Imagine a place with secluded, palm-lined white sand beaches and crystalline turquoise waters. Now throw in some friendly locals, a couple shipwrecks, a lush tropical backdrop and a cool island breeze. Sounds like paradise, right? Welcome to the Corn Islands, one of the Caribbean’s most underrated destinations.

If you haven’t heard of the Corn Islands, you’re not alone. For the better part of the last century, they’ve more or less kept to themselves. However, the islands have a surprisingly colorful past. They were originally a British protectorate, and during this time, they were a popular pirate haunt (hence the shipwrecks). In 1894, they were claimed by Nicaraguan government, who leased them to the U.S. government for 99 years.  In 1970, the 99 year lease was ended under President Anstasio Somoza Debayle, and they once again came completely under Nicaraguan leadership.

Today, the Corn Islands are only nominally part of Nicaragua and are home to an English-speaking population descended from English settlers and slaves brought over from Africa. However, tourism is quickly becoming just as important to the local economy as coconut production and commercial fishing, and it’s hard to say how long the Islands will retain their Anglo-Caribbean Identity. Nicaraguan mainlanders and indigenous groups have been migrating to the islands, particularly Big Corn Island, in increasing numbers to take advantage of the growing tourism industry.

But despite this increase in tourism, The Corn Islands still feel very much removed from the modern world.  If you’re the kind of traveler who requires gourmet dinners and five star all-inclusive resorts, the Corn Islands aren’t for you. If, however, you can content yourself with a rustic beachside cabana (A/C’s an unlikely commodity) and a $1.50 street vendor meal, you won’t be disappointed. The Corn Islands are composed of two Islands: Big Corn Island and Small Corn Island. Both are wonderfully elusive and isolated, but those looking for a truly Robinson Crusoe-like escape should head to Small Corn Island — there aren’t even any roads here, so you have no choice but to feel like you’re getting away from it all.  Both islands have some spectacular offshore barrier reefs, and the diving and snorkeling are quickly gaining popularity. However, aside from snorkeling, diving, swimming and exploring the islands by foot, there really isn’t much else to do but relax on the beach with a cold beer in hand, which is perfectly OK in my book.

Located about 45 miles off of Nicaragua’s Atlantic Coast, the Corn Islands are composed of two Islands: Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island. It’s not particularly easy to reach the islands: You will have to fly from Managua to Bluefield Airport to Big Corn Island Airport. Those wanting to stay in Little Corn Island will then need to take a ferry. However, adventurous travelers will find that the Corn Islands are well worth the hassle.

For additional information on other exotic Latin American destinations, check out articles on Ecuador, Brazil, and Mexico.

Situated in southern Panama on the border with Colombia, the Darien is still off of most     travelers’ radar. However, in the last few years, an increasing number of tour companies have been offering guided excursions to the region.  Although only a trickle of foreign and national tourists make their way to the Darien every year, a recent focus on the region’s ecological and cultural importance has raised the province’s profile, making it an appealing adventure destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

For years the Darien has had a reputation as a dangerous guerilla hotspot. However, the little known and long-underrated province is actually quite safe, although heat, humidity, rigorous hikes, rustic lodgings, lack of electricity and proximity to dangerous wildlife means that pickier travelers may want to stick to cities or more developed destinations. That said, visitors should be perfectly safe as long as they don’t wander too far off the beaten path.

A bird-watchers haven, the Darien is home to the Harpy Eagle, among the world’s most elusive of large birds and prize sighting among birders in the know. Although rare, Harpy sightings have been reported and it’s not uncommon for bird-watchers to spot as many as 100 different species a day. This region of winding rivers and incredible biodiversity is home to Panama’s most pristine rainforests and dozens of small, isolated indigenous villages, hours from the nearest town — and decades removed from the modern world. Unlike the rainforests of Costa Rica that are often o

ver run by tourists and sometimes feel a bit like a theme park, Panama’s Darien Rainforest is refreshingly free of crowds, though this may change as the security situation between Panama and Colombia continues to improve.

Due to its isolation and difficult terrain, most tourists who visit the Darien do so as part of a 3-14 day-long all inclusive package. Package deals generally include air and land transportation, three meals a day, guided hikes, bird-watching excursions, wild-life spotting, rustic but clean accommodations and bilingual guides. The recent influx of tourists to this historically economically depressed region has helped native communities cling to their traditions and ways of life, and travelers will have the opportunity to interact with and learn about the various Embera communities in the area.  Visitors will generally participate in craft, dance and religious belief presentations and ceremonies, and eagle-eyed local guides take visitors on the best wildlife spotting and bird-watching trails in the area. This growing collaboration between foreign tourists, Panamanian tour companies and local Embera communities allows travelers to appreciate and experience one of the world’s most isolated rain forests and brings much needed resources to local communities.

The best time to visit the Darien is between during dry season in mid-December and mid-April. The Darien can be extremely rainy and hiking trails can be slippery and dangerous during the rest of the year.  Advantage Tours Panama and Ancon Expeditions are two of the most respected travel agencies offering Darien excursions.

Advantage Tours Panama (www.advantagepanama.com)

Ancon Expeditions of Panama (www.anconexpeditions.com)

Photo source: Flickr – Elbier Minks

For additional information on Panama, visit my blog or places to live in Panama.