Belize City has old-Caribbean charm in spades combined with the modern conveniences and buzzing nightlife of a busy metropolis. It has a great variety of Creole and international food, as well as great bars and music to offer visitors, and a good range of accommodation from backpacker hostels to five-star hotels.

For those with an interest in archaeology, Belize has a wealth of fascinating sites. Caracol, a Mayan city larger than modern-day Belize City was buried under jungle for centuries and is well worth a visit. Belize’s other major Mayan site, Xunantunich, at San José Succotz, also offers stunning views and fascinating history, and there are many more archaeological jewels throughout the country.

For natural beauty Belize is a world-leader, with the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, home to angelfish, triggerfish, whale sharks and other amazing flora and fauna, as well as being one of the top dive sites in the world. Belize boasts many habitats including incredible mangrove forests, and extensive and impressive cave networks. The stunning Belize rainforests are home to jaguar, puma, howler monkeys, iguanas and boa constrictors to name but a few.

Belize also has some fantastic wildlife sanctuaries which give visitors a glimpse of the incredible bird population that inhabits the country. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted with Shipstern Nature Reserve, Rio Bravo Conservation Area, and Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.

Belize is served by Philip Goldson International Airport, which handles all international travel. It also has active sea ports with many cruise ships visiting daily. It is best to stay in tourist zones when in Belize due to security concerns. Hotels in these areas are reasonably priced but can be dated.

La Paz’s colonial and amazing indigenous heritage make it a culturally fascinating destination. On the streets of La Paz visitors can see indigenous tribes people, Incas’ direct descendents, living their lives next to the up-and-coming high society of Spanish descent. This makes for an interesting tapestry of Native Indian and European heritage throughout the city. There are also several good museums such as the Museo de Metales Preciosos Pre-Columbinos.

Bolivia’s most famous landmark, Lake Titicaca, is one of the most incredible sights on earth and is revered as the birthplace of the Incas. The lake is one of the highest in the world and has many beautiful islands to be explored. Also close to the capital is Bolivia’s primary archaelogical site, Tiahuanaco, which is well worth visiting.

Santa Cruz, in the east, and nearby Sucre both merit investigation. Both offer great colonial architecture and Santa Cruz is a good jump off point for exploration into the Amazon rainforest. Potosí is also located in this region, and was the mining capital of the Spanish Empire; its mines and museums are a fascinating testament to the exploitation of the country and its mineral wealth.

Hotels start at the most basic hostels and go up to mid-range standard hotels, with the widest choice being in the capital. Visitors to Bolivia can access the country by flying into La Paz’s El Alto International Airport although service can be unreliable due to the weather and altitude. Bolivia also has good bus connections with all its neighbouring countries.

The capital, San José, is a dynamic city with markets, cafés, and great shopping to offer the visitor. It has some wonderful museums and many hotels to suit every budget and taste. San José also offers some world-class cuisine as well as the ubiquitous fast food joints.

One of Costa Rica’s main attractions are its beaches, and it offers both Pacific and Caribbean choices. Golfito is a great starting point for exploring the Pacific coast which offers dramatic scenery, jungle accommodation, surfing, rainforest, and access to Isla Tortuga. The Caribbean side of Costa Rica offers a different experience, characterised by eco-tourism at one of Costa Rica’s many national parks and wildlife refuges. The main town is Puerto Limón, from where the Parque Nacional Tortuguero can be accessed. The Creole beach paradise, Cahuita, also has a nearby national park with beautiful beaches, reefs and rainforest.

Of course the incredible national parks are one of the main tourist attractions for Costa Rica and there are many to choose from. Volcàn Arenal National Park is globally recognisable for its perfectly conical volcano, which is still active, and puts on spectacular displays occasionally. Or visitors can see the full range of stunning flora and fauna Costa Rica has to offer at the country’s oldest and best-developed park, Península Santa Elena.

San José’s has its own international airport, Juan Santa Maria International Airport, which provides service for flights arriving from many North American cities. It also offers flights to other Central and South American cities. For those on a budget, vacation homes, condos and cabinas offer the most reasonably priced accommodation but hotels are also widespread.

The capital of El Salvador, San Salvador, is a vibrant city with rich heritage and culture to be explored. Tourists can view the beautiful Metropolitana Cathedral, unearth fascinating Mayan history at the Joya de Ceres archaeological site, or take in some of the city’s violent history at the military museum. For the more adventurous, Devil’s Door Peak is located to the southwest of the city and has some great hiking and climbing.

El Salvador’s beaches are becoming more and more popular as tourist attractions and are renowned as surf destinations. Some of the best waves in Central America can be found at La Libertad, Garita Palmera and El Zonte.

El Salvador has a lively volcanic history too, and visitors can take a trip to Santa Ana, El Salvador’s tallest volcano, or the San Miguel volcano as well as many others. The natural beauty of El Salvador can also be seen in the country’s national parks; Montecristo National Park is a highlight and offers an incredible display of the country’s diverse flora and fauna as well as great hiking.

The war-torn history of El Salvador (which has been peaceful since 1992) can be explored more thoroughly from Perquin, the guerrilla capital of El Salvador, where the Museum of the Revolution is located and many local people can provide first-hand experience of the war.

Large numbers of tourists and surfers alike fly into Comalapa International Airport, 50kms southeast of San Salvador.

The sprawling capital, Guatemala City, has an interesting colonial past still visible in its architecture and many museums, including the Museum Popol Vol’s collection of Mayan and Spanish art. For a more indigenous experience there are many markets with colourful handicrafts and ethnic products to explore. Or visitors can enjoy the splendid colonial churches around the central square of the city.

Antigua is a popular tourist destination, both for those wishing to take a Spanish course, or for history buffs wishing to see one of the oldest and most picturesque cities in the country. The charm of Antigua is enhanced by its quaint cobbled streets, and contrasted with the majesty of its three nearby volcano peaks, which surround the town. Antigua also plays host to Guatemala’s most vibrant festival, Semana Santa, during Easter week.

The jewel in the crown of any trip to Guatemala is the unparalleled Tikal, an ancient Mayan temple site of incredible proportions nestled in the jungle surrounding it. Tikal is a huge ancient city which boasts its own pyramids and is an absolute must-see for those visiting Guatemala.

Guatemala also boasts the world’s deepest lake, Lago de Atitlan, as well as Lago de Izabal the country’s largest lake. It also has several lovely coastal towns, including Tilapita and Monterrico, where visitors can relax and enjoy beach life.

Guatemala’s international airport, La Aurora International Airport, serves most international destinations and has good transport links to the rest of the country and most regional American cities. Accommodation in Guatemala is widespread, cheap and for the most part basic but luxury options exist in the capital.

Guyana has an equatorial climate, hot but pleasantly tempered by Atlantic breezes. There are two rainy seasons; from May to mid-August and from mid-November to mid-January. The hottest time is between August and October when temperatures reach 85°F.

Georgetown, the capital and main port, lies on the Demerara River. Its wooden historical buildings reflect colonial architecture including the world’s tallest wooden building, the Anglican Cathedral of St George.

Natural sites include Rupununi Savanna, a vast grassland area with fresh water creeks and majestic termite mounds, Amerindian reservations and the famous Shea Rock. Amaila Falls drops 200 feet and continues in a sequence of rapids and falls for another two miles before reaching calm water, while Cuquenan Falls is one of the globe’s highest free-leaping waterfalls with a 2,000- foot drop.

Activities include hiking in the unspoilt rainforests, safaris to visit Guyana’s indigenous people, and bird-watching in this home to nearly 800 species of bird. Shoppers can pick up cheap souvenirs at Stabroek Market in Georgetown, or invest in gold jewellery in Church Street.

Accommodation includes hotels, lodges, haciendas or ranches. Indian curries and African plantain dishes dominate the cuisine; specialities are Amerindian pepper pot and Portuguese garlic pork. Visitors should stick to bottled water although the local beer is worth a try. Daily international flights serve Cheddi Jagan International Airport and mini buses connect the city with most coastal towns.

Honduras’ capital is Tegucigalpa, which is a dynamic and exciting city, a kilometre above sea-level. There is some great colonial architecture still visible in the city, and one of Honduras’ most spectacular natural sites, La Tigra National Park, is located to the northeast of the city. For visitors with a religious interest, there are a great many churches and religious sites around the city, including the famous Basílica de Suyapa, a Gothic church which is renowned for the many miracles performed within its walls.

Like many of its neighbouring countries, Honduras is rich in pre-colonial history too, with incredible Mayan ruins accessible at Copán Ruinas. These include the famous 613 AD Stelae of the Great Plaza and the Acropolis.

For a Caribbean beach experience, look no further than Honduras, which has many great coastal towns and beaches. Tela is always a favourite with visitors, offering fresh seafood, stunning coastline and a range of accommodation. Trujillo is another beach resort famous also as the site of Columbus’ landing.

As well as hiking and climbing in Honduras’ many national parks and scenic spots, the outdoors visitor may enjoy the amazing snorkelling and diving the country has to offer particularly on the islands of Guanja and Utila, approximately 50kms off the coast.

Visitors to Honduras will most likely land at its primary airport, Tegucigalpa International Airport, which is close to the capital. Hotels in the capital come in every price range, but outside the city accommodation becomes much cheaper and more basic.

Mexico City is a metropolis of vast proportions offering a contrasting tapestry of modern high-rises, glamorous nightlife and extreme poverty. Visitors will enjoy the fantastic museums and historic testaments to the city’s colonial and pre-colonial past, including the Zócalo in the centre of the city, site of the Templo Mayor and many other Aztec palace ruins. For relaxing genteel ambience, the Coyoacan and San Angel suburbs are charming, while for a more lively time the Zona Rosa area is the nightlife hub of the city.

The beaches of Mexico’s coast are legendary, and of the country’s 20 million visitors a year, many are destined to enjoy the sun in hotspots such as Acapulco and the Baja Peninsula, where there is also great surfing and whale watching. The Caribbean resorts are also spectacular, with visitors flocking to Cozumel and legendary party-central Cancún. In these resorts visitors can take advantage of world-class shopping, modern amenities, bars, nightlife and restaurants to rival those of any resort in the world.

Historic sites and monuments are another great attraction Mexico has to offer its visitors. San Cristóbal de las Casas, an old colonial town, offers tourists access to the incredible Mayan village ruins that surround it, while Palenque is famous for its amazing Mayan site with over 500 buildings providing a feast for visitors keen on archaeology.

The cuisine of Mexico is world-famous, and for many a fantastic stay in Mexico is enhanced by a little spice. Wherever visitors go in the country they will find a great selection of cheap and tasty local food, tacos and fajitas to name just two.

Accommodation is widespread in Mexico, with international chains in all the main cities and resorts. Rates for these hotels are comparable with US and European rates. Smaller motels and hotels are cheaper but not always safe or clean. Hostels are the cheapest option. Entry into Mexico is usually via one of its international airports such as Mexico City International Airport or via land border crossings with the US.

Granada is Nicaragua’s first city, and a bustling metropolis offering much for the visitor. The city is the oldest in the New World, and having been built as showcase for Spanish architecture, still has some fantastic buildings and architecture on display. There is a great live music scene here, and many of the modern amenities to be expected of a big city. From nearby Volcán Concepción there are stunning panoramas of the city.

Nicaragua’s second city, León in the northwest, is the cultural heart of the country and boasts some fantastic churches and museums, including the largest cathedral in Central America. Visitors will find colonial and pre-colonial architectural delights here also. León has a thriving arts scene and visitors will be enchanted by the galleries, plays and poetry that are available in León. It is also a great place to take a language course.

For those looking to experience the natural delights of a Nicaraguan holiday, the country’s beautiful national parks can provide an education in the flora and fauna of the region. Bosawas Biosphere Reserve in the north, and Indio Maiz Biological Reserve in the south are both home to jaguar, cougar, anteaters, and many types of monkey.

For beach holidays, Nicaragua is becoming more and more popular. The Pacific coast is renowned for surfing, and the San Juan del Sur area is a tourist spot. The Caribbean coast with its many islets, bubbling hot springs, and dramatic jungles and beaches is becoming more accessible and is definitely a great experience for the adventurous.

Visitors can fly direct to Nicaragua’s Managua International Airport from many destinations, but may want to connect through the region’s hub in Costa Rica for more frequent flight options. Accommodation is typically cheap, even for mid-range rooms with air-conditioning.

Panama City, the capital, is a melting pot of different influences including African, Spanish, Chinese, and others. Historical sights such as the Plaza de Bolívar and the Metropolitan Church dating from the 17th century can be seen in the San Felipe district, while the city’s excellent museums, including the Interoceanic Canal Museum of Panama, are equally fascinating. The city’s diverse culture is reflected in its cuisine, which is more varied than other Central American countries, and in its vibrant music scene. Panama City also boasts a botanical gardens, zoo and two national parks, Sobrerania and Metropolitana.

Away from the cities, Panama has some great beaches. Santa Catalina is a surfer’s paradise with renowned waves and a lovely beach. Or the islands off the coast of Panama offer some of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches. These include, Isla Taboga and Isla Grande, where some of Panama’s most beautiful flora and fauna can be seen by snorkelling or diving.

Highland town Boquete offers a mountain retreat from the heat of the coast, and also some of the most amazing scenery, hiking and climbing Panama has to offer at the spectacular Volcán Barú peak. Panama’s most famous attraction, the Panama Canal, is a fascinating engineering marvel and a spectacle to be seen, linking the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the continent, and also providing a pleasant day out.

Visitors can fly direct into Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport from a variety of destinations, including Miami. The city has a good range of hotels from hostels to luxury, and facilities, amenities and infrastructure are all very good.