Book excerpt: This updated handbook, providing detailed and practical travel information on Mexico and Central America, covers the whole region from the US border to Panama's trackless Darien Gap. Information is provided on all the attractions from the ancient Maya pyramids, Spanish colonial splendours and majestic volcanoes, to adventure sports and the best beaches. Details are included on Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Nicaragua.