Landscapes in Central America
Another pretty area in Costa Rica. A beautiful lake with islands and bending shores covered in jungle with patches of ochre red clay. There are plenty of arty shops and accommodation around the northern side of the lake, though a day trip semi circulating the lake will give more views than most can handle. The winding road goes up and down like a roller-coaster ride through dense forest and open pastures, and can be a part of the trip to Monteverde cloud forest from the Volcano Arenal area.
It is almost a joke how picture perfect this volcano is. Beautiful cone shaped, foot hills draped in lush jungle and a top covered in ash and black lava rocks. Frequently outburst makes sure the summit always has some red lava flowing down, though clouds often obscure the view. One a clear night head to the west side for the best view of the lava flow or with a cloudy sky enjoy the lava heat in one of the luxurious hot springs outside La Fortuna.
Often celebrated as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Guatemala's Lake Atitlan (Lago de Atitlán) lives up to the billing. Surrounded by 3 conical volcanoes, the lake's magnificent setting is the thing of legends. The best part is there is no "must see" view. Instead, exploration of the lake and its villages (if for nothing more than different views) is part of the charm. Any number of traditional villages surround the lake. Here, locals speak their indigenous languages and dress in traditional clothes. A visit to one of the local markets will most certain cause your camera to overheat as amazing photo opportunities lie around every corner. Atitlán is special!
Turquoise pools on top of a natural limestone bridge makes this place quite special. You can swim in the calm water at the pools or have a look over the wobbly fence where the river plunge into the cave beneath the limestone bridge. Considering how damn hard it is to get here, there are surprising many travellers kicking back in the pools. Maybe it is because it has been hyped as one of prettiest spots in Guatemala - and that says something.
Honduras' largest lake, Lago do Yojoa, sits in the middle of the country. And for the most part, it sits alone. Despite the enormous tourism and recreational potential of the lake, it see very few visitors, either local or international. With over 400 birds species and 800 plants species, it has wonderfully rich biodiversity. Taking out a row boat and throwing in a fishing line is a great way to spend the day. But for those needing a little more, there are a few sites in the region. Archeological sites like Parque Eco-arqueologico de los Naranjos, waterfalls like Pulhapanzak Falls and even a natural spring resembling the Blue Hole of Belize. Go now before developers figure out what a gem the place is.
Dotting the country along an almost straight line are some of Nicaragua's biggest attractions, volcanoes. Few are extinct, while most still send smoke and the occasional lava into the air. Whether you just want to view them from a distance, hike one, or descend one on a volcano board doing 70 km/h you can for sure find a suited cone for just that. Just pick one; Cosiguina, San Cristobal (highest active one), Telica, Cerro Negro (volcano boarding), El Hoyo, Momotombo (perfect cone shaped), Apoyeque, Masaya, Mombacho, Zapatera, Concepcion, or Maderas.