DestinationsAfricaAntarcticaAsiaAustralia and PacificCaribbean & BermudaCentral AmericaEuropeMiddle EastNorth AmericaSouth AmericaGallo pinto: Costa Rica rice and beansDeeply rooted in Costa Rican and Nicaraguan culture, this staple of rice and beans with a side of eggs gets a spicy kick from Salsa Lizano (a sauce similar to Worcestershire).TravelIs this the next smoothie trend?In southern Belize, a sweet and creamy heritage drink made from seaweed has become a symbol of the country's sustainable underwater farming initiatives.TravelGallo pinto: Costa Rica rice and beansDeeply rooted in Costa Rican and Nicaraguan culture, this staple of rice and beans with a side of eggs gets a spicy kick from Salsa Lizano (a sauce similar to Worcestershire).TravelIs this the next smoothie trend?In southern Belize, a sweet and creamy heritage drink made from seaweed has become a symbol of the country's sustainable underwater farming initiatives.TravelThe Maya's ingenious secret to survivalTikal was the economic and ceremonial hub of the Maya civilisation. But its stone palaces and temples would never have been constructed without mastery over one vital substance.TravelThe islands with a 'third gender'In the small indigenous territory of Guna Yala off Panama’s eastern coast, a flourishing ‘third gender’ community is defying stereotypes – and venerating women.TravelAn eerie portal to the Maya underworldIn Belize's ATM Cave, details of ancient Maya religious sacrifices come into focus as new research creates a picture of how rituals were used to re-enact the Maya creation story.The Maya's ingenious secret to survivalTikal was the economic and ceremonial hub of the Maya civilisation. But its stone palaces and temples would never have been constructed without mastery over one vital substance.TravelThe islands with a 'third gender'In the small indigenous territory of Guna Yala off Panama’s eastern coast, a flourishing ‘third gender’ community is defying stereotypes – and venerating women.TravelMore Central America travelCosta Rica's uniquely positive outlook on lifeCosta Rica's national saying "pura vida", which is associated with a sense of wellbeing, positivity and gratitude, is far more than just a simple catchphrase.TravelSustainable travel destinations for 2024With huge numbers of travellers now seeking to travel more lightly and mindfully, these destinations are making sustainable travel easier this year.TravelThe Americas' disappearing islandFor more than 100 years, the Indigenous Guna people have lived on a tiny Caribbean island. Now, they're poised to become some of the Americas' first climate change refugees.TravelThe 2,000-year-old tamale few knowAn icon in its native land, the Guatemalan tamale is wrapped in a striking green banana leaf that gives way to an airy corn dumpling stuffed with spicy pork, peppers and olives.TravelA crowd-pleasing chicken soupPanama's version of the ubiquitous Latin American soup is a nostalgic panacea of poultry and produce that is both restorative and celebratory.TravelFive top countries for expats in 2023A new survey on living and working abroad has revealed the best countries for expats to live. From Malaysia to Mexico, residents explain what makes them love their new home.TravelMore travelA lost city of legends in central TurkeyGordion, the ancient capital of Phrygia, was said to be ruled by the legendary King Midas, "the man with the golden touch". But who was he?TravelGet the first draft of history to your inboxExplore the past with our new weekly newsletterCultureHow the Arctic Winter Games can survive without snowIn the face of climate change, Indigenous communities are uniting in Alaska to compete in centuries-old sports and keep traditions alive during "the Olympics of the North".TravelThe bugs that inspired daylight savingsAn early proponent of daylight savings pushed for the time-shift so he'd have more time to hunt insects. The collections and drawings he produced now enjoy international renown.FutureWhat's left of Oppenheimer's New Mexico?The "father of the atomic bomb" long admired the state's desert landscapes. Today, travellers can still see the many places that inspired the physicist – if they know where to look.TravelThe enigma of Europe's Ice Age 'queens'Despite more than a century and a half of speculation, these nude, faceless sculptures remain utterly enigmatic. Who made them? And what might they have been for?FutureDaisy von Pless: The English princess you've never heard ofShe lived in one of the Europe's most stunning castles, initiated visionary social reforms and even tried to stop World War One. So, why was she forgotten?TravelThe US state that's home to Earth's oldest forestThe discovery of a 385-million-year-old forest in Cairo, NY, has stunned the world – but visitors to the region have been able to see rare fossil forests for more than a century.TravelCan you solve these time-based puzzles?From time-bending letters to lives lacking in birthdays, try to solve BBC Future's calendar-based puzzles this leap year.Future