Guayaquil Pictures

Things to do in Guayaquil

While in Guayaquil, you should visit the recently renovated Malecon Simon Bolivar, a long park along the Guayas River featuring many shops, gardens, and a breathtaking view of the downtown area and the riverfront. The Museo Municipal is a great museum to visit if you are interested in viewing artefacts from the Inca and from earlier cultures who once inhabited Ecuador. The Mercado Sur, sometimes called the Crystal Palace, is a giant covered market periodically filled with art and other exhibitions. There are also many churches in Guayaquil that exhibit characteristic Spanish colonial architecture.

Nightlife in Guayaquil

At night, the Las Penas district at the north end of the Malecon is a safe and happening place to be, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and live music lining the street, and you can generally get a beer for less than a dollar. For those who like to go out clubbing, Guayaquil has an abundance of night clubs and discos. The Kennedy Mall alone has more than 14 night clubs. Although Ecuador is on the equator, shorts are generally not worn to clubs. The night scene in Guayaquil starts getting busy around 10-11pm. For those looking for a more relaxing evening, the Casa de Cultura has nightly showings of international films.

Dining in Guayaquil

Guayaquil features some great restaurants and delicious cuisine. Some traditional Ecuadorian foods you will find are encebollado, seco de pollo, ceviche, and caldo de salchicha. For those looking for American comfort food, Guayaquil also features a number of international fast food chains and an abundance of Chinese restaurants. Artur’s Cafe, in Las Penas neighborhood, has a local feel to it and is perched above the Guayas River. They serve drinks and plenty of authentic Ecuadorian food with live music on the weekends. And after a long walk along the Malecon, there’s no better place to relax and grab a bite to eat than Bopan, a restaurant featuring an extensive array of crepes, tortillas, sandwiches, and pastas.

Shopping in Guayaquil

Guayaquil features almost a dozen malls. The Malecon 2000 shopping center is one of the most popular shopping destinations for foreigners and locals alike. It features over a dozen restaurants and over 200 stores, with competitive prices ideal for student travelers on a budget. For souvenirs, try visiting one of the city’s many outdoor and indoor artisan markets, such as La Bahia.

Guayaquil Travel Tips

• Taxis are an easy and efficient way to get around Guayaquil, and they generally charge only a few dollars. Just be sure to agree on a price before getting into the cab.
• Be sure to visit Parque Seminario, which is a park in downtown Guayaquil that is popular with many tourists because of its iguanas.
• Take a walk around the Mercado Artesanal, the city’s largest artisan market where you can buy souvenirs from all over Ecuador.

San Pedro Sula Pictures

Things to do in San Pedro Sula

The Museo de Antropologia is definitely worth a visit. This museum will provide student travelers with a comprehensive sample of Honduran history and culture through its collection of various sculptures, ceramics, and paintings. The Museo de la Naturaleza is another great museum, where visitors can see the exotic flora and fauna that surround San Pedro Sula. Just outside of the city, you can visit the Parque Nacional Cusuco, which is a protected subtropical forest, and the well-preserved Mayan ruins at Copan.

Nightlife in San Pedro Sula

San Pedro Sula has a pretty vibrant nightlife scene, which is attractive to many student travelers on a budget. The majority of the clubs in San Pedro Sula are located in the Zona Viva. In addition to the typical bar, the city has a number of karaoke venues and dance clubs. Some of the more popular bars are Don Udo’s, Bar Guacamaya, and El Capitan. Three notable dance clubs are Henry’s Discotheque, Confetis Disco, and El Quijote Discotheque. There is also a casino in San Pedro Sula located inside the Hotel Copantl.

Dining in San Pedro Sula

San Pedro Sula offers some of the best and most popular restaurants in Honduras. Some popular cafes include the Casa Capuchino, Skandia Cafeteria, and Larson’s, where you can get omelets, pancakes, and of course Honduran coffee. For lunch and dinner, the Las Carnitas and El Dorado restaurants offer the student traveler authentic Honduran dishes and a variety of good, cold beers. You will also find a large number of Italian and Mexican restaurants, steak houses, and a few places to get seafood in San Pedro Sula. Compared to the price of food in the states, dining in Honduras is pretty affordable, and a 10% tip is generally accepted and sometimes even included in the bill.

Shopping in San Pedro Sula

Tourists can find just about anything they want, from rum and coffee to handicrafts and souvenirs, at San Pedro Sula’s Guamilito Market. Some of the more popular Honduran handicrafts are handmade wood carvings and woven baskets, as well as hammocks, which Honduras is famous for. There are also many small souvenir shops in town, such as the Casa de Sol. Once you’ve purchased plenty of souvenirs, you can visit either of the city’s two shopping malls. The Multiplaza is the trendiest of the two, and it offers some of the latest clothing styles and even art galleries.

San Pedro Sula Travel Tips

• Be sure to also explore outside of the city, where you will find beautiful waterfalls, cloud forests, and Mayan ruins, among many other things.
• Although much of the city can be seen by walking, taxis and buses are easily accessible.
• The Parque Central (Central Park) is a must see as it marks the spot where the city was founded in 1536 by Spanish conquistadors.

San Salvador Pictures

Things to do in San Salvador

San Salvador has many beautiful monuments, some of them dating back to the early 20th century, while others are more modern. Some of the most important monuments include the National Palace, Plaza Gerardo Barrios, Plaza Morazan, Water Clock, Monument to the Sea, Atlacatl Monument and the Proceres Monuments (it has 10 monuments). One of the most recognizable monuments in El Salvador is the Monumento a El Salvador del Mundo, or “Monument to the Saviour of The World”.San Salvador has the large urban park, the “Parque de los Pericos”. There is another park called Parque Cuscatlan (close to downtown), which is very elegant, with lights, trees and paths. Popular with locals, the beautiful botanical gardens of La Laguna (close to the the U.S. embassy) showcase much native fauna. Zoologico Nacional (The National Zoo), and Parque Saburo Hirao (with a collection of native plants) are in the SE part of the city by the old Presidential House.San Salvador has many museums, the two most important are “Museo David J Guzman” and “Museo de Arte MARTE”. David J Guzman National Museum of Anthropology[6] contains a variety of Mayan and Pipil artifacts, while Museo de Arte MARTE displays an extensive collection of international art. Both are located in the Zona Rosa district. There is also a children’s museum, the Tin-Marin museum, where kids can experience the world in a fun way. The old national palace is being restored to house the “National Archives,” and the “National Museum.”

Nightlife in San Salvador

San Salvador is well-known for its nightlife. Clubs and bars can be found in the Zona Rosa, Basilea Mall, La Terraza (Sheraton Hotel), Las Terrazas (Multiplaza Mall), Boulevard de Los Heroes, Temptation Plaza, and the bars and restaurants area in La Gran Via (Mall and night lifestyle center). These places have many bars, discos, restaurants, DJ centers and boutiques. Visit the laid back bohemian bars (university crowd) around Calle San Antonio Abad to meet interesting locals or head to the Zona Rosa/Multiplaza Mall area to dance the night away with the city’s style-conscious upper class youth.

Dining in San Salvador

The restaurant scene in San Salvador is influenced by many different cultures. Food options include Italian, Korean, Japanese, Thai, French, Chilean, American, Peruvian, Mexican, Spanish, Middle Eastern, German, Chinese, Argentinian and others. Local food options include Tipicos Margot where one can purchase the famous Salvadoran Pupusas. The city also contains typical chains such as KFC, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Domino’s, and more.

Shopping in San Salvador

Some of the shopping malls include: Loma Linda, Multiplaza , Las Fuentes, Galerias (elegant), Metrocentro (said to be the largest in Central America), El Paseo (expensive), Plazamundo , Plaza Merliot , La Gran Via (a lifestyle center / “city walk”), Las Cascadas, Basilea (unique), Plaza San Benito, Villas Españolas and many more. These malls have luxury boutiques, the latest in international fashion, specialty stores, large foodcourts (some even have 3 food courts) and many other amenities.

San Salvador Travel Tips

• Be careful of the gangs in San Salvador.
• Use only licensed taxis.
• San Salvador has some of the best medical facilities in the world.

Guatemala City Pictures

Things to do in Guatemala City

Keep your eyes open for artisan shops in and around he city. These shops will provide excellent authentic gifts. Zone 1 is the historic center of Guatemala city. If you want to stop by and take in the knowledge of how the place you’re standing in came to be, this is the perfect place. There are plenty of museums as well as the National Palace. Many of the different zones provide many other things to do. The Aurora Zoo of Zone 13 is a great place for families with children, and even just a beautiful place to visit as it is one of the biggest parks in the city. There is also the Central Market which contains anything from food to gifts and novelties, but it is only open from 6 AM to 12 noon, so be sure to start early.

Nightlife in Guatemala City

The highest rated nightclub in Guatemala City is La Barraca. Located in Zone 4, La Barraca provides live music and a hyped up atmosphere. If you’re looking to be a lot more low key, go right ahead and find Cafe Leon. This cafe has everything a coffee lover could ask for. Jump on the opportunity to get 100% fresh brewed coffee, and maybe even a bag of 100# fresh picked coffee. Looking to see a movie? Take the time to go to Cines Magic Palace. Where 6 screens show off the latest of movies. As for Discoteques, Kalhua is a disco and bar open until dawn. If the following day is clear of a schedule, Kalhua is the place to be.

Dining in Guatemala City

If you’re looking for good food in Guatemala, the place to go is Estilo Campo. Here, one can find so many dishes to pick and choose from that the decision making itself is the hardest part of the meal. Not only is the food delicious, but the overall price of the food is well worth it. If you happen to be in Zone 13, take the time out of your day to get lunch or dinner here. You will not regret it. Also in Zone 13, check out La Gastroteca. It is again, a great place for food and atmosphere, for a price worth whats in your wallet. If you’re looking to cook for yourself, of just grab something for a quick bite later, the Central market is chock full of fresh fruits, vegetables and anything else you need to grab a quick bite.

Shopping in Guatemala City

Artisan shops are a favorite among tourists. One very popular market in particular can be located on Boulevard de Aeropuerto, not too far from the Aurora Zoo. This market will have something for everyone. There are also many different places to go for fashion, be it Men’s or Women’s. The people of Guatemala have a good eye for fashion and will provide good tips for dressing well, whether its casual or business. The shopping center of Zone 4 is one of the biggest, oldest, and most popular malls of the city. If you want to find everything packed into one place, this is where to go. The opportunity to just relax in one of the coffee shops is there, or you could shop and sit down to have a drink in one of the bars inside.

Guatemala City Travel Tips

• Parents are very cautious of their children when it comes to foreigners or tourists. Do not approach children or take pictures with or of them unless you are certain it is ok with their supervising adult.
• It is difficult to acquire Guatemalan currency outside of the country. Bring money in USD and convert it there.
• Swindlers are quite common throughout tourist areas. They will give off a friendly facade in that they will probably be able to speak English and will try to give you help or advice. Stay clear of these people.

Belize City Pictures

Things to do in Belize City

The Tourism Village was built and designed to cater to cruise shippers stopping by for a night or two. There are many shops and restaurants. If you are willing to travel outside of Belize City there are a few more things to do and see. The Museum of Belize was once built as an 1800’s prison, however today it houses several ancient Mayan artifacts. The Maritime Museum showcases Belize’s history in the fishing and boat building industries over the years. There is a swing bridge in Belize. It is the only manually operated swing bridge in the world. Every morning and evening the bridge is swung to allow boats and steamers to pass under. It is worth a visit if you are stopping by.

Nightlife in Belize City

There are really only two places to catch any nightlife in Belize City. The Radisson and Princess Hotels both offer happy hour and music on weekend nights at their bars. Prices are fairly inexpensive. Since you may easily be staying at either of these hotels, it is very convenient to head downstairs to the bars and hang out with friends. Remember to carry ID on you. The drinking age is not strongly enforced, however it is a good idea to keep safe. If you feel daring to venture into the neighborhoods in the city, you may be able to find more local bars. However, don’t be surprised to find a lacking or lower quality here.

Dining in Belize City

Right around the dock is the best food you will find. Hotel restaurants have pretty decent menus. The Fort George area is a bit more upscale. Any seafood you buy around here will be good and fresh. If you are looking for a more relaxing place to chill with friends check out Dits Cafe. Small plates and drinks are served. Watermelon juice is a favorite and the pastries are to die for. The majority of food in Belize City is Mexican type cuisine due to the relative closeness of the two countries. Big Daddy’s Diner is another tourist favorite because of the fair prices and tasty plates.

Shopping in Belize City

The port area will have the best shopping. Don’t expect to find any upscale stores because you will not find them here. What you can expect is the usual souvenir type items that come with the cruising, touristy atmosphere. Markets can be found in the local neighborhoods with food items and local produce. You will be hard pressed to find any decent stores though, so make sure to bring all the necessities with you before you come.

Belize City travel tips

• Travel in groups at night.
• If traveling to the Cays, bring cash because there are no ATM’s.
• The Belize Dollar is the currency, although USD is accepted everywhere.

San Jose Pictures

Things to do in San Jose

Within the city there is plenty to see and do. Many museums that are very interesting to walk through. In particular is the Museo Oro Precolombino (The Gold Museum) and the Museo Nacional. The museum is an actual fort used in the 1948 revolution. There are also a lot of tours of different locations in and around the city. Some notable tours are the Butterfly Farm as well as rafting tours. It is also worth your time to make a trip to the Volcanoes of Poas. Buses leave from Parque La Merced at 08:30am daily. Many hotels also offer gambling for those looking to enjoy some gaming.

Nightlife in San Jose

Nightlife in San Jose is very lively. A great spot to go is El Pueblo. This shopping area becomes a clubbing district at night. Any taxi in the city will know where they are when mentioned. Another great spot is Barrio Califarnia. If you are more into the bar scene this area is the best bet. Bar hopping is recommended as there are plenty of different bars to explore. Enjoying a few drinks on the street is also a favorite activity to partake in throughout the area.

Dining in San Jose

There are many options for dining in San Jose. First off, do not be afraid of street vendors. The food is generally very good and cheap. Try the mango with salt and lime, delicious! In terms of restaurants there are many to choose from. Try Tin Jo, one of the best Asian restaurants in the city. Do not be turned off by the outside, the interior is beautiful and clean and the service is top notch. If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience try Hotel Grano de Oro for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Finally, for a quick lunch check out Manolo’s Churreria, offering great churros and chicken tacos.

Shopping in San Jose

Costa Rica is known for its quality coffee. If you plan on purchasing coffee make sure you buy it from local markets and grocers as the quality is better than what is found in the tourist shops. Also, if planning on taking it home buy the whole beans, they will last longer than the ground coffee. A great place to purchase souvenirs and handcrafted products is Mercado Artesania. The market is located on 2nd Avenue. Make sure to stop into the numerous shops and stands throughout the city to find unique buys often at rock bottom prices.

San Jose travel tips

• The bus system in San Jose is reliable, comfortable, and very cheap. If you don’t know exactly where you are going, the bus is probably you best bet.
• Be aware of petty crimes such as pick pocketing but also be aware of car jackings as they are common in the city.
• San Jose, being the capital of Costa Rica, is a great place to begin your tour of the country. Try to get out of the city and take in the many natural wonders that the country has to offer.

Nassau Pictures

Things to do in Nassau

It is easy to get around Nassau by walking. Everything is in pretty close proximity, and the walking views are beautiful. You should definitely take a walk around Old Town. There the brightly colored Caribbean buildings are an interesting change from what you may be used to. There is also a Pirate museum filled with old artifacts, a recreation of Pirate town, and a battle ship. The Parliament House is pretty interesting too. But the main reason to travel to Nassau is for the beaches. Cable beach is one of the largest resort areas in Nassau. You will find here luxury hotels, the casinos and any service or water sport that you can think of. The deserted beach is where you will find nothing except for crystal clear blue water, soft white sand and lots of sunshine. This makes the perfect getaway from the everyday. There’s also Cabbage Beach, which is considered one of the most luxurious beaches in the world. There is about two miles of coastline and it is all filled with impeccable white sand beaches. Caves Beach is close to Cable Beach, but considerably less crowded and more laid back.

Crystal Palace at the Marriott in Cable Beach and The Atlantis on Paradise Island are the two main casinos on the island. Both are fairly casual in dress but serve up a whole lot of fun. The main beaches in Nassau are Cable Beach and a deserted beach that’s far off the beaten path. Old Town is pretty interesting and nice to walk around, with lots of shops and restaurants. Since pirates once inhabited this island, there is a pretty cool Pirate museum here with old artifacts and displays. You will be able to find any water sport on this island that you can imagine. Scuba diving, wake boarding, surfing, fishing, paragliding, and beach-side sports are just a few. You can also charter a small boat with some friends and go from beach to beach.

Nightlife in Nassau

The Bahamas is where Rum originated, or so the locals say. The pirates certainly loved their rum and spent a great deal of time on the island. Either way the bars in Nassau have formulated their own version of rum punch and it certainly serves up a kick. The club scene is alive and pumping. The clubs are fun, as long as you go to the right ones. Go to clubs in groups or at least with a couple friends to stay safe. Some of the best nightclubs on the island include Señor Frogs, Waterloo, Club Fluid, and Cocktails and Dreams. Club Waterloo and Señor Frogs are your best bets. Cocktails and Dreams is full of locals and is a bit sketchy. Cover charges will set you back $20, however if you buy at your hotel you might be able to get a deal for $5 cover charge with a pass. The passes are $5 themselves, and drinks typically cost $5 and up.

Dining in Nassau

Food here is great. Nassau is one of the few places that you can get a great cheap Carribean meal and also find foods from everywhere else. Fried fish is a typical dish. You can find many hole-in-the-wall type places that serve fish and chips with a drink for less than $7-8. You can find anything from mid range prices all the way up to a $50 lobster at a nice coastal restaurant. You shouldn’t have to spend all that money though to get a good meal. The British influences mixed with Carribean cuisine makes for an interesting mix here, and you can try it all. Crawfish, conch, and land crabs are local favorites. You will also see a lot of Grouper, Yellow Tail and Red Snapper. Conch is a mollusk fish like an oyster. It is put in chowders, stews, and salads. Grits and boiled fish are breakfast favorites as well. athough you can still find breads and baked goods at some places. Macaroni and Cheese, Grits, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, coconut or pineapple tarts, and bread pudding are served on just about every menu. Switcha, which is similar to lemonade or beer, is served with meals.

Shopping in Nassau

Straw Market, originally a farmer’s market, is still intact and a place for locals to buy goods and tourists to explore and purchase some goods themselves. if you are looking for souvenirs and nick-knacks to take home, this is the place to go. This is still one of the few places you can barter for a better price. Be aware that the shop sellers will price things higher than they are worth because they expect to barter for a deal. US currency is also accepted here, so you don’t have to worry about carrying Bahamian dollars at all times. Potter’s Cay is a cool place to go to. This is where fresh produce is sold. You can buy fish, breads, fritters, seafoods, and other tropical produce such as exotic fruits.

Nassau travel tips

• The official language in Nassau is English.
• The currency in the Bahamas is Bahamian Dollar (equivalent to the USD).
• The climate is semi tropical and temperatures range between 70 and 80 degrees.

Santo Domingo Pictures

Things to do in Santo Domingo

Christopher Columbus walked the streets of the Colonial Zone. There are many examples of 15th and 16th century architecture here. The Ozama Fort, the Alcazar de Colon, and the Cathedral were all built here in Columbus’s time and still stand. In Eastern Santo Domingo, also called Santo Domingo Oriental, is where you will find the Tres Ojos, or Three Eye,; a series of open-roof caverns and underground lakes. Parque Mirador Sur is a lovely park with a great view of the coast from high above. This city is rich in culture and has dozens of great museums, plus loads of history and art to see and admire.

Nightlife in Santo Domingo

Dance the meringue, salsa, and bachata until the early morning in discos and night clubs. This is the life in Santo Domingo. The parties start late at night and go early into the next morning. On weekends, there isn’t a bar or club that isn’t full. Gambling at casinos is another fun activity to do at night. The legal gambling age as well as drinking age is 18. Although the drinking age is not so strict in certain places, keep in mind that on weeknights there is a midnight ban on alcohol, and the clubs close at 12:00am. So plan accordingly when making plans for the night.

Dining in Santo Domingo

Dining out in Santo Domingo can be pretty pricey. Mid to high end restaurants can easily set you back $30 – $50 USD. However if you’re a college student on a budget, you can always check out one of the cafeterias (comedor). They typically offer a “Plato del Día” or predetermined meal of the day (usually rice, beans, salad and some sort of meat, and a drink) for around $3 – $5 USD. Many locals eat here as well so it’s a nice opportunity to get in touch with the local culture. There are also plenty of sandwich shops and Caribbean food stands along the beach.

Shopping in Santo Domingo

Ambar and Larimar, the traditional stones of the DR are sold all over Santo Domingo, mostly in the Colonial Zone. Bartering comes with the territory, so most shop owners are prepared and willing to negotiate prices. There is plenty of great Haitian art for sale all over to island. Many street merchants can be found selling the Haitian prints. El Condo, the main shopping street in the Colonial Zone has everything from beads and jewelry to paintings and still more local crafts.

Santo Domingo travel tips

• There is a ferry that runs to and from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico twice per week. The cost is $250 round trip.
• Santo Domingo recently split into 5 independent municipalities: Distrito Nacional, Santo Domingo Este, Santo Domingo Oeste, Santo Domingo Norte, and Boca Chica.
• Make sure you’ve always got a buddy with you when you go out at night.