A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Central America is a narrow strip of land with a remarkable geographical position. It is close to the equator and enjoys proximity to both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. These three elements result in lush tropical forests, abundant rivers, breathtaking beaches, extensive lakes, and nearly year-round spring-like weather. Additionally, this region serves as a sanctuary for thousands of diverse animal species.
All of the countries in Central America require a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country. If you’re traveling to a Central American nation from an area with any risk of yellow fever (like Panama’s Kuna Yala region), you’ll also need to provide a vaccination certificate. Generally, visas are not needed in most countries unless you plan on extending your stay for more than 90 days.
Some Central American food is extremely familiar, such as fried chicken in Guatemala and fruit smoothies in Costa Rica. Other meals might seem a bit on the exotic side, like fried palm flowers in El Salvador and stuffed yucca rolls in Panama. Yet other Central American recipes might seem downright startling, such as El Salvador’s sopa de patas. A lot of the dishes might have the same name but you should try them in each country. The recipes tend to be different.
Although there is no end to this region’s attractions, most travelers make a beeline straight to the best Central America beaches. Because of the isthmus’s warm waters, flourishing marine life, and soft sands spanning two diverse coastlines, the epicenter of the Central America tourism industry is along the edges. From rollicking Pacific shores to outlying Caribbean isles, the beaches of Central America are truly unbeatable. Here are some of the best ones.
Central America is a fantastic location for travelers. With seven diverse countries offering stunning natural and cultural attractions, deciding where to visit can be challenging. Fortunately, this guide highlights the top destinations in Central America that are worth exploring.
If you’re visiting Central America on holiday this year, some of the biggest natural attractions are the many volcanoes that populate the region. While most are dormant, providing exciting opportunities to climb and explore lush forests for breathtaking views, there are several that remain active, allowing tourists to witness nature’s power through gas, ash, and lava eruptions.
There are seven species of sea turtles: the leatherback sea turtle, green sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, hawksbill sea turtle, flatback sea turtle, and olive ridley sea turtle. Most of them are either endangered or vulnerable.
The Maya of Central America held one of the world’s greatest ancient civilizations. This civilization comprised hundreds of affluent cities spanning southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and western Honduras.
The ancient Mayan ruins of Central America are truly priceless. From massive archaeological sites like Tikal in Guatemala and Copan in Honduras to smaller yet equally intriguing sites such as Tazumal in El Salvador and Xunantunich in Belize, the Mayan ruins of Central America are guaranteed to leave an indelible mark on your memory.
Central America is a nature lover’s dream, known for its incredible lakes, forests, beaches, and rivers. One of the primary attractions of this region is its fascinating volcanoes, thanks to its location along the Ring of Fire, leading to significant volcanic activity over thousands of years.
Because of its tropical climate, rugged terrain, and large forests, Central America is rich with waterways, lakes, and lagoons. Places with water afford some of the most amazing views in nature. You can just revel in the view and take lots of photos or get in on the action and go kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, fishing, or boating. Check out this list for some of the best lakes to visit in Central America.
Central America offers a plethora of diverse experiences catering to various tastes and budgets. Notably, it is home to stunning islands in the Caribbean Sea, presenting exceptional opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Visitors can indulge in activities such as boat trips, swimming, snorkeling, diving, or simply unwinding on pristine beaches. Given the vast number of islands, selecting the best ones to visit might be challenging. Here are eight of the top islands to consider.
Althoughgalletas Maríasare popular cookies in Central America, they can also be found worldwide. They are dry, round, and sweet—resembling graham crackers in the United States. These cookies originated in England during the 1800s and were known as Maria biscuits in honor of Queen Victoria’s second son, Alfred, and his royal bride, Maria Alexandrovna Romanova.
Backpacking in Central America offers a unique experience. Each year, thousands of budget travelers discover a lifestyle that goes beyond mere adventure, engaging deeply with local cultures and communities.
Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, is bordered by Costa Rica to the south and Honduras to the north. About the size of Alabama, this scenic country features colonial cities, volcanoes, lakes, rainforests, and beaches. Known for its rich biodiversity, Nicaragua attracts more than one million tourists annually; tourism is the country’s second-largest industry after agriculture.
Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island, captivates visitors with its pristine white sands. Just looking at any photo of Ambergris Caye can ignite feelings of romance. The main settlement, San Pedro, offers a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere in stunning Caribbean hues. Although many hotels are located in San Pedro, nearby resorts like Xanadu Island Resort and Captain Morgan’s Resort provide an intimate, romantic getaway experience.
Scuba divers, strap on your gear! From Costa Rica’s Pacific coast to Belize’s Caribbean cayes, Central America is an underwater extravaganza. Scuba diving in Central America appeals to both beginners and experienced divers, with the opportunity to witness unforgettable sights on your very first dive.
Guatemala is gaining international attention as a top tourist destination. With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and diverse activities, it’s a must-visit for adventurous travelers. From breathtaking volcano hikes to exploring ancient Mayan ruins, this Central American gem has something for everyone.
It had been 20 years since we visited Belize. Back then, we were backpacking through Central America to become dive masters. Things changed a lot over two decades, but many things stayed the same, like the fantastic snorkeling in its crystal clear waters, hanging out with friendly locals, and enjoying its tasty cuisine. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and lush Central American jungles, we will entice you to add this destination to your travel bucket list. From the mesmerizing depths of the Great Blue Hole to the ancient mysteries of Mayan ruins, these are the best things to do in Belize that promise an unforgettable adventure.
The Great Blue Hole in Belize is one of the most iconic travel destinations. As the largest underwater sinkhole in the world, witnessing it in person is nothing short of breathtaking. Tours to the Blue Hole are a must for any traveler visiting Central America.