Bargains Beckon in Friendly Central America

Central America, despite some of its past political troubles, remains a fascinating, friendly and largely peaceful area, rich in possibilities for eco-tourism and culture. That, plus the strong U.S. dollar and a wide range of travel options, makes our neighbors to the south well worth a visit.

* Belize: English-speaking and laid-back, and its offshore isles are perfect for snorkeling, scuba, fishing and escaping civilization.

From April 1 through year’s end, Capricorn Leisure, telephone (800) 426-6544, will send you for six nights on Caye Caulker (the least developed isle) for $703 per person, double occupancy, from Los Angeles. A bit more developed and upscale, Ambergris Caye is the site of a Capricorn package combining air fare and six nights in the charming town of San Pedro for $747 from Los Angeles.

* Guatemala: The lovely Spanish colonial town of Antigua is home to a number of well-established, accredited Spanish-language schools--which combine classes with excursions and activities, plus all meals six days a week and lodging in local homes or hotels.

This is a rewarding and inexpensive way to spend a vacation. For example, the Academia de Profesores Privados de Espan~ol, tel. and fax 011-502-832-0720, has programs starting at 20 hours a week for $65, plus family accommodations starting at $50 weekly. Airport transfers are $20. Another, comparable school is Academia de Espan~ol Guatemala, tel. 011-502-832-5057, fax 011-502-832-5058.

More details can be found on the Internet at https://www.travellog.com/guatemala/antigua.

* Honduras: Hurricane Mitch devastated parts of this country, but you can still find key tourist areas that are up and running. An example is the island of Roatan, which is divine for scuba divers--and just about anyone looking for a Robinson Crusoe-type experience.

A Capricorn package pairs seven nights at the rustic Half Moon Cabins with air from Los Angeles for $828 per person, double occupancy. Divers might also consider Capricorn’s seven-nighter at Anthony’s Key Resort: three dives daily and air, $1,103 from L.A.

* Central American mix: G.A.P. Adventures, tel. (800) 465-5600, Internet https://www.gap.ca, offers the “Great Central American Journey” all this year: 29 days and 28 nights starting in Cancun, Mexico, and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica (or vice versa), for $1,450, land only. Lodgings are in bare-bones hotels, and most transport is via public bus. The itinerary includes Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica--all for $52 a night.