To follow is the latest news from Central America – including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. For further information please contact Cristina Cunchillos at Latina Marketing on 020 7704 8485 or email cristina@latinamarketing.com. 

UNESCO declares Costa Rica's Diquis Stones a World Heritage Site

The mysterious stone spheres crafted by the pre-Columbian Diquis peoples in the Osa Peninsula, in the southern region of Costa Rica, have been granted World Heritage recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The archaeological sites Finca 6, Batambal, El Silencio, and Grijalba-2 in the Diquís Delta in the Osa canton are considered unique examples of the complex social, economic and political systems of the period between 500-1500 AD. The perfect spherical quality of the stones, along with their number and density marked them as signs of a complex pre-Columbian society, said UNESCO in a statement.

Costa Rica now boasts four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country including the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserve/National Park, Cocos Island National Park and the Guanacaste Conservation Area.

El Salvador presents its new tourism plan

The Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador has presented its new strategy to help increase the number of visitors to the country, as well as the length of time and money they spend, and to improve their level of satisfaction with the destination. The new plan includes actions that respect the environment and involve the local community, as well as better training and incentives for tourism businesses.

Guatemala targets weddings and honeymoons market

The Guatemala Tourist Board (INGUAT) has developed a new strategy to position the country as an ideal destination for weddings and honeymoons, promoting destinations such as Lake Atilan, Rio Dulce, Guatemala City, Peten and the Pacific Coast. Newlyweds can enjoy good weather, a tropical environment, and a wide range of activities to be enjoyed with family and friends.

New Maya Museum in Honduras

Visitors to Honduras can now learn more about the country's Maya heritage at the new Maya Museum of El Puente Archaeological Park in the town of La Jigua, just five kilometres from Copan, Honduras' most important Maya site. The new gallery has an important collection of artwork from the Late Maya Classic Period (600-800 AD), distributed in four rooms. The opening of the museum was possible thanks to a US$12 million investment from the Japanese government.

New airport for Ometepe

A new airport opened on the island of Ometepe in Nicaragua in May, following an investment of US$12 million. The new airport is suitable for small aircraft with capacity for up to 42 passengers, and will facilitate the arrival of more tourists to Ometepe, one of Nicaragua's top attractions, famous for its twin volcanoes, Madera and Concepcion. Local airline La Costeña will be amongst the first to use the new facilities, flying twice a week.

Panama prepares to celebrate Canal Centenary

The countdown to the Centenary of the Panama Canal has started. A programme of special events and exhibitions has been taking place throughout the country from the beginning of the year, and will culminate in a special ceremony on 15 August.

From May to July 2014, a traveling interactive and educational exhibition, "Experience the Centenary of the Canal", will allow as many Citizens as possible throughout Panama to learn more about the Canal. In August, five short films telling relevant moments in the history of Panama connected to the Canal will be presented. Finally, a special gala ceremony with musicals and theatre telling the story of the construction of the canal, the battle to get it back to Panama and its widening and deepening work, will be held on 15 August and shown on national TV.