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Home » Travel » Central America and The Caribbean » Central America Travel Guide
Costa Rica Travel - Horse Riding Adventure I Rainforest I Beach I The Discoveries Of Travel Blog #traveltips #holidaydestinations -12

Central America Travel Guide

Central America: where jungles whisper ancient secrets and beaches beckon with turquoise waves. Let’s explore the gems that together, make a tropical paradise like no other with this Central America travel guide. 

Destinations

  • Costa Rica 

So you’re thinking of a Central America trip? Lucky you. This region consists of seven fantastic countries, each with its own unique culture and choice of natural wonders. 

Explore Guatemala’s bubbling volcanos, Belize’s breathtaking coral reefs, Honduras’ Mayan treasures or Costa Rica’s pristine coastline – if you want to live out your childhood dreams as an explorer, Central America is calling! 

There’s one problem though. The sheer possibility of it all. From epic jungle adventures, to scenic towns and balmy islands – choosing where to go and what to do in Central America can be quite daunting… 

Not anymore. This guide delves right into this captivating region: from the best places to visit to suggested hotels and little-known gems. 

Let’s adventure! 

Caye Caulker, Belize

Best Places to Visit in Central America: 15 Incredible Destinations

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Best time to visit

The best time to visit Central America is between November and April. This is the dry season for most regions, with temperature variations from country to country. You can explore sandy beaches, Mayan ruins and other landmarks comfortably. 

Go between September and October, (rainy season), for waterfall hunting and rainforest tours.  

Handy Resources

  • Skyscanner: Find the cheapest flights and best times to fly.
  • Holiday Autos: Secure the best prices in car rental worldwide with 30,000 pick-up locations.  
  • Omio: An online service for booking trains, buses, and flights worldwide.
  • Booking.com: Offers airport transfers and accommodation.
  • G Adventures: A go-to for multi-day expeditions, tours, or safaris.

Where to Stay

Costa Rica 

Costa Rica remains one of the best countries to visit in Central America for its natural beauty. Hop from one stunning beach to another, hike rainforests to your heart’s content and experience the pura vida lifestyle. Stay at the Royal Corin Resort. 

Guatemala 

From natural wonders to Mayan ruins, you can’t go wrong staying in Guatemala. Traverse up volcanoes, along lakes, and through rainforests; then embrace the local culture and flavours of Antigua. Stay at Good Hotel.

Belize 

Belize is a beach haven for water babies. Think palm-fringed shores with white sands, snorkelling, diving, swimming and tanning. If that sounds like your groove, Belize is your top Central American destination. Stay at Belize Ocean Club. 

Panama 

Panama is the perfect Central America travel destination for those who love nature yet dream about the city skyline. See historical landmarks like Old Panama, escape to San Blas Islands or Boquette’s mountains – Panama is your oyster. Stay at JW Marriott.

Recommended Hotels

Tifakara Boutique Hotel
Tifakara Boutique Hotel
Arenal, Costa Rica
Villa Palma Boutique Hotel
Villa Palma Boutique Hotel
Panama City, Panama
Ka’ana Resort & Spa
Ka’ana Resort & Spa
San Ignacio, Belize
Check Available Hotels

Packing For Your Trip

Packing for your best Central America trip? Don’t forget… 

  • Travel backpack: to keep your essentials close. 
  • Waterproof hiking trainers: for those rainforest excursions. 
  • Reusable water bottle: to stay hydrated while exploring. 
  • Sun protection: items like sunglasses and SPF body lotion to protect against harmful UV rays. 
  • Bug Spray: for protection from diseases spread by day-biting mosquitoes. 

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is key to a smooth-sailing trip, no matter where you go. Don’t let the cost of unforeseen incidents and situations like theft or injury ruin your Central American vacation.

I use and rate AXA Travel Insurance for travel experiences in Central America.

Suggested Guidebooks

  • Lonely Planet Central America 
  • The Rough Guide to Central America On a Budget 
  • Lonely Planet Costa Rica

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Central America Visitor Guide: What to Do During Your Central America Trip

Guatemala-is-a-cheap-holiday-destination-

Top Things to Do

Enjoy the Relaxed Pace of Antigua, Guatemala 

Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage icon showcasing Spanish Colonial architecture at its best. 

Explore Antigua’s serene streets filled with colourful, picturesque buildings – serving as the finest backdrops to fuel your social media pages. Make sure to stop by the Santa Catalina Arch and Iglesia de la Merced. 

Climb Volcanoes in Guatemala

A large chain of volcanoes crosses Guatemala — and guess what? Some of these are hikable. 

Acatenango Volcano is arguably the best volcano hike to consider; featuring cloud forests, grasslands and rich flora. Santa María Volcano, Pacaya and Fuego Volcano are also fantastic options. 

Go Diving and Snorkelling in Caye Caulker, Belize

Head to a Caribbean island off the coast of Belize for some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. 

The sun-soaked shores offer a laid-back vibe – gorgeous sights and tranquil waters complete the picture. Head off on this seven-stop snorkelling tour. 

Visit the Mayan Temples, Various Countries 

If you’re fascinated by Mayan culture, don’t miss seeing their once-glorious temples up close. 

Tikal in Guatemala should be top of your list – standing atop the ancient pyramids in the middle of the jungle, it’s an archaeological treasure. 

Other must-visit Mayan Temples include Xunantunich and Altun Ha in Belize. 

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica 

Manuel Antonio is undoubtedly worth seeing for any traveller. 

It’s the smallest national park in Costa Rica and the most popular, boasting pristine beaches, stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot sloths, iguanas, Squirrel Monkeys, and more. 

Touch the Clouds at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Costa Rica 

Ever been to a cloud forest? Visit the magical Monteverde preserve and you’ll be able to say yes! 

There’s much to see here, including the highest concentration of orchids, 100 mammal species, 400 bird species, remote beaches and more. Walking across the hanging bridges here is truly surreal.

Hike to Fortuna Waterfall, Costa Rica 

If the great outdoors is calling your name, why not hike through lush, verdant forests to the majestic La Fortuna Waterfall in central Costa Rica? 

The hike is 0.75 miles / 1.2 km round trip and takes about 45 minutes to complete — expect lots of stairs, though.  

Show off Your Dancing Skills in the Azuero Peninsula, Panama 

The Azuero Peninsula is famous for a few things: fishing, farming, cattle ranching and partying. 

The locals here go all out during their annual carnival celebrations with costumes to humble Brazil, leaving you no choice but to join the festivities. 

Read Next: Top Places to Visit in Central America

Suggested Central America Itineraries

Not sure where to travel in Central America? A strategic itinerary might help with that. You can always remove or add more destinations to your liking and choose one that suits your interests. 

Mayan Temples

10 Days

Tikal National Park – Yaxha North Acropolis – Caracol Natural Monument Reservation – Xunantunich Mayan Ruins – Altun Ha – Lamanai Archaeological Reserve

Discover some of the most impressive Mayan temples in just ten days. 

Spectacular Beaches

Two Weeks

Manuel Antonio Beach – Punta Uva Beach – Playa Cocles – Tabyana Beach – West Bay Beach – Caye Caulker – Ambergris Caye

Chase one gorgeous beach after the other for the most chilled-out experiences. 

The Best of Central America 

One Month

Panama Canal – San Blas Islands – Bocas del Toro – Lake Nicaragua – Granada, Nicaragua – Semuc Champey – Antigua – Great Blue Hole 

Get your train or bus tickets ready to explore all the highlights of Central America. 

Epic National Parks in Costa Rica 

10-14  Days

Manuel Antonio National Park – Corcovado National Park – Arenal Volcano National Park – Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – Tortuguero National Park 

Explore Central America’s unfiltered natural beauty by visiting its best national parks.

Recommended Tours

Hanging Bridges
Central American Journey: Rainforests & Ruins
Manuel Antonio Canopy Tour – Longest Twin Zipline in Central America
Pacaya Volcano Guatemala
Pacaya Volcano Trek in Guatemala
More Tours

Hidden Central America: Off the Beaten Path

San Jorge, Nicaragua

Visit San Jorge, Nicaragua, to be amidst lush forests, Instagram-worthy views, and live like the locals. This is where you’ll indulge in some of the finest Nicaraguan cuisine, alfresco-style while facing the ocean. 

Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Costa Rica 

The Rincón de la Vieja Volcano is grossly overlooked by many travellers thanks to the famous Arenal Volcano nearby. But don’t make this same mistake. This park boasts some of the most rewarding and challenging hikes, gorgeous waterfalls, sulphur hot springs, and volcanic mud deposits. 

Bayano Caves, Panama 

The Bayano Caves are one of Panama’s best-hidden treasures. Found in Lake Bayano, you’ll likely spot howler monkeys, birds, reptiles and even capybaras. Swim in the caves if you dare; regardless, staying dry is impossible with water flowing from the ceilings.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize 

Located in Belize, a trip to this hidden sanctuary is precisely what you need to unplug and unwind. Cockscomb Basin is the world’s first jaguar preserve, overflowing with cascading waterfalls, trails, vibrant flora, colourful insects and furry animals.

How to See the Best of Central America for Free

Travelling to Central America on a budget? Try these free activities. Do yourself a favour and visit the best beaches in Costa Rica. 

Wandering historic Casco Viejo’s winding streets is a must if you’re in Panama. Then, go up Ancon Hill for breathtaking sweeps over the city for free. 

Visit Guatemala’s iconic landmarks for free, too, including Arco de Santa Catalina, Hill of the Cross and Iglesia de la Merced. 

Dishes to Try in Central America

  • Gallo Pinto: Fried rice, beans, veggies, and herbs alongside eggs or meat. 
  • Fiambre: A traditional salad with up to 50 ingredients. 
  • Casado: White rice, beans, meat and salad.
  • Tres leches cake: Moist sponge cake drenched in three types of milk.

Top Drinks in Central America

  • Horchata de morro: This drink is made with ground morro (jĂ­caro) seeds and spices.  

Map of Central America

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Costa Rica Travel - Horse Riding Adventure I Rainforest I Beach I The Discoveries Of Travel Blog #traveltips #holidaydestinations -12

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