites, 728 Venado Caverns (Costa Rica), 620 Teatro Nacional (San Major international airlines, 728 Vertigo (Honduras), 427 Salvador), 240 Car-rental agencies, 729 Via Venture, 77, 156 Teatro Presidente (San Major hotel & motel chains, 729 Villa Elena Country Club Salvador), 255 Topoxté (Guatemala), 214 (Tegucigalpa), 340 Teatro Roma Torre de la Catedral (Panama Village Trail loop (Honduras), 436 (Quetzaltenango), 200 City), 670–671 Villa Sumaya (Guatemala), 192 Tegucigalpa (Honduras), 335–345 Tortuga Island (Costa Rica), Virgen de la Merced accommodations, 341–342 587–588 (Matagalpa), 511 getting around, 336, 338 Tortuguero (Costa Rica), Volcán Barú National Park nightlife, 344 646–649 (Panama), 704–706 orientation, 336 Tortuguero National Park (Costa Volcancito Loop (Panama), 703 outdoor activities, 340–341 Rica), 588, 640, 647–649 Volcán Concepción restaurants, 342–344 Tour operators specializing in (Nicaragua), 532 shopping, 341 Central America, 76–77 Volcán de Conchagua sights and attractions, Tours Nicaragua, 443 (El Salvador), 270 339–341 Tozzer Causeway (Tikal), 211 Volcán Izalco (El Salvador), 311 traveling to, 335–336 Tranquila Bar (Utila), 425 Volcán Maderas (Nicaragua), 532 visitor information, 338 Travel CUTS, 73 Volcán Masaya National Park Tela (Honduras), 380–386 Treetanic Bar (Utila), 425 (Nicaragua), 484, 499–500 Telephones, 80 Trip ‘N Travel (Belize), 143 Volcán Mombacho (Nicaragua), Temple III (Temple of the Great Tropic Air (Belize), 107 494–495 Priest; Tikal), 211 Tropical Discovery, 77 Volcano Look Disco (La Temple IV (the Temple of the Tropical dry forest, 51 Fortuna), 624 Two-Headed Serpent; Tikal), 211 Tropical illnesses, 70–71 Volcano surfing, León Temple VI (Temple of the Tropical Wings Nature Center (Nicaragua), 473 Inscriptions; Tikal), 212 (Belize), 134 Volcano trips, Costa Rica, Temple 216 (Yaxhá), 214 Trovajazz (Guatemala City), 176 586–587 Templo de San José de Laborio Trujillo (Honduras), 398–403 Volcán Pacaya (Antigua), 188 (Matagalpa), 512 Truxillo Disco (Trujillo), 402–403 Volcán San Pedro Tennis Tsunami Adventures (Belize), 125 (Guatemala), 194 Costa Rica, 572 Tunkul Bar (Copán), 371 Volcán San Salvador (El Guatemala City, 171 Turneffe Island Atoll (Belize), 112, Salvador), 245–246 Termas del Río (Gracias), 374 124, 128–130 Volcán Santa Ana (Santa Thirsty Thursday’s (Belize Turu BaRi Tropical Park (Costa Ana), 311 City), 105 Rica), 587 Volcán Santa María This Is My Land Artisans Market Tutoria Uno a Uno Spanish (Guatemala), 202 (Suchitoto), 277 School (Granada), 484 Volcán Telica (Nicaragua), 472 Tierra Tour (Nicaragua), 470, 482 Twin complexes Q and R (Tikal), Volunteering opportunities, Tiger Rock (Panama), 717 210–211 75–76, 78–79 Tikal (Guatemala), 176–177, Typhoid fever, 70 Belize, 105 206–213, 216 Tzinancanostoc (Nicaragua), 500 Nicaragua, 490–491 Tikal Museum (Ceramic northern Honduras, 397 Museum), 213 U Volunteer projects, Costa Tikokú (La Fortuna), 617 Rica, 623 Time zone, 728 Underwater Paradise (West End), 413 Vrisa Bookshop Tin Marín Museo de los Nínos (Quetzaltenango), 203 (San Salvador), 243 United Vacations, 76 Tinto & Blanco Wine Bar (Belize University of Costa Rica (San City), 105 Pedro), 571 W Tipping, 728 USIT, 73 Walker, William, 31–32 Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar Utila (Honduras), 418–425 Walpaulban Tara (Honduras), 436 (Placencia), 149 Utila Water Sports Wasabi Sushi Lounge (Panama (Honduras), 420 City), 689
756
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 756756 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM Water, 728 X Zapatera Hill (Nicaragua), 493 Water Cay (Honduras), 420 Xelajú (Xela). See Zapatera Tours (Nicaragua), 482 Waterfalls, Belize, 133 Quetzaltenango Zapote (El Museo Archipiélago
Wave Expeditions (Costa Xibalba (Belize), 140 de Solentiname), 540 INDEX Rica), 620 XS (Managua), 466 Z-Bar (Managua), 466 Wave Gallery (West End), 413 Xunantunich (Belize), 132 Zelaya Rosales, Manuel, 30–31 Websites, best, 13–14 Zip-line canopy tours Wer (Antigua), 184 Belize, 135 West Bay Beach (Honduras), 416 Y Costa Rica West Bay (Honduras), 416–418 Yaba Ding Ding (Coxen Hole), 407 Arenal volcano area, West End (Honduras), 412–416 Yat B’alam (Copán), 367 618–619 The Western Highlands Yaxhá (Guatemala), 214–215 Guanacaste area, 597 (Guatemala), 152 Yellow fever, 70 Manuel Antonio area, 631 Wet Willy’s (Ambergris Caye), 119 YMCA Handicrafts Market Monteverde, 607 Whale Shark and Oceanic (Panama City), 677 near San José, 585–587 Research Center (Utila), 420 Yoga retreats and meditation El Salvador, 293 White-water rafting Ambergris Caye (Belize), 113 Guatemala Costa Rica, 588, 620 Costa Rica, 631 Panajachel, 191 Manuel Antonio area, 629 Lake Atitlán (Guatemala), 192 Tikal, 214 Honduras, 392 San Juan del Sur Nicaragua Panama, 698, 706 (Nicaragua), 522 Granada, 484 Wi-Fi access, 81 Yute Expeditions (San San Juan del Sur, 521 Wildlife, 52 Ignacio), 132 Panama, 707 William Shakespeare Pub Zona Monumental (Managua), 456 (Guatemala City), 175 Zona Rosa (Managua), 465 Windsurfing, Belize, 112 Z Zona Viva (Managua), 465 Wine Barcito (Copán), 371 Zacate River Trail (Honduras), 390 Zonzapote (Nicaragua), 493 Wines, 53 Zanzíbar (Boquete), 712 Zoom Bar (Granada), 492 Women travelers, 73 Zanzibar (San Salvador), 256 Zunil (Guatemala), 201–202 Woodys (Managua), 466 World of Insects (near Santa Elena), 608–609
757
116_9780470903469-bindex.indd6_9780470903469-bindex.indd 757757 22/24/11/24/11 11:0711:07 PMPM 116_9780470903469-bindex.indd 758 6 _ 9 7
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