Category: North & Central America

Much like its neighbor to the north, Belize, Honduras has a natural beauty and laid back lifestyle that makes it very appealing to travelers. Unfortunately, its restless political history and underdeveloped infrastructure keep most tourists away. The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch, which hit in October of 1998, but relief efforts have helped renew the tourist interest in this rough but enticing country.

When traveling in Honduras, be aware that street crime is a problem throughout the country. Armed robbery, purse snatching, and pickpockets are on the rise, especially in the larger towns and cities like San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. The areas near Tela and Santa Rita de Copán–including the El Rubi waterfall–can be extremely bad with reports of robberies, assaults, and even rapes. When traveling in Honduras, use extreme caution and practice common sense.

Traveling in Honduras
Flying to any of the bay islands from the major cities is easy. Even flying to the remote areas is getting easier each year. Most larger towns have buses that run from morning until evening. There are trains from San Pedro, Puerto Cortés, and Tela, but they can be slow and unpredictable, so it’s best to check schedules often. Launches run between the mainland and the bay islands, but again, schedules vary. You can also take a taxi, but they are not metered so make sure you negotiate a fare before you go anywhere. Rental cars are available and can be a good way to travel if you can deal with dusty roads in the dry season and wet, possibly washed-out roads during the rainy season. Hitch hiking is common in many rural areas where trucks will usually stop and pick you up, but it’s best not to do this alone.

Honduras is quite affordable. Travelers can get by on as little as US$20-$30 a day, and traveler’s on a buget can often do it for much less. Most businesses deal only in lempiras, the country’s currency. American dollars are easiest to exchange, though Canadian dollars and pounds stirling can be changed at Lloyd’s Bank in Tegucigalpa.

Health Risks in Honduras
Health risks include cholera, dengue fever, malaria, hepatitis, typhoid, and dysentery. It is advised that you consult a doctor about what shots you may need before traveling to Honduras.

Weather in Honduras
Weather in Honduras can be unpredictable. From the cool mountains of the interior to the rainy days along the coast, it can vary greatly. Between May and October can be especially rainy in the mountains; it rains almost daily year round on the coast.

Honduras Information
Population: 6,249,598
Government: Constitutional democracy
Square Miles: 43,870 sq mi (112,492 sq km)
Capitol: Tegucigalpa (pop over 1 million)
Official Languages: Spanish, Creole English and Indian dialects
People: 90% mestizo, 7% Indian
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic, plus other Christian sects and indigenous forms of worship
Major products/industries: Coffee, bananas, beef, sugar cane, tobacco, forestry

The Sandinista revolution is perhaps what most people think about when they think of Nicaragua. But as with so many other Central American countries, Nicaragua is a place rich with culture, sites, and opportunity for tourists.

With the help of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, the country has been trying to recover from the ravages of war, but this recovery has been made harder by inflation and high unemployment. Still, Nicaragua has been dealing with the problems of the past and as success arrives, more and more people are making there way to this country–but there is still a lot of work to do. Some areas of Nicaragua remain unstable, run by armed criminal groups. This is particularly true along the northern border near Honduras; but if you are traveling to Nicaragua, it’s wise to be cautious no matter where you are.

The capital, Managua, is set on the southern shore of Lago de Managua. Over the years this city has been devastated by natural disasters, and since the earthquake of 1972, Managua has had virtually no city center. However, construction is underway, and the city continues to improve its facilities and restore attractions. But the line between those who have and those who have not remains distinct–poverty is a very real problem in Managua.

Granada is oldest Spanish city in Nicaragua. Founded in 1524 by conquistadores, it rests on shores of Lake Nicaragua in the shadow of Volcán Mombacho. The town is a literary center and has a quiet, historic feel. It’s an ideal city to tour on foot, and when you’re ready to take a break from seeing Granada’s colonial sites, the lake is just a short walk from downtown.

Down the Río Escondido from Managua, Bluefields is an ethnically diverse area on the Caribbean coast and an interesting and fun place to visit from the tourists’ point of view. The people of Bluefields know how to have a good time: there are several reggae clubs and dancing on the weekends.

Traveling in Nicaragua
While several overland and over-river border crossings exist between Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica, the major airlines fly regularly into Managua from Europe, North America, and other Central American countries. For the U.K., U.S., E.U. member countries, several other Latin American countries, Scandinavian countries, and more, visas are not required to enter Nicaragua. Tourist cards good for a 90-day visit will cost a small fee at arrival, and an exit tax is charged upon leaving the country. Travelers from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries that do not have a reciprocal relationship with Nicaragua will need a 30-day visa to enter the country.

Budget travel in Nicaragua can be done for US$10-$20 a day, but for US$30-$40, you can enjoy an occasional rental car and meals at more upscale restaurants. US$40 and more will allow for very comfortable travel. Tipping is not a common practice in inexpensive restaurants, but 10% is the norm for more expensive eateries. There is a nationwide value tax added to each bill, and occasionally a gratuity will also be included, so be sure to check for the latter before leaving an extra tip. Haggling in open marketplaces is a common practice.

Domestic airlines fly to the major hubs such as Managua, Bluefields, Puerto Cabezas, and the Corn Islands, but if you are heading to places more remote, the bus is your best option. Buses run on a regular schedule, but be be wary of pickpockets and thiefs, who often turn to the buses to find unsuspecting victims. Make sure to keep an eye on your luggage and don’t keep anything of value in your pockets.

Boats are sometimes the only way to get to places on the two coasts, especially on the Caribbean side, but this can also be the most expensive way to travel.

Weather in Nicaragua
On the Pacific coast and toward the center of the country the best time to visit is early in the dry season–December to January. Temperatures are cooler and these areas are very lush during this time of year (the Caribbean coast is predominantly rainforest, that is, green and lush year round). However, Nicaragua is a nice place to visit almost anytime of year, with the possible exception of the end of the dry season–April and May–when the climate is much more arid.

Nicaragua Information
Population: 5.2 million
Government: Republic
Square Miles: 50,180 sq mi (129,494 sq km)
Capitol: Managua (pop 1 million)
Official Languages: Spanish, English Creole, Miskito
People: 69% mestizo, 17% European descent, 9% African descent, 5% indigenous peoples
Religion: Roman Catholic 73%, Protestant 16%
Major products/industries: Coffee, seafood, sugar, meat, bananas, food processing, chemicals, metal products, textiles, clothing, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear

Cross the Rio Grande heading south and you’ll enter the United States’ southern neighbor Mexico. Mexico is a land of many contrasts, from the northern desert to the rainforests of Chiapas, and everything in between. This is a country filled with history and culture–one look at the Mayan ruins is testament to that–but it is also rife with isolated beaches, towering volcanoes, and glitzy resorts in places like Acapulco and Cancun. Whatever your passion, you’ll likely find it in Mexico.

Mexico City is one of the largest urban areas in the world (behind Tokyo and New York), and among the most congested. If ever there was a metropolis that represented the melding of ancient and modern, Mexico City is that place: remnants of colonial Mexico share space with soaring skyscrapers; the Plaza de la Constitución–the city’s historical center–is paved with stones looted from the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán. Mexico City is situated directly on top of that ransacked Aztec capital, which itself was built on an island in a now reclaimed lake. This means that much of modern Mexico City is slowly sinking into the landfill and swamp on which it stands.

The Baja Peninsula is characterized by its beautiful beaches, serene harbors, and often dramatic shoreline. Throughout history, Baja epitomized the notion of the “Old West,” harboring mercenaries and outlaws. But modern Baja has become a tourist destination for whale watchers, kayakers, sailors, and more. Some historical interests include Loreto, with its Spanish mission history and offshore national park; and Sierra de San Francisco’s pre-Columbian rock art. La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, known for its outstanding beaches, and Sierra de la Laguna is an ecologist’s and hiker’s paradise.

The Yucatán Peninsula is a diverse collection of archaeological sites, colonial cities, tropical rainforest, seaside activities, and energetic nightlife. The region’s Mayan ruins include Uxmal and Chichén Itzá. Tourists flock to the white-sand Caribbean beaches at Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Cancún.

Traveling in Mexico
Citizens of most countries don’t require visas to enter Mexico as tourists. However, if you plan to stay longer than 72 hours, or are traveling to certain exempted areas, you must obtain a 180-day Mexican government tourist card (tarjeta de turista), available from embassies or at border crossings for a fee.

Because of its size flying is still one of the best ways to get around Mexico. Most flights are reasonably priced, and the alternative of taking a bus can be an uncomfortable ride. If you are going to fly around the country, make sure to check the timetables for your flights as many of the airlines are small carriers that change their schedules often.

Buses are another option in Mexico; the system is extensive, but the rides can vary. Some buses are nicely air-conditioned and comfortable, while others are not. If you don’t get a “modern” bus you could be in for a long uncomfortable ride. Fortunally most of the major routes have newer facilities.

You can rent a car, but it is wise to know some Spanish and have a lot of patience if you do plan on driving yourself.

On a note of warning, the massive influx of tourism has introduced some bad elements to Mexico. Crime has risen to critical levels. Rarely a year goes by when you don’t hear about some terrible crime inflicted upon tourists in Mexico. This doesn’t tell the whole story as petty crimes like pickpocketing are common, but so are rape and assault. Robbery seems to be the worst, and there are few places you can go where you don’t have to be cautious: taxis robberies, muggings at ATM machines, and purse snatching are all prevalent. There are also reports of credit card fraud and armed robberies. Most of these are reported in or around Mexico City, but if you are traveling throughout the country, it’s best to stay near the main tourist routes.

Weather in Mexico
Because of its location, Mexico is a nice place to visit year-round. The most pleasant time to visit is between October and May. From May to September tends to be hot and humid, especially in the south, while December through February is much colder inland.

Mexico Information
Population: 100,400,000
Government: Federal republic
Square Miles: 758,866 sq mi (1,958,200 sq km)
Capitol: Mexico City (pop 22 million)
Official Languages: Spanish and indigenous languages
People: 60% mestizo (mixed European and Amerindian descent) and 30% Amerindian (indígena – including Nahua, Maya, Zapotecs, Mixtecs, Totonacs, and Tarascos or Purépecha)
Religion: 90% Roman Catholic, 6% Protestant
Major products/industries: Food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism

Costa Rica has long been seen as an “eye of the hurricane”–a peaceful nation situated in the center of an often turbulent region. The rich history and well-preserved and diverse environment attracts tourists from around the globe. From its beautiful beaches to its massive rainforest, teaming with wildlife, the Costa Rican government has long been committed to preserve the country’s reputation as a environmentally and user-friendly place to visit.

Traveling in Costa Rica
Because it’s the transportation hub for international visitors, most people spend a couple of day in the capitol city San José for at least a couple of days. Compared to other Central American capitols, San José is more metropolitan and modern, with finer restaurants, nice hotels, shopping malls, a variety of museums, and more. But if you’re travelling on a budget, don’t let the polish of San José deter you. It’s possible to eat, sleep, and enjoy all that Costa Rica has to offer, for as low as US$20-$30 a day.

If using traveler’s checks, stick to U.S. dollars. American cash is the most easily exchanged, but it’s recommended you use small, newer bills, as countefeiting is widespread. Restaurants typically add a 10% gratuity to the bill, so tipping here is unnecessary unless the service is exceptional. It’s recommended, however, that you tip bell boys, room attendants, and tour guides.

The Caribbean coast is home to many of the more popular beaches and most of the protected environmental area in Costa Rica. The wildlife here is plentiful–including the hanging sloth and breeding grounds for green sea turtles–and it’s also the most culturally diverse part of the country, with plenty of handicrafts, music, and cultural tours to be had. If you’re looking for a little quiter action, head to the Pacific coast, where more remote beaches, parks, and destinations can be found on the Península de Nicoya and elsewhere. One of the nicest beaches in Costa Rica is Playa Sámara, and Montezuma, near the tip of the Península de Nicoya.

Weather in Costa Rica
The dry season in Costa Rica is between late December and April; the wet season lasts the rest of the year; however, the Caribbean coast tends to be wet year round. As a tropical country, temperatures vary little between seasons, affected most by altitude. San José, at 3772 feet, has a climate that the locals refer to as the “Eternal Spring”: lows average 60°F (15°C) and highs average 79°F (26°C). The coasts tend to be much hotter, with the Caribbean from the 70s to the high 80s (°F) day to night. The humidity at lower altitudes can be oppressive.

Republic of Costa Rica Information
Population: 3.8 million
Government: Democratic
Square Miles: 19,929 sq mi (51,100 sq km)
Capitol: San José (pop: 340,000)
Official Languages: Spanish, Creole English, and Indian dialects
People: 96% Spanish descent, 2% African descent, 1% indigenous Indians, 1% Chinese
Religion: 85% Roman Catholic, 14% Protestant
Major products/industries: Tourism, electronics, coffee, bananas, sugar, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products

Compared with the rest of volatile Central America, Belize is more like the island nations of the eastern Caribbean than it’s mainland neighbors. Its laid back way reminds visitors of the way the Caribbean was in the days before the big resorts.

With only three major paved highways, traveling through Belize is truly an experience. But those same roads will take you to spectacular Mayan ruins in pristine jungles, secluded and peaceful ecotourist lodges, and some of the best scuba diving in the world.

All this is not cheap: hotels are few and far between–and thus, more expensive than in other Central American nations. But this lack of sprawling accommodations makes traveling in Belize like stepping back into a simplier time. If you like an adventurous travel destination, Belize might be just the place for you.

Traveling in Belize
With few paved roads and no trains, traveling in Belize can be tough. Small airplanes travel from Belize City and other cities and towns throughout the country. Cars can be rented but after heavy rains, travel can be nearly impossible as the roads get washed out. If you are headed to the coast or islands, there are frequent launches to most of these places.

Belize can be expensive compared to the rest of Central America. But it is still vastly cheaper than many of the islands of the Caribbean. Midlevel rooms will go for roughly $15-$25 a night; higher-end hotels, however, will not be unreasonably expensive. Meals are quite reasonably priced, and you could get away with staying in Belize for under $30 a day, not including transportation cost.

American and Canadian dollars, as well as pounds stirling, are easily exchanged in Belize, and most major credit cards are widely accepted. One important thing to remember, though–ATM machines in Belize will not accept foreign bank cards.

Health Risks in Belize
Health risks include cholera, dengue fever, malaria, hepatitis, typhoid, and dysentery. It is advised that you consult a doctor about what shots you may need before traveling to Belize.

Weather in Belize
The best time to travel is from November to May. But if you want to avoid crowds and get cheaper rates you may try July to November; this is hurricane season, but when there are no storms the weather can still be very nice.

Belize Information
Population: 249,183
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Square Miles: 9087 sq mi (23,300 sq km)
Capitol: Belmopan (pop 5000)
Official Languages: English, English Creole, Spanish, Maya and Garífuna
People: 44% mestizo, 30% Creole, 11% Maya, 7% Garifuna
Religion: 60% Catholic, 30% Protestant
Major products/industries: Sugar, bananas, fish products, garment production, food processing, timber, tourism, construction

Being so close the United States has made the Bahamas one of the easiest of the “island paradises” to visit. From its sprawling capitol Nassau, to its many smaller islands, the Bahamas have everything other Caribbean islands have and more. The Bahamas are made up of 700 islands and 2500 cays, which make it a wonderful place for sailing and diving, and with so many locations, you’ll never get bored.

The islands are very different from one another as some have been “built up” while others still have a more West Indies-like style. If you have been to one island you shouldn’t judge all of the Bahamas by what you found there; inter-island cultures often seem like night and day. Only a true local could tell you about all the hidden gems in this island chain, but travel there just once and you can find some of them on your own.

Christopher Columbus landed in the Bahamas on his first voyage to the Americas, in 1492. His landfall was made on the island of San Salvador. At that time the islands were inhabited by the Lucayan indians; sadly the indians were enslaved by the Spanish and, within 25 years, the entire population of 50,000 indians was gone.

Traveling in Bahamas
You can travel to the Bahamas by either plane or boat: there are regular flights from many airports in Florida, as well as ferries leaving from Miami and Fort Lauderdale (most of these travel to the more popular ports, such as Nassau or Freeport).

Traveling between the islands is easier on a plane than a ferry, as there are few commercial boats connecting the islands, and those that do are not on regular schedules. There are water taxis between many of the closer islands, but if you’re looking to travel farther down the chain a plane may be your best bet.

U.S. citizens do not need a passport or visa for stays of less than eight months in the Bahamas, but must show proof of citizenship. Citizens of Canada or the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries do not need a visa for stays of three weeks or less. Visitors from most other European countries need passports but not visas for stays up to three months. Air passengers must have a return or ongoing airline ticket.

Weather in Bahamas
The weather in the Bahamas is some of the nicest in the world. Temperatures rarely drop below 60°F (16°C) and don’t usually go above 90°F (32°C). The sun shines on average 320 days a year and the islands, being right in the path of the trade winds, normally have a nice cooling breeze. The rainy season is between May and November, but with an average of only 45 days of rain a year you can bet that you’ll see plenty of sun during this period as well. This time of year is also the hurricane season, but the islands seem to generally escape the damage caused by many of these storms.

Bahamas Information
Population: 294,982
Government: Independent state within the British Commonwealth
Square Miles: 5380 sq miles (13,940 sq km)
Capitol: Nassau (pop 190,000)
Official Language: English
People: African descent (85%), European descent (12%), Asian & Hispanic (3%)
Religion: Baptist (32%), Anglican (20%), Roman Catholic (19%)
Major products/industries: Tourism, finance/banking

Situated about 575 miles southeast of Miami, the Turks and Caicos make up a Caribbean archipelago with few people and a long history. The original residents of the Turks and Caicos were the indigenous Tainos; however, as in much of the rest of the region, these peaceful people were driven into extinction by war and disease, in large part by way of the arrival of Europeans in the post-Columbian era. During the height of the colonial times, the island group was handed off between the English, French, and Spanish, never remaining a possession of any one nation to develop a positive identity. In the mid-1600s, an industrious group of Bermudians emigrated to the Turks and Caicos to find their fortune peddling “white gold,” that is, salt. Many of the salinas, or salt ponds, mills, and historic structures can still be found scattered throughout the islands. The market for salt from the Turks and Caicos disappeared for good in the 1960s, but for a time during the 1600s and 1700s, these man-made salt flats dominated production and export of the substance around the world, the main recipients of which were the cod-fishing communities of the northeastern North American colonies.

In the years after the American War of Independence, a number of Loyalist plantation owners tried their luck farming cotton on the Turks and Caicos, bringing with them slaves from their U.S. plantations. The farming operations failed and the land-owners left for greener pastures, but many of their former slaves stayed to work as rakers in the salt flats. Today, the locals whose lineage dates back to the early days of the Turks and Caicos, a group known amongst themselves as “Belongers,” can traces their heritage to the Bermudian salt industrialists and the transplanted slave rakers.

The political identity of the  remained fuzzy for some time, as governing bodies changed hands, from the Bahamian government to Jamaica, to the British, French, and finally British again. Currently, the islands fall under the blanket of Great Britain, though talk of independence occasionally crosses the tongues of residents. The salt fields have become a relic of the olden days, and the land is by and large too arid to farm. That leaves the sea and the beaches to provide a regular income for the Turks and Caicos. Since the 1960s, tourism has exploded there, with the biggest draw being the reefs and sea walls that comprise the many scuba diving opportunities there. There are many beautiful beaches and some bird watching to be done, plus the islands have, for the most part, kept a quiet Caribbean feel–with only Providenciales (or “Provo”) becoming somewhat overrun with resorts. Many of the islands are sparsely populated with few cars and people who’s way of thinking embodied “island time. The latest residential boom has come from retired corporate executives and wealthy individuals who sometimes have ties to illicit trade (e.g., the drug trade).

Traveling in Turks and Caicos
Most travelers reach the Turks and Caicos from the U.S. Direct flights can be taken from New York, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami. Canadians can charter flights out of Toronto, but if you’re coming in from Europe or elsewhere, you’ll probably connect through the U.S. on the way. There are a number of local Caribbean Airlines that will take you from nearby islands and islands hopping around the Turks and Caicos themselves. For yachters, there are customs offices at Provo, South Caicos, and Grand Turk. Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and the E.U. can travel to the Turks and Caicos without a visa. Most other national will need to obtain a visa. Legal photo identification (i.e., a passport) is required for everyone.

It’s not cheap to travel to the Turks and Caicos. A budget travelers might easily spend US$100 a day. More extravagant travelers could go up to US$300 a day. A moderately priced restaurant meal will cost up to US$25. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are widely accepted on Provo and Grand Turk. On the smaller islands, it’s best to keep cash on hand. Currency can be exchanged at local banks.

Taxi is the best mode of transport to get around each island. Be sure to settle on a fare before departing, as most cabs will charge per person, rather than per mile traveled. Many drivers will also double as tour guides for an extra fee. It’s possible to rent cars and mopeds, as well, but there is a government tax placed on all rental vehicles. It should be noted that drivers are on the left side of the road in the Turks and Caicos.

Weather in Turks and Caicos
Temperatures range from and average of 77°F (25°C) in winter to an average of 90°F (32°C) in summer. Average annual rainfall is 21 inches (53 cm). Most of the rain falls in summer. The only truly uncomfortable time of year to be in the Turks and Caicos is from August through November, when the weather can be swelteringly hot and inescapable.

Turks and Caicos Information
Population: 17,502
Government: British dependency
Square Miles: 166 sq miles (430 sq km)
Capitol: Cockburn Town (pop 4900)
Official Language: English
People: Mainly African descent, plus Haitians and Dominican immigrants, and North American and European expats
Religion: Baptist (41%), Methodist (19%), Anglican (18%)
Major products/industries: Tourism, finance, fishing

Even with the American travel ban, Cuba continues to thrive as a tourist destination for Europeans and otherwise. Before Castro, the Caribbeans largest island was very popular among U.S.-based tourists and business people; now, however, it takes a slightly more more adventurous sort to go there from America. But given the opportunity, those people simply can’t be kept away. When the travel ban does get lifted you can be sure that Cuba will again be one of the busiest destinations in the Caribbean.

If you would like to see the Cuba of modern American “mythology,” it’s better to go now. Once the U.S. government warms up to that nation enough to lift economic sanctions, as well as the travel ban, there will be a flood of investment into Cuba’s tourist economy that is sure to change the face of the culture fundamentally.

Cuba still has the colonial architecture that makes its cities so appealing … even if the surface is well worn, the beauty is still there. There are also many wonderful beaches and lush highlands to hike. But if you are an American and plan on visiting Cuba, it will take some work. There are a number of programs that will sponsor government-approved trips from the U.S., or you can depart from a country that doesn’t have a travel ban in place (although this is technically “working the system,” as the American economic sanctions preclude spending unlicensed U.S. dollars in Cuba–ironic in that it’s these illegal dollars that help keep the Cuban economy afloat)

Traveling to/in Cuba
Flights to Cuba depart from Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Europe. Because of the American travel ban, most people from the U.S. go through the Bahamas, Mexico, or Canada. A few cruise ships have started to go to Cuba, but most of them have to originate in the Bahamas, as they aren’t allowed to go from the U.S. There are also many private pleasure crafts that visit Cuba regularly. Americans, though, should be cautious as the current U.S. administration is more strict about visiting Cuba; you could end up with a fine from the government when you return.

Another alternative is to find a government-approved program on which to “piggy-back.” There are a number of academic, social, or research programs (among others) that obtain licenses from the U.S. government to travel to Cuba. These same programs often–legally–sell spaces on their trips for tourists. More information about the U.S. sanctions against Cuba, travel restrictions, and guidelines for licensing and travel to Cuba can be found at http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/sanctions/index.html.

There is a domestic airline, Cubana Airlines, that will get you around the country once there. You can also travel by bus on the dollars-only Viázul line or pay pesos for a less expensive–and less comfortable–camiones particulares, privately owned trucks that can be found throughout the island. There is a train system, as well, though it is not as reliable as it once was.

Weather in Cuba
The weather in Cuba is much like the other places in the Caribbean, which means there really isn’t a bad time to go. The rainy season is between May and October–the hottest time of year in Cuba. Like the rest of the Caribbean, droves of tourists arrive from the north between December and April–the coldest time of year for Europe, Canada, and the like.

Cuba Information
Population: 11 million
Government: Communist republic
Square Miles: 110,860 sq km
Capitol: Havana (pop 2,200,000) Brades, in Carr’s Bay/Little Bay (established after eruption)
Official Languages: Spanish
People: 60% Spanish descent, 22% mixed-race, 11% African descent, 1% Chinese
Religion: 47% Catholic, 4% Protestant, 2% Santería
Major products/industries: Sugar, minerals, tobacco, agricultural, medicine & tourism

Montserrat was once called the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean,” a phrase coined by Columbus. It is graced with lush mountains and landscape crowned by three towering volcanoes. Unfortunately, one of those volcanoes–the Soufrière Hills volcano–erupted in 1995, making most of the island uninhabitable.

Now, most of Montserrat’s residents live off-island–many having since relocated to Britain–while a very few remain in the less affected northern part of the island, or in emergency shelters, while waiting out the “storm.” Even with a volcano that continues to erupt periodically, tourists visit Montserrat, though certainly not in the number they once did.

The capitol of Plymouth, with its Georgian-style houses and winding streets, now lays under many feet of ash.

Since the last major eruption, the governmental center of the island has been relocated to Brades near Carr’s Bay/Little Bay. But as of now, the island has no “cultural hub” like Plymouth was before the eruption. This can make finding provisions difficult since there is no major town center.

The only people allowed into the restricted (read: dangerous) zone are scientists or people with business in that area. But there are many helicopter tours available to give you a bird’s-eye view of the southern portion of the island.

Many locals who moved to England, Canada, or other British territories after the eruption are beginning to return and in the coming years Montserrat may again emerge as a major tourist destination, but for now it seems to only attract the courtesy of a few.

If you are interested in visiting the island, it’s best to contact the tourist board for updated information.

Traveling to/in Montserrat
To get to Montserrat you must fly to Antigua and either take a ferry or a helicopter charter to the island; the latter will prove to be a much more expensive route. The ferry ride takes about one hour, while the helicopter takes just twenty minutes. You can also arrive via helicopter from St. Kitts. To see the ferry or helicopter schedules click here.

Once on island, the best way to get around is either by taxi or rental a car. You can also get a bus tour from one of the island’s tour companies.

Weather in Montserrat
Because of its location, the weather in Montserrat is almost always warm. The average high temperature throughout the year is around 80°F. The rainiest time of year is between June and December. Weatherwise, the least desirable time to visit is during hurricane season, which runs from June through October.

Montserrat Information
Population: 5000 (est. 2000)
Government: Territory of the United Kingdom
Square Miles: 39.5 sq mi (102 sq km)
Capitol: Plymouth (mostly destroyed, August 1997)
Brades, in Carr’s Bay/Little Bay (established after eruption)
Official Languages: English
People: African (90%), mixed descent (6%), European and East Indian (4%)
Religion: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and other Christian denominations
Major products/industries: tourism (until 1995), rum, textiles, electronic appliances