Latin Lucy in Central America

The journey from south to north took us through three fascinating countries in Central America - from cosmopolitan Panama City, through swathes of jungle and chilled out Pacific and Caribbean beaches to the colonial towns and villages of Nicaragua – all unique in their own way.

Costa Rica is the most well-known to tourism, due to its long political and economic stability. We had dinner beside the Pacuare River after whitewater rafting to a Jungle Lodge where the new Linda Vista suite had recently been home to heart-throb Matthew McConaughey! This wasn’t the only connection to celebs – Canal House in Panama City’s historic quarter had been Daniel Craig’s chic hang out while playing Bond.

Other highlights? The engineering feat of the Panama Canal was awe inspiring and Nicaragua is simply magical – a land of volcanoes and ripe for exploration of its lakes, jungles and local markets. Bocas del Toro and the remote beaches of Bastimentos National Park stole my heart. We watched turtle conservation in action, snorkelled coral reefs and kayaked around the Zapatillas Cays. I want to go back already!