Down Mexico way and beyond lie country after country of lush, animal-filled rainforest, unspoiled beaches, and some ridiculously tasty food. Central America and the islands of the Caribbean have some of the world's most phenomenally diverse wildlife, and a plethora of Mayan, Aztec, and other pre-Columbian ruins to top it all off with some culture. But things don't end with Columbus: the last few centuries have seen the combination of cultures from around the world that has resulted in today's Central America and Caribbean: from the colonial era through today, each nation has developed its own unique identity. Down for some ancient pyramids, cool monkeys, and fine-sand beaches? Here you go.