There are a few places in the world that promise unique experiences for lovers of diving, snorkeling, and marine life, and one of them is on the Caribbean coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras: the magnificent Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

The Mesoamerican Reef is the second largest reef in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia) and the largest in the Western Hemisphere, extending approximately 625 miles (1,000 kilometers) from the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to the Bay Islands on the northern coast of Honduras.

Throughout this reef system are vast expanses of coastal wetlands, seagrass pastures, lagoons, mangrove forests, beaches, and dunes. These ecosystems are home to a rich biodiversity that includes 65 species of stony corals, 350 species of mollusks, more than 500 species of fish, and one of the largest manatee populations in the world. In addition, on the reef and in its surroundings live many endangered species such as leatherback sea turtles, West Indian manatees, black coral, and marine crocodiles, and seasonally it is also home to the largest aggregation of whale sharks worldwide.

This rich biodiversity and the beauty of the landscapes created by the reef's ecosystems make it a great tourist attraction. An estimated one in five people living on Caribbean coastlines is employed in tourism, an industry that is among the primary sources of income in these countries.

For starters, travelers can enjoy beautiful, fine white sand beaches that are products of the disintegrated remains of corals, calcareous algae, and other reef organisms. Tourists can also explore the coastal wetlands and mangroves of this reef, which serve as the nursery for many species of fish and provide an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife on canoeing and kayaking excursions.

However, scuba diving is the way that tourists can best experience the reef in all of its splendor. The warm, shallow, crystal clear waters of the coast bordering the Mesoamerican Reef offer impressive visibility of the hundreds of multicolored fish, turtles, manatees, and other marine species, as well as many types of coral.

Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Costa Maya are some of Mexico's most popular sites for diving. In Belize, the biggest attraction is the Blue Hole; considered one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, it is located in Lighthouse Atoll and consists of a system of underwater caves and passages with stalactite formations dating to the last ice age. On the Caribbean side of Guatemala, the port of Livingston is popular for diving directly offshore and in the nearby Belize Cays. Finally, Honduras boasts sites such as Tela, Cayos Cochinos, Puerto Cortes and the Bay Islands (Roatán, Guanaja and Utila).

Sadly, the Mesoamerican Reef faces major threats caused by pollution, over exploitation of resources, and uncontrolled coastal development, among others. For this reason, and because of its immense importance for wildlife and the economy, the countries near the reef have created several national parks and protected areas to help conserve it. Some of these are Cozumel Reefs National Park, the Belize Barrier Reef, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, and the Cayos Cochinos Marine Park.

Similarly, initiatives such as the Mesoamerican Reef Tourism Initiative (MARTI) and several community projects aim to implement best sustainable tourism practices to reduce the negative impact of tourism activities on the wonderful Mesoamerican Reef.

If you want to experience the reef responsibly, search our listing for sustainable hotels and tour operators on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.

This entry was posted on November 13, 2012 at 12:28 PM and has received 1058 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

The magnificent resplendent quetzal is a creature of legends. This spectacular bird played an important role in Mesoamerican mythology; it was worshipped by the Aztecs and Mayas as the god of the air and closely associated with Quetzalcoatl, the powerful god of creation. For many years, it was believed that they could not be held in captivity, for a resplendent quetzal would usually kill itself soon after being caged – which led to its becoming a traditional symbol of liberty and freedom.

Today, the resplendent quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala. Travelers can find them living in the cloud forests of Central America, singing their soft and mellow call. The resplendent quetzal is threatened throughout its range, due primarily to deforestation.

For a list of sustainable birdwatching destinations in Central America, click here.

This entry was posted on October 23, 2012 at 1:38 PM and has received 1611 views. There are currently 3 comments. Print this entry.

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Central America and Mexico contain a rich tapestry of history, culture, and nature built from the various indigenous civilizations that first inhabited the region, before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores in the Americas. This Spanish heritage is visible today in the regional cuisine, an exquisite fusion of local ingredients with those brought from the old country.

The same holds true with architecture – in most of these countries, beautiful colonial cities have become very popular tourist destinations, because they offer a unique opportunity to travel back into history. They can see bits of Spain in the narrow cobblestone streets, large plazas, houses with interior terraces and gardens, beautiful cathedrals, convents and monasteries, and even carriages and horses that share the road with automobiles.

Here are some of the most well-known colonial cities in Central America and Mexico – all are amazing destinations to discover:

Mexico

Oaxaca, Merida, Puebla, Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende, San Cristobal de las Casas, and Morelia are some of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico. Many of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites because they preserve infrastructure from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Rich in colonial ruins and monuments that are still well preserved, these towns are also home to Mexican art and folklore.

Guatemala

Antigua is the best example of a colonial city in Guatemala. Founded in the 16th century, it was the capital city of the Kingdom of Guatemala, the Spanish colonial government that controlled southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. The city was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, but its main monuments still stand, and many are open to the public. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Honduras

Comayagua, Valle de Angeles, Ojojona, San Antonio de Oriente, Santa Lucia, Santa Rosa de Copan, the Copan Ruins, La Esperanza, Tegucigalpa, and Gracias are the best examples of the colonial architectural heritage in Honduras. They are located in the middle of the mountainous highland areas of the country, as these sites were ideal, safe places to build the forts that today still dominate the landscape of these cities.

El Salvador

Santa Ana, Suchitoto, and Panchimalco are key colonial destinations in El Salvador. Along their cobblestone streets are Baroque and even Gothic-style churches, such as the imposing Cathedral of Santa Ana. Suchitoto is said to be very similar to Antigua Guatemala, with its colorful houses, cobbled streets, large plaza, and church, but with fewer tourists.

Nicaragua

Leon and Granada, Nicaragua, were named after Spanish cities and both are emblems of the colonial period in the country. Granada is a very colorful and lively city, with a large cathedral and park, a walkway, and boardwalk filled with tourists who walk on foot or ride in traditional carriages. Leon has several 17th and 18th century churches, as well as the outstanding ruins of León Viejo, one of the first cities established in America which has been declared a World Heritage Site. This ancient city was buried in ash after the eruption of the Momotombo volcano.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica does not have as many colonial cities as the rest of Central America. Nicoya is considered the oldest colonial city in the country, since the parish church was presumably built in 1522, but Cartago was actually the country's main colonial seat. Today few traces remain from this period.

Find sustainable hotels near these colonial cities at SustainableTrip.org.

This entry was posted on October 16, 2012 at 11:10 AM and has received 1211 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

The Mundo Maya, or Mayan World, consists of the modern day countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. This year, the entire world has been captivated by the prophecies of the ancient Mayan civilization. According to the Mayan calendar, December 21, 2012 marks the world's rebirth: the end of a 5,125 year cycle and the beginning of a new era. What does this mean? Well, for travelers, it means that 2012 is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the special year-long celebrations and discover the mysterious and beautiful Mundo Maya firsthand.

Read on for our 5 tips to make the most of your trip to the Mundo Maya in 2012!

1) Hidden history

There are many world-famous Mayan sites to explore, but did you know that there are also tons of lesser-known ruins tucked deep in the jungle? These hidden ruins, surrounded by dense forest, where only the calls of birds and monkeys accompany you, leave quite a different impression than the crowded museum-like experience of the more popular Mayan sites. The forests of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico are full of these hidden petroglyphs (stone carvings) and pyramids, their already mysterious air compounded by the overgrown foliage and desertedness. The ruins at Calakmul in Mexico are one of the most impressive of these off-the-beaten-path destinations.

2) The early bird...

Despite the crowds, the breathtaking magnificence of the frequently visited Maya sites makes them also worth the trip. (Hey they're popular for a reason, right?) Among the most popular sites are Chichen Itza and Tulum in Mexico, Tikal in Guatemala, Copán in Honduras, and Altun Ha in Belize. When you do go, make sure you arrive in the morning – the earlier, the better. For one, you'll beat the majority of the tourist traffic, and second, you'll avoid the oppressive afternoon heat. As an added bonus, you're far more likely to see wildlife in the morning, as most animals retreat into the shade to escape the midday sun.

3) Consider your impact

Keep in mind that the Mayan ruins you'll be visiting are thousands of years old and are thus in varying degrees of deterioration. One person climbing on the stone may not cause any visible damage, but the sum of millions of tourists stepping on the same spots each year eventually causes noticeable erosion. To make these amazing sites last for generations to come, make sure to respect all roped off areas and signs. And don't gripe about the nominal fee you may have to pay to enter the park – that money goes directly to protecting and preserving these cultural landmarks, so be proud of the contribution you're making!

4) The Mundo Maya lives!

The Mayan World isn't just a relic of the past -- it still lives on in the descendants of this ancient civilization, who still practice some of their ancestors' traditions to this day. Engage with them, learn from them, and you'll see the Mundo Maya come alive! You can learn about Mayan customs, sacred shamanic rituals, cosmology, medicinal plants, and traditional recipes. Some groups even offer travelers a chance to participate in activities such as spiritual ceremonies, chocolate making, and traditional healing.

5) Take a tour

If you're not an archeological expert yourself, a local guide can really enrich your experience by explaining the history and meaning behind the architecture and petroglyphs and drawing your attention to the best and most interesting spots. A tour operator can also set up the aforementioned cultural activities with local Mayan people. There is nothing wrong with being an independent traveler, but when it comes to the Mundo Maya, going on a tour can really enhance your experience – that is, IF you pick the right company. Be sure to pick a responsible tour operator that hires locally, like the ones in the SustainableTrip.org directory.

We hope you found these tips for travel in the Mundo Maya in 2012! If you're looking for environmentally and socially sustainable accommodations to book for your trip, check out some of the highlights from our directory below:

• Hotel & Bungalows Mayaland, Mexico – Built alongside the temples of Chichen Itzá on the Yucatan peninsula and within driving distance of over a dozen Mayan archeological sites, including Cobá, Tulum, Ek Balam, and Uxmal.
• Proyecto Ecoturísitco Los Robles, Mexico – Located in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve along the access route to the Calakmul archaeological zone.
• Ecolodge El Sombrero, Guatemala – An ecolodge offering tours to the famous Tikal ruins, as well as the ruins of Yaxhá, Topoxte, Nakum, Naranjo, and El Kuch.
• Black Orchid Resort, Belize – A resort near the Mayan sites of Altun Ha, Lamanai, Caracol, and Xunantunich.

This entry was posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:00 AM and has received 1782 views. There are currently 3 comments. Print this entry.

How does tropical beaches washed by turquoise waters, towering mountains draped with dense forest, colonial cities and Mayan architecture sound? If the answer is "good!", look no further than Honduras.

Thanks to its diverse geography and considerable size – it's the second largest country in Central America – Honduras holds a patchwork of varied microclimates, ecosystems, peoples and landscapes; enough variety to please any traveler. It is Central America's most mountainous country (although the only one that lacks volcanoes) and about 40% of it is covered with tropical rainforest. Its long Caribbean coastline has white sand beaches, whereas its Pacific corner has black sand beaches.

The Honduran Caribbean is known for the Bay Islands, which include the idyllic destination of Roatan. The islands are surrounded by the southern end of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second longest coral reef in the world. In addition to Roatan, the islands of Utila, Guanaja and the Cayos Cochinos are world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destinations, since their crystal clear waters are home to a wealth of marine biodiversity. They are also great places for people who just want to relax on a sunny beach, stroll through a tranquil coastal village, or listen to the tales of pirates that the locals like to tell.

The country's shorter Pacific coast has important historic sites, though few tourists venture there. Those who do will discover hidden gems such as San Lorenzo, Choluteca, and the Amapala beaches on Isla de Tigre.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Honduras has 15 national parks, 2 biosphere reserves, and 10 biological reserves that together protect a treasure trove of tropical nature. Its vast and varied wilderness areas hold opportunities for climbing mountains, paddling down white water rivers, experiencing the adrenaline rush of a canopy tour, or hiking through exuberant forests that hold amazingly varied flora and fauna.

The small city of La Ceiba, on the Caribbean coast, lies near such a wealth of natural and cultural attractions that it has been dubbed an "ecotourism capital." The verdant mountains that tower to the south of it are protected within Pico Bonito National Park, which holds lush cloud forest, rocky peaks, about 46 rivers, and countless gorgeous waterfalls. It offers perfect conditions for climbing, rafting, kayaking, hiking and horseback riding. La Ceiba also has some lovely beaches nearby, such as Corozal and Sambo Creek, where the local communities preserve the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna culture and language. Each year in late May, these towns overflow with celebration during the Gran Carnaval de la Amistad.

National parks such as La Tigra, Celaque and Cusuco, among others, provide comparably spectacular settings for various ecotourism activities. And in Honduras, you have the option of enjoying nature while learning about an ancient civilization, at the Mayan city of Copán.

Those sprawling ruins, located near the country's border with Guatemala, consist of more than 1,400 sites and 4,500 buildings that retain remnants of impressive Mayan architecture. Copán's sculpted monoliths, called "stelae," exhibit such detail and craftsmanship that it is considered one of the best places in the region to experience Mayan art. In recognition of this, UNESCO designated Copán a World Heritage Site. Among its most impressive attractions are the Archaeological Park, the sites of Las Sepulturas and Los Sapos, the Museum of Mayan Archaeology and the Museum of Mayan Sculpture.

The Spanish colonial era also left important heritage for travelers to enjoy. Comayagua, Yuscarán, Santa Rosa de Copán, Danlí and Trujillo (where Columbus landed in 1504) are among the dozens of Honduran cities with significant colonial architecture. Their cobbled streets are lined with distinctive Spanish balconies, as well as splendid churches, cathedrals, town halls and central squares.

The colonial cities also provide glimpses of the country's history as a mining center, since the Spanish priority was to exploit its mineral wealth. The churches of villages such as Yuscarán hold beautiful altars adorned with gold and silver that were extracted from abandoned nearby mines.

Yet one of the most enjoyable things about visiting Honduras is experiencing the friendliness and culture of its people – a mix of indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and Mestizo races with their varied traditions, crafts, music, and food. In each of the country's regions, you can discover different rituals, folk dances, music, and celebrations, as well as handicrafts made of wood, leather, seeds, cloth, and other natural materials.

Honduran cuisine also varies by region, though nearly every meal includes the national staples of beans and corn tortillas. Visitors can also enjoy local meats and seafood, fried plantains, or Honduran tamales – corn dough stuffed with meat and vegetables, wrapped in a banana leaf, and boiled. You can also choose from various international cuisines in most destinations.

Honduras also has large cities, where much of its population are based. The capital, Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba and Choluteca all have international hotel and restaurant chains, shopping malls, contemporary cultural centers, modern medical services, and other facilities.

Recently, the Honduran government, entrepreneurs, and local and international organizations have started working together to develop a sustainable tourism model that helps conserve Honduras's rich biodiversity, architecture, culture and history while also supporting local communities. Last year, the already established Smart Voyager program began certifying hotels in the country. Casa del Árbol Centro and Casa del Árbol Galerías, located in San Pedro Sula, are two of the first hotels recognized with this international seal and we're excited to have them featured in SustainableTrip.org.

It should come as no surprise that the slogan chosen to promote tourism in the country is: "Honduras, everything is here." Dare to discover it for yourself!

This entry was posted on February 9, 2012 at 2:01 PM and has received 3186 views. There are currently 1 comments. Print this entry.