After visiting countries in Europe and Asia, food and travel blogger Claudette Rickett Schwartz set her sights on exploring Central America. As she explains, she doesn’t want to take the typical Central American vacation, but instead, wants to explore little-known destinations in an area of unspoiled wilderness and tropical beaches. After a bit of research, she unearthed a few locations that would enable her to delve into the culture, food, and way of life of the area.
Nicaragua’s Secret Surfing Spot
Surfers in the know visit San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, and although Schwartz doesn’t wax a surfboard and ride the waves, this sandy jewel of the country offers much more than righteous waves. According to 01 Central America, two beaches top the places to visit in this area: Playa Hermosa and El Remanso. Both beaches offer jaw-dropping sunsets and uncrowded sands where few tourists venture. Despite few foreigners, the area offers many quaint inns and eateries that cater to locals and visitors from elsewhere in Central America.
Second Oldest Continuously Inhabited Americas Settlement
Hop a bus from Belize to Flores, Guatemala, established during the period 900 to 600 BC. Explore the nearby Tikal ruins, an archaeological site that features awe-inspiring palaces, pyramids, and plazas of this settlement that once housed 100,000 residents. Aside from exploring its Mayan history, also visit Yaxha’s pyramids and Blue Crater on the Arroy River, states Civitas.
The Lesser Known Bay Islands Offer Superb Diving and Ecotourism
Skip Roatan and instead, visit Guanaja and Utila, which remain uncrowded. Guanaja offers beaches and mountain hiking in an area unspoiled by tourism, yet welcoming to visitors. It developed ecotourism options that protect its natural beauty while allowing visitors. Earn PADI diving certifications while exploring the coral reefs of Utila.
Finding Little-Known Locations for Vacation
According to Tuk Tuk Travel Magazine, every country features some hidden gems to visit. Wherever you want to go, explore online to find out where the country’s residents like to visit for their vacations. Reddit and Pinterest make great resources for finding this independently offered information.
When you arrive, Schwartz suggests asking locals where they like to dine out. Tiny eateries in residential neighborhoods offer much more local color than any café in a tourist mecca. Avoid shopping in areas with lots of trinket shops. Instead, ask locals where they go shopping for birthday and Christmas gifts. These lesser-known stores or market stalls typically offer better wares and lower prices, making them tourists’ friends.
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