Central America

In such a tiny country you'll find untouched a wonderland of flora and fauna (and dozens of parks win which they are protected) and the rare charm of the "Cayes"~ tiny tropical islands. Belize (formerly British Hondurus) is an ideal destination for the growing number of ecology-minded travellers who wish to expand their horizons beyond the conventional "beach and daiquiri" vacation. While the daiquiris are excellent, this is not a beach destination~ you will find the beaches on the small coral island of the Barrier Reef are narrow, so most sun seekers prefer to linger by the pool. Snorkelling and diving, however, are excellent. Belize is an English speaking country in Central America.

Shoppers will come home with their credit cards virtually untouched~ travellers here usually budget their spending money around excursions. The capital San Pedro has a laid-back ambiance reminiscent of Greece in the '70's. The main method of transportation is by (bare)foot; though you can easily rent bikes or golf carts.

FAST FACTS
Language: English or Spanish widely spoken; Maya, Garifuna and Creole are also spoken.
Best known for: British background, Mayan history; Scuba diving; Huge diversity of sightseeing options.
Currency: Belizean dollar; US dollar widely accepted.

One of the biggest attractions of tiny Belize is the scope of fascinating excursions you can take from Belize City.

The Fiesta Inn in Belize City is a perfect base from which to explore Mayan sites, wildlife sanctuaries, barrier reefs and coral islands.

Best of the Way: An action packed tour taking in the world famous Belize Zoo, the capital, Belmopan, and shopping for handicrafts. After lunch, tour the fabulous temples of the ancient Xunantunich Maya site (pronounced Zoo NAN too nitch).

Lamanai: A boat ride on the New River, with wildlife, rainforest and orchids will precede your arrival on the New River Lagoon and the ancient Maya site of Lamanai. More bird life and howler monkeys will greet you on your tour from temple to temple through the enchanting rainforest of this site.

Tikal: A full day tour to this world famous Maya site in Guatemala (by land or air).

Itineraries are subject to change in the event of (for example) inclement weather.

THINGS TO DO!
Eco-tours:
A nature lover's paradise, Costa Rica has over 800 species of birds to see and a great variety of animals like anteaters, wild pigs, and lots of monkeys!

Daily tours:
Enjoy day trips to natural springs, the various forests and national parks. Take a jeep tour through Guanacaste and see the many magnificent waterfalls and other natural wonders including the spectacular beaches.

Other Excursions:
Fishing, sailing and golfing are available in this fabulous destination.

Dining & Nightlife:
Visit the quaint and casual Playa del Coco with its restaurants, bars and shops.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Flying time from Toronto: Approximately 4 3/4 hours
Language: Spanish
Currency: The Colon. US dollars recommended.
Electricity: 110 or 220V depending on hotel
Climate: Sub-tropical
Documents: Check with your travel agent. Tourist cards may be required.
For further information contact: The Costa Rican Embassy
135 York Street, Suite 208, Ottawa, On. K1N 5T4
Phone (613) 562-2855 or fax (613) 562-2582

Out on your own
Colonial city of Granada and the Indian market of Masaya- Founded in 1524, Granada is the oldest city in Central America.

Coffee Plantation and horse show-Enjoy a guided tour of a coffee plantation and take in a horse show on this half day excursion.

Managua and the Masaya Volcano- Visit the capital city and explore the volcano and its park.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Flying time from Toronto: Approx. 4hours 50 min.
Language: Spanish
Currency: Cordoba. U.S. currency recommended

Panama
Known as "the shopping centre of the Americas" Panama offers excellent prices in English bone china, Italian silks, French perfumes, Irish linens and Swiss watches. Shop the plazas and Via Espana ( the longest shopping street in Latin America) for elegant fashions and jewellery. Central Avenue for Oriental bazaars and curio shops. Panamanians love baseball and there's horseracing, golf, sailing, waterskiing and powerboating as well as deepsea fishing. Be sure to visit the tourist facility at Miraflores Locks for a first-rate look at the Panama Canal in operation. And for a little local colour and experience, plunge aboard one of Panama's famous folk art buses. Just yell "parada" when you want to get off! Kobbe Beach is just 20 minutes drive from downtown.

A visit to the ruins of the old city, sacked by pirate Henry Morgan in 1671, yields museums, historic churches, cathedrals and fortifications from Panama's colonial and buccaneer days. Excellent sightseeing includes city and canal tours, shopping excursions, national park tours, tours retracing the conquest route and for evening fun- "Panama at Night!" A half hour flight to the tiny San Blas Islands, home to the Cuna Indians will take you back 20 centuries.

The popular religious holiday of Semana Santa (Easter) is celebrated with great vigor and joy; you can anticipate busy beaches with some hotel activities limited.

Your Panama Package Holiday includes:

• Roundtrip charter airfare from Toronto via Air Transat to Panama City (plus connecting flight to Contadora Island where applicable) including inflight meals with wine.
• Roundtrip transfers between the airport and hotel, including baggage handling
• Accommodation as selected, meal plans as selected or included bonus features as described in the hotel package.
• Services of Regent Representatives.