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SUMMER APRIL | MAY | JUNE 2017

UNDER-THE-RADAR DESTINATIONS PART II

ADVENTURES IN CENTRAL AMERICA

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

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New Tips from the Andrew Harper

Travel Office

Ik Kil cenote, Yucatán, Mexico

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History and tradition weave through the sweeping landscapes of Mexico and Central America, creating a rich cultural tapestry unique in the world. From the cenotes (natural

swimming holes) and ancient Mayan ruins of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula to the fishing communities that thrive around Lake Nicaragua to the unsurpassed diving experiences afforded by the Belize Barrier Reef, Central America continues

to attract the most discerning adventurers of our day.

ADVENTURECENTRAL ADVENTUROUS PURSUITS IN MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA

ANDREW HARPER TRAVEL OFFICE (800) 375-4685 [email protected] | 35

F rom the pastel-painted shops of Zihuata-nejo to Jalisco’s agave fields, Mexico is col-ored with titillating scenes and adventur-

ous locales. Located on the Pacific coast just half an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, Casa de Mita beckons travelers with its balance of leisure and activity. Situated along pristine Playa Careyeros, guests of the eight-bedroom hideaway busy themselves snorkeling, kayak-ing, surfing and paddle boarding. Zip-lining adventures are less than ten minutes away, as is a day of golf at the Greg Norman–designed Litibú Golf Course. From November to April, visitors can spend mornings whale-watching from a small fishing boat, with just a guide and a captain as company.

More than 1,200 miles to the east, a different adventure awaits. Mexico’s Riviera Maya, on the Caribbean coastline, delights with caverns and cenotes, crystal waters and

the enigmatic remains of the ancient Mayan civilization. The lush beachfront Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa boasts a close proximity to some of Mexico’s most popular attractions, including Playa del Carmen, Cancun and Tulum, all located within an hour of the hotel. The staff specializes in planning a number of interesting day trips, including an excursion to Chichén Itzá, the most visited Mayan archaeological site in all of Mexico. Travel to the ancient wonder may be arranged by choice of car, helicopter or private plane. Upon arrival, visitors connect with a private guide before exploring the famed El Castillo pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan. A day trip to Tulum features a guided tour of the town and ruins, and a snorkeling side trip takes you to nearby caves teethed with ancient stalagmites and stalactites.

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W ith its picturesque volcanoes, gleam-ing lakes and lush islets, Nicaragua is a special sanctuary for explorers. Located

a short boat ride from the colonial town of Granada, the calming Jicaro Island Ecolodge is an idyllic place to experience Nicaragua’s abundant natural beauty. Guests have no shortage of activities to pursue, from strolling through a cloud forest to zip-lining along the Mombacho Volcano to learning about birds such as the purple gallinule while on a kaya-king excursion with a local guide. Start your days with a morning yoga session facing Lake Nicaragua and the stunning volcano; later, walk the plantain forests, or ride horseback through the coffee and citrus-fruit planta-tions. Take a boat tour of the lake, where guests can explore more than 100 islands in just three hours. Drinks and towels are packed on the tour for a refreshing sip-and-swim in the warm lake waters.

Lodge staff explain that fishing is an important factor in the livelihood of the Nicaraguan people, and the fishermen who cast lines and nets from their rustic wooden boats give visitors a nostalgic and personal view of life on the islands. Take an afternoon to experience the historical techniques of this artisanal fishing tradition through the hotel’s dedicated educational program. At the end of the day, the staff will happily prepare your fresh catch of tilapia or rainbow bass for a memorable meal beneath the stars.

1. Volcán Maderas, the smaller of two volcanoes (the other being Volcán Concepción) which make up the island of Ometepe on Lake Nicaragua 2. El Castillo, also called the Temple of Kukulcan, at the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, Mexico 3. Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral, Granada, Nicaragua

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Costa Rica’s immense biodiversity makes it one of the most popular destinations for birders and wildlife enthusiasts in all of

Central America. Lapa Rios Ecolodge, located on the Osa Peninsula, is a sublime setting in which to witness this diversity firsthand. Howl-er monkeys and three-toed sloths are regularly seen on the grounds, as are green sea turtles and more than 300 species of birds.

Situated on a 1,000-acre rainforest reserve, hotel guests are invited to partake in a number of adventurous pursuits and guided tours, such as flying over the renowned Corcovado National Park in a propeller plane. The Corcovado is home to a stunning array of the area’s biodiversity, including endangered species such as jaguars and scarlet macaws. It’s an experience not to be missed, and it is available to visitors in addition to jungle hikes, birding walks and the hotel’s local medicine tour. The latter takes guests through the rainforest on a guided educational tour that explains the medicinal uses of indigenous plants and seeds, and is a highlight for those interested in traditional Costa Rican health and wellness. Guests also have the option to rappel from four different waterfalls near the hotel.

Roughly four hours to the north of Lapa Rios sits Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. Visitors to this region are strongly encouraged to explore Manuel Antonio National Park. Softly swaying hanging bridges, soothing waterfalls and the sounds of birdsong amid thick layers of jungle bring the vibrant park to life, as do active populations of howler monkeys, spider monkeys and capuchins.

Back at the hotel, learn traditional techniques for making warm, go lden tortillas. Tours of the vibrant farmers’ market, snorkeling around the hidden Biesanz Beach and whitewater rafting through sprays of silver foam all satiate a thirst for Costa Rican adventure, as does a trip to Damas Island, where guests can navigate kayaks between the tangled roots of a magical mangrove forest

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1. Shoreline along Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park 2–4. Three-toed sloths, capuchin mon-keys, and tree frogs count among the wildlife denizens of Corcovado National Park.

COSTA RICA


C O STA R I CA

Lapa RiosComplimentary Fourth NightTake full advantage of the remote setting and extensive variety of activities available with an extra night at Lapa Rios, a model ecotourism project that has won worldwide awards for social and environmental excellence. Home to monkeys, macaws, pumas, toucans, tree frogs and thou-sands of other creatures, a trip to Lapa Rios Eco Lodge will be the trip of a lifetime. Through June 30, 2017, receive a complimen-tary fourth night when booking three nights or longer.

also includes: Andrew Harper benefits and standard inclusions. dates: Offer is valid on new reser-vations only, booked by June 26 for travel from April 20–June 30, 2017, based on availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions.

© JOHN MICHAEL DELL


P R O M OT I O N

For ocean-loving travelers, the coast of Belize beckons with picturesque cayes, barrier islands, white-sand beaches and

small-scale resorts such as Cayo Espanto, a private four-acre islet 10 minutes from Ambergris Caye. The island’s turquoise waters and panoramic views play host to a number of adventurous activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing and sailing. Guests are able to fly-fish just steps away from their villas, and reef fish such as snapper and grouper are found nearby.

“The waters are alive in Belize like nowhere else,” says Cayo Espanto General Manager David Benzaquen. This isn’t just hyperbole — the Belize Barrier Reef is part of the second-largest reef system in the world and provides an exceptional setting for scuba diving, which is offered to guests through the hotel’s own fleet of dive boats and on-call team of dive masters. Benzaquen suggests that passionate divers take a day trip to seek out the Great Blue

Hole, the famed underwater sinkhole at Lighthouse Reef. The exquisite coral formations and rainbow of marine life are worth the trip.

Conclude a day of under- and over-water exploration by heading to a deserted island for a typical Belizean barbecue. For those who wish to indulge in a few more hours of fishing, resort staff can take your day’s catch and prepare it alongside fresh conch ceviche, grilled fish, lobster and more.

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1. Locals grill freshly caught fish, lobster and conch. 2. The Great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef reaches a depth of more than 350 feet.

BELIZE

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