Compass: Central and South America

“Travel, for me, is a little bit like being in love, because suddenly all your senses are at the setting marked “on.” Suddenly you’re alert to the secret patterns of the world.”
– Pico Yver
Explore what awaits you in Central and South America. Central America has a rich cultural heritage that is defined by the seven countries that sit within its borders: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. The swamp land that divides the Pan-American Highway between Panama and Colombia identifies the border for South America—a country with a rich biodiversity and natural heritage that includes Venezuela’s Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall; the largest river, the Amazon River; the largest rainforest, the Amazon Rainforest; the longest mountain range, the Andes; the highest single drop waterfall on Guyana, the Kaieteur Falls; and the driest non-polar place on earth, the Atacama Desert.
The Central and South America region is home to the most dynamic cities in the world like Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Caracas. The South America region offers so much to explore like the glacier laden mountains, the greatest rivers in the world, jungles, beaches, and an unimaginable amount of wildlife. In the Central America also, the travelers can make a huge list of things to see and do – villages, inland lakes, volcanoes, ocean side beaches, mountains, coffee plantations, and all kinds of wildlife. A whole new adventure awaits you in the Central and South America region.

9 Reasons to Visit Colombia
By Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq.Colombia is now a go-to destination in Latin America. While they face economic hardship and loss, the people of Colombia live life to the fullest. Majestic landscapes and views are waiting to get explored, and your next vacation will be everything you have dreamed it would be and more! Read more
Central and South America
Budget-Friendly Destinations in Costa Rica
When people think of the lush landscapes and pristine beaches of Costa Rica, many imagine a destination suitable only for those with deep pockets. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Costa Rica is abundant with locations that are as budget-friendly as they are beautiful. Let’s explore some of … Read more Read more
Central and South America Adventure Budget Travel
The Ecuadorian Amazon: Visiting with a Local
By Hana LaRockEver since I was a young girl, I’ve dreamed of visiting the Amazon Rainforest. Whether it was the nature shows on the Discovery Channel or birthday dinners spent at the Rainforest Café, an Amazon themed-restaurant, the animals, the sounds of the rain and seeing all the colors come together to … Read more Read more
Central and South America Off the Beaten Path
The Falkland Island | A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
By Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq.So let’s discover why the Falkland Islands are an excellent place to visit and how you can have a unique birdwatching experience. Read more
Central and South America United Kingdom Adventure Experiences
El Paredon: A Safety Guide to Guatemala’s Premier Beach Town
By Thomas SpäterAmong the picturesque beach towns in Guatemala, El Paredon Buena Vista, situated on the southern Pacific coast within the Escuintla municipality, stands out as the ultimate destination for beach lovers and surf enthusiasts alike. Read more
Central and South America Backpacking & Camping Safety
Brazil: A Country for Every Travel Budget
By Tonya Fitzpatrick, Esq.Brazil has a rich cultural heritage, countrywide celebrations, locally sourced scrumptious cuisine and natural attractions that attract millions of travelers every year. Read more
Central and South America Budget Travel Events & Festivals The Arts
Exploring the Enchanting Tamanique Waterfalls in El Salvador
By Thomas SpäterEl Salvador, though compact in size, boasts a plethora of natural wonders waiting to be discovered. Among its treasures lies the breathtaking Tamanique waterfalls, nestled deep within a tropical forest, approximately 55 km from the international airport, 16 km from El Tunco (a renowned beach town), or 40 km from … Read more Read more
Central and South America Adventure Nature & Outdoors
Adventures on the Amazon
By Patti MorrowSince pre-Colombian times, the Amazon has been the source of intrigue for outsiders, from daydreams of riverboat adventures to nightmares of shrunken heads. Read more
Central and South America Luxury Travel Sustainability
Touring a Coffee Plantation in Costa Rica
By Lola MéndezTraveling has made me a coffee lover. I’ve enjoyed the perfect espresso in Italy, strong traditional brews made in copper pots in Albania, cortados in Uruguay, and learned to take my coffee with coconut milk in Vietnam. Throughout my adventures, I’ve visited coffee plantations in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. I … Read more Read more
Central and South America Agritourism Food & Drink
Historic San Telmo, the Beating Heart of Buenos Aires
By Ana Astri-O’ReillyWith its cobbled streets, wrought iron balconies, and eclectic architecture, San Telmo is Buenos Aires’ oldest and most historic neighborhood. And, although it is the smallest one with an area of half a square mile, it is packed with fascinating local history and culture. Read more
Central and South America Off the Beaten Path History
A Guide to Conquering Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador
By Thomas SpäterMost people that visit Latin American countries, such as El Salvador and Guatemala, probably do so to see some volcanoes. Especially because there are so many of them, it may sometimes get a little overwhelming when it comes to deciding which ones to see. Read more
Central and South America Adventure Nature & Outdoors
Welcoming the Return of the Sun to Lake Titicaca
By Renee AlexanderOur winter welcome to Bolivia wasn’t exactly warm. For Americans, the visa requirements are extensive. Read more
Central and South America Religious Travel Events & Festivals
Pulperías: Where the gauchos gathered
By Ana Astri-O’ReillyImagine spending days, even weeks, in the vast plains with only your horse and your loyal dog for company. Herding cattle during the day, sipping mate next to the campfire at night. The need for human interaction will be met at the nearest pulpería, although near and far are relative terms in the … Read more Read more
Central and South America Adventure Off the Beaten Path Food & Drink
Finding the Perfect Costa Rican Beach
By Eliza AmonCosta Rica has 300 beaches along nearly 800 miles of coastline so choosing the right one is challenging. Playa Espadrilla, a serene mile-long beach on the Pacific side of Costa Rica met my family’s antithetical needs, providing a perfect base for a weeklong vacation. Read more
Central and South America Family Travel
Patagonia’s Indigenous Communities: 5 Cultural Experiences to Discover on an Expedition
In Patagonia, a sub-region of Chile and Argentina, there are many exciting cultural experiences to discover. However, wherever you go, responsible travel is what you should strive for. It is important to understand how your actions impact your destination. Let’s dive into a list of the indigenous communities you can … Read more Read more
Central and South America Indigenous Social Responsibility