Whether you want to surf in Manuel Antonio, zip-line through the Monteverde Cloud Forest, or hike around Arenal Volcano, the local Fodor's travel experts in Costa Rica are here to help! Fodor's Essential Costa Rica guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. This new edition has been fully-redesigned with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos. Fodor's “Essential” guides were named by Booklist as the Best Travel Guide Series of 2020!Fodor's Essential Costa Rica travel guide includes:AN ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE to the top things to see and doMULTIPLE ITINERARIES to effectively organize your days and maximize your timeMORE THAN 30 DETAILED MAPS and a FREE PULL-OUT MAP to help you navigate confidentlyCOLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust!HONEST RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LOCALS on the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shopping, performing arts, activities, side-trips, and morePHOTO-FILLED “BEST OF” FEATURES on “Best Beaches,” “Best Eco-Lodges,” “Best Outdoor Adventures,” “Best Surfing,” and moreTRIP-PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS including when to go, getting around, beating the crowds, and saving time and moneyHISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTS providing rich context on the local people, politics, art, architecture, cuisine, music, geography and moreSPECIAL FEATURES on “Ecotourism in Costa Rica,” “Weddings and Honeymoons in Costa Rica,” “What to Watch and Read Before You Visit,” and “What to Eat and Drink” LOCAL WRITERS to help you find the under-the-radar gemsSpanish-LANGUAGE PRIMERS with useful words and essential phrasesUP-TO-DATE COVERAGE ON: San Jose, Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Cara National Park, Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forests, Guanacaste, surfing, beaches, sloth sanctuaries, and morePlanning on visiting Belize? Check out Fodor's Belize.*Important note for digital editions: The digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition.ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor's has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. For more travel inspiration, you can sign up for our travel newsletter at fodors.com/newsletter/signup, or follow us @FodorsTravel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join our friendly community of travel experts at fodors.com/community to ask any other questions and share your experience with us! Read more

Lace up your hiking boots for the next in Lonely Planet’s highly successful Epic Hikes series, this time exploring 50 of the Americas’ most rewarding treks and trails. From Canada's longest hut-to-hut hike, the Sunshine Coast Trail, to a descent through Havasu Canyon in the USA, and the Santa Cruz Trail of northern Peru, we cover a huge variety of themes and experiences across routes that range from one-day walks to multi-day treks. Each of the featured hikes includes:First-person accounts from writers who have completed the hikeChallenge level grading: easy / harder / epicInspirational photography, maps and practical information to follow in the writer’s footstepsOrientation toolkit: when is the best time of year to hike, how to get there, special equipment requiredExpert travel advice: where to stay, recommended tours, the best places to eatSuggestions for similar hikes50 epic hikes across the Americas, including:The Chilkoot Trail, Alaska (USA)Joshua Tree Trail, California (USA)Highline Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana (USA)Halawa Valley, Hawaii (USA)Wonderland Trail, Washington (USA) Huemul Circuit, Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Argentina)The Black Rock Lodge Summit Hike (Belize)Wild Pacific Trail (Canada)Isla Navarino (Chile)Tayrona National Park (Colombia)Corcovado National Park (Costa Rica)Comandancia de la Plata and Pico Turquino (Cuba)Boiling Lake Hike (Dominica)Quilotoa Loop (Ecuador)The Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland)Camino del Cobre (Mexico)Santa Cruz Trail (Peru)With a vibrant cover illustrated by Ross Murray, this beautiful hardback continues this collectible series. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a novice embarking on your very first trek, or looking for a gift to suit an adventurer in your life, Epic Hikes of the Americas will inspire a lifetime of epic journeys on foot. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and phrasebooks for 120 languages, and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, videos, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day. 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' – New York Times'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' – Fairfax Media (Australia) Read more

Whether you want to dive the Blue Hole, explore Mayan ruins, or go cave tubing, the local Fodor’s travel experts in Belize are here to help! Fodor’s Belize guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. This new edition has been fully-redesigned with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos. Fodor’s Belize includes:AN ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE to the top things to see and doMULTIPLE ITINERARIES to effectively organize your days and maximize your timeMORE THAN 20 DETAILED MAPS to help you navigate confidentlyCOLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust!UP-TO-DATE and HONEST RECOMMENDATIONS for the best sights, restaurants, hotels, activities, side-trips, and morePHOTO-FILLED “BEST OF” FEATURES on “Best Diving and Snorkeling Sites,” “Top Mayan Ruins,” and “Best Ways to See Wildlife in Belize”TRIP-PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS on when to go, getting around, beating the crowds, and saving time and moneySPECIAL FEATURE on “Know Before You Go” and “How to Do Belize Off the Beaten Path”HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTS providing rich context on the local people, cuisine, geography and moreLOCAL WRITERS to help you find the under-the-radar gemsUP-TO-DATE COVERAGE ON: the Blue Hole, Glover’s Reef, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Barton Creek Cave, Placencia, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Caracol, Altun Ha, Shark Ray Alley, a side trip to Guatemala, and morePlanning on visiting Mexico? Check out Fodor’s Cancun & the Riviera Maya.ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor’s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. For more travel inspiration, you can sign up for our travel newsletter at fodors.com/newsletter/signup, or follow us @FodorsTravel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join our friendly community of travel experts at fodors.com/community to ask any other questions and share your experience with us!*Important note for digital editions: The digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition. Read more

Lonely Planet's Belize is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Dive the Blue Hole, explore Maya villages, and discover Garifuna culture; all with your trusted travel companion.Inside Lonely Planet's Belize Travel Guide:Lonely Planet's Top Picks - a visually inspiring collection of the destination's best experiences and where to have themItineraries help you build the ultimate trip based on your personal needs and interestsLocal insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - whether it's history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, politicsEating and drinking - get the most out of your gastronomic experience as we reveal the regional dishes and drinks you have to tryToolkit - all of the planning tools for solo travelers, LGBTQIA+ travelers, family travelers and accessible travelColor maps and images throughoutLanguage - essential phrases and language tipsInsider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spotsCovers Belize District, Northern Cayes, Northern Belize, Cayo District, Southern Belize, Tikal and Flores, Guatemala and moreAbout Lonely Planet:Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures Company, is the world's number one travel guidebook brand. Providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since 1973, Lonely Planet reaches hundreds of millions of travelers each year online and in print and helps them unlock amazing experiences. Visit us at lonelyplanet.com and join our community of followers on Facebook (facebook.com/lonelyplanet), Twitter (@lonelyplanet), Instagram (instagram.com/lonelyplanet), and TikTok (@lonelyplanet).'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveler's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.'  Fairfax Media (Australia) Read more

"This incredible cookbook is truly extraordinary" – Gordon Ramsay"An epic tribute to the many beautiful cultures and communities of Latin America" – José AndrésA Travel + Leisure Best Fall 2021 CookbookThe most comprehensive and varied selection of recipes ever published from one of the most fascinating and diverse regions of the world – under the tutelage of globally renowned Peruvian chef, Virgilio MartínezRarely has the incredible range of cuisines from Mexico's tropical coasts to the icy islands at the foot of South America been documented as comprehensively as in this collection. Global star chef and Peruvian sensation Virgilio Martínez curates, with a personal deep dive into each region's food culture, culinary delicacies, and local ingredients. The result: more than 600 remarkable recipes that bring to life the vibrancy of Latin America and its myriad influences - indigenous, European, Asian, and beyond. Discover traditional and popular recipes for home cooks from Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela, with dishes ranging from iconic - Empanadas, Tamales, Arepas, Tortillas, Quesadillas, and Tacos - to lesser-known specialties - Chilean Disco Fries, Nicaraguan Squash Stew, and Ecuadorian Easter Soup. Read more

Whether you want to snorkel around one of the colorful coral reefs in Bonaire, explore historic Nelson‘s Dockyard on Antigua, or shop ‘til you drop in St. Thomas, the local Fodor‘s travel experts in Caribbean cruise ports are here to help! Fodor‘s Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call guidebook is packed with maps, carefully curated recommendations, and everything else you need to simplify your trip-planning process and make the most of your time. This new edition has been fully-redesigned with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos.Fodor‘s Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call travel guide includes:AN ILLUSTRATED ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES GUIDE to the top things to see and do on your cruiseMORE THAN 60 DETAILED MAPS to help you navigate confidentlyCOLOR PHOTOS throughout to spark your wanderlust!HONEST RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LOCALS on the best sights, restaurants, shopping, activities, and morePHOTO-FILLED “BEST OF” FEATURES on “Best Under-the-Radar Cruise Ports in the Caribbean,” “How to Avoid the Crowds in the Top Cruise Ports,” “The Caribbean's Best Outdoor Activities,” and moreTRIP-PLANNING TOOLS AND PRACTICAL TIPS including getting around, beating the crowds, and saving time and moneyHISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTS providing rich context on the local people, politics, art, architecture, cuisine, music, geography and moreSPECIAL FEATURES on “Flavors of the Caribbean,” and “Best Caribbean Souvenirs” LOCAL WRITERS to help you find the under-the-radar gemsUP-TO-DATE COVERAGE ON: Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Grenada Guadeloupe, Martinique, Montego Bay, Nassau, Nevis, Ocho Rios, Roatan, San Juan, Santo Domingo, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Virgin GordaPlanning on spending more time in the Caribbean? Check out Fodor‘s Essential Caribbean, Fodor‘s Cancun & the Riviera Maya, and Fodor‘s InFocus Cayman Islands.*Important note for digital editions: The digital edition of this guide does not contain all the images or text included in the physical edition.ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor‘s has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. For more travel inspiration, you can sign up for our travel newsletter at fodors.com/newsletter/signup, or follow us @FodorsTravel on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We invite you to join our friendly community of travel experts at fodors.com/community to ask any other questions and share your experience with us! Read more

Whether you're zip-lining through cloud forests, relaxing on a wellness retreat, or swimming with manta rays, discover the real pura vida with Moon Costa Rica. Inside you'll find:Flexible, strategic itineraries designed for backpackers, beach-lovers, adventure travelers, honeymooners, and more, including the best beaches for swimming, sunsets, and seclusionThe best spots for eco-friendly outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, and scuba-diving: Swim under a waterfall, raft over rapids, explore mysterious caves, and cliff-dive into river pools. Hike to the summit of Mount Chirripó, the highest point in Costa Rica, snorkel with sea turtles in warm turquoise water, or soak in a volcanic mineral poolUnique and authentic experiences: Admire the forest floor from the middle of a hanging bridge, or take an aerial tram to lake, volcano, and ocean views. Relax on a pristine beach and watch the sunrise with a cup of flavorful local coffee. Fill up on fried plantains at a traditional soda, and shop at a neighborhood mercadoInsight from Cartago local Nikki Solano on how to experience Costa Rica like an insider, support local and sustainable businesses, avoid crowds, and respectfully engage with the cultureFull-color photos and detailed maps throughoutHelpful resources on COVID-19 and traveling to Costa RicaBackground information on Costa Rica's landscape, history, and cultural customs, as well as volunteer opportunitiesHandy tools including a Spanish phrasebook, packing suggestions, and travel tips for disability access, solo travelers, seniors, and LGBTQ travelersWith Moon's practical tips and local know-how, you can experience Costa Rica your way.Exploring more of Central America? Check out Moon Belize.  About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media. Read more

The Indignities of Coach Class, the Torments of Low Thread Count, the Never-Ending Quest for Artisanal Olive Oil, and Other First World Problems.David Rakoff's collection of autobiographical essays, Fraud, established him as one of our funniest, most insightful writers. In Don't Get Too Comfortable, Rakoff journeys into the land of plenty that is contemporary America. Rarely have greed, vanity, selfishness, and vapidity been so mercilessly and wittily portrayed. Whether contrasting the elegance of one of the last flights of the supersonic Concorde with the good times and chicken wings of Hooters Air, portraying the rarified universe of Paris fashion shows where an evening dress can cost as much as four years of college, or traveling to a private island off the coast of Belize to watch a soft-core Playboy TV shoot, where he is provided with his very own personal manservant, David Rakoff takes us on a bitingly funny grand tour of our culture of excess, delving into the manic getting and spending that defines the North American way of life.Somewhere along the line, our healthy self-regard has exploded into obliterating narcissism, and Rakoff is there to map that frontier. He sits through the grotesqueries of “avant garde” vaudeville in Times Square immediately following 9/11. Twenty days without food allows him to experience firsthand the wonders of “detoxification”, and the frozen world of cryonics, whose promise of eternal life is the ultimate status symbol, leaves him very cold indeed (much to our good fortune). At once a Wildean satire of our ridiculous culture of overconsumption and a plea for a little human decency, Don't Get Too Comfortable is a bitingly funny grand tour of our special circle of gilded-age hell. Read more

“The first time we came here I didn’t know what to expect,” she told me as we paddled upstream. “What we found just blew me away. Jaguars, pumas, river otters, howler monkeys. The place was like a Noah’s Ark for all the endangered species driven out of the rest of Central America. There was so much life! That expedition was when I first saw the macaws.”As a young woman, Sharon Matola lived many lives. She was a mushroom expert, an Air Force survival specialist, and an Iowa housewife. She hopped freight trains for fun and starred as a tiger tamer in a traveling Mexican circus. Finally she found her one true calling: caring for orphaned animals at her own zoo in the Central American country of Belize. Beloved as “the Zoo Lady” in her adopted land, Matola became one of Central America’s greatest wildlife defenders. And when powerful outside forces conspired with the local government to build a dam that would flood the nesting ground of the last scarlet macaws in Belize, Sharon Matola was drawn into the fight of her life. In The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw, award-winning author Bruce Barcott chronicles Sharon Matola’s inspiring crusade to stop a multinational corporation in its tracks. Ferocious in her passion, she and her confederates–a ragtag army of courageous locals and eccentric expatriates–endure slander and reprisals and take the fight to the courtroom and the boardroom, from local village streets to protests around the world. As the dramatic story unfolds, Barcott addresses the realities of economic survival in Third World countries, explores the tension between environmental conservation and human development, and puts a human face on the battle over globalization. In this marvelous and spirited book, Barcott shows us how one unwavering woman risked her life to save the most beautiful bird in the world. "Barcott’s compelling narrative is suspenseful right up to the last moment." –Publisher's Weekly"An engrossing but sad account of a brave and quirky champion of nature."–Kirkus“…A riveting account of one woman’s fight to save one of the last bastions of an endangeredSpecies. . . Barcott writes of international politics, ecology and endangered species, and human relations with equal facility. This real page-turner of narrative nonfiction is hard to put down.”–Booklist

Mikkel Thorup draws on his 20+ years of overseas experience to bring you a complete guide to living overseas, saving money on taxes, obtaining a second passport and travelling the world as an Expat. This book will save you years of trial and error and will give you a comprehensive blueprint for planting flags around the globe. If Secret Vaults in Asia, Offshore Bank Accounts in Belize, Hardwood Plantations in Central America, Real Estate in China and Business Class Travel around the world excite you, then this is the book for you.Expat Secrets is filled with timeless knowledge stemming from his travels to more than 100 countries Mikkel brings you a No-BS approach to the offshore markets.See what others in the offshore markets are saying about Expat Secrets:"In 'Expat Secrets' Mikkel elegantly describes the many benefits that accrue to those that choose their country of residence and provides practical and timely tips and examples for doing so... this book is a game changer!" - Gregor Gregersen, Founder of Silver Bullion Pte ltd.“A huge thanks to Mikkel for a clearly written, concise description of the international experience as lived by a true global pioneer. Especially refreshing is the chapter on the benefits of raising children overseas. As the father of two 3rd culture kids, I can personally assure you that no education expands the mind more than growing up overseas.” - Michael K. Cobb - Chairman and CEO – ECI Development"Having incorporated hundreds of companies for clients over the last 7 years, this book is very helpful for those that are starting out" Edmund John Lowell - Founder, FlagTheory Website Read more

Belize FAQs is dedicated to providing well-researched, accurate information to anyone who is thinking about moving to Belize. The author, Mark Furr, is a self-confessed news nerd and research geek, so when he decided to look into moving to Belize, he spent over a year reading everything he could find online about the country and how to go about moving there. Prior to his first visit, he also followed dozens of Facebook Groups and other Belize-related forums.With all of this research on Belize, what Mark discovered was that many of the sources he found online provided contradictory information, and much of the information was also woefully out of date. After he had made the move to Belize and started working on things like getting the license needed to run vacation rental apartments, getting a permit to operate a golf cart in San Pedro, opening a bank account, getting a Trade License for the rental business, working towards Permanent Residency, and a number of other official things, he quickly realized that a great deal of what he had learned in advance of his move, even from government sites, differed from what actually happens in practice.Having spent much of his adult life working overseas, he decided to publish a Blog, Belize FAQs, dedicated to offering a minor correction to the overly rosy scenarios about Belize he often saw painted by many who are involved in the real estate business in the country.Here in Belize FAQs, Mark assembles the several years of research he has conducted on all matters concerning moving to, and living in Belize. He answers the most common questions from potential expats which he has found in the Belize forums online for the past several years.And he offers a mix of the official line on many matters concerning moving to Belize, with the experienced reality of having moved to Belize, bought and completely renovated a building in San Pedro, started a business, gained Permanent Residency, sold his first Belize property by owner, and then having bought a home in Corozal, and moving from an island to the Belize mainland.In short, Mark says, "As a former writer and editor in the education sector, I guess that I just needed to produce a book, something that felt more robust than a series of blog posts online, so I have tried to put together the book on moving to Belize that I wish someone had written when I was doing my research before moving here. I hope that you will find it helpful!" Read more

Belize has SO much to offer - but where do you start? SURE you want to snorkel with sting ray and sharks, of course, you want to see the Blue Hole but there is so much more that makes Ambergris Caye magic. For this author, it is the small things that made her fall in love with Belize’s most popular destination, Ambergris Caye. Little BIG Experiences.50 Big Experiences gives you the inside scoop on:Golf cart AdventuresWhere to get the best local eats from breakfast tacos to fresh fruit popsiclesHow you can live like a localTry some DIY fly fishingAn afternoon trip to Caye CaulkerAnd lots more from someone who lives on Ambergris Caye...This humorous, informational, tips and trivia-filled guide includes maps, a bonus 9 activities for your “required” afternoon trip to Caye Caulker (our sister island just 30 minutes away) and lots and lots of things to do.Small BIG experiences that will have you dreaming of returning to Belize.** Soft Copy Book available at the end of July''Rebecca Coutant takes readers off the beaten track on a local's journey through Ambergris Caye with her informative, humorous guide...a must-read for anyone visiting Belize's most popular destination. '' — Ali Wunderman, author of Frommer's guidebook to Belize Read more

Within a ten-month period, Neil Peart lost both his 19-year-old daughter, Selena, and his wife, Jackie. Faced with overwhelming sadness and isolated from the world in his home on the lake, Peart was left without direction. This memoir tells of the sense of personal devastation that led him on a 55,000-mile journey by motorcycle across much of North America, down through Mexico to Belize, and back again.Peart’s journey of self-exile and exploration chronicle his personal odyssey and include stories of reuniting with friends and family, grieving, and reminiscing. He recorded with dazzling artistry, the enormous range of his travel adventures, from the mountains to the seas, from the deserts to the Arctic ice, and the memorable people who contributed to his healing.Ghost Rider is a brilliantly written, and ultimately triumphant narrative memoir from a gifted writer and the drummer and lyricist of the legendary rock band Rush. Read more

In 1839, President Martin Van Buren sent John Lloyd Stephens as Special Ambassador to Central America.What he found was a state of civil war, but what he found on the ground would change our view of Central American civilization forever.Although his political mission was doomed from the beginning, Stephens spent the next two years exploring the wild jungles and wilderness of Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico, visiting and recording ancient Mayan sites.Many of these Mayan ruins had been visited previously but it was through the explorations and writings of John Lloyd Stephens that the wider world truly became fascinated with the civilization of the Maya peoples.Stephens records his two journeys into Mesoamerica in brilliant detail as he describes not only the beauty of ancient cities like Copán and Uxmal, along with forty-two other ancient sites, but also the trials and tribulations that he and his men faced as they cut their way through thick jungles, fought off waves of mosquitos, and avoided robberies and contracting fevers. Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan is a remarkable work of archaeological discovery. Stephens’ book is essential reading for anyone interested in the civilizations of Central America and the archaeological remains that have left behind.As well as recording a civilization that had long since passed, Stephens’ account provides insight into Central America and the people that lived there during the mid-nineteenth century as it was undergoing turbulent political change.Edgar Allan Poe described Stephens’ book as “perhaps the most interesting book of travel ever published”, and his journeys have recently been the subject of a New York Times bestseller, Jungle of Stone.John Lloyd Stephens was an American explorer, writer, and diplomat. Stephens was a pivotal figure in the rediscovery of Maya civilization throughout Middle America. His book was published in two volumes in 1841, this edition however contains both volumes in one book. After completing this work he joined the Panama Railroad Company as Vice President but was struck down by malaria in 1852. Read more

This book is a pictorial about the immense pride that the Garinagu people take in their language, customs, and cultural attire! It would make a wonderful accessory for your coffee table and a terrific conversation piece! Every year November 19th, is the day that is known as Garifuna Settlement Day, and it is a holiday in the country of Belize! This day commemorates the arrival of the Garinagu people to the shores of Belize and it is a festive occasion which usually starts with a church service or mass before the partying to the accompaniment of drums and dancing the way our ancestors celebrated from the beginning of time.

Meet brave princesses, kind giants, magical elves, and vengeful serpents in this beautifully illustrated collection of traditional tales from around the world.From African animal fables to Native American trickster tales, curious readers will find 20 spellbinding retellings of ancient stories from across the continents. Take a peek into the memories, fears, and dreams of the people who first told these stories hundreds - or even thousands - of years ago.Inside A Treasury of Traditional Tales:20 traditional tales from around the world passed down over the years and retold from authors who represent the heritage of each tale's regionImportant lessons on living your best life, facing dangers, being brave, and respecting nature can be found within the storiesArranged continent-by-continent with stunning illustrations by Bulgarian born, Finland-based artist, Teo GeorghievStories include: North America - Raven Brings Light to the World (Haida Gwaii, Canada); The Uktena's Diamond (Cherokee Nation, USA); Sisimites (Mexico); Tata Duende (Belize). South America - Nine-Night (Guyana); Iara (Brazil); Pachakamaq and Pachamama (Peru). Africa - The Spider and the Turtle (Nigeria); The Love of a Hippo (Kenya); Why the Owl Flies at Night (Zimbabwe). Europe - The Bear Princess (England); Branwen (Wales); The Seven Wishes (Sweden). Oceania - The Rainbow Serpent (Australia); Māui Discovers Fire (New Zealand); Tigilau Versus Seia (Samoa). Asia - The Merchant and the Parrot (Ancient Persia); The King, the Queen and the Bee (Ancient Israel); The King, the Beetle and the Silk Thread (India); The Magic Dragon Boat (China)A Treasury of Traditional Tales is the much-anticipated follow-up to Lonely Planet Kids' Myths and Legends of the World and Spooky Stories of the World. This is the ultimate collection of stories for readers who love tales filled with magic, mystery, travel, and adventure. Read more

Lonely Planet Central America is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Scale the Maya temples of Tikal, surf the smoothest and most uncrowded waves in Latin America, or explore the colonial charms of Granada -all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Central America and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet Central America:Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Recommendations & honest reviews - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, music, cuisine, sports, wildlife, environment, architecture, literature, cinema, current eventsCovers Mexico's Yucatan & Chiapas, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Central America is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled.About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travelers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves. Read more

Experience the Ultimate Family Adventure in San Pedro, Belize - Guaranteed to Create Unforgettable Memories for You and Your Loved Ones!As a mom who fell in love with this charming island, I'll share the real, unfiltered story of how to navigate this island with kids in tow - from the low-key snorkel spots that'll have your children squealing with delight to the local restaurants where even the pickiest eaters will find something to love.What you'll discover in this pocket travel guide for families:Our favorite kid-tested adventures, from meeting friendly nurse sharks to swimming with turtlesReal-life tips for keeping the whole family happy, from where to stay to what to eat to what to doDay trips and activities for kids to safely learn about the ecological wonder of the second-largest excellent barrier reefPersonal stories and practical advice from one parent to anotherThis vacation isn't your typical tourist guide with generic lists and sponsored recommendations. Instead, it's a collection of real experiences, honest advice, and personal stories from our family to yours.If you're ready to plan an unforgettable family adventure in San Pedro that everyone will love (even the parents and grandparents!), scroll up and click the buy button. Your family's perfect Caribbean getaway awaits! Read more

The first comprehensive field guide to the birds of Central AmericaBirds of Central America is the first comprehensive field guide to the avifauna of the entire region, including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Handy and compact, the book presents text and illustrations for nearly 1,200 resident and migrant species, and information on all rare vagrants. Two hundred sixty detailed plates on convenient facing-page spreads depict differing ages and sexes for each species, with a special focus on geographic variation. The guide also contains up-to-date range maps and concise notes on distribution, habitat, behavior, and voice. An introduction provides a brief overview of the region’s landscape, climate, and biogeography.The culmination of more than a decade of research and field experience, Birds of Central America is an indispensable resource for all those interested in the bird life of this part of the world.Detailed information on the entire avifauna of Central America260 beautiful color platesRange maps, text, and illustrations presented on convenient facing-page spreadsUp-to-date notes on distribution supported by an extensive bibliographySpecial focus on geographic variation of bird species Read more

Reveals what daily Maya life was like For two millennia, the site now known as Blue Creek in northwestern Belize was a Maya community that became an economic and political center that included some 15,000-20,000 people at its height. Fairly well protected from human destruction, the site offers the full range of city components including monumental ceremonial structures, elite and non-elite residences, ditched agricultural fields, and residential clusters just outside the core. Since 1992, a multi-disciplinary, multi-national research team has intensively investigated Blue Creek in an integrated study of the dynamic structure and functional inter-relationships among the parts of a single Maya city. Documented in coverage by National Geographic, Archaeology magazine, and a documentary film aired on the Discovery Channel, Blue Creek is recognized as a unique site offering the full range of undisturbed architectural construction to reveal the mosaic that was the ancient city. Moving beyond the debate of what constitutes a city, Guderjan’s long-term research reveals what daily Maya life was like. Read more

Reef Fish, Sport Fish, Marine Mammals, and Sea Turtles. Take this guide along with you to Belize, slip it in your pocket or pack, and you'll be able to identify the sport fish and those beautiful tropical fish. You'll be able to look up the sea turtles you see, and try to name the whales and dolphins which frequent the shores of the Caribbean Sea off Belize. Illustrations are done by two of our highly regarded artists who are specialists in their fields. Uko Gorter for marine mammals and Sea Turtles. Alina Suárez for reef and sport fish. Illustrations are accompanied by the English, Spanish, and Latin names for each critter. Highly portable waterproof full color scientifically reviewed illustrations of the diversity of Belize Wildlife. When folded, the guide is only 3.5" (9cm) by 8.75" (22 cm). It contains twelve 9cm by 22cm "pages" plus front and back cover pages, and when spread is approx. 24" (61cm) by 8.75" (22 cm) Our marine guide is the perfect companion if you're a naturalist or an adventure traveler. Read more

Ready for an Adventure?Explore Belize culture, stunning landscapes, and thrilling activities. This guide is your perfect travel buddy to make sure you see and do everything you dream of in Belize.What You'll Get:Top Things to Do: Find out the best places to visit and activities to try.Easy Itineraries: Simple plans to help you make the most of your time.Honest Tips: Get real advice on the best sights, places to eat, stay, and fun activities.Travel Tips: Learn the best times to go, how to get around, and save money.Local Insights: Discover the culture, food, and people of Belize.Hidden Gems: Find special spots only locals know about.Highlights:Best Snorkeling and Diving Spots: Check out the Blue Hole, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and more.Amazing Mayan Ruins: Visit Caracol, Altun Ha, and other ancient sites.Exciting Adventures: Go cave tubing, zip-lining, and hiking in the jungle.Family Fun: Great activities and tips for families to enjoy.Secret Spots: Explore lesser-known places for unique experiences.Don't miss out on an amazing adventure! Get your Belize Guide now and start planning your dream trip. Whether it's your first visit or you're returning, this guide will help you experience the very best of Belize.Buy your copy today and get ready for an unforgettable experience! Read more

I've lived and cruised in the Western Caribbean since 2005. This text is an attempt to document some of what I've learned about this diverse region. Hopefully it will benefit other cruisers.
These notes are intended to be supplemental to existing cruising guides to the region and should be used in conjunction with them. My intent is to provide an overview and supplemental information useful to cruising sailors, not to write a cruising or travel guide. Excellent versions of both are already readily available. I have made a deliberate effort to minimize coverage of information already available in these guides. As such I do not provide detailed information on facilities such as marinas. Please be aware of that and use these notes as a supplement to existing cruising guides.
It is best to use this guide as a framework for getting your head around the big picture of the Western Caribbean and then delve into more narrowly focused cruising guides for the details.

For coverage specific to Belize & Guatemala see my "Belize & Guatemala Cruising Notes" at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XVWQD1Y.
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Belize is an awesome cruising ground, I spent 6 years there running charters, teaching sailing, cruising and still have more to explore. You can cruise the area for weeks and maybe see just a few other cruising boats. Hundreds of miles of reef, dozens of cayes, and three offshore coral atolls combine to create almost infinite cruising options. And, just south, is Guatemala's Rio Dulce, the ultimate hurricane hole in the region, and so different in every possible way from Belize that it's like entering a different world. The Rio has been my home base since 2006. These notes have been collected from my experience and responses to questions about sailing and chartering in Belize. The original context may have been responses to questions from cruisers, charterers, or other charter captains. As such, some of the text is still in its original context. These notes are supplemental to, and intended to be used in conjunction with, Freya Rauscher's excellent cruising guide. These notes provide additional information on local weather knowledge, foul weather anchorages, routes, and more. If you find these Notes useful then please leave positive feedback on Amazon. If you have suggestions for improvments then please email me directly. My email is included in these Notes. For broader regional coverage see my "Western Caribbean Cruising Notes" at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073BDLYQF. Read more

From Lonely Planet: The world's number one travel guide publisher*Durable and waterproof, with a handy slipcase and an easy-fold format, Lonely Planet's Central America Planning Map helps you explore with ease.Get more from your map and your trip with images and information about top attractions, itinerary suggestions and themed lists. With this easy-to-use, full-color map in your back pocket, you can truly get to the heart of Central America - so begin your journey now!Easy-fold formatHandy slipcase Full color and easy to use Beautiful imageryTailored itinerariesCan't-miss highlightsDetailed town indexThemed listsCovers Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Yucatan (Mexico), Chiapas (Mexico), Quintana Roo (Mexico)Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet'sCentral America guidebook, our most comprehensive guidebook to Central America, covering the top sights and most authentic offbeat experiences. Or check out Lonely Planet'sBest of Central America guidebook, a concise visual guide highlighting the top experiences.About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travelers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more.'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia)*Source: Nielsen BookScan: Australia, UK, USA, 5/2016-4/2017 Read more

When the world held its breath …It is more than 25 years since the end of the Cold War. It began over 75 years ago, in 1944 – long before the last shots of the Second World War had echoed across the wastelands of Eastern Europe – with the brutal Greek Civil War. The battle lines are no longer drawn, but they linger on, unwittingly or not, in conflict zones such as Syria, Somalia and Ukraine. In an era of mass-produced AK-47s and ICBMs, one such flashpoint was El Salvador …The twelve-year guerrilla war in El Salvador – the smallest country in Central America after Belize – was one of the most intense insurgencies fought in the Central and South American region since the end of the Second World War. Backed by the Soviet Union and Cuba, the struggle was initiated on 15 October 1979 – largely from Nicaraguan soil – by the radical Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), a coalition or ‘umbrella organization’ of five socialist and communist guerrilla groups.Fearful of supporting an oppressive regime in San Salvador and media reports of ‘death squads’, this drew a quick but muted response from a United States headed by Jimmy Carter and a Democratic majority in Congress. However, once Ronald Reagan was elected into office, through various US intelligence bodies, the CIA especially, significant amounts of military hardware – including a variety of the same aircraft and helicopters originally deployed in Vietnam – were pumped into the country to counter Soviet efforts to support the rebels. The Salvadorian security forces were eventually molded into an effective counter-guerrilla force that was to force the rebels to the negotiating table. Read more

Illustrated and updated in 2023.First time in the Caribbean? First time chartering? Perhaps first time on a catamaran? No matter what level of experience or type of sailing you are familiar with, there's always something new to know. And who better to answer your questions than professional sailors who've been doing it for over 20 years? The authors share their insights and experiences as sailing instructors, charter captains, delivery crew, and skippers who've been sailing for decades in waters from the Bahamas to Belize. Their hard-learned tips and tricks will allow you to see potential issues before they happen so you can confidently captain and crew a modern sailing catamaran in the company of family and friends. Along with a cruising guide, this ‘compendium of top tips’ is a useful reminder for both first timers and old salts sailing the Leeward and Windward Islands—including the Virgin Islands. Please Note: this book is available in both Kindle, paperback and hardcover versions with the option of either monochrome or full color illustrations and photographs. Select the format you’d prefer by clicking the “Formats and Editions” link, underneath the title. Read more

Ready for an Unforgettable Belize Adventure?Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling experiences that make Belize a traveler's paradise. With this 2025 Belize Travel Guide as your trusted companion, you'll uncover everything this tropical gem has to offer.What You’ll Find Inside:Top Things to Do: Discover must-visit attractions and activities for every traveler.Easy Itineraries: Effortlessly plan your trip with well-structured itineraries.Honest Tips: Real advice on the best sights, places to eat, accommodations, and fun-filled adventures.Travel Tips: Learn the best times to visit, how to get around, and budget-friendly hacks.Local Insights: Dive into Belizean culture, cuisine, and warm hospitality.Hidden Gems: Unearth secret spots only the locals know about.Highlights Include:World-Class Snorkeling and Diving: Explore the Blue Hole, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and more underwater wonders.Mayan Ruins: Step back in time at Caracol, Altun Ha, and other ancient sites.Adventurous Activities: Experience cave tubing, zip-lining, and jungle treks.Family-Friendly Fun: Find exciting activities perfect for all ages.Secret Escapes: Venture to off-the-beaten-path locales for unique and memorable experiences.Your Dream Belize Adventure Awaits!Don’t wait—grab your copy of the 2025 Belize Travel Guide today and start planning the trip of a lifetime. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to rediscover this tropical haven, this guide is your key to an extraordinary journey.Buy now and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Read more

Written by locals, Fodor's travel guides have been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for more than 80 years. Packed with information on more than 40 ports of call and a dozen ports of embarkation, Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call is a comprehensive guide to everything from sightseeing information and strategies to help cruisers plan their own shore excursions to some basic information on the cruise-ship experience.This travel guide includes:· Dozens of maps· A "Cruise Primer" with the basics of cruising and "Cruising the Caribbean" with capsule overviews of every major cruise line· Hundreds of hotel and restaurant recommendations, with Fodor's Choice designating our top picks· Covered ports of call: Private Islands; St. John's, Antigua; Oranjestad, Aruba; Bridgetown, Barbados; Belize City, Belize; Bermuda; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Calica (Playa del Carmen), Mexico; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Costa Maya, Mexico; Willemstad, Curacao; Roseau, Dominica; Falmouth, Jamaica; Freeport-Lucaya, Bahamas; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands; St. George's, Grenada; Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe; Key West, Florida; La Romana, Dominican Republic; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Nassau, Bahamas; Charlestown, Nevis; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Progreso, Mexico; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Roatan, Honduras; Samana (Cayo Levantado), Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Santo Domingo, Domican Republic; Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala; Gustavia, St. Barthelemy; Fredericksted, St. Croix; Cruz Bay, St. John; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Kingstown, St. Vincent; Road Town, Tortola; and The Valley, Virgin Gorda· Covered ports of embarkation: Baltimore, Maryland; Charleston, South Carolina; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Galveston, Texas; Houston, Texas; Jacksonville, Florida; Miami, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; New York, New York; Port Canaveral, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Tampa, Florida Read more

The peninsula of Mexico that juts eastward and upwards into the Caribbean is probably the most popular visitor destination in all of Latin America; it certainly is our best-selling map of any part of Mexico! Historically, it was the centre of the wonderful Mayan civilization, the remains of which are still easily visited in Mexican, Belician, and Guatemalan portions of the great Yucatan. Touristically, it is a magnet for sun-lovers, with the Cancun area in particular being a massive concentration of resort hotels The area south of Playa del Carmen and the nearby island of Cozumel are also touristic magnets. Yucatan is, however, a lovely place to explore. The city of Valladolid is an ancient Spanish town, replete with lovely churches and a town plaza to die for. Merida’s cathedral is one of the most ornate in Mexico. Further south, Belize is easily accessible, with its preserved Mayan ruins, and there is a good road into Guatemala to explore the famous Tikal ruins. Our map actually shows 19 sets of ruins in Guatemala alone. Naturally, the focus of this map is on the Mexican portion of the peninsula, and no visit would be complete without exploring Chitzen Itza, or the coastal remains of Tulum. This is truly a marvelous map! Legend Includes: Roads by classification, Rivers and Lakes, National Park, Airports, Points of Interests, Highways, Main Roads, Zoos, Fishing, and much more... Read more