Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime in this latest edition of our guide to Central America.

Discover Central America's most popular experiences and best kept secrets from gazing into the magma-churning Volcán Masaya in Nicaragua; to swimming through near-transparent Caribbean waters around the teensy island of Caye Caukler in Belize; and people-watching in the Parque Central of Granada before strolling its 500-year-old streets.

Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Central America travel guide:

Our classic guidebook format contains the most comprehensive level of information for planning multi-week trips All-new structure and design that's easy to use so you can navigate Central America effortlessly Exciting itineraries help you create your perfect adventure with suggestions for extended journeys, day trips, walking tours and activity-led excursions Expert local recommendations on eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, festivals, when to go and more Vibrant photography and maps Get fresh takes on must-visit sights from Semuc Champey, to Lamanai, and Parque Nacional Los Volcanes Essential information toolkit containing tips on arriving, transport, local etiquette, using money, LGBTIQ+ travel advice, useful words and phrases, accessibility and responsible travel Connect with Central American culture through stories that delve deep into local life, history and traditions Covers: Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico's Yucatán & Chiapas.

Create a trip that's uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary part of the world with Lonely Planet's Central America.

Today, Shepherd University is recognized for its outstanding programs in liberal arts, business administration, computer and natural sciences, and professional studies. In 1871, the school opened its doors to 42 students who were guided under the leadership of its first principal, Joseph McMurran. The West Virginia Legislature passed an act in February 1872 to establish a branch of the state normal school for teacher training at Shepherd. Teacher education remained the cornerstone of Shepherd University for more than a century. This pictorial history presents how academics, athletics, and student life transformed over the decades to educate a diverse student body in more than 60 undergraduate programs and five graduate programs.

The simple lifestyle once shared by many families on rural farmlands in Cordova is but a dream of yesteryear, as those days are long gone. Early settlers spread into the adjacent communities of Sanga, Bethany, Pisgah, Lenow, and Morning Sun, and children from these areas went to the original brick Cordova School. Families held social gatherings at the school and local churches. At one time, 92 percent of the fresh flowers sold in Memphis were grown in Cordova; thus the town's motto: "Farms, Flowers, Fellowship." Though it was eventually annexed by the City of Memphis, many historic homes and buildings still remain in the old town area in the heart of Cordova.

This is a story about two young girls' who have just moved to a seaside town. They experience a magical adventure with their dog Flossie, during a particularly dull wet English summer. Returning from a shopping trip they stumble upon a small antique shop in the older part of town. Curiosity leads them to enter and discover the owner is a wizard called Beerfroth. He is enchanted by the children and they make him laugh, so he gives them a small box as a gift. They return home to discover it has a secret drawer containing a ring with magical properties. With the ring the children are able to visit Rasnaucty Island, a safe haven for threatened animals, hidden in another dimension governed by the Laird, Archie McBear. But there's trouble on the island and Beerfroth needs their help. The mine at Cold Mountain has collapsed and the ice cream bears have gone on strike. Can the two girls help repair the mine and restore peace and harmony to the troubled island?