Centro America

Guatemala

Guatemala's landscape is breathtaking, with over eight active volcanoes spread across its volcanic mountain ranges. Given its vast range of elevations, this beautiful country also offers different climate zones, ranging from humid tropical conditions along coastal plains to temperate alpine climates on higher ground. Thanks to centuries of intermingling cultures, Guatemalans have developed their unique version of Central America's culture with traditions from both indigenous native peoples such as Maya ethnicities as well as Spanish settlers who arrived during colonial times. Guatemalan cuisine consists of a variety of dishes based on local staples like maize/corn-based flatbreads such as tortillas served along with meats like turkey or pork as well as vegetables like potatoes or plantains - all cooked in traditional spices like cumin or chili peppers.

Honduras

This Central American country has a 3,000-year-old Mayan culture, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. Honduras’ tropical weather enriches its lush flora and fauna. There are many comidas típicas (“typical foods”) associated with the various regions of the country, including sopa de hombre (“man’s soup”) and other seafood dishes in the south, queso con chile (“cheese with chili peppers”) in the west, and cazabe (mashed cassava) among Garifuna in the north. Found throughout the country are such dishes as tamales and yuca con chicharrón (fried cassava and pork). Among the poor the dietary staple is corn, often eaten as tortillas. Beans, cassava, plantains, and rice are common, but meat and green vegetables are not.

El Salvador

Geographically, El Salvador is divided into four natural regions - Pacific lowlands, central highlands, eastern mountains, and San Miguel's coastline. The central highlands are primarily known for their lush vegetation, with numerous rivers and lakes dotting the landscape. At the same time, along the coast, one will find some beautiful sandy beaches where it is common to relax and enjoy the sun. This diverse background has resulted in a unique culture full of colorful festivals such as Semana Santa, folkloric dances like parranda, or mascaras de Callejon (a type of mask), and traditional dishes like pupusas (corn tortillas filled with cheese and beans).

Nicaragua

Nicaragua means “here united with the water.” The western region of the country was colonized by Spain, where the east was once a British region with a culture similar to that of the Caribbean nations. Examples through history include the fight led by the “general of the people” Augusto C. Sandino against the intervention of the United States in 1927. The merging of different cultures within Nicaragua has caused the dawn of a creative, lively and blissful culture. Nicaraguans are appreciated for their natural warmth, hospitality and wisdom. The country is known as the land of poets, and Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío is the father of Spanish-American literary movement, Modernism. The rhythmic marimbas and folkloric dances give vibrancy to fiestas across the country and the beautiful work of our skilled artists spreads an understanding of its history and nature.

Costa Rica

The history of Costa Rica dates back thousands of years. During the Spanish Colonial era, this territory was found by Spanish conquistadors, who settled at San Jose, the country's capital. Costa Rica had civil upheaval following its independence from Spain in 1821, but by 1948 it was among the most democratic nations in Latin America. The music played at local restaurants and pubs along the coast, such as Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in the province of Limón, can range from more modern reggae sounds to traditional folklore dances like Palo de Mayo or Cimarron.

Belize

Belize is a small country in Central America that is situated near the Caribbean coast. The Mopan/Kekchi Mayas, who were notably prevalent at the time, and other American settlers brought African slaves over to Belize during colonial times are the sources of the country's unique cultural heritage. Over time, these many ethnic backgrounds have melded together to create distinctive local practices like cooking traditional delicacies like Hudut, which is green plantains served in coconut milk or listening to Garifuna music, which is played on drums called Segunda (bass) and Primero (tenor). These drums, which resemble African instruments in design, are commonly used for dancing in folkloric dances such as punto or hunguhungu.

Panama

Panama's culture is the result of its geographical location and history. The movement of people throughout the country's history created a melting pot of cultures that resulted in a highly diverse and unique national identity. There are elements in the folklore of the central provinces that were highly influenced by the Spanish colonizers, such as the national dress "The Pollera" and the golden jewelry that is worn with the outfit. The northern province of Colon was very influenced by its large number of Afro-Antillean descendants that brought some of their customs into the local culture, as in the "Congo Queen" dance and colorful Caribbean outfits. Elements of the local indigenous communities, the original inhabitants of the isthmus, can also still be seen in the country's idioms and traditions, and in their most traditional sense within the indigenous territories. The process of cultural assimilation continues to this day, with every new group of migrants contributing to the melting pot in their own unique way.