If you’re looking to plan the perfect trip to Central America, here are five things worth considering.
Central America runs from Mexico to South America, surrounded by the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Seven countries make up this region: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.
It hasn’t always been the tourist hotbed we know today, but Central America is becoming the go-to destination for surfers, luxury travelers and backpackers. So why is it growing in popularity?
More and more travelers are looking for the perfect getaways around the US – a place that offers history, affordability and a feeling of safety. You’ll find all three in Central America. While you may have to stay vigilant visiting certain areas, people realize the media portrayal is much more extreme than the reality. Mayan rainforest ruins are waiting to be discovered, along with beaches with perfect surf, wildlife, flora and fauna, and some of the greatest diving spots imaginable. These experiences, combined with affordable accommodation, transport and food, make this part of the world a dream for travelers of all kinds.
Visit the volcanoes
This area of the world is rich in volcanoes, both active and inactive. You can take a closer look at them in many ways, such as hikes and horseback. Trips at Pacaya even include lava-toasted marshmallows. The famous green volcano crater lake can be found in Costa Rica at Poás, while Arsenal offers geothermal springs, hiking trails and stunning rainforest areas with waterfalls, wildlife and zipline tours. There is no place like Masaya in Nicaragua to witness the bubbling lava at night. You can visit La Boca de Infierno (“Mouth of Hell”) to see the spectacular crater lava lake at night. Sandboarding down Nicaragua’s Cerro Negro volcano is an adrenaline rush for adventure seekers.
Explore Mayan ruins
There are many ruin sites across Central America. Tikal, in Guatemala, is a huge national park with centuries of Mayan history and archaeology to discover. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is covered entirely in flourishing vegetation and tropical wildlife that can be seen only in a few corners of the globe.
Honduras is home to Copán, which dates back to the fifth century and boasts hieroglyphic stairways, intricate stelae, tunnels and lush vegetation inhabited by sloths, monkeys, parrots and macaws. For those who want to find more accessible Mayan sites, Xunantunich in Belize is one of the most impressive. This location is known for its beautiful scenery in the middle of the jungle.
The archaeological site, San Andrés, in El Salvador, is hailed as the largest prehispanic ruin site in the country and features pyramids and ancient plazas. If you’re in the area, visit to experience its intricate wall carvings, crumbling columns and imposing pyramids. Admission prices may vary, but you can usually expect to spend around USD 20.
Relax on Caye Caulker, Belize
This small island is one of the most popular choices for backpacking travelers as it is a little more affordable compared to other, larger islands, and it has a very calm atmosphere. This island has something for everyone to enjoy, and although it may be on the top of certain people’s lists, there’s far more to do than just hang out on the beaches.
As well as it’s rare tropical plants and marine life, Caye Caulker Forest Reserve is an incredible destination for spectacular ecosystems. There are numerous activities in and around Caye Caulker that you can enjoy, such as snorkeling with nurse sharks, diving in the Belize Barrier Reef, swimming with gentle manatees or kayaking through the gorgeous scenery. The lobster festival offers tasty seafood and lively beach parties in July, making it a great time to visit.
See the Panama Canal
Initially opened in 1914, the Panama Canal is an 80km creation of human engineering and labor. Each year, 13,000 – 14,000 ships cross the Pacific Ocean and into the Caribbean thanks to this canal. A complex lock system impressively lifts each vessel 85 feet, and it takes 8 – 10 hours for each boat to cross. The best and most common place to experience this magnificent canal is in Panama at the Miraflores lock, and it will cost you around USD 20 for admission.
Trek through the rainforests
Lush, humid rainforests cover much of Central America. A canopy tour allows you to glide over the tops of the trees while suspended on a zipline. Many animals and plants are in the rainforests, including howler monkeys, jaguars, lizards, tropical birds and many others. Experience breathtaking scenic views at Arenal Volcano or La Fortuna Ziplines in Costa Rica. You can also zip right over Guatemala’s blue lake on Atitlán canopy tours. Expect to pay between USD 40 and 465, but with this investment, you will be greeted with incredible views of the perfect crystal coast and picture-perfect beaches.
