Category: Central America

Agua Clara Visitor Center, Panama

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The Agua Clara Visitor Center is located on the Atlantic Ocean side near the town of Colon and the Colon cruise port (14km), in Panama. It is a fairly new center with an excellent view of Gatun Lake and this extension of the canal, a fine achievement of modern engineering. Every day different ships pass through here. You can admire this work in operation when, to the sound of the sirens, the locks open to allow the passage of a ship. Apart from the site from where you can observe the operation, you will find a projection room where you will see the development of this project from the beginning. There is also a path to observe the beauty of the flora and fauna of the place. A restaurant and gift shop complete the complex. The center is just over an hour’s drive from Panama City (79 km).

Tips

Due to the Covid, the projection room is closed as well as the trail route to observe the flora and fauna and the restaurant.

You can take a private bus tour or just take a taxi that will pick you up and let you watch the locks work. A closed price is requested in advance by the driver and this can include a small tour for the town of Colon if you are interested.

Poas Volcano, Costa Rica

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Poas Volcano is a stratovolcano in Costa Rica. Very active, he has known at least 39 eruptive episodes since 1828. It is currently experiencing moderate activity. Located 37 km northwest of the capital San José, this volcano culminates at 2,708 m altitude. It is integrated into the Poas Volcano National Park. Its main crater hosts an acidic lake which regularly produces toxic sulphurous steams. It presents several eroded calderas, volcanic cones and three craters aligned, which contain crater lakes. The main crater is about two kilometers in diameter and is 300 metres deep. The green waters of the lake that occupies the bottom (Laguna Caliente) are highly acidic sulfur and hot (up to 85 ° C). You can also see the fumaroles of sulphide in the internal slopes of the crater. On the other hand, the other crater has had its last eruption there are 7,500 years. It is called Botos and its lake has cold water (Laguna Botos) which is connected with the river Angel. Until the volcano became a national park, people went there to fill glass bottles with acidic water from the crater, and they sold it in pharmacies to relieve muscle aches and also to put it in the hole of a cavity to cause the tooth to fall or it was also used to burn the warts, and to treat wounds.

Tips

The Poas is very often covered by clouds so before going there, ask for the weather conditions. And of course, you must be at the gate at the opening (8 h 00) because the clouds come down quickly.
It is almost 1 hour from San José and its access is easy. If you go by car, the parking is near the crater and you must walk a hundreds meters through a paved driveway.
Another option is to take a half-day trip from San José. There is a regular bus to get there. The ticket costs nearly nothing and the entrance to the park is approximately $10.00.
If the weather is good, take a walk to the Botos Lake and its forest of altitude at 2,400 metres, it’s worth it.

West End Village, Roatan, Honduras

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West End Village is located at the western end on the north side of the island of Roatan, in the Caribbean Sea, in Honduras, it is the most popular tourist destination on the island. Roatan is known for its beaches, lush tropical environment, and magnificent coral reefs. Visitors go there specially for snorkeling and scuba diving; there are a lot of diving operators who have competitive prices as well as a variety of diving certifications. West End Village is like a “great big diving resort”. You can rent apartments, homes or simply go to hotels or hostels. You’ll find all what you need: restaurants, bars, internet cafés, grocery stores, gift shops, etc. The shore has beautiful white sand beaches protected by a living coral reef that is so close you can swim, snorkel, or do great shore diving a short walk from where you are staying.

 
Tips

Minibuses, taxis and car and motor scooter rentals are available for touring the island. You can also arrange a guided tour or fishing trips.
If you like cigars, you’ll find Honduran and Cuban ones at the gift shops. You can also buy good coffée.
If you like lobsters, enjoy going to one of the local restaurants, you’ll love it.

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