It is a wonder why both Nicaragua and Panama remain in the shadow of their neighbour, Costa Rica, which is sandwiched between these two diverse nations. Sure, Costa Rica deserves much of its glory as a Central American hotspot and ecotourism destination, but if you would rather experience the raw beauty of nature in a more off-the-beaten path environment, then Panama and Nicaragua are the answer.
Each of these countries has been stable for many years, (didn’t you know?) and there is much to explore besides that Canal. Panama is a world-class birding destination. Nicaragua is home to a rare freshwater shark, and each of these countries offer plenty of adventure packed options with everything between them, from rainforests and cloud forests to isolated beaches and active volcanoes.
So what is it of volcanoes that is so fascinating? Volcanoes are both soothing and ominous. The landscape around them is often the most fertile soil and a perfect environment to create lush green forests, or for growing coffee, tobacco and other crops. Yet at the same time, we know it is the volcanic eruptions themselves that create these idyllic paradise settings for us to enjoy.
The “Ring of Fire” is the term used to describe an area of frequent volcanic activity and earthquakes that forms around the Pacific Ocean. And no, it is not just over in Japan. Arcs of volcanoes and deep trenches encircle the Pacific Ocean all the way from New Zealand, up through Asia, Across to North America and down to South America. Over 75% of the world’s volcanoes are found along this ring of fire! Many of these volcanoes are active today, and a great source to check out volcanic activity around the world is the University of North Dakota’s
Volcano World website.
It is no surprise that a chain of volcanoes has formed in Central America. Without getting too technical, and getting into the science of continental drift and plate tectonics, the region is essentially being squished. The movement of the earth’s crust has formed the Middle America trench in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Central America. As this ocean floor moves towards Central America it collides with the land, creating fractures in the earths crust that result in the prominent earthquakes and volcanic activity throughout Central America.
These colliding earth plates have given rise to many popular volcanoes including Pacaya Volcano, which can be seen with its smoking caldera from the city of Antigua, Guatemala. In Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano is a popular stop for travellers going through La Fortuna. If you’re lucky and get clear weather, you can see the lava streams flowing down the sides of the volcano at night. On enchanting Ometepe Island in Nicaragua, you can hike up the active Concepcion Volcano for a bird’s eye view of the island and lake. You can also head up Baru volcano, high above the surrounding lands for a chance to see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Panama.
Of these volcanic creations, Ometepe Island is perhaps the most unique in Central America, as it is both an Island and a Volcano, actually two volcanoes, formed in the middle of Lake Nicaragua. Surrounded by a freshwater lake, Ometepe is a tropical oasis, with dense vegetation, excellent farming lands, and a rich history. The island has been inhabited for as long as 4000 years, and is dotted with rock art, or petroglyphs. More than 70 sites and 2000 petroglyphs have been recorded to date. The island has been inhabited and re-inhabited numerous times over the years, and because of its isolation from mainland Nicaragua, many islanders are happy to lead relatively sustainable lives through fishing, farming and living off the land. To the locals, Nicaraguans from the mainland are sometimes seen as foreigners and even through the politically turbulent times in the 1980s and early 1990s, Ometepe Island remained relatively undisturbed by the events and problems that once tarnished the image of mainland Nicaragua.
See for yourself what the “Ring of Fire” has created in Central America. Adventure tourism to both Nicaragua and Panama has been on the rise, but there is still plenty of time to hit Ometepe Island or Baru volcano before the crowds catch on to these Central American hotspots.
Drop by Ometepe Island in Nicaragua on one of these trips:
Nicaragua - Volcanoes & Islands
Volcano Trail
Stop by Panama and Baru volcano:
Panama Experience
Great Mexico & Central American Journey
G.A.P Adventures supports Lonely Planet and National Passport Month
Be sure to check out the special events being held in Chicago, New York and San Francisco for the Lonely Planet "Passport to the World" Festivals. G.A.P Adventures will be in Chicago and New York, so drop by and chat with us, and maybe win a free trip! Do your part to help the program…spread the word about the importance of getting a passport, and sign the online petition. Tickets to the Festivals are only $15, so come on out!
New York - Sept 22 from 7PM - 3AM
@ Spirit Club, 542 West 27th
Chicago - Sept 24 from 7PM - 2AM
@ Park West 322 W. Armitage
San Francisco - Sept 30 from 7PM - 3AM
@ Mezzanine 444 Jessie Street
Online sweepstakes entries starting in mid-September -
win a G.A.P Adventures trip!
Postcards from the Edge: Battling Baru
Our own Eileen Cameron recently went tromping through Panama on our "Panama Experience" trip. She gives us a little taste of Panama with her story about a 12-hr journey that starts with a Russian Lada and ends up at the top of Panama...
There is always an appeal to climbing to a high point and observing the view. This time our destination was the highest volcano in Panama, Baru. Our adventure started at midnight on a cool evening in Boquete. At the last minute two Brazilians who were staying in the same hotel as us, had caught wind of our plans and decided to join us on our mission. The first challenge therefore was getting 7 adults into our guide’s 4WD Russian Lada, a small 2 door hatchback. Quite the spectacle, we managed to get all of our limbs inside and off we set up the foothills of Volcan Baru. The path was far from smooth, there were big rocks and potholes to conquer and the little Lada made a valiant effort, taking the best part of an hour to chug 11km from Boquete to the start point of our climb.
About 1am we set off, flashlights in one hand, bamboo poles in the other. It was a lovely night for hiking, the earlier rain had cleared the sky leaving a star speckled trail above and our flashlights helped us avoid obstacles underfoot. Every now and then we would round a corner and view a beautiful view of the sleeping town in the valley below. With 13km of uphill slog ahead of us, the best method was slowly and surely with the odd break for refreshments. We couldn’t stop for long however as the cool air would cause our muscles to cramp. About 5am we saw the first fingers of light steal across the landscape and the summit, still appeared at a distance. Our guide lent me gloves as the increasing altitude the cold was playing havoc with my circulation, in spite of the wind proof jacket and toque that I had brought along. About 7am I made it to the summit 3475m, having observed the sunrise en route. The view was breathtaking and we were able to observe both the Pacific and Caribbean and as time went on and the clouds burned off exposing lush green forest below us.
Six hours of hiking had taken its toll, and as we let our muscles rest we were touched by the kindness of the workers from the radio repeater station at the summit who brought us some lovely warm coffee to enjoy as we took in the view. It was a perfect start to the day, the sense of accomplishment, a beautiful view and that dull ache in your muscles you get having done something strenuous yet worthwhile. An hour or so later we started our descent, muscles flagging yet spirits high. Because we had ascended in the dark, the terrain was unfamiliar to us, now by daylight, it was as if we were conquering new ground. As fatigue set in and our sleepless bodies trekked on, it seemed as if our mind was playing tricks on us because with each corner it seemed we must be getting closer to the car, however the trail continued to stretch out ahead of us. Finally about 1pm we made it back to the car, 27km later and having reached the peak of 3475m. Although our bodies cried out for sleep we forced ourselves to head to the local hot springs to ease our muscles before finally hitting the hay for some much deserved rest.
Eileen Cameron,
Central America Operations Manager
Panama Experience
Great Mexico & Central American Journey
Share your interesting travel stories with us: editor@gap.ca. We might print it for all to enjoy.
Where in the World?
Our latest winner is Mike Purinton from Saint John, New Brunswick! He was the first of many to guess correctly that the photos in the last edition of
bridging the gap were from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Taxco, Mexico. Nice going Mike!
For your chance to win a G.A.P Adventures discount voucher and t-shirt,
guess where these two shots were taken. Don’t forget to include your mailing address along with your submission, or you won’t get your prizes!
The G.A.P Adventures Top 5: Central American Hotspots
Central America may be a thin strip of land that is overlooked by many a traveller, but this little area has so much diversity, and adventure options, it is easy to spend a couple months there and still be left wanting more. A great beach, an active volcano, charming city or a lush rainforest are always just a short bus ride away in "Central". Here is a short list of top spots to consider for your next trip…
5 -
Lake Atitlan & Panajachel, Guatemala
Here you've got an idyllic lake surrounded by mountains and volcanoes and charming little towns and villages. In Panajachel, the food is great, and the shopping is even better. Colourful Guatemalan markets line the streets, a great place to pick up some souvenirs. For exploring, take a boat ride out on the lake, or challenge yourself with an early-morning volcano climb.
4 -
Bocas del Toro, Panama
An archipelago of only six islands, most of which do not have roads or other services. These islands are a tropical paradise, covered in rainforest, and home to a variety of unique birdlife and wildlife. The amazing beaches are soft, white sand, and the water is warm…great snorkelling, diving and swimming!
3 -
Antigua, Guatemala
A friendly, Spanish colonial city, Antigua is rich in history…and adventure. From great restaurants serving virtually any kind of food you can imagine, to lively markets and night-life, the city of Antigua is fun on its own. But you can head out to the city limits and climb Pacaya volcano, or go mountain biking for a little extra excitement.
2 -
Roatan Island, Honduras
The Bay Islands, and Roatan have long been known as a diving paradise. Lessons and certification for beginners are cheaper here than just about anywhere else, and advanced divers have plenty of underwater places to explore as well. There are some fantastic beaches here too for people that prefer to lie around, sipping smoothies. You can even dive or swim with dolphins in the ocean. All-you-can-eat lobster dinners are pretty tasty too!
1 -
Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
Now this is paradise. An island, in the middle of a freshwater lake, covered in dense forest and formed by two towering volcanoes. Once you arrive on this island, you feel like a true adventurer with the volcanoes looming in the distance. Hiking and horseback riding are not to be missed here. Challenge yourself as much as you want. Maybe just a hike to a remote rainforest waterfall? Or perhaps to the top of one of the volcanoes?
Red Hunt, Editor
