For fiber, craft and culture lovers alike (in NO particular order)
1. Bocas del Toro, Panama - a sea lovers paradise, gorge yourself on seafood at every meal or spend your day under the sun and in the water
2. Guadalajara, Mexico - handicrafts galore!
3. Merida, Mexico - architectural jewel, don't forget to buy a hammock (maybe extras for Christmas gifts too, you know you'll look back and wish you did!)
4. Antigua, Guatemala - Europe meets Latin America, a photographer's paradise, take in the sites, drool over the traditional textiles at the Nimpot store, play gringo and hike the surrounding volcanoes
5. Panajachel, Guatemala - ferry across Lake Antigua, visit the many street vendors for handcrafted goods, day trip to numerous destinations: Fuentes de Georginas hot springs, black sand beaches of Monterrico (okay, stay overnight and drive through the Auto Safari on your way back to Pana), largest outdoor market in Central America at Chichicastenango, and don't forget the epic comic book museum in Retalhuleu (for real)
6. Taxco, Mexico - holiday on the huge hill that is this bustling silver capital, hike above the city and quietly take in the view (no particular path, just hike toward the giant Jesus)
7. Domenecal, Costa Rica - surfers haven, 'nuf said
8. Creel, Mexico - expect to feel like you just entered the set for an 1800's old west film, ride the El Chepe train along the rim of the Copper Canyon to El Fuerte, order up street tacos and choco-flan, don't forget to buy a "cow" hat!
9. Casco Viejo, Panama City - picturesque (though "checkerboard"), a central location to access the infamous and historic Panama Canal, amazing restaurants and museums are just a taxi drive away (don't pay the gringo rate!)
10. Lake Patzcuaro, Mexico - slow paced and calm (unless you visit during Day of the Dead!). Day trip to local craft villages and ferry to the island of Janitzio
What are your favorites? Let's hear 'em!
What are your favorites? Let's hear 'em!
