Let's Go Places Travel News

Hello

Dear Fellow Adventurers,

It's been far too long since we've embarked on a journey together, but fear not! The wait is over, and our wanderlust is calling us to delve into the vibrant and captivating tapestry of Central (and South) America.

Nestled between the shimmering waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Central America is a land of enchantment, where ancient civilizations mingle with modern cultures, and lush rainforests give way to pristine beaches. From the misty highlands of Guatemala to the sun-kissed shores of Belize, each corner of this diverse region offers a new adventure waiting to be discovered.

Join us as we traverse the cobblestone streets of colonial cities, where the echoes of history whisper through every crumbling facade. Explore the breathtaking ruins of ancient Mayan temples, where time stands still amid the dense jungle canopy. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats of Garifuna drumming, or lose yourself in the colorful markets of bustling towns, where every stall holds a treasure waiting to be found.

So contact us to plan your vacation of a lifetime, and later just pack your bags, grab your passport, and prepare to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Central America awaits, ready to enchant and inspire at every turn. Let's explore together and uncover the hidden treasures in this captivating region.

Until then, happy travels!

Warm regards,

Anja

Tour Of The Week

Panama - Private Island Escape

Have you ever dreamt of a getaway to a private island resort? Somewhere far away from the crowds?

Don’t look any further. Isla Palenque is a luxury island resort and a sanctuary for curious travelers like you who seek a true, tropical island of natural beauty. With 8 modern luxury Casitas and a Villa Estate, it is the first of its kind in Panama, Central America.

The private island stay is surely the highlight of this Panama tour. But we have also included a close second (for many probably the main highlight), a Partial Transit of the famous Panama Canal, and other unforgettable features, such as a stay in Panama City’s beautiful historic old town, Casco Antiguo.

No Panama visit is complete without a visit to the Chiriqui Highlands around Boquete to hike, visit waterfalls, and taste the famous Panama coffee.

Belize

This Tropical Paradise Has Mayan Ruins, Remote Islands, and One of the World's Largest Reefs

Consider this your ultimate Belize guide, including when to go, where to stay, and what to do.

From beaches and mangrove swamps to rainforests and mountains, Belize is known for its biodiversity. Ancient Mayan archeological sites, remote islands, waterfalls, and the world's second-largest barrier reef attract visitors to the country's natural beauty.

“We offer visitors the best of both worlds, with the reef and the rainforest being in such close proximity, where you can spend your morning doing jungle adventures and by evening you are on the beach,” Jana Puga, the branding and hospitality specialist at the Belize Tourism Board, told Travel + Leisure. "We are a proud nation committed to preserving our heritage and natural resources."

Belize is located on Central America's northeastern coast just south of Mexico. It borders the Caribbean Sea and consists of a diverse mainland area and about 450 islands called "cays" or "cayes" (pronounced "keys"). Belize is also home to the longest cave system in Central America.

English is the official language of Belize, and visitors will also hear the local Kriol language spoken. “The country has a unique history because it is the only country in Central America that was colonized by the British, making English the official language," Puga said.

The use of English makes travel easy for Americans, as does the country’s use of U.S. dollars, along with Belizean Dollars.

Costa Rica

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Costa Rica

Costa Rica translates to "rich coast” and it’s easy to see how it got its name. In addition to world-class beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific, this peaceful paradise boasts some of the most bio-diverse ecosystems on Earth. Scientists say five percent of the world's species are found here. For reference, the country is only as big as West Virginia.

The unparalleled wildlife watching includes encounters with slumbering sloths, majestic scarlet macaws, tree frogs as pretty as they are poisonous, and endangered nesting sea turtles. With dogged determination, they survive, symbiotically, in the shadow of some of the world's most active volcanoes.

Whether you want to hike in a cloud forest at 10,000 feet above sea level or dream of riding horses on a white sand beach, it’s never been easier to reach the rich coast. There are nonstop flights to Costa Rica from more than a dozen U.S. cities. Come in winter; the country is one of the best places to visit in January. Or, plan a trip for the summer months when hotel rates drop as temperatures rise.

Panama

36 Hours in Panama City, Panama

Explore this perpetually flowering city that is among the unsung cosmopolitan capitals of the Americas.

This article is behind a pay-wall if you are not a NYT subscriber :(.

Hotel Spotlight

Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River - Experience the REAL Costa Rica

Cooled by an ever-present breeze and framed by a unique dwarf forest, Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River is a sanctuary of well-being, and the true embodiment of Costa Rica’s legendary PURA VIDA.

You’ll find Rio Perdido in the Guanacaste province, on the western side of the country. Even though the reserve is just an hour’s drive from Liberia, this rediscovered gem was once a sacred spot for the Cabecar tribes; people who recognized and harnessed the magic of the thermal gorge, hundreds of years ago.

Rio Perdido was designed to be in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Great care has been taken to preserve this one-of-a-kind setting and its precious resources, while simultaneously providing a very comfortable experience for conscious-minded guests.

Spend your days swimming in the abundant, completely natural, hot springs, along a mile of thermal gorge that cuts right through the spectacular, 1,500-acre reserve with 30 bungalows.

Witness a seemingly endless variety of exotic flora and fauna throughout 20-plus miles of hiking trails. Enjoy zip-lining, mountain biking, and white water tubing, or if you prefer to relax, lounge by the pool, savor true costarrican cuisine prepared by local culinary artists, do some yoga on our cliff-side pods, or visit the spa, for the region’s best treatments.

Around The World

15 Private Island Resorts for When You'd Rather Not See Another Soul

For those vacations when you don't want to see another soul.

The best private island resorts, strewn across the world's most coveted tropical spaces, are often the very definition of paradise. By keeping room inventory low and prices justifiably high, these islands reserve their experiences for the select few. From Indonesia to the Maldives to the Florida Keys, here are exclusive island escapes where personal space, endless privacy, natural beauty, and luxury abound.

Read on for the best private island resorts in the world. Two of them are in our beloved PANAMA!!!

About

This travel update is brought to you every month by Anja Phillips, owner of TropiQ Trips. If you enjoy these free, curated updates and want to help out a small business, please forward our sign-up page and share it on Social Media. Thanks so much.

TropiQ Trips provides customized tours to Panama, Costa Rica, Belize, Nicaragua, and other countries in Central America & the world. We create unique travel experiences - at no extra cost to you!

Planning a Panama vacation or just curious about this tiny but oh-so-diverse country? Make sure to join our private Panama Travel Community.

Ready to travel? Check out our Packing List. We’ve rounded up all the things you may need to bring on your trip.

Tourism is a critical revenue source for nearly every country in the world. We work with local agencies in each of our destinations. When you travel with us, you support small hotels, businesses, and local families, not big corporations - here and there.

If you’d like to get started with planning your once-in-a-lifetime vacation, please reach out by replying to this email, emailing us, or scheduling a call.

I can't wait to work with you!

Anja

P.S. Have you already booked a trip? Do not overlook travel insurance. We have partnered with InsureMyTrip because they are the best option to compare plans and find the right coverage for you.