In 2015 the new Donnavventura expedition set off to Central America and the Caribbeans, including thirteen different Countries in another thrilling itinerary across the Yucatan Peninsula and Mexico.
The first stops were made at the Mayan archeological sites of Chichen Itza and Uxmal, then the team drove South along the coastline to Belize, its wondrous northern islands and the legendary carnival. Our travel reporters had a chance to explore the wonder of the Great Blue Hole, a giant submarine sinkhole off the coast, part of the larger Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a World Heritage Site of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Then it was time to visit Guatemala, the Mayan site of Tikal, the colonial settlements in Antigua surrounded by threatening volcanoes and the colorful open air market in Chichicastenago.
Back on the eastern coast, the team set sail on the Rio Doulce, near Livingstone, right before crossing the border to Honduras and reaching La Ceiba and the Islands of Cayo Chachauate and Cayo Cochinos – the latter inhabited by a large Garifuna tribe population. After a brief stop in Tegucigalpa, the capital city, the Donnavventura caravan entered Nicaragua and took some great shots at the foot of Momotombo Volcano.
Later on, the team arrived in Costa Rica and visited Tamarindo, on the Pacific Ocean, a true must-see destination for surfers from all over the world. Then it was time to go across the mainland, all the way to the other Ocean: the team set up camp in the northern Archipelago of Bocas del Toro, after entering Panama, and began visiting some of its wondrous islands and secluded atolls. They proved as a most striking contrast with the futuristic and thriving Panama City. Up North there’s another Archipelago, San Blas, not so easy to reach, but made of some 365 islets pinpointing the turquoise waters and mostly inhabited by the ancient Kuna tribes – a true discovery of brand new habits, culture and centuries-old traditions. White sands and blue waters all around, all the way over the horizon. What a great place!
In Panama, the Donnavventura team took a flight to Santo Domingo and then went for some exciting sightseeing along the coast and on Saona Island. Our travel reporters then most respectfully crossed the only military gate to Haiti and witnessed the devastation caused by recent natural disasters, while managing to capture some glorious shots of its untainted and most luxuriant vegetation and postcard-like landscapes.
Another airplane took the whole team to Turks & Caicos, a mostly unknown of archipelago for the Europeans, but highly appreciated and favored by American and Canadian tourists. Part of it is still in its natural pristine order, thus providing the perfect escape to untainted pieces of heaven on Earth, while another part is literally packed with elegant hotels and acclaimed restaurants.
Bahamas proved just as exclusive and spectacular, as a top-notch travel destination, although the Donnavventura team could not possible visit all the 700 islands of this famous Archipelago.
The end of 2015 Donnavventura Grand Raid was celebrated in splendid Cuba, possibly the most charming destination in the Caribbeans.
