Page 40 - Masala E-magazine Vol 9 Issue 4 February-March 2018

TRAVEL

Outdoor Adventures

Eight countries with over 300 volcanoes and two long tropical
coasts make for quite a large playground. Zip through rainforest
canopies, swim alongside sea turtles, surf the waves, or trek to
sublime cloud forest vistas, for everywhere you go, you’ll bear
witness to a wild cast of characters — a resplendent quetzal
on the highland trail, an alarmed red-eyed tree frog, a lazy
sloth hanging off a tree branch, or an unruly troupe of howler
monkeys screeching through the forests. Your adventures are Fuego and Acatenango
limited only by your fearlessness. volcanoes at sunset,
Guatemala
Volcano Hiking: When arriving in Guatemala, El Salvador,
Nicaragua, or Costa Rica, the chances of accidentally stum-
bling upon a volcano, rather than a mountain, is high. These
countries are home to a majority of the 300
volcanoes that tower over Central America.
Volcano boarding
at Cerro Negro,
Nicaragua
For glimpses of the fieriest active volcanoes, the
Acatenango Volcano hike will offer stunning views of
Volcan de Fuego (Fire Volcano) in Guatemala.

For thrill seekers, volcano boarding atop Cerro Negro
in Leon, Nicaragua would be considered a once-in-
a-lifetime adventure. Cerro Negro is the only volcano
that is suitable for volcano boarding. This sport Right: Conception Volcano at
Omptetep Island, Nicaragua;
consists of sitting on the board and sliding down the Bottom: Arenal Volcano ,
side of a volcano. Costarica

For the most symmetrical and colourful prospects, head
to Ompetepe Island, Nicaragua and take in the beauty
of Conception Volcano.

For a lush forest hike with rewarding volcano vistas,
consider the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica.

For an up-close view of the volcanic craters, Santa Ana
Volcano, El Salvador, or Telica and Masaya Volcano, Surfing: Blessed with Caribbean and Pacific coasts, cheap
Nicaragua are recommended. living, warm waters and splendid waves, Central America
offers something for every surfer at every level and budget. For
beginners, El Zonte in El Salvador or Playa Hermosa in San
Juan del Sur, Nicaragua is recommended. Lessons per hour
range between US$20 to US$30, depending on your bargaining
skills. Most of the surfing is found along the Pacific coastline,
with some beautiful spots along Costa Rica as well.

Snorkelling and Diving: The second largest barrier reef in the
world, Hol Cham Marine Reserve is Belize’s pride and joy.
Home to more than 100 types of coral and 500 species of
tropical fish, this reef is pure paradise for scuba divers and
snorkelers alike. The Yucatan region in Mexico, just north
of Belize, is also another hot spot for diving enthusiasts,
especially in the small fisherman town of Mahahual. It is
almost guaranteed that you will see a variety of sharks,
stingrays and beautiful sea turtles during your underwater
adventures.
Surfing at El Zonte in El Salvador

40 Masala Magazine
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018