Central America and The Caribbean
Central America and The Caribbean
Central America and The Caribbean
MARCHA
2-YB-5
1. Describe the important land forms and water forms in Central America and the
Caribbean.
- The Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Pacific Ocean are the three principal bodies
of water that surround Central America and the Caribbean.
the important land forms and water forms in Central America and the Caribbean.
Central America - Many of the world's rain forests are found in Central America. In
actuality, they cover more than 50% of Belize. In addition to having extensive rain
forests, Central America is also home to the second-largest coral reef in the world.
The Caribbean - The Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico encircle the
roughly 7,000 islands that make up the Caribbean. The Caribbean, also known as the
West Indies or the Antilles, is home to an abundance of tropical paradises, coral
reefs, and lush rain forests.
- Panama Canal, Lock-type canal, Panama. Extending across the Isthmus of Panama,
it connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The canal enabled ships traveling
between the two oceans to avoid the lengthy circumnavigation of South America
and was a boon to world commerce.
- Nickel, iron ore, fish, timber, and petroleum are all vital resources for the global
economy that come from Central America. While Belize extracts crude oil, other
islands such as Guatemala refine petroleum. In terms of commercial fishing, the
Caribbean is a key region.
4. List down the Top 10 Best Places to visit in Central America and describe each.
1. Tikal
Located in the tropical rainforest of the Petén province in northern Guatemala, Tikal
was one of the largest cities of the ancient Mayan civilization. Archaeologists
estimate that, at its peak, Tikal’s population ranged from 50,000 to 100,000
inhabitants. Among the many Mayan sites in Central America, Tikal is perhaps the
most breathtaking due to its jungle setting with impressive temples poking through
the canopy. Visitors can climb to the top of a few of the pyramids and get panoramic
views from above the treetops.
2. Roatan
A prominent scuba diving destination and cruise ship port-of-call, Roatan is the
largest of the Bay Islands, off the east coast of Honduras. Surrounded by the second-
largest barrier reef in the world, Roatan is a prime spot for diving and snorkeling.
What’s more, the island’s beaches provide an array of activities from swimming to
kayaking and dolphin watching.
Located in central Costa Rica, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the
country’s most coveted tourist destinations due to its astonishing natural beauty and
abundance of activities including ziplining and canopy tours. The reserve however is
most famous for its extraordinary biodiversity: Around 400 species of birds are found
here, more than 100 species of mammals including howler and capuchin monkeys
and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. Along with the mega-diversity of
wildlife, there are 2,500 species of plants, 420 of which are orchids.
4. Ambergris Caye
The largest of Belize’s several hundred islands, Ambergris Caye is a dreamy, tropical
place where shorts and flip-flops are the dress code, golf carts are the mode of
transportation, and lazing away on sandy white beaches is the primary activity. A
short plane flight or ferry ride from Belize City, Ambergris Caye is one of Belize’s top
travel destinations because it presents the ultimate Caribbean getaway with classic
beaches, world-class accommodations, fabulous dining and ultra relaxation.
5. Antigua Guatemala
Set against the pictorial backdrop of three imposing volcanoes in the central
highlands of Guatemala, the beautiful, old colonial town of Antigua is one of the
country’s top tourist destinations. A major center for learning the Spanish language,
Antigua provides a plethora of impressive sights and activities. Just a simple stroll
through the city center awards views of spectacular architecture, historic churches
and prominent landmarks like the Santa Catalina Arch.
6. Panama City
7. Granada, Nicaragua
One of Nicaragua’s largest cities, Granada is also one of the country’s oldest and
most historically important centers, featuring a wealth of Spanish history and well-
preserved colonial architecture. Located in western Nicaragua along the shores of
Lake Nicaragua, Granada offers tourists plenty to see and do from sightseeing to
outdoor recreation and arts and culture.
A tour of the city center awards sights of multicolored colonial buildings, landmarks,
old churches, a Spanish fort and a lively market buzzing with vendors selling produce
and handicrafts. Museums and art galleries showcase the city’s history, art, culture
and production of cigars and chocolate. Granada’s Central Park is a wide open green
space with food kiosks where people can relax and enjoy picnics and outdoor
recreation. Nearby Lake Nicaragua and its many islets offer fishing, swimming,
boating, horseback riding and archaeological sites, while a little further out,
volcanoes and rainforest offer hiking, canopy tours and wildlife viewing.
8. Arenal Volcano
Until the past few years, Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica, and it’s
frequent, small explosions once provided incredible shows of spewing lava.
However, in 2010, Arenal’s cycle entered into a resting phase, putting an
indeterminate pause on the eruptions. Nevertheless, the area surrounding Arenal
still offers plenty of outstanding sights and exciting activities.
9. Copan
Once an important Mayan center of government, art, culture and astronomy, Copan
today is a large complex consisting of two large pyramids, several plazas, a ball court
and numerous stone temples, altars and stelae, which are famous for their
hieroglyphics and intricate carvings that depict history, events, beliefs and customs
of the ancient Mayans.
10. Leon, Nicaragua
A thriving university town and one of the country’s oldest and largest cities, Leon is
Nicaragua’s political and intellectual center. Situated along the Chiquito River
northwest of the capital city, Managua, Leon is rich in Spanish colonial architecture
as well as arts and culture, and teeming in students and backpackers.
Located just a few miles inland of the Pacific Ocean, Leon is also home to popular
beaches like Poneloya and Las Peñitas, which offer water activities and nightlife
options. Just outside of the city, visitors can hire ruletos (trucks operating as buses)
to the nearby volcanoes, rivers and mangrove forests to enjoy hiking, kayaking and
wildlife viewing.
As a city that is host to students from all over the world, Leon features a variety of
dining choices to suit every taste and budget. The market is a good place to find local
dishes such as fried cheese, beans and rice, and cheese-stuffed plantains. Also
plentiful are bars, clubs and dance halls throbbing with salsa dancing.