The KInd Life Community Forum

Central America in general is not known as a haven for vegans or vegetarians - especially when traveling outside the big metropolitan areas.

But, vegans willing to look hard enough can find some restaurants that will accommodate their dietary preferences.

One of them is a TripAdvisor top rated Green Globe certified eco-resort in Boquete, near the Costa Rican border, called Rancho de Caldera eco-resort. It's also a bird sanctuary, horse ranch and organic agriculture project with hot springs nearby.

As a truly 'green' hotel, it operates off the grid all year, on solar power and their swimming pool is one of the few in the region that are chlorine free. It runs on solar power as well.

This unique luxurious private boutique hotel in the tropical hills of western Panama is endorsed by the Rain Forest Alliance and Sustainable Travel International.

While their on-site restaurant Madre Tierra is not a vegan restaurant, Masterchef Craig Miller will gladly prepare mouthwatering vegan friendly dishes on request. Details and directions at http://www.ranchodecaldera.com