The two continents which make up this part of the world were largely unknown to the outside world until the 15th century when Christopher Columbus accidentally discovered North America. Although the Norse explorer Leif Erikson had already sailed to this part of the planet before the Spanish, he did not colonize the land and left it just as he had found it. Mass emigration from Europe to these ‘exotic’ lands resulted in large indigenous populations being wiped out from diseases and enslavement, leading to a huge loss of history and culture. However, today, the legacy of colonization has ensured that both the Americas share many common traits, common Indo-European languages, and a dominant religion, Christianity, which accounts for 86% of the population. The English influence on Anglo America which includes Canada and the United States is quite apparent when compared to Latin America which had a larger Spanish and Portuguese presence.

Given the extent of land that the Americas cover, from north to south, the diversity of the landscape and climate is vast. Kaffeklubben Island, the northernmost point on the earth lies in this region, while the southernmost point of the Americas extends to Antarctica. Running along the west coast is the American Cordillera which comprises the Andes in South America and the Rocky Mountains and other ranges in North America. The eastern side which is much flatter is characterized by large river basins such as the Mississippi and the Amazon. Today, travelers to the Americas are as ‘wowed’ by the New World as were the explorers. The blend of the old with the new, the gleaming metropolises such as Chicago, New York, Rio de Janeiro, and Miami to name a few, with some of the most advanced technology in the world, the rugged Wild West, and the lost worlds of South America, draw thousands of travelers to this part of the world.

Top 6 Things To Do In And Around San Jose

Top 6 Things To Do In And Around San Jose

Situated in the broad, fertile Valle Central, 1,160 meters (3.800 ft) above sea level, San José developed slowly as a tobacco center in the Spanish colonial era. The city became Costa Rica’s capital in 1823 and it is the country’s center — economically, culturally, and geographically. Nowadays it is a great city to spend a few days…

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In San Jose, Costa Rica

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In San Jose, Costa Rica

The lovely San Jose is not Costa Rica’s cultural capital for nothing. The multi-faceted the city is chock-full of museums, cutesy farmers markets, historic neighborhoods, and a vibrant nightlife. San Jose’s denizens, colloquially known as Ticos, are famously accepting and tolerant which has led to the city blossoming into a tropical getaway for the LGBTQ…

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels in Costa Rica

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a place where the only limit is your return date! Whether you want to zipline, climb volcanic peaks, descend into caves or enjoy the turquoise sea waters, Costa Rica has it all. What’s more, it was one of Central America’s first countries to recognize LGBTQ relationships. Even today, it’s considered one of the…