Colorful Cuba

Explore this little known Caribbean paradise. 

There is no place quite like Cuba. Although it is situated less than 100 miles off the coast of Miami, this island feels like another world altogether. A Caribbean island nation of 11 million, Cuba is a multicultural paradise, boasting a unique range of cultural influences from Europe, Africa, and the U.S. Here you will find vintage 1950s cars parked in front of colonial palaces, world-class beaches juxtaposed against the bustling Havana cityscape. Cuba is as paradoxical as it is beautiful, and there is always a surprise waiting around every corner.

Havana, Cuba

Havana, the Caribbean’s largest city, is the cultural mecca of this unique and vibrant island. Take a stroll through Old Havana’s cobblestone streets and admire the colorful colonial architecture, or enjoy a quick rum and Coke at the famous Floridita Bar, one of Ernest Hemmingway’s favorite Havana hangouts in the 1930s. You can even visit the iconic American writer’s former residence, known as Finca La Vigia, where both “The Old Man and the Sea” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls” were written.

Home in Caibarién, Cuba

Beyond bustling Havana, the beautiful Cuban countryside has much to offer
visitors. Spend a day in Caibarién, a picturesque fishing village that boasts beautiful Neo-Classical and Art Nouveau architecture, or check out some of the country’s most remote, pristine beaches on the western shore.

Whether you’re in search of late-night adventures full of rum and salsa in Havana or want to meander through the lush Cuban countryside, you will always know where you’re going with GPS Travel Maps.

Before You Go... 

Pick up our Cuba map. This GPS map will give you turn by turn directions to your destination using a point of interest (POI), city point, and/or latitude and longitude, with the ability to preplan driving destinations before getting into your car.

The easy to follow instructions allow you to download and install the map into Garmin BaseCamp desktop software and transfer it to your Garmin GPS in minutes. This installable map is compatible with ALL Garmin GPS units .

It's like having your own personal travel guide with you on your trip!

A Screen Capture from our Cuba GPS Map

A Screen Capture from our Cuba GPS Map

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You can also connect with us on Google Plus, see our travel guide pictures on Pinterest, and view some of our videos on YouTube.

Exploring Aruba Your Way

Aruba, a Dutch Caribbean island located just 17 miles off the South American coast, is known throughout the world for its white sand beaches and its dry climate that persists year-round.  But Aruba is much more than just beaches and weather—although the island is tiny, there’s still plenty to see and do off the beaten path during an Aruba vacation.

Ayo Rock Formations

If you’re into geology or Pre-Columbian history, check out the Ayo Rock Formations, just a short drive from Aruba’s capital of Oranjestad.  Not only are these strangely-shaped rock formations still unexplained by science, but they also feature ancient paintings known as petroglyphs left behind by the island’s indigenous Arawak people.

Arikok National Park

If nature is more your speed, take a trip to Arikok National Park, which takes up about 18 percent of the island’s area.  Several species that can’t be
found anywhere else live in the park, including snakes, birds, and plant life.  You can also check out the park’s hiking trails, which pass through both gold mine and plantation ruins.

Hooiberg in the background

Lastly, if you’re feeling like some more exercise, you can heads towards Hooiberg, the volcanic mountain in the center of the island.  Walk
the 562 steps to its peak and on a clear day you can see Venezuela!

Although guided tours of the island are available, Aruba is easy to navigate and there’s no reason not to strike out on your own.  This way, you can enjoy Aruba on your own schedule and see the things you want to see.

Before You Go... 

Pick up our Aruba map. This GPS map will give you turn by turn directions to your destination using a point of interest (POI), city point, and/or latitude and longitude, with the ability to preplan driving destinations before getting into your car.

The easy to follow instructions allow you to download and install the map into Garmin BaseCamp desktop software and transfer it to your Garmin GPS in minutes. This installable map is compatible with ALL Garmin GPS units .

It's like having your own personal travel guide with you on your trip!

Screen capture from our Aruba map

Screen capture from our Aruba map

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

You can also connect with us on Google Plus, see our travel guide pictures on Pinterest, and view some of our videos on YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions - SD card

Here is all you need to know about GPSTravelMaps.com Garmin maps on SD card!

What’s the difference in buying the digital download or buying the map on SD card?

If you purchase the digital download you will receive an email with a link for downloading the map to your computer. Then you would download it from your computer to your GPS using Garmin Basecamp software. Download instructions can be found at our website at Instructions

If you purchase the map on SD card you would receive an SD card in the mail. It would take around 3-5 days within the US or 5-10 days internationally to be mailed to you. Once you received the SD card you would simply insert it into your GPS. Then you turn on the unit and your map is ready to use.

I received the SD card but it is too big to fit in my GPS.

What you received is a microSD card in an adapter. The adapter makes a microSD card big enough to fit in units that require standard size SD cards. The adapter also helps to protect the microSD card during mailing.

Since your GPS takes microSD cards, simply slide the microSD card out of the adapter and you will find that it is the correct size for your GPS.

The map won’t install to my computer and/or GPS.

Most of the time the problems that occur with installation are related to computer issues or a skipped step of the instructions. We suggest referring to the instructions on our website at GPSTravelMaps - Instructions and be sure that you have followed each step precisely. Be sure that you have installed Garmin Basecamp software to your computer. Then follow the instructions for installing the map to BaseCamp on your computer. Finally, follow the instructions for transferring your map from BaseCamp to your GPS. If BaseCamp is not functioning as it should, then you can also use Garmin MapSource, which is an older Garmin software that will still transfer the map to your device.

If you still encounter difficulties send an email to support. Provide us with as much information as possible about the issues you experienced so that we can best determine the cause of the issues.  Also include which step of the download process you were able to complete. We will gladly do all that we can to get your map installed successfully.

You could also upgrade your purchase to an SD Card version of the map for an extra $20.00 plus S&H. The SD card can be delivered to you in as little as 3 days within the USA and 5 days internationally. To use your map with the SD card you simply insert the card into your GPS, then turn on your GPS. To upgrade to an SD Card go to our website GPSTravelMaps.com, find the map you purchased, and select the option on the right of the screen for “SD Card Upgrade.” You will then be able to enter mailing and payment information.

Explore Saint Martin with a GPS Map

Historically split between French and Dutch explorers and settlers, Saint Martin has become a favorite destination in the Caribbean for water and land sports.  With its mild climate and consistent trade winds sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and deep sea fishing are some of the best marine activities to participate in.  Shopping and restaurants have grown in support of the marine activities and is now some of the best in the region. Getting to those activities has never been easier with the updated GPS map offered by GPSTravelMaps.com.

The most recent update adds 292 new points of interest to the map database providing you with the confidence to locate your hotel or even that small boutique shop you heard about while at dinner the night before.  Wanting to get to the beach without delay of trying to navigate unfamiliar island roads? The map will provide you with voice guided navigation in the quickest route to your destination.

Needing to relax a little after snorkling, golf or cycling in Saint Martin?  Spa treatments can be enjoyed at the Mercure Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel and Le Domaine Hotel.

Below are various examples of the fantastic detail provided to you in this GPS map.

Accurate road navigation in Sint Maarten

Driving in Saint Martin with a Nuvi

Complete hotel listings in your GPS

Arrive without delay!

Frequently Asked Questions - Updates

If you have questions about getting an update of your GPSTravelMaps.com Garmin map look no further! All of your questions will be answered below.

I see that my map has been updated. How do I get an update?

You can receive 1 free update anytime after a purchase. If you would like your free update simply send an email to support@gpstravelmaps.com and we will send you an email with instructions and a password for downloading the update.

I Want to update my map but I have already received my one free update.

You can receive 1 free update anytime after a purchase. Once you have received your free update you can purchase an update for 50% off the regular map price or you can send us saved tracks from your travels with the map and in return we will send you a free update.

If you would like to purchase the update go to our online store and add either the "Windows Map Update" or "Macintosh Map Update" to your cart, whichever format you need for your computer. Once you complete the purchase you will receive and email with the updated password.

If you have saved tracks on your GPS from your travels you can send them to us using the instructions at GPS Tracks. Once we receive the tracks we can send you the updated map.

I am trying to download the map again from my account but the map password isn't recognized.

The map has likely been updated since your purchase and when an update is released the password changes as well.

You can receive 1 free update anytime after a purchase. To receive your free update simply send an email to support requesting an update and we will send you the information you need to download it free.

If you have already received 1 free update you can purchase an update for 50% off the regular map price or you can send us saved tracks from your travels with the map and in return we will send you a free update. If it has been longer than 4 months since your purchase.

If you would like to purchase the update go to our online store and add either the "Windows Map Update" or "Macintosh Map Update" to your cart, whichever format you need for your computer. Once you complete the purchase you will receive and email with the updated password.

If you have saved tracks on your GPS from your travels you can send them to us using the instructions on our sending tracks page. Once we receive the tracks we will send you the updated map.

Frequently Asked Questions - Password

Have a question about the password for your map from GPSTravelMaps.com? You will likely find the answer below. If you don't, please email us at support@gpstravelmaps.com

I did not receive the map password, now what?

Your password was emailed to you after your purchase. If you did not receive it it was likely filtered to your junk mail or spam folder. If you are unable to find it there please send an email to support and we will resend the password to you.

The password is not working!

Be sure to use the password that was emailed to you after you completed your order. If you copy and paste it be sure you do not copy any additional spaces before or after the password. If that does not help to resolve the issue enter the password manually exactly as shown including dashes and capital letters.

If that does not resolve the issue please send an email to support and we will look into it further.

I am trying to download the map again from my account but the map password isn't recognized.

The map has likely been updated since your purchase and when an update is released the password changes as well.

Updates are available free for 4 months after a purchase. If you are within that 4 month window send an email to support requesting an update and we will send you the information you need to download it free.

You can purchase an update for 50% off the regular map price or you can send us saved tracks from your travels with the map and in return we will send you a free update. If it has been longer than 4 months since your purchase.

If you would like to purchase the update go to our online store and add either the "Windows Map Update" or "Macintosh Map Update" to your cart, whichever format you need for your computer. Once you complete the purchase you will receive and email with the updated password.

If you have saved tracks on your GPS from your travels you can send them to us using the instructions on our sending trackspage. Once we receive the tracks we will send you the updated map.

3 Incredible Adventures in Costa Rica

Arenal Zip Line

Costa Rica is the most visited Central American country. Partly this is because it is considered one of the safest and most stable countries in the region, but primarily it is due to the extensive range of incredible adventure activities in stunning locations. We're listing our top 3 things to do in Costa Rica to inspire you to visit and explore this wondrous country. Each of these can easily be found using our Costa Rica GPS Map.

1. Ride the Sky Trek

Sky Trek is one of the most amazing zip line experiences in the world, and possibly the longest. Nine zip line cables take you 3 kilometers in two hours through the jungle, over Arenal Lake, and past Arenal Volcano. You will begin your journey by taking the Sky Tram to the top, so you will have magnificent views of your surroundings on the way up and zip lining down. Extend your trip with two additional options. Sky Walk is a combination of suspension bridges (up to 1,000 feet long) and trails that take you above the cloud forest. Sky River Drift adds 3 zip lines, a free style jump to the river, and a 3.7 kilometer raft descent.

Rio Celeste

2. Swim the Rio Celeste

Legend has it that after He finished painting the sky, God cleaned off his paintbrush in the Rio Celeste. The color of the water could certainly give that impression. Located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Rio Celeste is off the beaten path for most visitors to Costa Rica. Depending on your hiking speed and weather, the trip from the Park entrance to the Rio Celeste waterfall will take 45-90 minutes of tough hiking, and it's worth every step. Once you arrive at the falls, take a few moments to dip your feet in the water, jump off a nearby rock, or just go for a swim. Once you've cooled off, you can head upstream to find the spot where crystal clear water combines with volcanic minerals to produce the incredible blue waters of the river. Along the way, stop off and visit one of the many hot springs. The hike from this confluence back to the Park entrance is about an hour and a half.

Bahia Drake

3. Drake Bay Adventures

Drake Bay is a great destination for those travelers seeking a combination of adventure and escape from the more touristy locations. In Drake Bay you can find it all: kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, sport fishing, bird-watching, or walks on the beach. Drake Bay is an excellent jumping off point for visits to Punta Río Claro National Wildlife Refuge or the Campanario Biological Reserve. Or you can head over to Cano Island for a variety of activities, including snorkeling, visiting the Caño Island Biological Reserve, examining mysterious pre-Columbian artifacts, or catching a glimpse of Ridley sea turtles laying their eggs.

Whether you follow our suggestions or create your own adventures, Costa Rica is the place to go for great adventure, beautiful scenery, and getting away from it all.

Learn more about Costa Rica, including other Top Destinations, Major Cities, hotels, and restaurants in our Costa Rica Travel Guide.

Before You Go... 

Pick up our Costa Rica map. This GPS map will give you turn by turn directions to your destination using a point of interest (POI), city point, and/or latitude and longitude, with the ability to preplan driving destinations before getting into your car.

The easy to follow instructions allow you to download and install the map into Garmin BaseCamp desktop software and transfer it to your Garmin GPS in minutes. This installable map is compatible with ALL Garmin GPS units .

It's like having your own personal travel guide with you on your trip!

A screen capture from our Costa Rica GPS Map

A screen capture from our Costa Rica GPS Map

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

You can also connect with us on Google Plus, see our travel guide pictures on Pinterest, and view some of our videos on YouTube.

GPSTravelMaps Store Safe from Heartbleed SSL Bug

The internet has been busy this week with the discovery of a wide-ranging security bug called 'Heartbleed'.  First reported by Codenomicon and a Google Security analyst, the bug allows for sensitive information such as passwords, payment methods and other items to be exposed and retrieved from websites using OpenSSL 1.0.1 through 1.0.1f.  The Hearthbleed website contains detailed information on the problem and how to solve it.

GPSTravelMaps does not rely on OpenSSL for our security protocols with our customers.  We use industry standard, third party security systems and ecommerce systems provided by Volusion that have been safe from the Heartbleed bug because we and they have do not use OpenSSL.  This means that our customer information has been safe and continues to be safe in our store.

We thank you for trusting GPSTravelMaps.com over the years in both your map and ecommerce usage.

International Travel Tips

AAA Travel Resource Center has 7 great tips to help you be fully prepared for your next international travel experience.

• Sign your passport and fill out the emergency information page. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.

• Leave copies of your itinerary and passport information page with someone you trust. This will help people reach you in case of emergency. It also expedites the process if you lose your passport while abroad.

• Check your insurance for overseas medical coverage. Your health insurance may not cover you outside of the U.S. If it doesn't, you may want to consider supplemental travel insurance.

• Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs. While in a foreign country you are subject to its laws. The U.S. State Department website has useful safety information about every country.

• Take precautions to avoid being the target of a crime. Don't wear conspicuous jewelry or carry large amounts of money. You may want to purchase a theft-proof wallet or purse.

• Contact your credit and debit card companies. Call your bank and credit card companies to let them know where you'll be traveling. This will ensure they don't decline international charges. While you have them on the line, ask about foreign transaction fees and daily withdrawal limits.

• Check airline fees. In an attempt to remain profitable in the face of rising fuel costs, airlines are constantly changing service fees such as the checked baggage fee. Consult your airline's website for the most up-to-date information. In many cases you can save money by pre-paying these fees online.

And of course don't leave home without your Garmin GPS and the latest map of your destination from GPSTravelMaps.com loaded to it.  Your trip is guaranteed to be easier and more stress free when you let our maps navigate you to each destination. We are always updating our maps to make them as accurate and detailed as possible. Watch our map demo videos to see just how easy we make navigation in a foreign country.

For more tips and information on traveling internationally visit the US State Department website, Bureau of Consular Affiars. 

Tantalizing Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago are two beautiful and amazing islands in the southeast Caribbean. As with many Caribbean islands, there is a wide variety of activities to enjoy, from lying on the beach, diving, and soaking up the sun, to exploring history and nature. Enjoy these pictures and then head on over to our website!

Paria Bay

Caroni Bird Sanctuary

Tufted Coquette

Green Iguana

Pointe-a-Pierre

Port of Spain

Sea Life

Baobab tree

Rincon Waterfall

Scarlet Ibises

Steps to Pirates Bay

Tobago

See more amazing pictures here!

Before You Go...

Pick up our Trinidad & Tobago map. This GPS map will give you turn by turn directions to your destination using a point of interest (POI), city point, and/or latitude and longitude, with the ability to preplan driving destinations before getting into your car.

The easy to follow instructions allow you to download and install the map into Garmin BaseCamp desktop software and transfer it to your Garmin GPS in minutes. This installable map is compatible with ALL Garmin GPS units .

It's like having your own personal travel guide with you on your trip!

A Screen Capture from our Trinidad & Tobago GPS Map

A Screen Capture from our Trinidad and Tobago GPS Map

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You can also connect with us on Google Plus, see our travel guide pictures on Pinterest, and view some of our videos on YouTube.

And the winner is... Roatan!

The Island of Roatan Won Our "Favorite Caribbean Diving Spot" Poll. 

West End, Roatan, Honduras

The amazing Honduran island of Roatan is the winner of the GPSTravelMaps 2014 Favorite Caribbean Diving Spot Poll. This island lies on the southern edge of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest in the world. The splendors of nature found here no doubt played an important role in our readers voting this their favorite diving spot with a whopping 66% of the vote. 

Adventure and leisure activities on Roatán include scuba diving, snorkeling, eco-tourism and adventure sports like ziplining, sport fishing, para sailing, paddle boarding, underwater submarine tours and glass-bottom boat trips. Boat charters are also available weekly from West End & West Bay to Cayos Cochinos and Utila.

Dolphin Dive

There are two outer banks on the south side of the island a few miles off shore from the airport called Cordelia banks but affectionately known as "big bank" and "little bank" that feature coral formations and species of diverse marine life that are exclusively found in Roatan.

Underwater Museum Snorkeling

Island tours via independent tour operators or transportation provided by the hotels is popular among visitors with local island drivers providing a narrated tour of the island. Most tours often pass through the historical island towns (including Punta Gorda which is the oldest settlement in the Bay Islands), the Carambola botanical gardens, and the Arch's iguana farm. (Read more about Roatan here.)

Take your fellow readers' advice, and plan your next diving vacation on Roatan!

Before You Go...

Pick up our Honduras map. This GPS map will give you turn by turn directions to your destination using a point of interest (POI), city point, and/or latitude and longitude, with the ability to preplan driving destinations before getting into your car.

The easy to follow instructions allow you to download and install the map into Garmin BaseCamp desktop software and transfer it to your Garmin GPS in minutes. This installable map is compatible with ALL Garmin GPS units .

It's like having your own personal travel guide with you on your trip!

Screen Capture from our Honduras GPS Map

Screen Capture from our Honduras GPS Map

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

You can also connect with us on Google Plus, see our travel guide pictures on Pinterest, and view some of our videos on YouTube.

Beautiful Barbados!

Barbados is one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. Our newly updated map will help you find your way to these amazing places.

Sailing in Barbados

Harrison's Cave

Surfing Barbados

Horses at the beach

Dive Barbados!

Bridgetown Promenade

Harrison’s Cave

Bathsheba

Green Monkey Golf Course at Sandy Lane Resort

Inland Barbados

Green Monkies

Bridgetown

See more of our pictures here.

Before You Go...

Pick up our Barbados map. This GPS map will give you turn by turn directions to your destination using a point of interest (POI), city point, and/or latitude and longitude, with the ability to preplan driving destinations before getting into your car.

The easy to follow instructions allow you to download and install the map into Garmin BaseCamp desktop software and transfer it to your Garmin GPS in minutes. This installable map is compatible with ALL Garmin GPS units .

It's like having your own personal travel guide with you on your trip!

Screen Capture from our Barbados GPS Map

Screen Capture from our Barbados GPS Map

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

You can also connect with us on Google Plus, see our travel guide pictures on Pinterest, and view some of our videos on YouTube.