Still wonderfully remote border river between Nicaragua and Costa Rica connecting vast freshwater Lake Nicaragua to Atlantic Ocean. A long slow river journey through the jungle. Place to overnight is at the Eco Hotel in tranquil El Castillo about a third of the way to the Atlantic; no cars, only river traffic. They organise jungle trips and used to serve great tropical lunches.

Fly to San Carlos from Managua and pick up boat down river from there to El Castillo.
Alternatively a long uncomfortable overland journey by bus on un made up road round northern tip of the lake via Jinotepe - or cross the lake on a ferry from Granada to San Carlos

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On the southern edge of Mexico City and already half way up the mountains which surround it. Magdalena C has an unspoilt, village feel and the park Los Dinamos is positively Alpine in character with steep paths through pine forests along the banks of a fast-flowing river.

Named after now-disused hydroelectric power stations, it is a popular local weekend picnic destination with pony rides on lower slopes, but the higher you climb, the further you leave the crowds behind.

A great place to clear your lungs of the city's urban soup.

Take bus or taxi south from Taxquenia or San Angel.

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Viveros is where they grow trees for the rest of Mexico City's parks: a square mile of dense if artificial forest in the concrete jungle. Go there to stroll or jog on the many well-maintained paths. Close to picturesque Coyoacan district with the Frieda Kahlo house & museum & many colonial buildings, cafes etc, weekend crafts market.

Metro to Viveros, from there walk or take microbus or taxi to Coyoacan centre.

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Original art gallery owned by eponymous grand old man of Mexican modern art in atmospheric colonial building, in a lively and colourful central location.

Academia 13, two blocks west of Zocalo

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