Central and South America 

The web site for the Organization of American States is an excellent resource for a wide variety of topics related to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Information is available in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

The Maya culture is a major part of Central America's history.  The Canadian Museum of Civilization provides an excellent introduction to this very interesting era.

Travel Advisories:  Travelers should check the following web sites prior to traveling to Latin America to determine if any advisories apply:

The US State Department 

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The World Health Organization web pages for International Travel and Health and Outbreak News.

Human Rights:  Human rights issues can be an important part of forming an understanding of conditions in world regions and countries in those regions.  The Human Rights Watch web site is one of the most respected sources of information in this area.

Recommended Reading:  Let's Go - Central America; Lonely Planet - Central America on a Shoestring | Latin American Spanish phrasebook | South America on a Shoestring | Trekking in the Patagonia Andes; Rough Guides - Central America | Maya World.  Other guides for specific destinations are listed on the appropriate pages.

Top of Page