WELCOME TO CENTRAL AMERICA

Connected geographically to North America and culturally to Mexico and South America, this isthmus of seven beautiful countries is a literal bridge between the two. In this subcontinent that floats between worlds, everything here is, in a word, diverse: the rainforested volcanic landscape; the mestizo heritage of European and Native American roots; the variety of foods that springs from fertile ground.

Don't just sample but savor chocolate where it was first cultivated by the ancient Mayans. Put on your most adventurous sandals and see if you can identify even close to the 8,000 different plant species in this region's forests. Turn your face skyward to taste clean water as it permeates the dense canopy of the tropical rainforest. Or, head for the surf and sand.