Experience the best of Central America’s wonders
In between the great continents of North America and South America lies the tropical paradise known as Central America. What makes Central America one of the best places to travel to is its many vibrant cities, beautiful rainforests, and pristine beaches. So, what countries exactly are a part of Central America? Central America consists of seven countries: Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Belize. Let’s dive into which magical places are definitely worth a visit in these seven beautiful countries…
Guatemala
The first place on our list of the best places to travel to in Central America is, of course, Guatemala! The first thing to note about Guatemala and Central America, in general, is that it is a coffee lover’s paradise! In fact, all of the seven countries grow their own coffee. More importantly (or equally so), Guatemala and Central America are also one of the biggest producers of chocolate. Perhaps they were the genius inventors of the coffee-chocolate combo? Guatemala is also known for its intriguing Mayan culture, volcanic landscapes, and the colorful city of Antigua. When visiting Guatemala, don’t miss out on these spots!
The colorful UNESCO city of Antigua
This vibrant city built 1,500m above sea level is definitely one of the best places to visit in Guatemala. The city was largely destroyed in 1773 by an earthquake, but history still stands. It is possible to stay at the base camp of Volcan Fuego, which erupts every thirty minutes. A pretty amazing sight to see. Tour the city, eat chocolate and drink coffee, photograph the famous Antiguan arch, and in the evening… head for a drink at Café Sky rooftop bar, taking in the views.
Visit the Mayan Ruins at Tikal
Guatemala has its fair share of Mayan Ruins and the entirety of the country has a rich Mayan history. However, the most renowned and also the largest ruins are located in Tikal. Close to the border of Belize, these ruins are, well, simply impressive.
Swim in the turquoise pools at Semuc Champey
Hidden in the jungles of Guatemala, you’ll find the pristine turquoise pools of Semuc Champey, located near the Mayan town of Lanquin. Take a guided tour or venture down the rocky road yourself to discover the perfect spot for an afternoon swim.
Honduras
Next, we go to explore the wonderful country of Honduras. This country is home to the world’s second-largest Barrier Reef and provides some of the best opportunities for snorkeling and diving. Although many may label this as an ‘unsafe’ place to travel to, by taking extra precautions you will be just fine! Here are some things you should definitely do when discovering Honduras:
Go diving at Utila
Utila in the Bay Islands of Honduras is known as one of the cheapest places for backpackers and budget travelers alike to learn scuba diving or snorkeling. It is also possible to get your diving license in Utila, so you can add ‘certified diver’ to your CV! If diving isn’t your thing, the island offers a cool laid-back vibe that you can enjoy at the local beach bars. This Central American gem should not be missed.
Visit the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve
This spot definitely goes down as one of the best places to travel to in Central America. This nature reserve is full of life and is considered to be one of the most beautiful areas of rainforest within the Central Americas. The reserve is 5250 kilometers squared of luscious nature, so a guided tour is recommended to get the best bits of it!
Explore the streets of Trujillo
The cute town of Trujillo is also a must-visit. Nestled by the mountains and close to some of the most gorgeous beaches, Trujillo is a perfect location for a traveler. Its many affordable hotels, restaurants and countless activities certainly give enough reason for a visit.
Panama
Panama is home to the cosmopolitan center of Central America, a city worth traveling to: Panama City. The country also has a rich food culture, which is definitely worth experiencing on your visit. In addition, if you’re a lover of surf, Panama has some possibilities for that, too! Here’s what to do in Panama…
Dive into the wonders of Panama City
Panama City has a lot to offer. The city is split into two sections: New Panama and Old Panama. On the side of Old Panama, you will find many of Latin America’s important historic monuments. Most visitors spend their time in Old Panama, but of course, New Panama is also worth checking out. One of the best ways to see the city is to go on a free walking tour. A free walking tour gives you a quick crash course on the city, and you’ll only pay for what you think it’s worth. If you decide not to go on one, go out to experience at least these things:
- Hike up Cerro Ancon for views of the city
- Visit the historic Casco Viejo
- Eat (a lot) of sea food
- Drink (a lot) of coffee
- Hang out at a rooftop bar in Casco Viejo
Surf at Santa Catalina
April and June are deemed as the best months for surfing in Panama. If you’re not surfing, Santa Catalina is known as one of the best places for surfing in Central America. Some international surfers even visit this beach to ride the waves. There is the possibility to take surf lessons in Santa Catalina, and some breaks can be hit by beginners! Why not go give your best shot at surfing?
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is full of nature’s beauty. It is likely to be one of the best stops on your Central America adventure because there is so much to do. The country’s volcanoes are a sight to see, and one of the top activities in Nicaragua is to go volcano surfing. Let’s get that adrenaline pumping! Nicaragua has a lot to offer, but make sure to add these things to your Nicaragua bucket list:
Go volcano surfing at Cerro Negro
This young volcano is the ideal spot to test out volcano surfing. Ride down the volcano on a wooden surfboard, and not to worry- you’ll be provided the right safety equipment. The boards can also be ridden sitting down, so if you’re not confident about your surfing skills (maybe you already tested them in Santa Catalina?), that’s always an option for you. To go down, you must first go up. The trek upwards takes about 40 minutes, and the way down is going to happen pretty fast.
Catch some views at Isla Ometepe
Isla Ometepe is an island in Nicaragua, and home to two volcanoes. Here you can hike both of the volcanoes or take a dip in Central America’s largest freshwater lake. The island also offers a lot of activities for adventurer travelers, such as mountain biking, horseback riding, or kayaking on the Istian River.
Vibe out in the city of Granada
If you’re looking to add a city getaway to your Nicaragua trip, Granada is the perfect spot. It is also a perfect base for exploring some of the islands of Nicaragua. With its Spanish influence, this colorful city is fun and flashy. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful Convento San Francisco, one of the oldest churches of Central America.
El Salvador
Welcome to… El Salvador! Okay, you may have experienced some good waves in Santa Catalina, but El Salvador is truly a surfers paradise. Although El Salvador is small, it’s definitely spicy. You can be sure that this wonderful country has something to offer for everyone.
Go surfing at El Tunco
Since we mentioned surfing as one of the top activities in El Salvador, it’s also worth mentioning where you should go. El Tunco is known as one of the best surfing spots in the country, so if you’re looking to hit up the waves with your friends, this is definitely the spot. Surfs up!
Hike up to Tamanique Waterfalls
Waterfall chasing is another thing that should definitely be on your El Salvador bucket list. One of the best waterfalls in the country are the Tamanique Waterfalls. You can rent a moped from El Tunco or take a day tour to this beautiful location. The hike up to the waterfall is about 30 minutes, so it’ll feel nice to take a dip at the end!
Go on a coffee plantation tour
Although this is possible in any Central American country, El Salvador’s economy basically runs on coffee. Basically like our entire existence, right? Taking a tour of the local coffee production supports local business, and you get a glimpse into what goes into your daily cup of Joe. It’s a win-win situation.
Costa Rica
Here’s a gem of Central America, truly. The variety in nature and wildlife is simply incredible in Costa Rica, making it one of the best places to visit on your travels to Central America. Out complete guide to What to do in Costa Rica will tell you all you need to know when planning your Costa-Rician adventure. The highlights in Costa Rica are definitely in the Arenal Volcano area as well as the beaches of Santa Teresa. From Santa Teresa you’ll also have the chance to take island tours, for example to the beautiful Isla Tortuga. Ready to explore Costa Rica…?
If you’re a lover of chill vibes, Santa Teresa is the ultimate backpacker-surfer-hippies haven. When in Costa Rica, don’t also forget to eat alll the delicious fresh fruit, which you’ll find at roadside fruit stands!
Belize
Last but not least, we travel to the last place on our Central America trip.. beautiful Belize. Belize is known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Great Blue Hole, which really lives up to its name. Adventurers and photographers alike come from all of the world to explore and capture this great wonder. It also just so happens to be at the top of our list of best places to visit in Belize…
Explore the Great Blue Hole
You cannot leave Belize without seeing the amazing Great Blue Hole. The best time to visit is in the early morning to avoid crowds of tourists, by booking a tour on a speed boat. First, though, you’ll have to fly to Ambergris Caye. There are many hotels available ins Ambergris Caye, and you might want to spend even a few days here. The cost of the flight is about 200 USD or 170 euros. The alternative is to take a boat from Belize City, but the trip is about two hours and can be exhausting. Once you see the Great Blue Hole, though, it’s all worth it!
Go caving in a sacred cave
Another unique experience to have in Belize is to go caving in the world’s most sacred cave, Actun Tunichil Muknal, as voted by National Geographic. Tours here aren’t cheap either, but a visit is well worth every penny.
Just enjoy Belize
If you’re traveling on a budget, the above two options may not seem as attractive to you. Worry not, Belize has tons of opportunities to chill for example in Belize city, or to opt for cheaper snorkeling and scuba diving tours! One fun city to give a visit to is San Ignacio, and we can assure you that this is a perfect location for a budget traveler. This city is a hub of life, restaurants, and bars, and any traveler will enjoy the time spent there.
