Please find to follow the latest news from Central America – including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. 

Pre-Columbian Diquis Stone Spheres in Costa Rica nominated to become a World Heritage Site

The extraordinary Pre-Columbian Stone Spheres found on the Diquis Delta in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica have been shortlisted to become a World Heritage Site and join the three other UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country – the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserve/National Park, Cocos Island National Park and the Guanacaste Conservation Area.

The Stones Spheres are believed to have been created by the Diquis ethnic group who inhabited the area before the Spanish conquistadors arrived.  The Diquis were expert craftsmen and developed a complex style which can be appreciated in the many gold objects, pottery and sculptures found on the Diquis delta.

The big spheres remain a mystery for researchers, who cannot agree about their meaning and original use, with the predominant theory being that they were symbols of power.

New Lenca Tour in El Salvador

The Lenca Adventure is a new tour launched by the Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador that allows visitors to immerse in the culture and traditions of the communities that live in the Eastern part of the country while also enjoying outdoor adventure sports.

The name comes from the Lenca tribe that inhabited this region before the Spanish arrived.  There is a choice of three different itineraries that visitors can follow:
1. Alegría and Jiquilisco Bay, Usulutan
2. Perquín, Guatajiagua and El Mozote, Morazán
3. Intipucá and Conchagua, La Unión-Olomega, San Miguel-La Unión

As well as coming into contact with rural communities and learning about their history and the local flora and fauna, visitors will be able to enjoy different activities such as hiking, mountain biking or kayaking.

New campaign to promote Guatemala City as a tourist destination

The Guatemala Tourist Board (INGUAT) has launched a new campaign to promote the capital, Guatemala City, as a tourist destination that offers a mixture of tradition and modernity.  Visitors can wander through the historic centre, visiting the Cathedral, Constitution Square or the beautiful building of the National Palace of Culture; enjoy an exhibition at the Carlos Merida Modern Art Museum or a performance at the Miguel Angel Asturias National Theatre; go shopping or enjoy the nightlife in the Zona Viva.

Tela Bay revamps its image following opening of new resort

A new promotional campaign launched by the Honduras Tourist Board and the local government of Tela aims to position Tela Bay as one of the most important tourist destinations in Honduras.  Already popular because of its beaches, gastronomy, indigenous Garifuna community, and amazing natural spaces such as the National Parks of Janeth Kawas and Punta Izopo, the Lancetilla botanical gardens and the Texiguat wildlife refuge, Tela Bay recently became home to one of the most exclusive resorts in the region: the Indura Golf & Beach Resort.

With an investment of US$133 million, Indura Golf & Beach Resort sits on a 26 mile stretch of Tela Bay and includes 60 junior suites scattered in 15 villas interconnected by footpaths leading to a private beach, a Gary Player designed 18-hole eco-sensitive golf course, managed by Troon, and a wellness sanctuary managed by ESPA.

The name Indura is derived from the local Garifuna dialect, which simply means Honduras.  Indura is situated on Tela Bay and is part of a biological corridor that hosts hundreds of varieties of migrating birds.  The hotel is ideally nestled between two national parks: Punta Sal and Punta Izopo, with Pico Bonito National Park just an hour away by car.

On-site, guests can take advantage of water sports on the wide stretch of beach or dip into the inviting pool that includes a section specially designed for children's safety.  Guests can also snorkel, kayak, or hike the surrounding trails, or enjoy the spa sanctuary for a totally calming experience.

Indura Beach and Golf Resort is managed by Miami based TRUST Hospitality. For more information: www.induraresort.com.

Transport improvements make Panama more accessible than ever

Iberia will increase the frequency of its direct flights from Madrid to Panama from five flights a week to a daily flight from 6 July.  This increase, together with the recent addition of direct Air France flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Tocumen International Airport three times a week have strengthened the links between the old continent and the Central American region.

Transport has also improved within Panama City with the opening earlier this month of a new Metro system which allows visitors to travel quickly from the main hotel area to the Old Town, the Albrook Shopping Mall, the Seafood Market or the Cinta Costera seafront viaduct, amongst other attractions.  The new metro line runs for 13.7 kms across the city and has 12 modern stations offering ample space as well as lifts and escalators.  The air-conditioned trains have capacity for 200 people each.

For more information on Central America go to www.visitcentroamerica.com

For further information please contact Cristina Cunchillos at Latina Marketing on 020 7704 8485 or email cristina@latinamarketing.com.