This project will pay close attention to the issue of climate change and ethical tourism practices, as well as securing the participation of local communities and small and medium-sized companies from the industry when it comes to preserving the natural and cultural heritage that exists throughout the Region.

Furthermore, in order to boost the benefits offered by this program, different measures will be strengthened in fields as diverse as the integral management of disasters and climate change, safety and security and the battle against poverty and social exclusion.

Furthermore, support for the establishment of a Central American Customs Union will be maintained, with a view to boosting trade and facilitating migratory movements. This initiative promotes air and land connections, as well as cruise routes, providing a boost for the tourist industry and benefiting both local communities and small and medium-sized companies.

In 2012, Central America will also mark the new era in the Region’s development within the context of Mayan Culture, a project that seeks to strengthen the cultural identity of Central America.

A recent trip to Nicaragua has me mulling over one simple question: Can you really put a value to an experience? If diving into the unknown is the ultimate adventure, is it possible to put a price tag on that experience?

Enter a website called The Adventures Of X (TAOX)! Through this little known website, http://www.taox.worldventures.biz, I was invited to partake in a service trip to two cities in Nicaragua – La Paz and La Primavera. I knew that Nicaragua is one of the least developed countries in Central America, but nothing prepared me for the experience. I witnessed firsthand how shocking, especially in La Paz, the degree of poverty truly is. I was told beforehand that “an important part of the service trip is experiencing life as the extremely poor experience it, and you should approach this with understanding and humility.”

The emergence of responsible tourism as a niche market presents a whole new way to tackle travel and tourism from an entirely different perspective—that travel and tourism only really requires two basic things: an open door and an open mind. Governments, of course, play an integral role in that they must have an open sky policy. This fact aside, a service trip is really an exercise on the part of a traveler to fulfill their need to do something good while they travel – to be precise, to be a “voluntourist.” For my Nicaragua trip, it entailed a day of digging a ditch (in La Paz) for a bio-gas system (animal manure converted to cooking gas) and spending a few days with the Women In Action project (in La Primavera). On the backdrop of this volunteer work was a detailed sightseeing itinerary that took me to some of Nicaragua’s most popular tourist attractions – the Masaya Volcano, Revolutionary Plaza, National Palace, Sandino Statue, to name just a few. The most significant aspect of this service trip, however, had nothing to do with the actual tour itinerary or even the volunteer work that was required. It had to do with accommodation. I was assigned a host family to stay with in both La Paz and La Pirmavera. Simply put, I had to live like a local for the time that I stayed in both places. This meant I had to eat the same food and sleep in the same manner that my host families did.

There I was, lying on a fragile makeshift bed on my first night in La Paz, Nicaragua, and silently deliberating whether I was cut out for the “voluntour” (or service trip) that I had signed up for. I was now immersed in an experience where I was “living” the life of an impoverished Nicaraguan – the guest bedroom where I stayed was separated from the host’s bedroom (shared by a family of four – parents, a one-year-old boy, and another boy who was six years of age) by sheets made of rice sacks that were sewn up together to form a curtain/divider. The door was partially covered by a thin cloth; privacy was virtually non-existent. Trading in the conveniences of a hotel accommodation to stay with a host family was a core requirement and an integral component in the service trip experience.

Despite my blank canvas, I was blown away by this experience in almost every way one can be–the level of culture shock was intense; the language barrier, profound! In spite of the differences encountered between our Nicaraguan hosts and my fellow adventurers, this undertaking leveled the service trip group as a whole. Some members of the group left in tears, not out of sorrow for the Third World status quo as much as mourning the separation from their newly discovered Nicaraguan “family.” What became the most difficult task in the entire journey to Nicaragua was parting ways with fellow human beings who opened their doors and their minds to care for us during our brief stint in their household.

This trip was put together by the partnering of two companies – Manifest Foundation and Compass de Nicaragua. Manifest Foundation is a NH 501(c)3 non-profit organization assembled by and under the authority of WorldVentures, a direct sales travel club that provides four- and five-star vacations and adventures at two- and three-star prices through its various membership programs. It was founded only five years ago in Plano, Texas, and has since established a formidable presence in all 50 US states and over 20 countries.

What’s significant to know in this case is that the Manifest Foundation has already completed many voluntourism trips and is keen on adding more itineraries to its already vast list of trips to Latin America and parts of Africa. In the near future, the non-profit organization will be expanding its outreach to every continent around the globe with a very clear objective: to provide the opportunity for life enhancement through community service. Meanwhile, Compass de Nicaragua is a NH 501(c)3 non-profit organization that formed in the 1990s. The mission of this company is to promote cultural exchange and improve lives through service trips and sustainable community development in both urban and rural Nicaragua. Manifest foundation, through WorldVentures, is reaching out to organizations such as Compass de Nicaragua to make these services available to many more.

On my service trip to Nicaragua, the ages, lifestyles, and cultural experience among the group of WorldVentures members and their guests was diverse, to say the least. However, all were on the same playing field, and the game didnʼt belong to any of us. A WorldVentures representative looked out for the safety and interest of our group and a photographer worked diligently to capture the experience. It was amazing to see that these two seasoned individuals were struck by the experience as much as the rest of us. During the end-of-trip discussion, which took place on the night before our group’s departure back to the US, there was a consensus among the members of the group that the experience was profound and can only be described as life-changing. Everyone who took part in this trip wants to do more for the Nicaraguan people and they want to inspire others to take this expedition by sharing their stories and pictures.

Kudos to WorldVentures for establishing the Manifest Foundation. Its presence comes at a time when greater emphasis on responsible tourism is being felt across the globe. The Manifest Foundation, based on my service trip to Nicaragua, is clearly bringing socio-economic change to the world one journey at a time. While there is a definite price tag for this exercise in altruism, the experience in its entirety is truly priceless.

My Nicaragua experience is by no means a product that I would recommend for everyone to take. Not quite. The trip can undoubtedly take a toll on a traveler’s physical and mental limit. Simply put, taking on this service trip means you are prepared for the worst in “adventuring.” This said, The Adventures Of X (http://www.taox.worldventures.biz) has a vast array of travel itineraries to fit every lifestyle. Whether you want to take on a service trip similar to my Nicaraguan adventure or just want to go on a vacation, I’m certain that TAOX has a suitable itinerary to cater to your needs.

“We’re thrilled with this recent announcement by Nature Air,” said Hans Pfister, CEO and principle of Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality. “Although close in proximity, Costa Rica and Nicaragua are quite different and are distinct paradises in their own right. This new direct flight will make it easy for travellers wanting to pack in the many diverse sights, tastes and experiences of Central America. And to celebrate this new direct route, we’re offering a special promotion from now until August.”

Until August 25, 2011, guests who take advantage of the new Nature Air flight by staying at one of Cayuga’s Costa Rican locations before flying to Nicaragua for a three-night stay at Jicaro Island Ecolodge, Cayuga’s sixth property, will pay for only two nights and, as a bonus, will receive a tour of Granada City.

Costa Rica, known for it’s stunning ecosystem and outdoor opportunities, is home to five of Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality’s hotels: Latitude 10 Beach Resort, Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn, Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort and The Harmony Hotel. Take advantage of the finest surfing Costa Rica has to offer in Santa Teresa or check out the natural wonders of the country’s first national park, Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve – home to howler monkeys, pelicans, hummingbirds and more.

“Costa Rica is a haven for nature lovers,” said Pfister. “From bird watching to hiking waterfalls, there’s no better place to reconnect with the environment than at one of our ecolodges located right in the middle of a rainforest.”

After a few days experiencing the peace and tranquility of the natural world, guests can hop on the short flight to Cauyuga Sustainable Hospitality’s sixth hotel, Jicaro Island Ecolodge, located in the heart of Nicaragua, a country rich in culture and flavour.

Guests wanting to experience the history of Nicaragua are invited to go on the Granada City Tour – an exploration of the 1524 city of Granada, the oldest city on mainland America and considered one of the prettiest in Latin America. Participants will visit relevant sites, colonial buildings and the San Francisco Museum and local guides will tell tales of real pirates and civil war stories about Granada being burned to ashes, sacked and destroyed many times.

After all that exploring, guests’ taste buds will relish in the good eats Jicaro has to offer. The open-air kitchen creates menus using only the freshest ingredients in season and all meals (and non-alcoholic drinks) are included in the hotel cost.

For more information or to plan a Costa Rica/Nicaragua vacation, visit www.cayugaonline.com or www.natureair.com

About Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality

Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality develops and manages hotels, lodges and other tourism related projects in Latin America and the Caribbean that are committed to the four Ps of sustainability – people, planet, profit and place. It offers solutions and expertise to tourism operators looking to enhance their performance in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. As well, Cayuga provides expert responsible travel advice, including full itinerary suggestions for families, adventurers and honeymooners.

For more information, visit www.cayugaonline.com

Mr. Raul Castro Zachrisson, Secretary General of the Instituto Nacional de Cultura said, “Panama’s National Institute of Culture (INAC) is committed to the preservation of our cultural heritage. We strive to maintain it in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations. I am honored to be a part of this important historical find and look forward to a continuous working relationship with all the institutions and professionals involved in the conservation of our sub aquatic cultural and natural resources.”

Since 2008, an underwater archaeology team led by archaeologists James Delgado, Frederick Hanselmann, and Dominique Rissolo has surveyed, mapped, and documented submerged sites, shipwrecks, and the 500-years of maritime history that rests along the banks of the Rio Chagres. In a press conference in Panama City on February 24, 2011, the team announced the recovery of the cannons from a shallow reef damaged by treasure hunters, whose blasting and dredging had exposed the fragile iron cannons to possible damage and loss. This led to the decision to recover the cannons. The cannons were measured and photographed in 2008 and studied by Dr. Ruth Brown, formerly with the Royal Armouries in the UK and an internationally renowned early cannon expert. The size and shape of the cannons appear to be a close match with the characteristics of small iron cannon of the Seventeenth Century; a more definitive identification of the cannons will take place after they are treated and years of encrustation and corrosion are removed in the laboratory.

The team, drawn from the ranks of Texas State University, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Waitt Institute, National Geographic, and the Instituto Nacional de Cultura explained how the discovery provides the first tangible archaeological link to the activities of Morgan in Panama, whose raid led to the destruction of Panama City. Amazingly, archaeologists have yet to find any direct evidence of Morgan’s men at the ruins of Panama Viejo, the city destroyed during Morgan’s raid, and have only uncovered one faint trace of the fire that devastated the old city in 1671.

According to Dr. Tomas Mendizabal, Panamanian archaeologist and part of the expedition, “The clearest evidence is the traces of fire found on the stairs of the Cabildo structure at the side of the ruins of the Cathedral tower, which represents the level of destruction and abandonment of the building and, presumably the whole population. However, conflicting versions exist regarding who and how the fire was started.”

Prior to plundering and burning the original site of Panama City in 1671, Morgan sent an advance party of 470 men in three ships with the task of storming the Spanish fort on the cliff overlooking the entrance to the Chagres River, the Castillo de San Lorenzo el Real de Chagres. Five days after the capture, Morgan in his flagship Satisfaction and the rest of his privateer fleet arrived at the fort to find the British flag flying. The cheers from those on the cliff and those on board the ships soon turned to horror as Satisfaction ran head on into Lajas Reef, which lay in the path of the river covered by a mere few feet of water. Three to four more ships followed the Morgan onto the reef. The ships were shattered and none was recovered. Morgan and his men paddled upriver and walked overland and finally sacked Panama City, returning to the Caribbean from the same route, abandoning the shipwrecks in their wake.

Coordinated by the Waitt Institute and in collaboration with the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (INAC), the results from the first-ever archaeological survey of the submerged cultural resources at the mouth of the Chagres River in 2008 yielded a vast array of archaeological artifacts from more than 500 years of maritime activity at the mouth of the river, including the cannons. The team returned in 2010 to recover the cannons from the reef under permit from INAC. The cannons will now be treated at the conservation facilities of the Patronato Panama Viejo to reverse centuries of salt water intrusion and chemical changes that if left untreated will result in their disintegration. “For the Patronato Panama Viejo it is very important to be the final depository of the six recovered cannons from the mouth of the Chagres,” said the office of the Patronato Panama Viejo. “The inclusion of these cannons in our exhibits is of great importance and will greatly enrich our hall on piracy.” The Patronato Panama Viejo has more than 15 years of experience in conservation at its laboratory facilities, the only one in the country, specializing in the treatment and preservation of metals. During the conservation process, one of the cannons will be exhibited in order to educate visitors on the conservation process as well as the rich history of the country of Panama.

Mr. Frederick Hanselmann, Research Professor with the River Systems Institute and Center for Archaeological Studies at Texas State University said, “Very little is known archaeologically about English privateers, especially in regards to their activity in Panama. This represents a unique opportunity to fill in a gap in our knowledge of some very exciting and controversial human activity of that time period.”

“The Rio Chagres was in many ways the original Panama Canal,” notes Dr. James Delgado, past president of the Institute of Nautical Archaeology and now the Director of Maritime Heritage for the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “For five centuries, following in the wake of Panama’s indigenous peoples, Spanish explorers, English freebooters, traders, gold seeking Yankees enroute to California, soldiers and citizens have used the river as a highway that nearly crosses the isthmus. As these cannons demonstrate, those centuries of human activity have left a tangible trace in the archaeological record which is an important part of Panama’s cultural patrimony as being of international significance and interest.”

Dr. Dominique Rissolo, Executive Director of the Waitt Institute, which supported the project, noted, “Panama’s maritime heritage is among the richest and most fascinating in all of the Americas, yet it has long been threatened by ‘modern-day Morgans’ in search of sunken treasures and trinkets. Our team is privileged to be collaborating with inspired and talented Panamanian leaders and scholars who share our desire to study and conserve the nation’s submerged past and to accelerate the pace of discovery and protection. This is an exciting time for archaeology in Panama and we are very fortunate to be a part of it.”

Mr. Hanselmann continued by noting that “Archaeology is a very popular and romantic topic. From the professional to the avocational level, we are all fascinated with what we learn about our collective past. This project aims to also make its discoveries accessible to the public through a variety of venues in the future, which will also hopefully provide an impetus for economic development through cultural heritage tourism. For now we are concentrating on continued survey for the actual remains of the vessels to better inform efforts in research, management, and preservation, in addition to the conservation of the cannons that we have recovered.”

Captain Henry Morgan / Image via blogspot.com

Panama’s economic activity rose 6.24% in July, well above the expected 5%. As it embraces its 11th consecutive month of economic growth, international investors are lining up to buy Panama real estate. “Between the expansion of the Canal and the continuing double-digit increases in tourism, it’s hard to see how Panama won’t become Latin America’s greatest success story,” says Benjamin Loomis, developer of a new Panama real estate project The Resort at Isla Palenque. The forward-thinking Loomis was ahead of the curve in 2007 when he chose Panama for the site of his luxury eco-resort and vacation homes, which are currently being developed on a Panama island property.

The future looks promising for Loomis. The Wall Street Journal recently published that Panama’s hotel activity grew 9.5% so far this year. The revenue and job opportunities created by growth in tourism and real estate development are projected to be strong economic contributors in the coming years, and they’re not the only industries that have attracted multinational firms to invest in Panama: Proctor & Gamble, Dell and DHL all have headquarters or regional hubs in Panama.

Panama has also emerged as the Latin American country with the best business climate, according to the Latin Business Index, surging past Chile for the top spot this year. The Panama Guide reported that, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, direct foreign investment grew 26% in the first part of this year, and companies have invested approximately 1.1 billion dollars to open new business in Panama in just the first six months of 2010. The Latin Business Chronicle deemed Panama the “Latin American Star.”

However, Time Magazine paints Panama’s pro-business President Ricardo Martinelli as a possible political strongman while The Wall Street Journal speculates that conceit might bring him down. But Ambler H. Moss, Jr., Professor of International Studies at the University of Miami and former U.S. ambassador to Panama, believes that President Ricardo Martinelli has what it takes to sustain Panama’s impressive growth. “With a solid growth rate even in difficult times, all of the country’s political and economic signs are favorable,” he says.

Martinelli’s five-year plan consists of a comprehensive investment plan with a focus on infrastructure. Road expansions, highway systems, hospitals, airports, and a metro system are already underway, giving investors even more confidence in Panama’s upwardly mobile trajectory. “Panama now has 20 years of unbroken electoral democracy [and] the Panama Canal, entirely in Panamanian hands since 2000, has been hugely successful,” says Moss. “This is impressive for a country of 3.4 million people.”

image from wordpress.com

LOCAL HOT SPRINGS

Visit the natural, local hot springs in Caldera, Chiriqui. Immerse yourself in natural pools ranging in temperature from 102-106 degrees, and cool down in the nearby river when you get hot! Directions available at Rancho de Caldera.

WHITE WATER RAFTING

Chiriqui River Rafting – experience the excitement of class III and IV rapids.

VOLCAN BARU

Hiking up to Volcan Baru is an awesome experience for those who are in excellent physical shape. The hike up from an elevation of 4,500 feet to an elevation of over 11,000 feet is challenging (5-6 hours) but well worth it. On a clear day, you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at the same time!

For a complete story on Volcan Baru, go to: www.forimmediaterelease.net/pm/4002.html .

BIRDING, HIKING & COFFEE TOURS

Hike Volcan Baru or the Quetzal Trail, visit the Ngobe Indians, or learn all about the high quality local coffee:

• Boquete Mountain Safari

• Coffee Adventures

TREE TREKKING

Glide through the treetops of century-old forests, high above the pristine rivers and waterfalls that make up the incredible collection of natural landscapes bordering the National Park La Amistad and the famous Baru volcano.

DEEP SEA FISHING & ISLAND TOURS

Experience deep sea fishing and cruise tropical islands with Captain Merrill Bennett. In addition to world-class deep sea fishing, there are visits to the beautiful islands of the Bay of Chiriqui, Isla Bolanos, Islas Paridas, and Islas Secas, all of which have white sand beaches, good snorkeling, jungle walks and inland lagoons for birding. From June to January, humpback whales are regularly sighted, as well as dolphins, turtles, rays, and flying fish year round.

PARADISE GARDENS

View exotic birds, feed the capuchin monkeys, or admire the sloths at Paradise Gardens in Boquete. Visit this animal rescue center where birds, monkeys, and assorted animals are nestled among four acres of beautifully landscaped, lush property and learn the stories behind all of these wonderful birds and animals!

For more free info on exciting things to do in the area and to book your tropical vacation in a tropical paradise, contact Rancho de Caldera eco-resort, Boquete, Republic of Panama: www.ranchodecaldera.com

Panama Land Line: +507 720-4225

Panama Cell Phone: +507 6612-2147

From North America: (877) 810-0898 or (216) 220-0192

Email form: http://ranchodecaldera.com/contact.php

Follow Rancho de Caldera on Twitter: @panamatravels

Web: www.ranchodecaldera.com

In addition to racing for victory each of the two days, riders will be aiming for the overall victory and part of a $1500 cash purse for the Howler Off-Road Adventure Series. Event organizers are using the race series as a vehicle to raise $10,000 for local non-profit community partners, Communidad connect and Fundacion Tierra.

Following consultation with city and event officials, a committee of local business owners and cycling enthusiasts selected three courses that have optimal safety, minimal traffic impact, and challenging terrain. They include a Saturday Morning individual Time Trial, Saturday afternoon Circuit Race, and Sunday cross Country Road Race. For spectator entertainment, race promoters are also staging a soon famous Three-Wheel Bike Taxi race with $100 in prize money.

There will be 4 different race categories based on ability, gender with riders coming from Managua as well as neighboring Costa Rica and other Central American countries. San Juan is expecting to see guest as far as Vancouver, Canada.

Race promoter and adventure racer Larry Thraen is excited about adding another event to San Juan’s calendar. Thraen commented; “This race is a great opportunity to support local businesses and the cycling community while helping our non-profit partners, Communidad Connect and Fundacion Tierra. The Howler Bike Mountain Bike Race combined with events such as the Howler 5 &10k, and XTERRA Triathlon creates an annual race series to build sport tourism in San Juan del Sur.

We have two bike shops in town, several wonderful hotels, great restaurants, all of these companies are an important part of our economy and the town’s character. Events like the Howler Off-Road Race Series help bring in tourism dollars and help support some great causes such as micro-financing women-owned businesses, recycling, and help provide school uniforms for children”.

A number of businesses have already signed up to support the second year event including El Encanto del Sur, Groupo Max Construction, El Gato Negro, Villas de Palermo, Pau Hana, Chica Brava. Bodhin Adventure Services is still looking for a Title sponsor for the event and the race series.

With three months until race day, the event still needs additional sponsorship to cover operating expenses and volunteers including course marshals, certified EMTs and drivers for support vehicles. All proceeds from the race go towards the 2010 events, Communidad Connect and Fundacion Tierra.

Individuals interested in volunteering or sponsoring the event can visit
www.sanjuanhowler.com for more information.

About Bodhin Adventure Services:
Bodhin is a destination and race management company focused on Eco, wellness, and race tourism and is based in san Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. www.sanjuanhowler.com

Now that backpacking travel pioneers have laid the foundation, experts expect an influx of mainstream tourism to the emerging Panama market. Frommer’s calls the Gulf of Chiriqui “one of the fastest-changing regions in Panama. As retirees and expats move in by the thousands and ecotourism takes off, the landscape is changing at breakneck speed.” This phenomenon has already occurred in popular tourist destinations around the world, such as Costa Rica. Now a wildly popular travel destination, Costa Rica started as a backpacker paradise but rapidly began to attract mainstream travelers.

To stay ahead of the curve, developers must prepare for a new kind of customer, a concept Benjamin Loomis, president of Amble Resorts, understands well. Loomis is developing a Panama real estate project, The Resort at Isla Palenque, an eco-friendly, luxury resort and residences in the Gulf of Chiriqui. Loomis said: “The emergence of tourism destinations often follows a pattern similar to the gentrification of neighborhoods: first a few bohemians are attracted to unique experiences and low prices. As they flow in, the neighborhood gets better, or more tourism infrastructure gets built. Eventually this cycle creates conditions that appeal to more mainstream customers. Of course, prices have risen dramatically by that point. The key for developers and investors is to get in after the early intrepid souls have identified a place, but before the rest of the world knows about it.”

Not only is timing key to success, but understanding the new tourists’ needs is also crucial for developers. Loomis observes, “When I’m in Boca Chica, I see backpackers and surfers looking for cheap accommodations. What’s more interesting, though, is that I often see mainstream travelers in the area looking for high-end accommodations, but having to settle for what currently exists.” Loomis plans to fill this gap, leading the way for future developers by catering to the next generation of tourists who are searching for seclusion, nature, and adventure, but who also expect plush accommodations and high-end services.

Above image via hablayapanama.com

These funds are being channeled back into the tourism sector by way of improving infrastructure facilities, including power plants, telecom projects, overpasses, roads, highways, and bridges. In fact, the governments of Panama and Costa Rica have announced plans to build a temporary bridge over the Sixaola River, which will eventually be converted to a permanent bridge, costing US$13.4 million and increasing the connectivity between the countries. One of the most notable improvements is the US$5.25 billion Panama Canal expansion project, which will double the canal’s capacity and allow more traffic.

Recently, focus has also turned to the Enrique Malek Airport in David, the capital of the Chiriqui Province and gateway to the islands in the Gulf of Chiriqui. In early 2007, Gregorio Montecer, engineer and advisor to the director of the Civil Aeronautical Authority, unveiled a US$10 million expansion plan for the David airport to be completed by 2015. Upon the conclusion of the first phase of the project – a US$2 million investment to be completed this year – the upgrades to the runway will allow the David airport to accommodate commercial jets as large as a Boeing 737. Local developers have begun discussions among each other and with Panama’s tourism authority about how to leverage these upgrades into regular international flights.

“This area has seen a vast improvement of physical, economic, and social infrastructures in recent years,” said Ben Loomis, president of Amble Resorts, which is currently planning the development of a new eco resort in the Gulf of Chiriqui, the Resort at Isla Palenque. “In addition to the airport expansion, roads are being improved and new, high-quality health care facilities are being built. This expansive growth plus its incredible natural beauty makes the Gulf of Chiriqui an ideal location for our new island resort.”

“After 30 years in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, my choice in Panama to invest would be the coastal region of the Province of Chiriqui,” said Jim Procter of Panama Guru. “It already has an international airport, the sport fishing is as good as it gets on the Central American coast, and it offers westerly views with sunsets over the islands speckled around the Gulf of Chiriqui. Boutique hotels are slowly sprouting up so that’s where my chunk of cash would go.”

The believers of this reflection from the Spanish genius – which fortunately are not few – will be able to purchase the best Latin American literary works under the same roof: the ATLAPA International Convention Center, venue of the V Feria Internacional del Libro de Panamá which this year will have Perú as the Honorary Guest Country.

This important cultural event will take place from Wednesday 19 to Sunday 23 of August 2009. In its previous four editions, this literary rendezvous has registered a total attendance of more than 220 thousand people interested in knowing the works of the best authors in the Spanish Language Literature.
Besides Peru, this year the fair will have the participation of

Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, Cuba and Panamá, which will be represented in diverse activities with workshops and lectures for professional librarians and teachers with emphasis on the promotion of reading, copyrights, book presentations by guest authors, literary gatherings, a visual art showcase of the invited country and the popular Kid´s Pavilion, which is one the biggest attraction of the fair.

During the 5 days of the event attendees will be able to appreciate a presentation about the life of Mario Vargas Llosa–that will be shown for the first time outside Perú–, titled “Freedom and Life”, which includes pictures of the writer, interviews and books with his own footnotes.