Treasures of Maya are accessible again

ANCIENT Maya temples, mystical cloud forests, friendly folk and miles of beaches are just a few of the reasons American tourists go to Central America.

Visiting the region was difficult in the 1980s and ‘90s because of civil wars in El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Much of the region was unstable, its wonders lost to travelers.

Even though overpopulation, deforestation and weak economies still plague Central America, it is a marvelous vacation area, with many fine resorts, pristine islands and archeological treasures.

It’s a quick jaunt from the United States; consequently, American tourism is becoming a major force in the economic revival of the region, promoting stable politics in the process. And yes, prices are low.

It’s best to book a trip to Central America through a tour operator who specializes in and understands the region. Capricorn Leisure, (800) 426-6544, www.capricorn.net, is among agencies that serve up low-priced deals to Honduras and Belize. Honduras, devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, is now back on its feet and finally catching on to Caribbean-style all-inclusive resorts, which have sprouted up on the country’s Atlantic coast.

You’ll pay less than in the Caribbean for these newer resorts. From Jan. 2 until April 11, Capricorn charges $1,264 per person, double occupancy (single surcharge $384), for airfare from Los Angeles and seven nights at the Barcelo Palma Real, which includes food, soft drinks and activities.

For the English-speaking, multiethnic country of Belize, Capricorn offers several packages, some including scuba diving outings. The $1,273 package (per person, double occupancy, single surcharge $310) includes airfare from LAX, six nights accommodations on Ambergris Caye and four tank dives on the country’s famous barrier reef. (Valid from Jan. 1 to April 30.)

Guatemala is culturally interesting because of its high percentage of Mayas, who speak many dialects and wear traditional hand-woven garb. A national highlight is Tikal, a well-preserved, large Maya temple site. Guatemala specialist Tara Tours, (800) 327-0080, www.taratours.com, has a five-night package in Guatemala City, the former Spanish colonial capital of Antigua, Chichicastenango and stunning Lake Atitlan, ringed by volcanic cones, for $804, double occupancy (single surcharge $126), including airfare from Los Angeles.

Panamanians are friendly to American tourists, and you’ll find English more widely spoken here than in neighboring countries. Traveland.com, (800) 321-6336, www.traveland.com, has a five-night package in historic Panama City, including round-trip airfare from Los Angeles, for $894, per person, double occupancy (single surcharge $275), until March 22.

What if you want it all? No problem. Check out the backcountry trip through Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama offered for $1,580 per person by Adventure Center, (800) 228-8747, www.adventurecenter .com. Airfare is not included. This Jan. 27 Rum & Ruin Tour takes four weeks to complete. You’ll take in the diver’s paradise of Honduras’ Bay Islands, the ancient Maya city of Copan, Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, the rain forests and wildlife of Costa Rica, the volcanoes of Nicaragua and the Panama Canal. You’ll be camping with a small group and tour guide half the time and spend the rest of the time in hotels.

Beyond simply supporting the region economically, you might consider a volunteer vacation. Cross Cultural Solutions, (800) 380-4777, www.crossculturalsolutions.org, has a base in Guatemala City, from which it works with local agencies on projects for orphans, the disabled and the poor elderly. Sign up for two- to 12-week stints starting Jan. 24 and Feb. 21. The cost is $2,175 per person for the first two-week period.