“Travel can be a powerful act of regenerationnot just for ourselves, but for the planet. The Cayuga Collection proves that sustainability and soul-stirring luxury can go hand in hand. It’s been a personal inspiration since the beginning.” – James Papagno

There’s a special corner of the world that keeps calling me back, one with howler monkeys in the trees, warm ocean currents brushing untouched shores, and deeply rooted communities where purpose drives hospitality. That corner is Central America, and for me, its finest expression of sustainable travel is the Cayuga Collection. I first met Hans Pfister, Cayuga’s founder, in the 1990s back when I was running Adventure Expeditions, one of the first U.S.-based surf & adventure travel companies specializing in Central and South America. Hans was already thinking differently about travel. Long before “eco-lodge” became a buzzword, he was quietly helping pioneer a movement rooted in regenerative tourism. Now, decades later, I continue to follow Cayuga’s evolution with admiration and often recommend it to our Wild Earth Stay travelers looking to go beyond the usual Costa Rica trail.

Tourism in Central America: A New Chapter

For years, Costa Rica was the undisputed king of Central American travel, winning hearts with its lush jungles, friendly locals, and sustainability-first ethos. But something exciting is happening. Countries like Guatemala, Panama, and Nicaragua are beginning to write their own tourism stories—and this next chapter is refreshingly diverse.

Take Panama’s Casco Viejo, a charming historic quarter in Panama City that’s now one of the most buzzed-about cultural destinations in the region. Nearby, the just-launched Hotel La Compañía del Valle in Valle de Antón shows the country’s commitment to both restoration and innovation.

Meanwhile, Nicaragua’s Corn Islands and Panama’s Bocas del Toro are offering fresh beach experiences for those willing to venture further afield. These aren’t cookie-cutter resort escapes, they’re authentic, locally inspired stays like Yemaya Reefs, where barefoot luxury meets island simplicity. But beyond the revitalized cities and hidden beaches, it’s the sustainable soul of these destinations that sets them apart and few have championed that spirit more consistently than the Cayuga Collection.

The Cayuga Way: Sustainability as a Way of Life

Cayuga started with a simple mission: support properties that wanted to be truly sustainable, not just in marketing, but in daily operation. When no one else was willing to take on the challenge, Hans Pfister and his team said yes.

Today, Cayuga represents eight remarkable properties across Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, each uniquely rooted in place. From the cloud forests to the coastlines, each lodge is a lesson in how travel can nurture the planet and elevate local communities.

Here are just a few that have captured my heart:

• Finca Lérida, Panama – Perched in the highlands of Boquete, this historic estate tells the story of Panama’s world-renowned geisha coffee, set among lush mountain trails.
• Bolontiku Hotel, Guatemala – A tranquil sanctuary near Lake Petén Itzá, with access to the legendary ruins of Tikal and a commitment to Mayan culture preservation.
• Isla Palenque, Panama – A private island paradise with 400 wild oceanfront acres and a true “leave no trace” philosophy.
• Kura, Costa Rica – An architectural marvel suspended in the rainforest, Kura redefines eco-luxury for the modern traveler.
• Hotel Aguas Claras, Costa Rica – Artful Caribbean escape in Puerto Viejo blending Afro-Caribbean culture, boho-chic design, and barefoot luxury.

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The Path Forward: Learning from Costa Rica, Celebrating the Whole Region

Yes, Costa Rica may have paved the way, but Central America’s new wave of travel isn’t about imitation. It's about evolution. From sacred ruins in Guatemala to new cultural hubs in Panama, and surf-laced escapes in Nicaragua—this region is coming alive in bold, beautiful ways.

And if there’s one collection that continues to lead by example, it’s Cayuga.

“In the end, it’s about creating travel experiences that matter - not just for the traveler, but for the communities, ecosystems, and stories behind them.” – James Papagno , Founder & Chief Exploration Officer

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