Top 10 Eco-Adventures in North and Central America

 Are you a nature nut?  Looking for something different to do on your vacation?  Want to have some fun? Look no further than North and Central America where a plethora of activities are waiting for you!  Try them out for a day or book an entire vacation around them, either way, you won’t be disappointed!

# 1 Climb an active volcano – Pacaya Volcano, near Antigua Guatemala. Pacaya has been active since 1965 and you can hike alongside the flowing rivers of red lava, stopping to roast marshmallows along the way. If you’re really lucky you may even have the opportunity to peer into the crater. Although you can go by yourself, for safety reasons it is recommended to go with a guide. You definitely won’t be alone as this is a popular tourist stop – everyone wants to climb an active volcano - but don’t let that discourage you. It is a remarkable site. Tours range from half day to multi-day trips and run year round.

 #2   Horseback riding or hiking in Bryce Canyon – Utah, U.S.A.  Bryce Canyon, a national park is one of the strangest sites, jaw dropping places I’ve ever seen.  Limestone rock has been naturally shaped into thousands of spheres, arches and mazes, which are collectively called “hoodoos”.   It`s hard to believe that it is natural and not manmade.  Bryce Canyon becomes very busy in the summer, so the best time to visit is spring or fall, when the weather is still nice, but it is not as busy.   No guide is needed and you have the option of just taking in the vista or getting right into the “hoodoos” on the numerous trails available for horseback riding or hiking.  If you prefer a tour, they are also available ranging from day to multi-day trips. 

#3 Snorkel with the world’s largest fish, the whale shark – Holbox Island, Mexico. Every summer whale sharks which can reach lengths of up to 60 ft (20m) congregate in the Gulf of Mexico feeding off the plankton blooms. Whale sharks are harmless to people and there is nothing like swimming beside the largest fish in the world to make you feel very very tiny. It is necessary to book through a tour company. Tours range from day to multi-day trips and are only available during the summer months.

#4 Snowshoeing in the Rocky Mountains – Various locations in the Rocky Mountains of U.S.A. and Canada. Snowshoeing is great exercise, easy to learn and provides the opportunity to see the mountains up close in a way that few people experience. Don’t worry, about being cold, if you’re dressed properly, you’ll warm up in no time. Snowshoes can be rented for the day for as little as $10 at sporting stores. You can go by yourself, but check the snow and trail conditions with a local park office and ensure that you are in an avalanche free zone. If you don't feel comfortable going by yourself then, go with a guide. The best time to go is January to early April since that’s usually when there's the most snow. Trips range from half day to multi-day trips.

# 5 Zip line Rainforest Canopy Tour – Various locations, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama and Mexico. This is the closest you will come to feeling like a bird literally flying through the air while harnessed to a zip line. You get a bird’s eye view of the rainforest, and may get lucky and see some wildlife up close that you wouldn’t be able to see from the ground. (We saw tree iguanas and birds up very close.) You must do this through a tour company and it usually takes between 30 to 90 minutes depending on the length of the zip line. Zip lining can be done year round.

 # 6 Kayak with Killer Whales – British Columbia, Canada.  Not only will you be surrounded by spectacular scenery, think mountains meet ocean, but you will also come eye to eye with wild orcas (killer whales) and if you`re lucky may also see humpback whales, stellar sea lines and bald eagles.  It is highly recommended to go with a tour company, unless you are a very experienced kayaker who knows the region well.  Most tours are multi-day and are offered in July and August.

  # 7 Falling Water – Pennsylvania, U.S.A.  While it might seem unusual to include a tour of a house in a "Nature Activity" list, Falling Water isn`t just an ordinary house.  It is built over a waterfall by Frank Lloyd Wright, America`s most famous architect.  Lloyd Wright was an architect who tried to use building materials native to where a house was being built and tried to incorporate nature into his designs.  Falling Water is a National Historic Landmark and you can hear the waterfall from every room in the house.  Admission is by tour only and there are several tour choices available.  Tours are not offered in January and February and select days throughout the year so check before going.

 #8  Hike through a Rainforest – Various locations, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, and Mexico.  Rainforests are home to more species than any of the world`s other habitats.  You will be amazed by the diversity.  In Costa Rica, there are more than 850 species of birds alone, it`s a bird lovers paradise!  Not to mention the opportunity to see various species of monkeys, sloths, and leaf cutter ants to name but a few of the other critters you may get lucky enough to see.  Rainforests are quickly disappearing, here's your opportunity to see for yourself why we need our rainforests.  Although it is possible to go on your own, you will see far more with a guide.  Tours range from one hour to multi-day trips.  The longer you go, the more likely you are to see. 

# 9 Hike on a Glacier – Ice Fields Parkway, Alberta, Canada. This is the most visited glacier in North America and is one of the largest glaciers south of the Arctic on Canada’s most scenic highway. This is a popular destination, but with the world’s glaciers quickly melting, is a must-see, sooner than later. No tour is necessary, but it is highly recommended since the tours use special vehicles designed for glacier travel which will take you much further onto the glacier than you will be able to go on your own and also because glacier travel can be very dangerous without a guide. Tours are available year round.

#10     Snorkel with Sea Turtles – Mexico or Hawaii, U.S.A.   Imagine looking a turtle in the eye as it glides passes you, seemly slow, but before long, you realize  you`ve been out swum by a turtle!  Although clumsy and bulky on land, turtles are graceful and agile in the  the water.  You will also likely also see many other exotic colourful fish.  Tours are usually necessary as the turtles live in protected sanctuaries.  Tours range from half to full day tours and may include other activities as well.