best travel spots central america

The Best Places to Visit in Central America

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Central America is a great place to visit. With seven countries to choose from—each packed with stunning natural and cultural attractions—it can be hard to decide where to go. Luckily, we've compiled the top Central America travel destinations for you to explore. 

To give you just a little more help, you'll want to explore ways to take in as much of Central America as possible in just two weeks. Also, backpacking is a great way to get around on a seriously tight budget.

Beaches and Islands

Although there is no end to Central America’s attractions, most travelers make a beeline straight to the best beaches and islands.

Due to the isthmus' 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.

Costa Rica is the most popular destination in Central America for a reason. Though small in size, the country contains 5 percent of the world's biodiversity. For travelers, that means countless pristine beaches , tumbling jungles, and abundant flora and fauna.

To top it all off, Costa Rica boasts an amicable society founded upon kicking back and enjoying the scenery. It's everything you need for a great vacation.

Nicaragua is off the beaten path for the typical traveler, and yet it contains some of the world's most captivating scenery.

Home to the second largest rainforest in the Americas and the largest freshwater volcanic island in the world, Nicaragua's land mass holds 7 percent of the earth's biodiversity. After years of unrest, Nicaragua is emerging as the new Costa Rica at a fraction of the expense.

Although Belize is docked upon Central America's mainland, it’s an island of diversity. The country’s tiny fingernail of land is a natural and cultural wonderland, a thriving swirl of jungles, rivers, and beaches peopled by Mayans and the Garifuna.

Yet, travelers spend much of their time off the coast among Belize's brilliant waters, far-flung cayes, and the second largest barrier reef in the world. 

Guatemala is truly one-of-a-kind, a country of impossible vistas and staggering beauty. Over 40 percent of its population is of Mayan descent, the majority of which still don multicolored indigenous apparel.

Travelers are enchanted by Guatemala's gracious and fascinating culture, as well as the towering volcanoes, forested mountains, and Mayan ruins of unsurpassed quality. It is a central component in the popular La Ruta Maya , a popular travel plan that stretches from Mexico to Guatemala City.

El Salvador

El Salvador , though one of the world's smaller countries, holds numerous elements found in the rest of the Central American region, it's just in miniature form.

Many travelers claim that the country's ancient Mayan sites, volcanoes, jungles, and beaches rival those of its neighbors. At the same time, the hospitality of its people is unmatched anywhere in the world. And, because of its size, every attraction is easily accessible.

Though Honduras has a history of conflict, more travelers are discovering the country's abundant attractions. Drawing the most visitors are the Caribbean Bay Islands, Utila, Roatan, and Guanaja , each boasting some of the cheapest and best scuba diving in the world.

Honduras is also home to the captivating Mayan ruins at Copan . It has both a stunning natural landscape and a welcoming population.

Panama's location alone is intriguing. It literally serves as a land bridge between North and South America.

The country’s natural attractions are equally intriguing, from its virgin white sand beaches to its impenetrable rainforest. While the Panama Canal  is not natural, it does top every traveler’s itinerary because it's an astonishing manifestation of human ingenuity. 

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Home | Travel | Central America | 7 Best Places to Visit in Central America in 2024

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Central America is one of the top destinations in the world for ecotourism, and the best places to visit in Central America immerse you in the natural environment. If you love the outdoors, you’ll have a blast exploring the volcanoes of Guatemala, the wildlife of Costa Rica, the beaches of Panama, and beyond.

Moreover, this region has a rich Mesoamerican history, with historic Mayan ruins in Belize, Honduras, and other Central American countries . The biodiversity here is astounding, with hundreds of unique species, rare, endemic animals, and lush vegetation.

It’s hard to choose the best vacation spot in Central America , so in this guide, I’ll share the most noteworthy cities, attractions, and natural areas. Before I do though, I suggest getting a policy from one of the best travel insurance companies , so you’re covered in case you get injured or sick.

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Also, if you want to stay connected during your trip for things like email or Google Maps, check out the Holafly eSIM . We use it whenever we travel and it has options for Central America, so I highly recommend it if you need internet while traveling .

1. Costa Rica, the best place in Central America to visit for outdoor enthusiasts

Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in Central America thanks to its wealth of attractions and interesting sights. It’s also one of the safest places in Central America , although I still recommend getting travel insurance for Costa Rica so you’re covered in case anything happens.

Outdoor enthusiasts will never run out of things to do here, from hiking and ziplining to rafting and snorkeling. Whale-watching in Costa Rica is also a must-do. We took this excursion and would do it again in a heartbeat.

If you want to see more Central American wildlife , head to Tortuguero National Park , an incredible protected area and refuge for the green turtle. This canoe tour will help you discover the biodiversity of the park while you explore the channels of Tortuguero.

As one of the best countries in Central America for ecotourism , Costa Rica has amazing natural areas for you to explore. Manuel Antonio National Park is full of rainforests, beautiful bird species, and animals like sloths and the endangered Titi monkey. It’s a small park, but you’ll get the most out of your visit by taking this tour .

For something a bit different, check out the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve , a subtropical rainforest with low-hanging moisture. This guided tour offers magical experiences like ziplining through the mist-shrouded canopy, walking across impressive suspension bridges, and visiting a lush butterfly garden.

You also can’t miss the Arenal Volcano , a 5,350-foot-tall active stratovolcano. Take a hike around the mountain to see the beautiful surroundings and the nearby geothermal hot springs. Finally, this country is full of scenic beaches, so head to the shores of Guanacaste for the best beaches in Costa Rica .

We have a full guide to plan your trip to Costa Rica , so check it out and we will help you in every step. I’ve also written an article on where to stay in Costa Rica , you will find great resorts, but these are three of my favorite hotels:

• Urban Green Hotel & Suites (San José)
• Shana by the Beach Manuel Antonio (Manuel Antonio)
• Wyndham Tamarindo (Tamarindo)
• Selina La Fortuna (La Fortuna)

2. Guatemala, the best place to visit in Central America for culture

Guatemala is one of the best countries in Central America , full of Mayan ruins, stunning landscapes, and cities rich in culture. One of its most famous sites is Tikal National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya. To take in the full scope of this place, I recommend this day tour to see the main temples and plazas.

These ruins are one of the most beautiful places in Central America , and about an hour south, you can see the natural beauty of Lake Pet én Itz á . Travel further south, and you’ll find Lake Atitl án , Guatemala’s most famous lake and the deepest lake in Central America. This day trip will take you to the legendary watering hole as well as several lakeside towns like Panajachel and Chichicastenango, which is known for its bustling outdoor market.

Another wonderful attraction and swimming spot is the Semuc Champey Natural Monument , a natural limestone bridge with a series of turquoise pools. Of course, you can’t miss your chance to visit Guatemala’s magnificent volcanoes. Hiking up the Pacaya Volcano to its sulfuric summit is quite an experience, and as you climb, you’ll spot small eruptions and lava flows while enjoying views of the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes.

Finally, some of the best cities in Central America are in Guatemala, including the capital of Guatemala City , Quetzaltenango , and the old capital of Antigua . The latter is a popular departure point for many tours, although this guided walk through the city is super interesting and highlights Antigua’s Baroque-influenced architecture.

• Wyndham Garden Guatemala City (Guatemala City)
• Hotel Aurora (Antigua)
• Hotel Casazul (Flores)

3. Belize, the best place to visit in Central America for incredible landscapes

Belize may be one of the smaller countries, but it can’t be missing from your tour through Central America . This place has it all, from ancient Mayan temples to outdoor activities and some of the best beaches in Central America .

Mainland Belize is home to incredible ruins like those at Lamanai . A hub for Mesoamerican civilization, this site has imposing structures like the Mask Temple, Jaguar Temple, and High Temple. Nearby, you can see the striking pyramid temples of Altun Ha , including the 52-foot-tall Temple of the Masonry Altars.

It’s also worth taking a day trip further south to the Caracol Ruins . Located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, this lowland Mayan city boasts old plazas, ruins, and gorgeous waterfall and hot spring trails. Another interesting excursion is this one to Xunantunich , a historic Mayan archaeological complex with over 25 structures and ceremonial centerpieces. Along the same lines, this cave tour goes to Actun Tunichil Muknal , a sacred site that was used by the Maya for sacrifices, bloodletting, and other ritualistic services.

Besides its rich historical value, Belize is one of the safest places in Central America , and a haven for divers. Off the coast, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is an incredible habitat for sea turtles, sharks, manatees, and other marine life. A declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s home to the Great Blue Hole , a giant sinkhole measuring nearly 1,050 feet across and over 400 feet deep.

For an unforgettable snorkeling session, do this excursion , which explores the Hol Chan marine reserve and its coral reef. The tour departs from Caye Caulker , a small island with lovely beaches. Its larger neighbor, Ambergris Caye , is ideal for watersports, while the Placencia Peninsula in southern Belize is perfect for beach bums.

• Golden Bay Belize Hotel (Belize City)
• Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club (San Pedro)
• Colinda Cabanas (Caye Caulker)
• Ka’ana Resort & Spa (San Ignacio)

4. Panama, the best place to visit in Central America for a holiday

Linking Central and South America, Panama is best known for the Panama Canal , a 51-mile artificial waterway and a top tourist attraction in Central America . This tour is a great introduction to the canal, its pirate history, and the old forts in the area. Another interesting option is this canal cruise to see the famous Miraflores Locks, Pedro Miguel Locks, and the Bridge of the Americas.

You can see lots more historic and cultural sites in the capital, Panama City , which is home to museums, open-air markets, and a waterfront promenade along the canal. This walking tour shows you all the highlights, including the old town, the national theater, and “El Tornillo,” a corkscrew-shaped skyscraper. Moreover, the Panama Canal spills into Lake Gatun, which is filled with small islets like Monkey Island , where you can meet wild monkeys and other critters.

On the other hand, the San Blas Islands off the north coast of Panama are worth visiting, too. It’s a hotspot for water activities, so I suggest taking this day trip to enjoy paddleboarding and snorkeling along the seabed. You’ll also get to taste the fresh tropical fruits and mingle with the friendly locals.

In addition, the northwestern province of Bocas del Toro contains gorgeous beaches, a biodiverse rainforest, and vibrant nightlife. To the south, the mountain town of Boquete is known for its coffee plantations and ancient petroglyphs, so it’s a wonderful hidden gem.

Finally, off the southwestern coast of Panama, there are some of the most beautiful places in Central America , like Coiba Island. It’s home to Coiba National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,000 square miles of forests, beaches, coral reefs, and mangroves that protect several species of whales, dolphins, and other marine creatures.

• Crowne Plaza Airport (Panama City)
• Tryp by Wyndham Panama Centro (Panama City)
• Bambuda Lodge (Bocas Town)

5. Nicaragua, the best place in Central America to visit for an exciting vacation

Nicaragua is one of the cheapest Central American countries , and the perfect place for outdoorsy types since the landscape is dotted with volcanoes and coastal biosphere reserves.

The southwestern region of Nicaragua is a hub for geothermal activity, and one of the most exciting spots is the Masaya Volcano , which is made of several calderas and craters. For the best experience, I recommend taking a night tour to see the glowing lava and to learn more about Masaya’s impact on the country’s landscape.

To the east of Masaya, you’ll find the Mombacho Volcano , a stratovolcano that last erupted in 1570. Mombacho stands out for its otherworldly cloud forest and rare endemic species. The best way to explore it is with this guided hike to the summit, which passes craters, red-eyed frogs, and other natural wonders.

Without a doubt, Nicaragua has some of the best volcano tours in Central America , so I also suggest this excursion to Cerro Negro . You’ll enjoy a scenic hike, then volcano board down the ash-covered hill before visiting Le ón , a city known for its huge Baroque cathedral.

Between the Masaya and Mombacho volcanoes, sits Lake Nicaragua , which contains over 360 small islands. These Islets of Granada were formed by the Mombacho eruption, and they aren’t the only geological formations in the lake. The two volcanoes also formed Ometepe Island , a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This day trip from Granada explores the island’s native flora and fauna and includes a traditional meal and beach visit.

Speaking of Granada , it’s among Nicaragua’s most interesting cities, thanks to its colonial history, cultural institutions, and old structures. It’s not far from the Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve , a tropical dry forest with over 500 plant and tree species, hundreds of bird species, and a variety of animals like white-faced capuchin monkeys and jaguarundis.

• Selina Granada (Granada)
• Hotel La Omaja (Mérida)
• Hotel Globales Camino Real Managua (Managua)

6. Honduras, another one of the best places to visit in Central America

Honduras is a unique place to visit in Central America , and while it’s not the safest country, you’ll be fine if you stay in the touristy areas.

One of those is Roatán Island , an island paradise with beautiful cays and mangrove forests. There is also a marine park here that protects the ancient coral reef, making it an amazing destination in Central America for snorkeling and diving tours .

Moreover, this half-day tour provides an overview of Roatán, its beaches, and its suspension bridges. If you’re an animal lover, this excursion to Roatán’s monkey and sloth sanctuary is a must-do.

Next to Roatán, you’ll find Utila , another island with great diving spots and hiking trails. It’s also worth mentioning Cayos Cochinos , two small islets off the coast of La Ceiba where you can see the ultra-rare pink boa. If you’re around La Ceiba, check out Pico Bonito National Park or the Lancetilla Botanical Gardens , one of the largest botanical gardens in Latin America.

To the east, the Rio Plátano Biosphere Reserve is notable for its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, Mesoamerican archaeological sites, and vast array of fauna. To the west, Lake Yojoa is the largest lake in Honduras, with lava flows and volcanic craters dating back to the Pleistocene and Holocene eras.

Finally, all the way west, by the Guatemala border, there are the famous Cop án Ruins . This relic of Mayan civilization is a must-see in Central America and full of monuments, plazas, palaces, and pyramids. There’s a lot to see here, so consider booking a hotel by the ruins. That way, you can also take this day trip from Copán to the Luna Jaguar hot springs.

• Berakah B&B – Central Park (Copán Ruins)
• Infinity Bay Spa & Beach Resort (West Bay)
• Hotel Las Hamacas (La Ceiba)

7. El Salvador, the best place in Central America to visit for a unique experience

Lastly, a visit to Central America isn’t complete without seeing El Salvador . Spend some time in the capital city of San Salvador , either on your own or with this half-day tour . Among the city’s highlights, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza El Salvador del Mundo, the National Palace, and the nearby crater lake of Ilopango stand out.

About 1.5 hours west of San Salvador, the breathtaking landscape of the Santa Ana Volcano is waiting. You can take a guided hike to enjoy the largest volcano in the country and its green crater lagoon. Nearby, the Izalco Volcano is known as the “Lighthouse of the Pacific” thanks to its high elevation of 6,400 feet. If you can’t decide, this volcano tour includes the Santa Ana and Izalco volcanoes, as well as Cerro Verde National Park. You’ll also see the Joya de Cer én Archaeological Site , which contains ancient Mayan remains and is known as the Pompeii of the Americas.

There are more pre-Columbian ruins in the area, such as the pyramids of San Andr és that date back to 900 B.C. The ancient city of Cihuat án was a major Mayan hub and still has old ceramic effigies and ceremonial structures. Tazumal is another cool place in Central America with ancient metal artifacts, pyramid temples, and chacmool sculptures.

In addition to history and culture, El Salvador has countless natural wonders. The huge crater lake of Coatepeque and the waterfalls of Tamanique are both prime hiking spots. Just 45 minutes from the capital, Boquerón National Park offers guided hikes through the volcanic scenery.

To the southwest, El Imposible National Park is another park with lush tropical vegetation and biodiversity. If you’re in the area, consider doing the Ruta de las Flores , which goes through several picturesque villages and local towns.

• Hotel Villa Serena Escalon (San Salvador)
• Sheraton Presidente San Salvador (San Salvador)
• Hotel Florencia (San Miguel)

Now that you know the best places to visit in Central America , all that’s left is to plan your trip . Maybe it’s easier with these travel discounts !

Of course, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below if you have questions about this guide, or if you want to share your favorite place in Central America .

Hopefully, this list of Central American countries helped you, and I know that whichever one you choose, you’ll have an amazing time. Stay safe and have a fantastic trip!

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3 replies on “ 7 Best Places to Visit in Central America in 2024 ”

Hi, I love your write up! Any recommendations for a rough itinerary for 2 weeks in Central America and a desire to visit at least 2 other countries besides Costa Rica?

Not sure if we should fly between some countries, or drive between others, or which ones to pick. I truly appreciate any feedback!

That is a very personal opinion, but if you are going to be traveling only for 2 weeks, I would spend the two weeks in Costa Rica and still you won’t have time to see the most important attractions there.

I agree with Costa Rica suggestion. There are some restrictions but you can still move around freely and entry requirements are not terrible. I would say that 2 weeks is enough if you don’t spend too much time in the capital. Suggested itenerary: San Jose – La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo, Drive back to San Jose for a night and then head to Pacific Coast. You can fly regional plane to save time. On Pacific: Uvita, Santa Teresa, and Nosara. Don’t bother with Jaco or Tamarindo. Good luck.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Central America

Central America is the thin section of land that links the North American continent with the South American continent. The region is made up of seven small, mostly tropical countries that would be easy to skip on a map. Yet they represent a complex mixture of cultures, ancient ruins, tropical wildlife, active volcanoes and great beaches.

Mexico is occasionally considered part of Central America due to the language and cultural heritage it shares with several of its southern neighbors. This list of best places to visit in Central America however, focuses only on the countries of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.

Map of Central America

10. Leon, Nicaragua

A thriving university town and one of the country’s oldest and largest cities, Leon is Nicaragua’s political and intellectual center. Situated along the Chiquito River northwest of the capital city, Managua, Leon is rich in Spanish colonial architecture as well as arts and culture, and teeming in students and backpackers.

Easily explored by walking and biking, Leon offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities. The city boasts more colonial churches than other Nicaraguan city, and visitors can tour several of these churches to admire artistic works and check out the tombs of important historical figures like that of the country’s most beloved poet, Rubén Darío. Among these churches is the Leon Cathedral, one of the largest in Central America. Other significant landmarks in Leon are Guadalupe Cemetery, Guadalupe Bridge and the Sutiava Rural House. Also known for its treasure trove of art, Leon has several museums, art centers and many public murals.

Located just a few miles inland of the Pacific Ocean, Leon is also home to popular beaches like Poneloya and Las Peñitas, which offer water activities and nightlife options. Just outside of the city, visitors can hire ruletos (trucks operating as buses) to the nearby volcanoes, rivers and mangrove forests to enjoy hiking, kayaking and wildlife viewing.

As a city that is host to students from all over the world, Leon features a variety of dining choices to suit every taste and budget. The market is a good place to find local dishes such as fried cheese, beans and rice, and cheese-stuffed plantains. Also plentiful are bars, clubs and dance halls throbbing with salsa dancing.

9. Copan, Honduras

Once an important Mayan center of government, art, culture and astronomy, Copan today is a large complex consisting of two large pyramids, several plazas, a ball court and numerous stone temples, altars and stelae, which are famous for their hieroglyphics and intricate carvings that depict history, events, beliefs and customs of the ancient Mayans.

8. Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Until the past few years, Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica, and it’s frequent, small explosions once provided incredible shows of spewing lava. However, in 2010, Arenal’s cycle entered into a resting phase, putting an indeterminate pause on the eruptions. Nevertheless, the area surrounding Arenal still offers plenty of outstanding sights and exciting activities.

7. Granada, Nicaragua

One of Nicaragua’s largest cities, Granada is also one of the country’s oldest and most historically important centers, featuring a wealth of Spanish history and well-preserved colonial architecture. Located in western Nicaragua along the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Granada offers tourists plenty to see and do from sightseeing to outdoor recreation and arts and culture.

A tour of the city center awards sights of multicolored colonial buildings, landmarks, old churches, a Spanish fort and a lively market buzzing with vendors selling produce and handicrafts. Museums and art galleries showcase the city’s history, art, culture and production of cigars and chocolate.

Granada’s Central Park is a wide open green space with food kiosks where people can relax and enjoy picnics and outdoor recreation. Nearby Lake Nicaragua and its many islets offer fishing, swimming, boating, horseback riding and archaeological sites, while a little further out, volcanoes and rainforest offer hiking, canopy tours and wildlife viewing.

6. Panama City

Panama’s capital and largest city, Panama City , is a concentration of modern high-rise towers rising up from a surrounding tropical rainforest. A vibrant, cosmopolitan city made prosperous by the development of the Panama Canal, Panama City is one of the best places to visit in Central America.

While a visit to the city’s most famous attraction, the Panama Canal, ranks at the top of most sightseeing itineraries, exploring the cobblestone streets and colonial buildings of the historic quarter, Casco Viejo, is also a must-do.

5. Antigua Guatemala

Set against the pictorial backdrop of three imposing volcanoes in the central highlands of Guatemala, the beautiful, old colonial town of Antigua is one of the country’s top tourist destinations.

A major center for learning the Spanish language, Antigua provides a plethora of impressive sights and activities. Just a simple stroll through the city center awards views of spectacular architecture, historic churches and prominent landmarks like the Santa Catalina Arch.

4. Ambergris Caye

The largest of Belize’s several hundred islands, Ambergris Caye is a dreamy, tropical place where shorts and flip-flops are the dress code, golf carts are the mode of transportation, and lazing away on sandy white beaches is the primary activity.

A short plane flight or ferry ride from Belize City, Ambergris Caye is one of Belize’s top travel destinations because it presents the ultimate Caribbean getaway with classic beaches, world-class accommodations, fabulous dining and ultra relaxation.

3. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica

Located in central Costa Rica, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the country’s most coveted tourist destinations due to its astonishing natural beauty and abundance of activities including ziplining and canopy tours.

The reserve however is most famous for its extraordinary biodiversity: Around 400 species of birds are found here, more than 100 species of mammals including howler and capuchin monkeys and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. Along with the mega-diversity of wildlife, there are 2,500 species of plants, 420 of which are orchids.

2. Roatan, Honduras

A prominent scuba diving destination and cruise ship port-of-call, Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands, off the east coast of Honduras. Surrounded by the second-largest barrier reef in the world, Roatan is a prime spot for diving and snorkeling. What’s more, the island’s beaches provide an array of activities from swimming to kayaking and dolphin watching.

1. Tikal, Guatemala

Located in the tropical rainforest of the Petén province in northern Guatemala, Tikal was one of the largest cities of the ancient Mayan civilization. Archaeologists estimate that, at its peak, Tikal’s population ranged from 50,000 to 100,000 inhabitants.

Among the many Mayan sites in Central America, Tikal is perhaps the most breathtaking due to its jungle setting with impressive temples poking through the canopy. Visitors can climb to the top of a few of the pyramids and get panoramic views from above the treetops.

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Reader interactions.

December 28, 2019 at 6:59 am

I have visited three of your top ten… Antigua, Roatan, and Granada. I make my way most of the time through El Salvador, never had an issue. However, my heart belongs to the Bay Islands and frequently visit, every 3-4 months.

June 26, 2018 at 6:07 pm

Where’s my country El Salvador? It’s not as dangerous as Honduras.

July 6, 2016 at 10:28 am

El Salvador is the most dangerous country you can go to in Central America, I can see why it is not here. I don’t think it’s worth the risk. Yes, Honduras as well. Guatemala is dangerous as well but not in the tourist areas, just stay away from the capital. A place that was not mentioned here from Guatemala is Chemuc Champay (sorry if I misspelled that), siete altares, and Laguna Lechua. Also, if you like seeing other cucltures, try going to Livingston, where you can enjoy the Garifuna culture.

April 14, 2016 at 3:21 pm

El Salvador is the forgotten pardise! Try to go! It has the perfect climate, good food and the nicest people in Central America! Seeing is believing! you will never know if you never ever go!

March 7, 2016 at 4:22 pm

Guatemala is the best country in central America to go travel.I reccomend this place for anyone to go.

January 24, 2016 at 6:57 pm

You said they are easy to skip on a map and of course you did you skiped El Salvador

May 24, 2014 at 3:11 am

Belize is a great place!

February 23, 2014 at 12:17 am

Planning to trip very soon to Belize and would like more travel info.

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The 20 Best Places to Visit in Central America (For Nature Lovers)

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Creating a “best of” list for any given region, country, or continent is a thankless task.

There’s really no way to be objective, and of course it’s impossible to visit EVERY place in a given destination unless you live there.

So consider our overview of 20 Best Places to Visit in Central America to be a general bucket list of hot spots to visit, particularly if you love nature, wildlife, history, and indigenous culture.

READ MORE: T he 16 Best Mayan Ruins to Explore

Best Places to Visit in Central America

• ATM Cave (Belize)
• Belize Barrier Reef (Belize)
• The Cayes  (Belize)
• Hopkins Village  (Belize)
• Arenal Volcano National Park (Costa Rica)
• Corcovado National Park  (Costa Rica)
• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve  (Costa Rica)
• Tirimbina Biological Reserve  (Costa Rica)
• Tortuguero National Park  (Costa Rica)
• Antigua (Guatemala)
• Lake Atitlán  (Guatemala)
• Tikal  (Guatemala)
• Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (Honduras)
• Roatán  (Honduras)
• Little Corn Island (Nicaragua)
• Isla Ometepe  (Nicaragua)
• Coiba National Park (Panama)
• Bocos del Toro  (Panama)
• Panama Canal  (Panama)
• Soberania National Park  (Panama)

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN BELIZE

1. ATM Cave

Located an hour from San Ignacio, this awesome attraction is officially known as Actun Tunichil Muknal .

Protected as part of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, it’s an excellent adventure aimed at people who enjoy active Central America travel.

Visiting the ATM Cave requires a hike through the jungle, a swim inside the famous underground cave , then wading a half-mile up the river .

Then there’s a mile-long hike through rooms of stalactites and stalagmites, with names such as “The Cathedral.”

Eventually you’ll reach the glistening remains of ancient human sacrifices the Maya people made to their gods , as well as pottery remains that have been dated to 700-900 AD.  

READ MORE: Exploring the Ancient Xunantunich Mayan Ruins of Belize

2. Belize Barrier Reef

Second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef extends 550+ miles, from Cancun to Honduras.

The 190-mile Belize Barrier Reef, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, comprises around 33% of it.

It’s the nation’s #1 tourist attraction and one of the best places to visit in Central America with Scuba diving and snorkeling drawing about half of Belize’s annual visitors.

Recently removed from the list of endangered UNESCO sites, the reef’s remarkable walls, pinnacles, holes, and reef flats are home to an array of cool and weird ocean animals .

This includes 70 hard coral species, 35 soft coral species, 500 species of fish, and hundreds of invertebrates.  

READ MORE: Scuba Diving the Belize Barrier Reef

3. The Cayes

With 239 miles of coastline, more than 200 islands (also known as Cayes, which is pronounced “keys”), and the aforementioned reef system, Belize is haven for those who love beaches and watersports.

The Cayes easily rank among the best Caribbean islands to visit, with stunning scenery, some best beaches in Central America, charming villages, and loads of marine life.

Ambergris Caye and its sister island, Caye Caulker, are arguably the two most popular. 

But smaller islands such as Glover’s Reef Atoll (part of a UNESCO-protected Marine Reserve), Lighthouse Reef Atoll (home to Belize’s Blue Hole), and South water Caye are better suited for nature lovers .  

READ MORE:  The 30 Best Exotic Islands to Visit (For Your World Travel Bucket List)

4. Hopkins Village

Tiny Hopkins Village is located south of Belize City near Dandriga, and it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the rich Garifuna  culture .

Most of the residents descend from people whose ancestry can be traced back to West Africa .

After making their way to the Caribbean and Central America, these “Black Caribs” intermarried with indigenous Amerindians.

Today, their culture (which can also be found in northern Guatemala) offers a mixture of African, Amerindian, and Spanish influences.

To learn more about their cultural traditions , try a Garifuna drumming lesson at the Lebeha Drumming Center.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Cultural Festivals Around the World

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN COSTA RICA

5. Arenal Volcano National Park

Costa Rica is the best Central American country to visit if you’re looking for dynamic landscapes, national parks, and wildlife.

Dominating the verdant landscape of northwestern Costa Rica , Arenal ranked among the world’s most active volcanoes until 2010.

Located near the town of La Fortuna, the volcano has been dormant for nearly a decade now.

But the national park remains a popular ecotourism hotspot thanks to natural attractions such as Lake Arenal, the La Fortuna Waterfall , and various volcano-fed hot springs (Tabacon is our favorite).

And of course the 5,480-foot mountain still looms large, like a sleeping giant waiting for the opportune moment to re-awaken.

READ MORE:  Ecotourism in Costa Rica: The Ultimate Eco Travel Guide

6. Corcovado National Park

Located on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park is a nature-lover’s paradise National Geographic called “the most biologically intense place on earth.”

The country’s largest national park is home to 13 different ecosystems, with extensive hiking trails through highland cloud forest , lowland rain forests, mangrove swamps, and sandy beaches.

The biodiversity of its wildlife is astounding, including over 10,000 insect species, 370 bird species, and 140 mammal species (ranging from several kinds of monkeys and sloths to jaguars and  weird animals such as Baird’s tapirs).

READ MORE:  40 Amazing Costa Rica Animals

7. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Long before this reserve was established, the town of Monteverde was settled by American Quakers who moved to Costa Rica in search of a more peaceful way of life.

It was they who decided to protect the forest from development. Today Monteverde Cloud Forest ranks among Costa Rica’s best attractions, drawing 70,000+ visitors a year.

The reserve’s six different ecological zones are home to around 100 mammal species, 120 reptilian and amphibian species, 400 bird species, and more than 2,500 plant species.

It also has a Nature Center, butterfly gardens, and many hiking trails , suspension bridges , and ziplines .

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica (Resorts, Hotels & Eco-Lodges)

8. Tirimbina Biological Reserve

Though it’s not as well-known as some of the other places in Central America on this list, Tirimbina Biological Reserve offers one of the most educational ecotourism experiences in all of Costa Rica.

It’s located about 2 hours by car from San Jose in Sarapiquí, between the forests and rivers of the country’s northern region.

The reserve boasts nearly six miles of wildlife-rich hiking trails , including opportunities to trek through cacao plantations, wetlands, and secondary forests.

There are also a variety of guided tours available, including chances to learn about bats, birds , frogs, and how chocolate is made .

READ MORE:  Cano Island: Costa Rica Scuba Diving at its Finest

9. Tortuguero National Park  

If you want to visit this remote, 77,000-acre national park on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast, you’ll need to take a boat or plane, as there are no roads or cars allowed.

Tortugero boasts 11 different habitats within its boundaries: Due to the labyrinth-like network of tributaries and lagoons, it’s best to explore by boat, where the wildlife is rarely far away.

The park is best known for its beaches, which attract hundreds of green, hawksbill, leatherback, and loggerhead sea turtles during the peak nesting season.

Take a night hike with a local guide and you might have a chance to see mama turtles laying their eggs!

READ MORE:  The Ultimate Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica Travel Guide

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN GUATEMALA

10. Antigua  

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , Antigua, Guatemala (whose name means “old Guatemala”) offers an exceptional array of activities for those with a passion for history and indigenous culture.

The small town of 45,000 residents has a strong Mayan presence, especially at the Antigua Street Market and Parque Central.

Fans of colonial architecture will find lots to love, from ancient Mayan ruins and the iconic Arco de Santa Catalina to gorgeous churches (Antigua Guatemala Cathedral, Iglesia de la Merced, etc).

And nature lovers will enjoy birdwatching at Finca el Pilar, touring a Guatemalan coffee farm, and/or hiking the Pacaya Volcano.  

READ MORE: Top 15 Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala

11. Lake Atitlán

One of Guatemala’s most popular tourist attractions among domestic and international travelers alike, Lake Atitlán also ranks among its most beautiful.

The lake is inside a massive volcanic crater in the southwestern highlands, surrounded by lush green hills, towering volcanic peaks, and charming villages.

The town of Panajachel is a bit crowded and congested with Chicken Buses for our tastes, but San Pedro la Laguna, San Juan la Laguna, and Santiago Atiltlán (which can be reached by boat) are all rich with Mayan art , traditional food , and music .

Activities include touring coffee plantations, exploring the Atitlán nature reserve, and savoring the spectacular sunrise and sunset over the lake.

READ MORE:  40 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Guatemala

Even if you don’t know this ancient city by name, you’ve almost certainly seen it in iconic shots in movies such as the original Star Wars and the James Bond film Moonraker .

Granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1979, Tikal was once home to more than 100,000 Mayan people, but was abandoned for unknown reasons sometime in the 9th century.

Today visitors can climb numerous canopy-piercing pyramids and explore many of the site’s structural ruins.

In between, you’ll find a jungle filled with wildlife such as howled monkeys, wild turkeys, and myriad tropical bird species.

READ MORE:  50 Fascinating Facts about Guatemalan Culture

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN HONDURAS

13. Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, this biodiverse reserve on the “Mosquito Coast” of Honduras was added to the list of World Heritage in Danger in 2011, due primarily to illegal fishing, logging, and poaching.

The country’s largest protected area (1.3 million acres) boasts tropical rainforests, mangroves, coastal lagoons, and savannahs, with wildlife that includes 39 species of mammals, 377 species of birds , and 126 species of reptiles and amphibians.

The area is also home to four indigenous cultural groups– the Miskito, Pech, Garifuna, and Ladino– as well as more than 200 pre-Columbian ancient archaeological sites .  

READ MORE: Macaw Mountain Honduras. The Park of Living Jewels

14. Roatán

Located 40 miles off the northern coast, Roatán is the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands.

And because the island is located directly atop the Mesoamerican Reef, the snorkeling and diving here are easily among the best in the Caribbean.

Its best dive sites is Mary’s Place, which has a sheer crevasse that advanced divers can explore (or beginners can dive over) to see black coral fans, anemones, huge seahorses, and more.

Unlike many Latin American hotspots, Roatán is relatively remote and under the radar, not to mention one of the most budget-friendly destinations on this list.  

READ MORE:  40 Green Travel Tips (The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Travel)

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NICARAGUA

15. Little Corn Island

Looking to truly get away from it all? Little Corn Island will be a dream come true, with lush jungle, clear water, and no cars allowed.

Unlike the Nicaraguan mainland, Little Corn has a Creole culture that is more commonly associated with Caribbean islands: Locals have a mixture of African , Indian , and Spanish roots.

Once a backpacker ’s haven, the unspoiled island has expanded its eco-luxury resorts and eco hotels in recent years.

The snorkeling and Scuba diving there is top-notch, with nurse sharks , rays, dolphins , sea turtles, and the occasional hammerhead spotted just off the island’s shores.

READ MORE:  Little Corn Island Nicaragua: A Taste of Nirvana

16. Isla Ometepe

This UNESCO-recognized island is located in Lake Nicaragua (the largest lake in Central America), and was formed by two nearby volcanoes.

The smaller one, 4,573-foot Volcan Maderas, is now dormant, but the 5,282-foot Concepción Volcano has erupted regularly for nearly 140 years.

The area’s fertile forests are home to wildlife such as white-headed capuchins and yellow-napes parrots.

There are also numerous hiking/cycling trails, waterfalls , swimming holes , canoeing / kayaking trails, fincas (or farms ), and even ancient petroglyphs to explore.  

READ MORE:  Isla Ometepe Nicaragua: An Epic Guide

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN PANAMA

17. Coiba National Park  

This UNESCO-protected marine reserve located off Panama’s southern coast holds a special place in our hearts: It was the place my wife who conquered a fear of water and learned to Scuba dive .

Located near the famed Hannibal Bank, a continental shelf popular among sport fishermen, Coiba is a great place to see whales, dolphins, tuna, reef sharks, and huge schools of tropical fish.

On land you’ll find some great hiking trails, and wildlife ranging from nesting sea turtles to howler monkeys, Coiba Island agouti, white-tailed deer, and more.  

READ MORE: Coiba National Park Panama: Sharks, Crocs and Noriega Prison

18. Bocos del Toro

Located southeast border with Costa Rica, this outstanding archipelago has become a burgeoning hotspot for Panama ecotourism enthusiasts.

Its attractions are numerous, but you’ll want to start at Bastimentos Island National Park, which offers some of the country’s best snorkeling opportunities.

The Smithsonian’s Bocos del Toro Research Station offers excellent guided tours, with naturalists introducing guests to many of the area’s flora and fauna.

On Isla Colon, the privately-owned Finca los Manos botanical garden offers educational program and loads of local wildlife.  

READ MORE:  Panama Photos: Glamping, Fishing, Dolphins & Rainbows

19. Panama Canal

The #1 tourist attraction in Panama is also one of the world’s great marvels of engineering innovation.

Observation decks at the Agua Clara (on the Atlantic side) and Miraflores (Pacific) locks offer visitors awesome views of ships passing through the canal.

And both locations have excellent info about the canal’s colorful history.

Other attractions include Lake Gatun, wildlife-rich boat tours along the Chagres River (the canal’s primary water source), an indigenous Emberá village, and two UNESCO-protected Spanish forts.

One lies in ruins, but Fort San Lorenzo still stands today.  

READ MORE:  10 Latin America Ecotourist Adventures (For Your World Travel Bucket List)

20. Soberania National Park  

Located very close to Panama City (about 16 miles away) and the banks of the Panama Canal, Soberania National Park covers approximately 55,000 acres of biodiverse tropical rainforest.

In terms of wildlife, the park is home to over 100 species of mammals, nearly 80 types of reptiles , and over 50 amphibians.

But it’s best known as a birdwatcher’s paradise, with around 525 recorded species.

The park’s Pipeline Road is widely regarded as one of the best places to see tropical birds in the Americas!

Soberania also has a Rainforest Discovery Center, which offers visitors access to a treetop-clearing observation tower. –Bret Love

About the Author

Green Global Travel is the world's #1 independently owned ecotourism website encouraging others to embrace sustainable travel, wildlife conservation, cultural preservation, and going green tips for more sustainable living.

We've been spotlighted in major media outlets such as the BBC, Chicago Tribune, Forbes, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Travel Channel, Washington Post and others.

Owned by Bret Love (a veteran journalist/photographer) and Mary Gabbett (business manager/videographer), USA Today named us one of the world's Top 5 Travel Blogging Couples. We were also featured in the 2017 National Geographic book, Ultimate Journeys for Two, for which we contributed a chapter on our adventures in Rwanda. Other awards we've won include Best Feature from both the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Magazine Association of the Southeast.

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20 Best Places to Visit in Central America: A Traveler’s Guide

Central America is a region with a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. From ancient ruins to pristine beaches, the countries of Central America offer a wide range of attractions for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. In this blog, we will explore the 20 best places to visit in Central America, highlighting the unique experiences and must-see attractions in each destination.

Table of Contents

1. Arenal National Park

Costa Rica’s Arenal National Park is a haven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. At the heart of the park lies the impressive Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. Visitors can embark on guided hiking tours to witness the volcano’s smoldering crater and learn about its volcanic history.

In addition to volcano exploration, Arenal National Park offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Adrenaline junkies can zip line through the treetops, rappel down waterfalls, or go white-water rafting on the nearby rivers. For a more relaxed experience, visitors can take a dip in the natural hot springs of La Fortuna, known for their therapeutic properties.

Arenal National Park is also an excellent destination for a day trip from San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city. Just a short drive from the bustling city, the park provides a refreshing escape into nature. With its diverse range of activities, Arenal National Park offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination in Central America.

2. Monteverde Cloud Forest

Nestled in the misty mountains of Costa Rica , Monteverde Cloud Forest is a place of unparalleled serenity and natural beauty. This unique ecosystem is home to an incredible array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

One of the best ways to experience the magic of Monteverde Cloud Forest is by taking a thrilling zip-line tour through the canopy. As you soar above the trees, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the lush green forest and the abundant wildlife that calls it home.

If you prefer something more tranquil, a night tour in Monteverde is a must. Led by expert guides, these tours allow you to witness the forest come alive at night. You’ll have the opportunity to spot nocturnal creatures such as sloths, owls, and night monkeys, giving you a unique perspective on the forest’s biodiversity.

Monteverde also offers a range of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the forest at their own pace. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a bird lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Monteverde Cloud Forest is an enchanting destination that should not be missed.

3. Vibrant Life of Panama City

Panama City, the capital city of Panama, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination that blends old-world charm with modern amenities. This bustling metropolis is a melting pot of cultures, making it a unique place to visit in Central America.

One of the city’s most iconic attractions is the Panama Canal, a feat of engineering that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Visitors can take a boat tour to witness the impressive locks in action and learn about the canal’s fascinating history.

Another must-visit neighborhood in Panama City is Casco Viejo, the city’s old town. Here, you’ll find beautifully restored colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming plazas. Casco Viejo is also a hub for dining, with a wide range of restaurants offering both local and international cuisine.

Panama City is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and casinos to explore. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or simply enjoy a cocktail with a view, the city has something for everyone.

Beyond the city limits, Panama offers a wealth of natural gems to explore. From pristine beaches to lush rainforests, adventurers will find plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.

With its unique blend of old-world charm, modern amenities, and stunning natural gems , Panama City is a must-visit destination in Central America.

4. San Blas Islands

For those seeking a tranquil and off-the-beaten-path destination, look no further than the San Blas Islands in Panama. Located off the coast of mainland Panama, the San Blas Islands, also known as the Kuna Yala, offer a truly unique and culturally rich experience.

Sailing through the crystal-clear turquoise waters, you’ll be mesmerized by the beauty of these untouched islands. As you anchor at each secluded cay, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, swim in warm, inviting waters, and bask in the serenity of white sand beaches.

The San Blas Islands are home to the Kuna people, an indigenous community that has inhabited the islands for centuries. This proud and resilient group has managed to preserve their traditional way of life, customs, and handicrafts. Visitors can interact with the Kuna people, learn about their history, and even purchase handmade molas, and brightly colored fabric panels that depict traditional Kuna designs.

Accommodations on the islands range from rustic beach huts to luxury eco-resorts, offering visitors a range of options depending on their preferences and budget. Regardless of where you choose to stay, you’ll be treated to stunning sunsets, star-filled skies, and a sense of tranquility that can only be found in the San Blas Islands.

5. The Majestic Acatenango Volcano

Guatemala’s Acatenango Volcano is a majestic and awe-inspiring destination for adventurous travelers. Standing at over 13,000 feet, this towering volcano offers breathtaking views, challenging hikes, and an unforgettable overnight camping experience.

Summiting Acatenango is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is well worth the effort. The hike takes you through diverse ecosystems, from lush cloud forests to barren volcanic landscapes, offering glimpses of unique flora and fauna along the way. As you ascend, the views of nearby volcanoes, including the active Fuego volcano, become increasingly mesmerizing.

Many travelers choose to embark on a guided tour to ensure safety and make the most of their experience. Experienced guides will lead you through the challenging terrain, provide insights into the volcano’s geology and history, and set up camp near the summit. Spending a night on Acatenango allows you to witness the volcano’s fiery eruptions and marvel at the starry night sky.

From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Pacific coast, neighboring volcanoes, and the Guatemalan highlands. As you descend, take a moment to appreciate the ancient ruins scattered across the volcano’s slopes, remnants of past civilizations that once called these volcanic landscapes home.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala is a must-visit destination in Central America.

6. The Pristine Lake Atitlan

Nestled in the highlands of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan is a place of unparalleled beauty and tranquility. Surrounded by majestic volcanoes and dotted with charming Mayan villages, this pristine lake offers a unique and immersive experience for travelers.

Lake Atitlan is best explored by kayak or paddleboard, allowing you to navigate its calm waters and discover hidden coves and secluded beaches. As you paddle along, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the volcanic peaks, lush green hillsides, and colorful traditional Mayan villages.

Speaking of Mayan villages, a visit to these communities is a must when visiting Lake Atitlan. Each village has its distinct character, traditions, and handicrafts, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Guatemala’s indigenous peoples.

You can wander through the bustling markets of Panajachel, observe ancient Mayan rituals in Santiago Atitlan, or marvel at the intricate weaving techniques in San Juan La Laguna.

After a day of exploration, unwind in one of the lake’s many hot springs, known for their healing properties. Whether you prefer a luxury resort or an eco-lodge nestled in the hillside, Lake Atitlan offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality of Lake Atitlan, and you’ll understand why it is considered one of the best places to visit in Central America.

7. The Serene Caye Caulker

Nestled off the coast of Belize, Caye Caulker is a charming, laid-back island that has captured the hearts of travelers from around the world. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, this small island is a paradise for water activities and relaxation.

One of the main attractions on Caye Caulker is snorkeling in the nearby Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Strap on your mask and fins, and dive into the turquoise waters, where you’ll be greeted by colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and gentle nurse sharks.

Back on land, Caye Caulker’s relaxed atmosphere invites visitors to slow down and enjoy the island life. Golf carts and bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation, and the island’s sandy streets are lined with small hotels, beach bars, and restaurants serving up fresh seafood.

Caye Caulker is also a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture. The island is home to a diverse community, with Garifuna, Creole, and Maya influences. Take a stroll along the beachfront, chat with friendly locals, and sample the flavors of Belizean cuisine, which blends Caribbean, Latin American, and indigenous traditions.

For those seeking a break from the world, Caye Caulker provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation, water activities, and connecting with nature. With its laid-back vibe and stunning natural beauty, this small island is a hidden gem in Central America.

8. The Mesmerizing San Pedro

Situated on the largest island in Belize, Ambergris Caye, San Pedro is a lively and vibrant town that has become a beloved destination for beach bums and adventure seekers alike. With its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and bustling beach bars, San Pedro offers an unforgettable experience in Central America.

The beaches of San Pedro are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and simply unwinding in a hammock with a tropical drink in hand. The island’s clear waters are ideal for snorkeling, diving, and fishing, with numerous tour operators offering guided excursions to nearby coral reefs and underwater caves.

In town, you’ll find a lively atmosphere, with golf carts serving as the main mode of transportation. Explore the streets lined with colorful buildings, browse through local shops selling handicrafts, and dine at beachfront restaurants serving delicious seafood.

San Pedro is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with beach bars and nightclubs offering live music, dancing, and endless fun. Whether you’re looking to sip cocktails while watching the sunset or dance the night away under the stars, San Pedro has something for everyone.

For nature enthusiasts, San Pedro is the perfect base for exploring the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved coral reef systems in the world. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and even swimming with sharks and stingrays are popular activities that allow visitors to discover the reef’s incredible biodiversity.

With its mesmerizing beaches, vibrant nightlife, and access to the breathtaking Belize Barrier Reef, San Pedro is a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable beach getaway in Central America.

9. The Historic City of Granada

The shore of Lake Nicaragua in Nicaragua is home to the historic city of Granada, one of the oldest cities in the Americas, founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1524. This city is renowned for its picturesque colonial architecture, characterized by vibrant buildings, churches, and ancient fortresses. Visitors can enjoy boat tours on the lake, hike up nearby volcanoes, or explore the adjacent rainforest.

Additionally, Granada serves as a cultural hub, offering museums, art galleries, and live music venues. The city’s lively marketplaces are famous for local crafts, food, and souvenirs, making it a great place for tourists to explore and experience the heritage of Latin America.

10. The Beautiful Isla de Ometepe

Nestled in the heart of Lake Nicaragua, Isla de Ometepe boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, with pristine beaches, cascading waterfalls, and two active volcanoes dominating its skyline.

Immerse yourself in the island’s rich heritage by visiting ancient pre-Columbian petroglyphs and Museo El Ceibo, offering a glimpse into its vibrant culture and history.

Outdoor enthusiasts can revel in a plethora of activities such as invigorating hikes, tranquil kayaking excursions, and leisurely fishing experiences. With accommodation options ranging from eco-lodges to luxurious resorts, Isla de Ometepe caters to travelers with diverse budgets, ensuring a memorable and accessible experience for all.

11. The Enchanting Copan Ruins

Nestled in Honduras, the Copan Ruins stand as a testament to the prowess of the ancient Mayan civilization, captivating visitors with their intricate stone carvings and impressive architecture.

A walk through the ruins offers a glimpse into the rich Mayan culture, while the nearby museum provides further insights into this ancient civilization.

The lush vegetation surrounding the ruins adds to the enchanting ambiance, making it a serene and beautiful place to explore. For an immersive experience, travelers can time their visit to coincide with the annual Copan Cultural Festival, celebrating the vibrant local culture and history.

12. The Tropical Paradise of Roatan

Nestled in Honduras, the tropical paradise of Roatan allures visitors with its remarkable opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island’s pristine beaches, complemented by crystal-clear blue waters, offer a serene escape for relaxation seekers.

Explorers can venture into the lush jungle to encounter an array of peculiar wildlife, including playful monkeys and majestic iguanas.

Additionally, Roatan boasts several quaint villages where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and savor authentic cuisine. Thrill-seekers can indulge in a variety of activities such as ziplining, kayaking, and horseback riding, while history enthusiasts can delve into the island’s rich heritage by exploring its historic sites and museums.

Roatan truly epitomizes the perfect blend of natural splendor, cultural charm, and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an unparalleled experience in Central America.

13. The Colonial Charm of Suchitoto

Nestled in El Salvador, Suchitoto exudes the allure of a bygone era with its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. Delve into the town’s history through captivating walking tours that navigate its storied streets and historic buildings.

Suchitoto beckons visitors with a rich tapestry of cultural events, from vibrant art exhibitions to traditional dance performances and melodious music festivals. Embraced by natural marvels, the town offers a serene escape, surrounded by the scenic Lake Suchitlán and the majestic Guazapa mountain range.

Outdoor enthusiasts can revel in activities like birdwatching, hiking, and kayaking, immersing themselves in the breathtaking landscape. Suchitoto seamlessly blends colonial charm with a vibrant cultural tapestry, making it a must-visit destination in Central America.

14. The Thrilling Santa Ana Volcano

Perched as the tallest and most active volcano in El Salvador, the Santa Ana Volcano is an absolute must-visit for adventure enthusiasts exploring Central America.

Its awe-inspiring vistas of the turquoise-green crater lake and the surrounding mountains are bound to leave visitors spellbound. Hikers can partake in an exhilarating trek up to the crater, where the remarkable beauty of the landscape unfolds before their eyes.

While there, they can also pay a visit to the vibrant town of Santa Ana, renowned for its picturesque colonial architecture and bustling markets. To ensure a safe and enriching experience, it’s highly recommended to engage a local guide who can provide valuable insights into the area’s history and culture.

15. The Vibrant Puerto Viejo

Nestled on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo exudes a relaxed atmosphere and is renowned for its stunning beaches and exceptional surfing opportunities.

A short drive away lies the Cahuita National Park, offering a chance to immerse in nature or experience the thrill of ziplining through the jungle canopy.

As the sun sets, the town comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, boasting numerous bars and restaurants where visitors can unwind after a day of exploration.

Indulge in delectable Caribbean-style cuisine, a testament to the town’s diverse cultural influences. Puerto Viejo is indeed a great place to embrace the laid-back coastal lifestyle, making it one of the best places to visit in Central America.

16. Wildlife-Rich Cahuita National Park

Nestled on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, the Cahuita National Park beckons with its diverse wildlife. From playful monkeys to leisurely sloths and a myriad of bird species, the park offers a captivating glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the region.

Nature enthusiasts can traverse the hiking trails that wind through the tropical forest, indulge in snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs, and take a refreshing dip in the serene waters of the park’s beaches.

Not just a haven for nature lovers, the park holds cultural significance as it safeguards a portion of the Talamanca Reef, Costa Rica’s largest coral reef system, and provides insights into the traditions of the indigenous BriBri people who call the surrounding area home.

17. Bocas del Toro

Nestled within Panama, the alternative Bocas del Toro comprises a group of picturesque islands renowned for their stunning beaches and mesmerizing turquoise waters.

This tropical haven offers a myriad of activities, including adventurous snorkeling, thrilling surfing, and awe-inspiring jungle explorations. The vibrant town of Bocas del Toro boasts a colorful ambiance, teeming with an array of lively restaurants and bars for travelers to indulge in.

Moreover, the region is enriched with the presence of several indigenous communities, providing cultural encounters that enrich the overall travel experience. Accessible by plane or boat from Panama City and other Central American destinations, Bocas del Toro stands as an inviting and easily reachable gem awaiting exploration.

18. The Lively Casco Viejo

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Casco Viejo, also known as the Old Quarter, invites visitors to immerse themselves in its rich history and culture. The neighborhood’s charm lies in its eclectic mix of architectural styles, which includes colonial, neoclassical, and French-inspired buildings that bear witness to its diverse past.

In addition to this, Casco Viejo offers a vibrant dining and nightlife scene, boasting some of the best restaurants, bars, and cafes in Panama City. Moreover, the neighborhood is a shopper’s paradise with its boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take a stroll along the waterfront promenade or visit nearby parks for a tranquil escape. For a unique experience, visitors can opt for a boat tour of the Panama Canal from Casco Viejo, making it an ideal destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

19. San Juan del Sur

Nestled on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur has transformed from a quaint fishing village to a bustling tourist hub, offering a wide array of activities. Visitors can indulge in surfing, sailing, fishing, or simply lounging on the pristine beaches that rank among the finest in Central America.

The town comes alive after sunset with a vibrant nightlife scene, characterized by a mix of restaurants and bars. Despite its popularity, San Juan del Sur maintains a laid-back atmosphere, making it a refreshing escape from the crowds typically found in other Central American destinations.

20. The Most Beautiful Roatan island

Roatan Island, located in the beautiful Central America region, is a haven for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The island boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for both relaxation and water activities.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and savor delectable cuisine in the nearby towns, offering an authentic experience of the area.

Moreover, Roatan Island is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and eco-parks, allowing travelers to explore and appreciate the diverse natural beauty of the island.

There is a wide range of accommodations available on the island, catering to various preferences and budgets, from cozy budget-friendly stays to luxurious resorts, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top tourist attractions in Central America?

Discover the best tourist attractions in Central America, a region known for its stunning beauty and rich history. From the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins of Tikal to the majestic Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, and the charming Casco Viejo in Panama City, there are countless wonders to explore.

Don’t miss out on Belize’s Barrier Reef, Nicaragua’s colonial city of Granada, and Guatemala’s breathtaking Lake Atitlan. Central America is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with activities like hiking, surfing, and zip-lining.

What is the best time of year to visit Central America?

The ideal time to visit Central America depends on your destination and activities. Generally, the dry season from December to April is perfect for outdoor adventures and beach trips. The wet season from May to November may offer better deals and fewer crowds, but be aware of hurricane season in September and October.

Are there any safety concerns for travelers visiting Central America?

While Central America has a reputation for being unsafe, it’s essential to research your destination and take precautions. Some countries in the region have higher crime rates than others, so it’s important to avoid walking alone at night and be mindful of your belongings. Staying in well-lit areas and using reputable transportation services is also recommended.

What are some budget-friendly options for traveling in Central America?

Looking for budget-friendly options while traveling in Central America? Consider staying at hostels and guesthouses, taking local buses or shared taxis, trying delicious street food, and exploring free or low-cost activities like public parks and hiking trails.

In conclusion, Central America offers a plethora of incredible destinations for travelers seeking adventure, natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and relaxation. From the adrenaline-inducing Arenal National Park to the tranquility of Monteverde Cloud Forest, the vibrant Panama City to the serene San Blas Islands, there is something for everyone in this diverse region.

Whether you’re hiking up the majestic Acatenango Volcano, exploring the historic city of Granada, or lounging on the pristine beaches of Roatan, Central America will leave you in awe. Just remember to plan your trip according to the best time of year to visit and take necessary safety precautions.

So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures of Central America. Don’t forget to share your travel experiences by commenting below!

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17 Best Places to Visit in Central America

The best places to visit in Central America can vary widely based on your interests, however there are many highlights that cater to anyone who sets foot on the continent.

Love history? You’ll find yourself taking in colonial forts on the coast and mayan temples in the jungles.

Looking to relax? You’ll find the full spectrum of beaches, including both white and black sand. The continent is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Crave adventure? There is no shortage of hiking, white water rafting and kayaking adventures to be had.

Looking for wildlife? Central America is one of the best bird watching destinations in the world. Combine that with unique jungle dwelling animals, like sloths, and you’ll never be bored.

No matter how you choose to spend your time in Central America, you’ll find plenty of things to keep you entertained.

Be sure to check out our Ultimate Central America Guide

Best Places to Visit in Central America

Table of Contents

1. Visit the Guatemalan Ruins of Tikal

Central America travel itineraries can’t miss out on the opportunity to explore great Mayan archaeological sites; one of the best in the region can be found in Guatemala.

The ruins of Tikal are incredibly well-preserved but surrounded by jungle. Located in the far north, this is a place for history-loving adventurers.

Our favorite tours that includes Tikal in Guatemala:

• Classic Belize & Tikal – 9 Days – From Belize City to Caye Caulker
• Mayan Encounter – 12 Days – From Antigua to Playa del Carmen
• Maya Adventure – 22 Days – Start and end in Antigua

2. Enjoy Lake Atitlan

Guatemala has started to make a name for itself in backpacking circles. One of your firm destinations in any Central America itinerary should be Lake Atitlan.

This high altitude lake is surrounded by volcanic peaks and makes for the perfect escape from the rest of the world.

You can spend your days practicing yoga or hiking from one small village to the next, or you can party your nights away at the backpacker hostels and bars – there’s something for everyone.

Our favorite tours that include Lake Atitlan in Guatemala:

• Guatemala Express – 5 Days – Start and end in Guatemala City
• Mayan Sun Southbound: Boat Rides & Ruins – 16 Days – From Playa del Carmen to Antigua
• Central American Journey – 32 Days – Playa del Carmen to San José

3. Dive the Great Blue Hole of Belize

Belize has emerged as one of the foremost diving and snorkeling destinations in Central America. The English-speaking country is quite different from the rest of the Spanish-influenced region.

One of Belize’s most astounding off-shore attractions is the Great Blue Hole, a huge circular reef that drops hundreds of meters to the ocean floor far below.

It’s brimming with marine life and is the perfect destination for snorkeling and diving.

Our favorite tours that include visiting the Great Blue Hole in Belize:

• Mayan Discovery – 15 Days – Start and end Playa del Carmen

4. Explore El Salvador’s Ruta de las Flores

El Salvador often gets ignored on most Central America travel itineraries, which is a shame, because the country has so much to offer – from Mayan ruins to beautiful beaches.

One of the best destinations is the Ruta de las Flores, a collection of rural villages in the north that are home to local coffee plantations, great food festivals, and lots of wonderful nature.

Our favorite tours that include visiting El Salvador:

• El Salvador combo City and Beach – 5 Days – Start and end in San Salvador
• Best of El Salvador – 8 Days – San Salvador to Playa El Tunco
• Highlights of El Salvador – 11 Days – San Salvador to La Libertad

5. Scuba Dive Roatan

Off the coast of Honduras, you can find Roatan , a beautiful Caribbean island known for its diving.

Roatan is one of the cheapest destinations in the world to learn how to scuba dive (here, and the nearby island of Utila).

Our favorite tours that includes Roatan, Honduras:

• Honduras Highlights – 6 Days – Start and end in San Pedro Sula
• Volcano Trail: Waves & Local Ways – 17 Days – From Antigua to San Jose
• Antigua San Jose Panama ways – 23 Days – From Antigua to Panama City

6. Go Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua

Nicaragua is becoming a popular adventure sports destination; one of the best things you can do here is volcano boarding.

At the Cerro Negro Volcano, you can surf your way down the black sands in style!

Our favorite tours that include Cerro Negro Volcano, Nicaragua:

• Adrenaline Nica – 5 Days – Start and end in Managua
• Nicaragua – The Land of Lakes & Volcanoes – 14 Days – From Managua to San Juan Del Sur

7. Corn Islands

If you’re looking to get off the beaten track when you travel to Central America, make the long, arduous journey to the Corn Islands.

Located off Nicaragua’s remote Mosquito Coast, these untouched islands are home to some of the world’s best scuba diving – but nobody knows about it yet!

Our favorite tours that includes visiting Nicaragua:

• Colonial Tour Nicaragua – 4 Days – Start and end in Managua
• GIVE – SCUBA: Reef Conservation – 12 Days – From Managua to Little Corn Island
• GIVE – Nicaragua Local Experience – 13 Days – From Jiquilillo to Managua

8. Lose Yourself in Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest

Costa Rica is packed full of great natural sights and attractions, but if you only have time for one adventure, head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

This rainforest area is connected by swinging bridges high in the trees, where you’ll be immersed in the beautiful clouds that sit high in the foliage.

Our favorite tours that include the Monteverde Cloud Forest:

• Costa Rica Quest – 9 Days – Start and end San José
• Costa Rica Adventure – 16 Days – Start and end San José

9. Cruise the Panama Canal

A classic Central American stop is the Panama Canal, the famous waterway that connects the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.

You can see this amazing engineering feat outside Panama City, or you can sign up for a cruise along the canal as a day trip.

The best way to see it, however, is to book a Central America cruise that transits the entire canal from the Caribbean to the Pacific.

Our favorite tours that includes the Panama Canal:

• Best of Panama – 8 Days – Start and end Panama City
• Start Panama End Panama – 13 Days – Start and end in Panama City

10. Island Hop Panama’s Bocas del Toro

One of the best places to visit in Central America, Panama’s Bocas del Toro is an archipelago packed full of white sand beaches, remote islands, and plenty of laid back tropical vibes.

You can snorkel and dive or just watch the waves lap against the sands as you sip cocktails on the shorefront.

11. Experience Island Time in Caye Caulker

It’s all about island time when you visit  Caye Caulker, Belize . There are some yummy local restaurants, white sand beaches and some fantastic snorkeling to be had here.

People come to this small island off the coast of Belize to slow down, but also take advantage of the close proximity of the Great Mayan Barrier Reef. It is one of the best places to access the Hol Chan Marine Park from.

12. Take On the Ring of Fire in Guatemala

Embark on a trek that conquers the 7 major volcano summits in Guatemala dubbed the ring of Fire that make up the Western Backbone of the country.

This is one of the world’s  Top 100 Travel Adventures , so it’s not for the light of heart.

13. Experience the Pacuare River in Costa Rica

Some of the best white water rafting in the world takes place on the Pacuare River in Costa Rica.

The best part of the river is rafted on a minimum 2 day/1 night trip that puts you up in a rustic jungle lodge for the night.

It is also possible to extend the stay in the jungle for any number of nights too. The river is best rafted when it is producing class III rapids.

14. Get Off the Beaten Path in Golfo Dulce

Located in Costa Rica, you’ll have to put in some work and planning to reach Golfo Dulce, as it’s quite off the beaten path, but you won’t regret it.

Not only is there spectacular bird watching here but you’ll also enjoy the company of dolphins when you’re on the water.

While it is possible to travel over land to Golfo Dulce, it is best experienced by booking a small ship Costa Rica cruise that includes it in their itinerary.

15. Visit Coiba National Park

Located in Panama, Coiba National Park offers so much beauty that even the Costa Ricans are jealous of it (true story!).

This park is the definition of pristine, featuring both mainland and island preserves to enjoy. For a day of sun and snorkeling, you’ll want to head to Granito de Oro.

16. Head for the Darien Gap

Easily one of the most notorious stretches of land on the planet, the Darien Gap is not a place for the faint of heart.

It serves as the most northern tip of the Amazon Rainforest and has played host to some of the most dangerous drug cartels in the world.

That aside, its pristine primary rainforest that is begging to be explored. One of the highlights from our visit was meeting the Embera Tribe and learning about their culture.

The best way to visit the Darien Gap is by joining a Panama cruise that includes a visit in their itinerary. It is also possible to visit by land, but operators are few and you need to accept rustic accommodation.

17. Visit the Portobelo Forts

As with most of Central and South America, Panama has a strong Spanish colonial history. This means you can find ruins and remnants dotted throughout the country.

Portobelo is no exception, offering one of the best-preserved forts in Central America. You can expect to see walls and buildings constructed from coral and plenty of canons.

Following the colonial history up and down the coast is one of the best things to do in Panama .

You Might Also Enjoy:

• 18 Best Places to Visit in Mexico
• Caribbean Islands Travel Guide
• South America Travel Guide
• 25 Bucket List Things to Do in Cuba

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

1 thought on “17 Best Places to Visit in Central America”

Okay so this list is a TREASURE. I literally just sent it to myself. I’ll be arriving to Guatemala with a friend mid-September and will stay there together till mid-October when she returns home to Argentina. But I remain free as a bird (carrying my job with me) to move around Central America indefinitely. Was thinking about going straight to Costa Rica cause a friend of mine lives there but you’ve just opened my eyes to take advantage of my being there for once! If my economy support me I swear I’ll try to visit every place on this list. THANK YOU

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Best Places to Visit in Central America: 15 Incredible Destinations

Discover the best places to visit in Central America. From volcano hikes to snorkelling over gorgeous coral reefs, these are the destinations you need to add to your bucket list RN. 

The seven countries that form Central America collectively feature some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. And it’s no wonder – this is a seriously beautiful part of the globe.

But beyond deciding when to visit Central America , the decision of where to start first is often a daunting one. 

Lucky for you (and for me too, I suppose), I’ve spent plenty of time in Central America, so I’d like to think I know a thing or two about the top places to visit.

Whether you fancy ziplining through the forest, diving in one of the most incredible natural pools in the entire world, or strolling your way through one of the (many) ancient sites you’ll find in this region, this guide to Central America travel destinations has got you covered.

Ready to explore?

Best Places to Travel in Central America

Caye caulker, belize.

The small but lively Caribbean country of Belize has more than its fair share of fantastic highlights. Heck, this tiny destination often makes it into most travellers’ bucket lists for a good reason. 

It’s pretty cut off from the rest of the world, but with its gorgeous beaches, quintessential Caribbean sunshine, and cheap rum, you’ll have plenty to do.

You can’t, however, skip out on heading underwater when in Caye Caulker. It’s busiest between January and April – but this is also when conditions are at their best for snorkelling and diving. 

The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the most beautiful in Central America (and the world, to be totally honest). The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is nearby and the top place for snorkelling – expect to come face to face with plenty of fish, turtles and harmless sharks.

It’s hard to imagine spending a day without getting your hair wet in this island paradise.

Book Your Caye Caulker Snorkel Tour Here

Actun Tunichil Muknal, Belize

Next up: Another unmissable Belize attraction. If you’re keen to delve into the country’s history, plan a trip to Actun Tunichil Muknal. 

Requiring a hike through the jungle, a swim through a famous underground cave, and wading half a mile up the river, it’s not for the faint of heart. Persevere, though.

Upon reaching the cave, you’ll tackle a mile-long hike through rooms of stalactites and stalagmites, aptly named “The Cathedral”. 

But all of this is worth the reward as you reach the intact remains of ancient human sacrifices the Mayans made hundreds of years ago. 

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica

Looking for one of the best things to do in Costa Rica ? If you’re a nature lover, I have excellent news. Showcasing a misty jungle and a mind-blowing variety of wildlife, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is undoubtedly a must-visit.

As one of the country’s most famous attractions, this slice of jungle nirvana features six different ecological zones. It’s home to roughly 100 mammal species, 120 reptilian and amphibian species, and 400 bird species that thrive throughout its jungles.

Beyond that, the reserve has a Nature Centre, tranquil butterfly gardens, hiking trails, suspension bridges, and some adrenaline-pumping ziplines.

Bocas Del Toro, Panamá

Also vying for an entry into most of the best places in Central America guides is Panamá. And few hits are as big as the punch Bocas Del Toro packs. 

Why? Well, you’ve got a fantastic selection of beaches, from the popular icons on the gorgeous islets of Zapatillas to the more secluded (or empty) standout shores of Old Point on Isla Bastimentos. 

But, my favourite? That’s easy – head to the legendary Starfish Beach, where thousands of starfish live in its shallow waters.

As enticing as that sounds, another major draw of Bocas Del Toro is its laid-back culture and lifestyle. And seeing as it’s part of the Caribbean, it’s no surprise that its relaxed charm could make any visitor fall in love with it.

Panama City, Panama

As the most modern city in the region, Panama City rightfully deserves a spot in this guide to the best places to visit in Central America. 

While you can spend hours wandering its streets, indulge your historical side by visiting Plaza Mayor — a stunning park celebrating Panama’s independence from Colombia. And what would a trip to the city be without seeing as much of the Panama Canal as possible? 

Alternatively, head out exploring its Old Town to have dinner by the Amador Causeway. Oh, and don’t leave without indulging in retail therapy at the charming (and sprawling) Estaban Huertas market in Casco Viejo.

With plenty of green space, art galleries and museums, Panama City is a culture-seekers dream destination.

Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

I’m sure you don’t need me to rave about Corcovado National Park – but I’m going to anyway.

Sitting in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica , Corcovado National Park is a must-visit. Home to 13 diverse ecosystems, venturing through Corcovado via any nature or hiking trail is one of the best things to do in Central America. 

Some standouts include the La Leona trail along the edge of the beach and through the Madrigal Cemetery, or, for epic views, head out on the challenging (but rewarding) point-to-point La Leona to La Sirena trail.

And when it comes to biodiversity, how does 10,000 insect species, 370 bird species, and 140 mammal species sound? I’d reckon pretty biologically intense.

San José, Costa Rica

Far removed from the stunning beaches of Costa Rica lies its capital city, San José, waiting for avid urbanites to explore its bustling streets. 

So whether you decide to indulge in craft beer at one of its eclectic bars, satisfy your curiosity at its museum, or go out on a food tour , there’s something for everyone. One of the best ways to appreciate everything that makes San José so impressive is its culinary scene.

We’re talking about eating in Central America here, so you might as well try a few new things – La Criollita and Cafe Rioja are a couple of my fave places to dine. Not every day do you get the chance to immerse yourself in Costa Rica in such a tantalising way.

Book a San José Food Tour Here

Tikal, Guatemala

One of the largest cities of the ancient Mayan civilisations, Tikal National Park in Guatemala, ranks as one of the coolest places to visit in Central America. 

Estimated by archaeologists to have housed a population of between 50,000 and 100,000 at its peak, it’s needless to say, any history buff’s dream come true. 

It’s this lush jungle setting that sets this city apart from other Mayan ruins. Well, that and its claim to having the tallest Mayan temple, which towers 213 feet. And thanks to fewer tourists, it’s far less busy than other similar sites.

Poking out above a jungle canopy rise dozens of impressive temples waiting for exploration. Watch for the native monkeys and toucans, who usually enjoy the site as their personal playground.

Granada, Nicaragua

If you have ever wondered where to head for the best Central America vacation, the vibrant city of Granada in Nicaragua should be at the top of your list. 

While there are many highlights, tackling a boat trip to Las Isletas, the collection of volcanic islands surrounding the city, is my personal favourite.

If you need proof of this, head to the Masaya Volcano, where you’ll come close to molten lava from the top of its crater. Head out on this night tour for a genuinely magical experience.

But you don’t have to leave the city for the best things to do in Granada . A few of these include heading to Parque Central, where you can admire the imposing Catedral de Granada. 

Book a Masaya Volcano Night Tour Here

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

When you picture an awe-inspiring lake, does a volcano come to mind? Well, if it doesn’t, don’t feel bad. You simply haven’t visited Lake Atitlán yet. 

The lake is one of the most impressive places to visit in Central America, but that doesn’t mean you’re just here for the views. Around Atitlán, you can visit towns such as San Pedro, famous for its parties, or San Marcos, loved for its hippie culture and laid-back vibe.

Overall the lake is more about relaxation than it is about partying. And the best ways to get the most out of your time here are kayaking, hiking, or even jet skiing. 

Or why not head out from Antigua on this full-day tour to Lake Atitlán ? 

Blue Hole, Belize

We’re back in Belize for this one. Climbers have Mount Everest, and divers have Belize’s Blue Hole. And while it’s not easily accessible, it’s one of those places in Central America you must see to believe.

To give you a mental image, the Blue Hole National Monument features a 100-foot dive into a massive submarine sinkhole while diving past huge stalactites. Oh, and let’s not forget the chance of encountering large reef sharks as you go.

At the 100-foot point, divers will reach what is jokingly called “The Abyss”. Although a definite sense of impending doom arises with a name like that, the nearly 430-foot void that welcomes you adds to the unease and questions your bravery.  

Corn Islands, Nicaragua

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, how does two islands located about 43 miles off the east coast of Nicaragua sound? Pretty cool, I think.  

The islands hold a certain well-kept-secret feeling to them that makes for the best escape from the buzzing of overcrowded city streets. It is, without a doubt, an easy answer to your best vacation spots in Central America conundrum. 

The Corn Islands are also a foodies paradise. Tantalise your tastebuds with the local’s famous rondon , but thanks to the spicy broth it’s made in, you’ll need to give 24 hours’ notice before enjoying your meal. You’ll find these restaurants all over the island, but Maris Daneth’s Restaurant is the best, trust me.

Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Until only recently, if you asked which was the most active volcano in Costa Rica, the answer would have been Arenal. With dozens of small, frequent eruptions, Arenal creates a glorious showcase of spewing lava.

It’s now in its dormant phase, so eruptions have stopped indefinitely. However, that shouldn’t put you off visiting it or the surrounding national park. But taking time to admire the 5,480-foot mountain is the crown jewel here.

You’ll also find other highlights within the national park, such as the La Fortuna Waterfall and a few Instagram-worthy volcano-fed hot springs. 

Taking a tour from San José is the easiest – and best, in my opinion – way to explore this natural wonder. Plus, there’s usually a magical zip line or two thrown in – and who can say no to a little extra thrill?

Book an Arenal Volcano Tour Here

Copán, Honduras

It should be no shocker that exploring Central America’s landmarks, such as the widespread and impressive Mayan ruins at Copán, is a must-do for any eager adventurer. 

Tucked into a scenic river valley, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features some of the most impressive human-sized stone sculptures. And while strolling around these ancient grounds is already exciting, Copán offers much more.

None is better than the deep dive into the region’s past as you descend the hieroglyphic stairway. Here you’ll find the longest inscription of Maya text known to man detailing the ancient city’s history.

Las Sepulturas is just around the corner, too – it’s a less-frequented but equally impressive example of Mayan architecture.

Oh, and after you’ve explored, make sure you swing by the Tea & Chocolate Place for a much-needed cuppa in, what feels like, paradise.

Antigua Guatemala

Another designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua Guatemala is a bouquet of exceptional things to do for anyone who loves history and culture.

Here you can easily spend hours delving into the stunning Spanish architecture, but you simply can’t visit without heading to some of the city’s top attractions. 

Yes, there’s the striking Old Town, but spending lazy days lounging on the grass of its Central Park, or hiking up to the Hill of the Cross, are must-do activities.

And for nature lovers, there’s ample birdwatching at Finca el Pilar. Or head out to hike the epic Pacaya Volcano.

Practical Tips for Exploring the Best Places in Central America

• Fancy extending your trip? The ultimate way to experience the best places in South America is by planning a multi-day adventure through its seven countries.
• Always double check your visa requirements when travelling between countries – nobody wants to be turned away at the gate because they’ve forgotten to fill out a form.
• Check out my packing list ideas to help you decide what to bring along on your adventure.

Places to Visit in Central America: Map

Brilliant Central America Destinations: Read Next

• When’s the Best Time to Visit Central America?
• The Best Things to do in Costa Rica 
• What to See in Granada, Nicaragua

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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Central America Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Central America travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Central America may be a small region, but it is home to seven of the most beautiful countries in the world.

From tropical rainforests to golden sand beaches to active volcanos, the region’s biodiversity makes it a top spot for ecotourism and outdoor adventures. The area also has a rich history and culture that you can see first-hand today in well-preserved Indigenous villages and colonial cities.

There’s so much to explore in Central America that it’s often hard to know where to start!

Many travelers visit Central America to experience the country’s natural beauty. The region’s coastline is home to some of the most stunning — and in some cases least-trafficked — beaches in the world.

Central America is also home to many scuba diving hot spots thanks to its colorful marine life and underwater sights. The Bay Islands in Honduras (including the main islands of Roatan , Utila, and Guanaja) are particularly popular among divers with tons of diving sights to explore.

Each country also has its own system of national parks that preserve the local flora and fauna.

For instance, Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica ‘s Pacific Coast is one not to miss if you’re an animal lover. The park is home to 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds, including white-faced monkeys, sloths, and more.

Central America’s cities are teeming with life and definitely worth a few spots on your itinerary.

In Panama , you can visit Panama City to explore a modern metropolis full of shimmering skyscrapers alongside old colonial buildings and cobblestone streets in the Casco Viejo neighborhood.

Leon, the artistic and intellectual hub of Nicaragua , is full of historic sights and public murals that you’ll definitely want to capture for Instagram.

And you’ll definitely want to make a stop in Antigua, Guatemala to experience one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial cities in Latin America.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Central America.

Note: This ultimate guide to Central America travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Central America Map

Use this Central America travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible region!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Costa Rica Travel Guide

No Central America trip itinerary would be complete without a few active travel adventures in Costa Rica, like…

La Fortuna Tours: Rafting & Visiting An Organic Farm In Costa Rica

Costa Rica Adventure: Coffee & Cloud Forests In Magnificent Monteverde

From Solo To Sidekicks: Notes On My Central America Group Travel Adventure

Guatemala Travel Guide

These Guatemala experiences showcase some of the best things to do in Central America !

Hiking Indian’s Nose At Sunrise In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Food, Culture & Traveling Beyond The Guidebook In Guatemala

The Truth About Hiking Guatemala’s Pacaya Volcano

San Pedro La Laguna: Where Time Stands Still & The Party Never Stops In Guatemala

Earth Lodge: A Soul-Finding Farmstay In The Mountains Of Guatemala

6 Essential Guatemala Travel Tips

Why Guatemala Should Be Your Next Trip

Honduras Travel Guide

Looking for the best places to go in Central America ? Here is why Honduras should be on your list!

Exploring The Caribbean Side Of Honduras On Roatan Island

Copan, Honduras: An Amazing Day Exploring Mayan Ruins In The World’s Most Dangerous Country

Nicaragua Travel Guide

Looking for the best vacation spots in Central America ? Check out these Nicaragua experiences:

Nicaragua Adventures: Hiking The Active La Concepcion Volcano On Ometepe Island

Volcanic Adventures Outside Of Granada, Nicaragua

How To Volunteer While Learning Spanish In Nicaragua

Panama Travel Guide

If you’re wondering where to go in Central America , here is why Panama should be on your list:

Hiking In Panama: The Best Trails In Boquete

How To Plan An Unforgettable Panama Itinerary (Experiences Included!)

Here Is What It’s Like To Live With An Indigenous Tribe In Panama

Best Places To Stay In Bocas del Toro For Sustainable Travelers

Top Central America Tours

Explore Central American tourism & culture with a local through these recommended excursions:

• Monkey Island tour from Panama City (Panama)
• San Blas Island-Hopping and Snorkel Tour Visit 3 Islands (Panama)
• Lake Atitlán Sightseeing Cruise with Transport from Guatemala City (Guatemala)
• Sunrise Hike to the Indian Nose from San Pedro La Laguna (Guatemala)
• Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure from Belize City (Belize)
• Saint Herman’s Cave Hiking and Blue Hole Tour from Belize City (Belize)
• Day Trip to the Mayan Ruins of Copan from San Pedro Sula (Honduras)
• Bay Islands Exploration: Roatan Caribbean Coast Jungle & Beach ATV Adventure from West Bay (Honduras)
• Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose (Costa Rica)
• Cerro Negro and Volcano Sand Boarding from León (Nicaragua)
• Santa Ana Volcano Hiking Tour + Coatepeque Lake Sightseeing (El Salvador)

Click here for a full list of Central America travel tours !

Renting A Car In Central America

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You can also use this map to search for local stays. The map is set to San Jose, but you can easily change it to your specific destination:

Central America Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Central America tour. When visiting Central America — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Central America itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Central America Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Central America .

Q: Which countries make up Central America?

Here is a full list of Central American countries:

• El Salvador

Q: Where is Central America located?

Central America is located between Mexico and South America and is the southernmost region of North America.

Q: Is Central America safe for travel?

In general, Central America is pretty safe for travelers. Some countries and areas have higher rates of crime and violence than others and, as with any other destination, there are certain safety tips you should follow wherever you go.

The Northern Triangle — consisting of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador — sees more crime than other countries in the region, particularly in big cities, so you’ll want to stay particularly vigilant if any of those countries are on your itinerary.

While traveling in Central America, you’ll want to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid wearing anything flashy or displaying any obvious signs of wealth, avoid going out alone at night, and be particularly careful on public transportation.

For specific safety tips for each country in Central America, check out our individual destination pages linked above.

You can also check our our guide to avoiding pickpockets .

Q: How long do you need to travel Central America?

The length of your trip to Central America certainly depends on which countries you want to explore and your preferred style of travel. If you’re looking to do a full tour of the region, making your way down from Southern Mexico to Panama (or vice versa), you’ll need at least a month or two to see everything.

Though the region is comparatively small, it can take several hours to travel between destinations by car or bus thanks to winding roads and inconsistent infrastructure.

Flights within the region are available but can be expensive and limited in certain areas.

You’ll also want to spend a few days in each destination to take in everything it has to offer.

If you don’t have a month or more to commit to a full Central American tour, you can easily travel between one or two countries in the region over a week or two. Group tours also offer multi-country itineraries over shorter periods of time that take some of the guess work out of traveling through the region.

Q: Is Central America expensive to travel?

It’s generally quite inexpensive to travel in Central America. Again, this depends on your itinerary and destinations of choice; things in Costa Rica and Panama tend to be a bit more expensive than in other Central American countries.

The average traveler to Central America should budget about $60 to $70 per day for things like accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and other daily expenses.

Q: What is the safest Central American country to visit?

Costa Rica and Panama are considered the safest countries to visit in Central America. Costa Rica is ranked as the 33rd most peaceful country in the world according to the Global Peace Index and experiences lower rates of crime and violence than other countries in the region.

While there are several areas of Panama that do experience more violence (specifically the Mosquito Coast and Darien region along the Colombian border), the country is quite safe overall.

Regardless of your itinerary, though, you should keep the general safety tips mentioned above in mind.

Q: What is the best time to visit Central America?

The best time to visit Central America is during the dry season between December and April.

Temperatures throughout the region are generally warm and comfortable, although this will vary depending on elevation.

Rain is less frequent in these months and you are less likely to have your trip washed out by a hurricane.

Q: What are some top things to do in Central America?

Central America is one of the best places on Earth for outdoor exploration. With a gorgeous environment that includes rainforests, beaches, volcanos, mountains, and more you’ll want to spend plenty of time outside during your Central American adventure.

Divers should visit countries like Honduras, Panama, and Belize for their clear waters and abundance of tropical fish. Belize is also home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, with tons of colorful coral and marine life to explore.

Almost every country in Central America has its own national parks full of flora and fauna you won’t want to pass up. You can also hike (and even surf!) active volcanos in countries like Costa Rica and Nicaragua, where you can hike Volcan Concepcion .

Each country in Central America also has a rich history and culture of its own that is absolutely worth exploring.

Antigua in Guatemala is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America; the city truly looks like its frozen in time with its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Here you’ll find churches that date back to the 1500s, shops full of artisan goods, and a whole museum dedicated to chocolate.

Central America also has many Mayan ruins where you can pay your respects to the area’s Indigenous history. Copan is home to one of the best-known sites in Honduras while the Tikal Temple in Guatemala is an absolutely incredible sight.

Q: What is some important Central America travel advice to keep in mind?

Aside from the safety tips listed above, there are a few pieces of travel advice to keep in mind when it comes to Central America.

Wherever you go in the region, you’ll want to pack high-test bug spray, ideally formulated with DEET. Aside from being annoying, mosquitoes in Central America have been known to carry dangerous diseases like malaria and the Zika virus and in a tropical environment, they’re pretty hard to avoid. A good quality insect repellent is your best defense against disease, even if you don’t think you’ll need it.

Sunscreen is also absolutely key, particularly if you’re planning on spending time at the beach. Remember, you’re probably closer to the equator than usual.

Even if you’re incredibly careful about what you’re eating and drinking in Central America, stomach issues happen to the best of us. Be sure to pack any medications you might need along the way like Pepto Bismol and Immodium. Don’t rely on local stores having what you need in stock, particularly if you’re traveling to a more remote location.

While most countries in Central America do not require any vaccinations to enter the country, you may want to get certain vaccinations or preventative medicines depending on your itinerary. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor or local travel medicine professional before your trip.

Q: What tips would you give someone backpacking Central America?

There are a few tips to keep in mind when backpacking Central America.

While restaurants are generally pretty inexpensive throughout the region, you’ll save a lot of money by shopping at local markets and preparing your own food at your hostel or on the road. This will help you stretch your food budget over a longer trip. Street food is also quite cheap and a great option for snacks and meals during the day.

Buses are also the most cost-effective way to travel between destinations, though it may take you longer to get from Point A to Point B.

You’ll absolutely want to pack a lock and a small medical kit with bandages, hand sanitizer, antibacterial creams, and any necessary medications in your pack.

A travel water purifier or purifying water bottle is also necessary for areas where the water is unsafe to drink. This is crucial for times when you may not be able to find bottled or otherwise purified water.

Laundromats and laundry services can also be hard to come by throughout the region so you may want to pack some small packets of detergent in case you need to wash some garments in the sink of your hostel or AirBnB.

On a similar note, pack more underwear than you think you’ll need. You don’t want to be caught without a fresh pair!

What would you add to this Central America travel guide?

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8 best Central American countries to visit and tips to plan your trip

The ultimate list of the best Central American countries to visit and tips to enjoy them to the fullest even if you're on a budget.

Gabrielle Budget Travel With Gabby

Mar 22, 2023

Central America is a gorgeous part of the world. Nestled in between the USA , the Caribbean islands , and South America , it has a wide range of landscapes, native traditions, and unique cultures. It is most deffinitely worth a trip - or many! But what are the best Central American countries to visit? This is what you'll find out in this article.

A brief introduction to Central America

Though Central America isn’t very large in terms of landmass, it is rich in cultural and geographical diversity . The countries are quite small, with the exception of Mexico. Each one has their own distinct way of life and offers something different to travelers who stop by.

Spanish is the predominant language , though there are many indigenous communities that speak their own languages.

But since we'll be talking about the best Central American countries to visit, it's important to know that the list of countries that make up Central America is up for debate.

Some consider Central America to only include the seven countries of Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama. 

Some consider Mexico to be part of Central America, while others see it as part of North America. Some consider Caribbean islands like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic to be part of Central America too.

For this article, I won’t be including the Caribbean, but I will include Mexico. Though geographically, Mexico is part of North America , the culture and landscape of the country are similar to the Central American countries. 

So without further ado, here are the best Central American countries to visit (listed in no particular order). 

Best Central American countries to visit

• El Salvador
• Panama 

I'll talk about each of them below, but before we get to that, I'll share a special travel tip: an amazing way to travel around Central America, or within a particular country there, is by joining a volunteer program, also known as work exchange . 

That means you'll exchange a few hours of work for free accommodation and other perks, such as meals and tours.

You can find plenty of opportunities in the region (and all around the world) at the Worldpackers platform, which gathers all sorts of hosts looking for travelers willing to help them out. 

I can tell you from experience that apart from being a great way to save money, volunteering is an amazing experience. You'll get to meet other travelers and locals, practice your skills or find out new talents, and live a deep immersion in the local culture.

Off to the list of countries, then! And once you've decided where to go, be sure to also check out our article with advice on travelling to Central America .

1. Costa Rica

One of the most popular countries to visit in Central America is Costa Rica. It has a reputation for being traveler-friendly, expat friendly, safe, beautiful, and fun. 

Full of jungles, beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, wildlife, and culture, Costa Rica has everything a traveler could want. It is also one of the best Central American countries to visit in December , as that’s when the rainy season ends and the weather becomes perfect.

The only downsides to its popularity are that it can feel quite touristy in some places, and traveling there is more expensive than in other Central American countries. But if you visit Costa Rica, you’ll realize the crowds of tourists and the slightly overpriced food are worth it. It is truly an amazing country!

For those looking to volunteer, there are some very cool  Worldpackers work exchanges  to choose from. You can  live in a eco lodge and learn about greenhouse and cultivations or immerse yourself in Costa Ricas's gastronomy by helping at a kitchen , for instance. 

Want to know more about the country? Read our articles on  How to master solo travel in Costa Rica  and  When is the best time to visit Costa Rica .

2. El Salvador

Generally not that popular among tourists, El Salvador is surprisingly one of the best Central American countries to visit. 

The country doesn’t have a great reputation due to the wars and violence that occurred there in the mid-late 1900s. However, these conflicts are in the past and El Salvador is becoming more and more safe for tourists every year.

Because it is not super touristy, El Salvador is cheap and there are lots of amazing retreats and eco villages scattered around the small country. There is good surfing, lots of incredible nature, and many lodges and retreats that focus on yoga, meditation, and healthy living. 

You can even  volunteer at an eco village  and work as a cook, photographer, gardener or teacher, or explore El Salvador with other volunteering positions .

3. Guatemala

Situated just below Mexico, Guatemala is an extremely diverse country. It has ancient ruins, highlands, volcanos, mountains, jungles, rainforests, lakes, beaches, cities, small towns , and so much more. 

Guatemala also has a strong sense of Mayan culture. Many locals still live the way their ancestors did, and they wear traditional Mayan clothes. If you venture to small villages, you’ll find that many people speak their native languages instead of Spanish.

Popular things to do in Guatemala include lounging on Lake Atitlan, hiking Volcan Acatenango and other volcanoes, surfing on the coast, visiting natural pools in the jungle , exploring the Mayan ruins in the north, and visiting its beautiful towns.

Doing a work exchange in Guatemala is also a great way to learn about the local culture. Imagine being a part of a hostel's team  as a receptionist  or work  with a horse in a  Guest House ?

And if you're wondering whether  is it safe to travel to Guatemala , read this article by a fellow traveler who spent some time there and shared his impressions.

Belize, a small and interesting country, is another one of the best Central American countries to visit. It is located on the Caribbean Coast, and therefore is sometimes considered a Caribbean nation in addition to a Central American one. 

Belize is also very multicultural, with influences from all sorts of Caribbean, Latin American and African nations.

Though it is small, Belize is home to so much cool stuff. There are Mayan ruins, lazy beach towns, tropical forests, and lots of mindblowing marine life. Belize is one of the best Central American countries to visit for diving and snorkeling, because the underwater world is so amazing and vibrant. 

Some interesting work exchanges you could try in Belize include helping manage beehives , being a social media communicator , and working at an off grid jungle farm .

As the biggest and most well-known country in Central and North America, Mexico is just as amazing as people say it is. With plenty of famous museums, landmarks, ruins, and monuments , there is much to do here for history, architecture, food and culture lovers. 

And with a vast landscape that covers lots of different geographies, Mexico is one of the best Central American countries to visit for nature lovers. There is hiking, snorkeling, surfing, sailing, camping, fishing, rock climbing , and so much more.

It is also one of the most popular countries for doing a Worldpackers work exchange. With 185 volunteer opportunities in Mexico , there is no shortage of cool experiences to try. 

6. Nicaragua

Full of cheap delicious food, warm and welcoming locals, and unique natural sights, Nicaragua is an up and coming destination in Central America. 

It is also arguably the best Central American country to visit for surfing . Because it is less touristy than Mexico or Costa Rica, you can often find stunning beaches with perfect surfing conditions and no other people there.

Other popular things to do in Nicaragua include sandboarding down volcanoes , visiting the gorgeous Ometepe Island , and partying and surfing in the fun backpacker town, San Juan Del Sur . 

There are also some cool work exchanges in Managua , Leon , and Granada , all of which are popular and scenic cities in Nicaragua.

Panama is another one of the best Central American countries to visit. This long, thin country acts as the gateway between Central America and South America , and is bordered by Costa Rica in the north and Colombia in the South. 

Panama is known for its incredible biodiversity , though it often is overshadowed by Costa Rica in terms of tourism. Snorkeling, diving, white water rafting, hiking, and bird watching are all fun pastimes over there.

Some of the best places to visit in Panama include the beaches and islands of Bocas Del Toro , the mountains and coffee plantations of Boquete, the volcanoes, waterfalls, and rainforests of Anton Valley, and the skyscrapers and entertainment of Panama City. 

There are many  work exchanges in Panama for those who want to try volunteering! 

Before you travel, make sure to read the article  The 10 best things to do in Panama .

8. Honduras

Last but not least on the list of best Central American countries to visit, is Honduras. With a pretty long Caribbean coastline, Honduras boasts some amazing marine life and diving sites. 

So if you love snorkeling, diving, and exploring the underwater world , Honduras is a great place to visit. The country also has many national parks filled with wildlife and mountains that are great for hiking.

There are also lots of cool archeological sites for those who love history. Honduras is not a super popular country to visit in Central America, but it does have a lot to offer. 

If you got curious, don't miss out this guide about the best things to do in Honduras .

And yes, for those who want to live and work among locals, there are also  work exchanges available in Honduras . You can learn permaculture with locals in a farm on a Caribbean Island or apply for a volunteering position in a beautiful fun hostel in Honduras as a bartender and live the experience of your life.

I hope you liked this list of the places to travel to in Central America! If you have any questions, let us know in the comments section.

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Gabrielle Boucher

Budget Travel With Gabby

Hello! I am a 25 year old from the USA with a knack for traveling on a budget. I fell in love with traveling while studying in Europe, and that love grew even more when I started volunteering abroad in South America. Since then, I've worked odd jobs and volunteered all over the globe while cultivating passions for hiking, wildlife photography, food, wine, animals, permaculture, and more!

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Best Places to Visit in Central America | 18 Family-Friendly Destinations

• Post author By Guest Contributor
• Post date February 26, 2024
• No Comments on Best Places to Visit in Central America | 18 Family-Friendly Destinations

Hunting down family-friendly locations can be challenging, especially when you’re planning to leave the country. You have so many things to get in order before you head out, but the most important is determining a destination.

Luckily, there are many family friendly destinations in Central America to choose from that are fun and safe for children. So, if you’re planning a family vacation to Central America, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Central America for families.

This list includes 18 of the best destinations in Central America to visit with kids, plus, recommendations on what to do and where to stay in each of the best Central America places to visit.  

What Countries are in Central America?

Central America is a narrow strip of land connecting North America and South America. While technically part of North America, the countries that make up Central America have such a unique culture and history that differs from the North American countries of Canada, United States and Mexico.

Although often referred to as Latin America, which typically includes Mexico and much of South America, as well, Central America specifically is limited to the countries of Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.

18 Incredible Central America Places to Visit  

Although the countries in Central America have a lot in common, they also vary significantly in some ways.

Depending on the type of family vacation to Central America you are looking for, here is a quick look at the destination that might be right for you.

• Best Central American country for adventure-seekers: Costa Rica
• Best place to visit in Central America for beaches: Belize Cayes
• Best Central America destinations for history and culture: Guatemala
• Least visited Central American country: El Salvador 
• Best place to visit in Central America on a cruise: Roatan, Honduras 
• Most posh Central America destination: Panama City, Panama 
• Best place to visit in Central America for an all-inclusive vacation: Guanacaste Costa Rica

Best Places to Visit in Central America

From adventurous family members to ones who want a more laid-back vacation, you can find something that suits everyone in these Central America destinations.

Table of Contents

1. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Lake Atitlan is a must-see, formed naturally by an eruption of a volcano. It used to be full of Maya villages, but now, you still have all the natural landscapes to enjoy.

Families should visit this lake, considered the most beautiful in the world and one of the great wonders. The lake is also safe to swim in, so it can be great for a family excursion.

Visiting a lake may also teach your older children about a lakeside ecosystem and help them get more interested in one close to home. They might choose to learn more and care about the water quality at home or get involved in a volunteer program.

Where to stay in Lake Atitlan

• Hospedaje el Viajero (budget)
• Selina Atitlan
• Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlan (luxury)

2: Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

The Arenal Volcano is not only one of Costa Rica’s most recognizable landmarks, the area surrounding the dormant volcanic mountain is an adventure-lover’s dream destination.

From some of the best ziplining in Costa Rica , to waterfalls and natural hot springs to guided hanging bridge tours in Costa Rica’s rainforests , families will have an exciting time exploring the Arenal Rainforest and surrounding area.

Be sure to book a stay at one of the hotels with hot springs near La Fortuna , so you can relax in the evening after a day filled with adventure and activity.

Your family will love every minute of the day from the moment you wake up to the majestic views of the volcano shrouded in clouds to the second they lay their heads down in an eco-friendly, sustainable lodge.

Where to stay near Arenal, Costa Rica 

• Hotel El Silencio del Campo (mid-range)
• Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel (luxury)

3. San Pedro, Belize

You need to visit San Pedro if you want a laid-back destination where golf carts and bicycles are the primary modes of transportation around the town and the island.

The island of Ambergris Caye, which is home to San Pedro, is world-renowned for its barrier reef and is one of the best places to go diving in Belize. Spending time on the beach or at a beach resort with a pool will be nothing but relaxing for you.

It’s an excellent place to start a Central American family vacation. There are plenty of adventures, restaurants, and fun things to do in San Pedro, Belize to keep your family occupied. 

The island’s calm, warm, shallow water makes it an ideal destination in Central America to visit for families. And if visiting Belize with kids , San Pedro will certainly be a highlight!

Where to stay in San Pedro Belize

• Coco Beach Resort (Luxury)
• Belizean Shores Resort (Mid-Range)

4. Granada, Nicaragua

Colors abound in this famous colonial town of Nicaragua. Your children will love to take in the bright hues of different buildings and churches.

From Granada, you can also see the natural beauties of Nicaragua, like lakes and volcanoes, just a day trip away.

The food in Granada is delicious, and if you stay for a while, you can rent one of the houses on the tiny islands.

This location is one of the best places in Central America to visit if you want to prioritize making memories with the ones you love by taking in the beautiful sights of Central America.

Where to stay in Granada, Nicaragua 

• Hotel Dario (luxury)
• Selina Granada (mid-range)

5. Monkey Island, Panama

This island gets its name from the white-faced monkeys that inhabit it. It’s a prominent tourist spot, so it would be perfect for kids who want to see new animals. Arrive early in the morning and you should be able to get the whole experience.

Your kids can learn more about monkeys and how they can benefit the ecosystem around them.

The boat ride to get to Monkey Island might take a while, so bring something to keep the kids distracted from the potentially long journey.

You can easily take a boat ride to Monkey Island as a day trip from Panama City.

Book a day trip to Monkey Island and the Panama Canal. 

6. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

The region of Guanacaste in Costa Rica is best known for its beaches and posh, all-inclusive resorts. It is one of the best places in Central America for an all-inclusive, stress-free vacation.

If visiting Costa Rica with kids , plan to spend at least a few days in Guanacaste to enjoy some relaxing beach time. Book a beach hopping excursion to see some of the country’s black sand, white sand, and even pink sand beaches. 

If you want to venture away from the shore, Guanacaste is also home to Llanos de Cortes , one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls and natural swimming holes. The small pool beneath this stunning waterfall is shallow enough that children can easily swim.

Llanos de Cortes can easily be reached on a guided tour, or a self-guided adventure if you rent a car and plan to drive around Costa Rica .  

Where to stay in Guanacaste, Costa Rica 

• Riu Guanacaste (mid-range)
• Planet Hollywood Beach Resort (luxury)

7. Panama City, Panama

Panama City can be both an educational and fun destination for your family. You can take in some old Spanish architecture in the cobblestoned historic center of Casco Viejo, or enjoy the various stores and rich dining experiences in the luxurious Marbella district.

The city is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan places to visit in Central America, with high rises, posh hotels and trendy restaurants.

Of course, one of the country’s main tourist attractions, the Panama Canal is just a 15 minute drive from downtown. Built by the US in 1914, the famous canal connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans cutting through the isthmus of Panama as a means of making Maritime trade safer and more efficient. 

You can also find natural environments around Panama City, which means it’s the perfect destination for anyone who doesn’t know where else to go in Central America. You’ll see nothing but fantastic views when you visit.

It’s a great destination to take a family to because it has so many things to do. 

Where to stay in Panama City, Panama 

• Riu Plaza Panama

8. Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala

Pacaya volcano is a national park that offers an up-close look into the lava flows that run through it. It’s close to the country’s largest city, Guatemala City, and about an hour away from Antigua, the tourism hub for the country, making it easy to explore upon arriving in Guatemala.

The Pacaya Volcano is active, meaning you must be careful around it, and is one of the few active volcanoes in the world you can actually climb.

Your family should be safe around the volcano, but your knowledgeable guide will share the fascinating history of Pacaya, as well as teach you about proper evacuation methods and how lava travels faster in some terrains.

It might be a great adventure to take older kids on as long as they can understand the dangers around it.

Book a guided tour to Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala 

9. Suchitoto, El Salvador

Suchitoto is a delight, as it’s overflowing with cultural flair. Many people dress like cowboys here and there’s plenty to do to keep your kids occupied. You can stumble upon one of the many tours offered in this quaint lakeside town or enjoy some of the museum attractions.

If you want to dive into El Salvadorian history, Suchitoto is the place to be — it was a crucial place in the Salvadorian civil war back in the 1980s.

You can see things both natural and human-made in this city, so it’s worth a look if you plan on visiting El Salvador.

Where to stay in Suchitoto, El Salvador 

• Casa 1800 Suchitoto Boutique

10. Tikal National Park, Guatemala

One of the best places to visit in the Peten Province of Guatemala, the Tikal National Park is an awesome place to visit in Guatemala with kids . The lush vegetation of the jungle can draw your family in, as can the opportunity to see wildlife.

This national park contains the Tikal ruins, one of the most important ruins in Maya culture.

These ruins include stone carvings and intricate inscriptions. While you can easily get to Tikal from San Ignacio, Belize as a day trip, if you’re eager to absorb more of Maya culture, spend at least one night inside Tikal National Park. It is a must-see!

You would have to cross the Belize-Guatemala border , which can be tricky to navigate, the Tikal ruins are well worth the trip! 

Be forewarned though, exploring Tikal requires a lot of walking!

Being out in nature and walking around can also give you several health benefits though, like lessening symptoms of depression or helping digestion, so take your time and enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the exercise you’ll get while exploring it!

Where to stay near Tikal National Park, Guatemala 

• Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal
• Hotel Tikal Inn

11. Antigua, Guatemala

The historic city of Antigua is perhaps the most popular city for tourism in Guatemala. The Spanish colonial town is surrounded by volcanoes and renowned for its colorful buildings.

Once the colonial capital city, Antigua was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, and the capital was moved to Guatemala City. 

For centuries, Antigua has maintained its colonial charm and has a relatively low population.

It’s a wonderful place to immerse yourself in Maya culture and learn about the history of Guatemala, or even immerse yourself in the Spanish language, one of the top languages for travel you should try to learn.

Where to stay in Antigua, Guatemala 

• Hotel la Galeria

12. Caracol, Belize

The Maya ruins in Belize are fascinating places full of history. If anyone in your family wants to learn more about the days gone by, visiting the ancient city of Caracol is perfect. The largest ruins in Belize, Caracol is an easy day trip from San Ignacio.

Most day trips to Caracol also include stops at other popular tourist spots in the country, like Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Pools .

With only 10 percent of Caracol unearthed, researchers estimate that much of the city is yet to be discovered. Archaeological work is still ongoing, so it remains to be seen what else researched will unearth in this ancient city.

Book a day trip to Caracol from San Ignacio 

13. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Central America.

Spanning more than 10,000 acres, the forest reserve draws roughly 70,000 visitors each year who come to see the colorful assortment of flora and fauna in a dream-like forest almost always covered in clouds.

Similar to Arenal, Monteverde is a popular destination for ziplining and hanging bridge tours.  

Where to stay in the Monteverde Cloud Forest

• Trapp Family Lodge
• Camino Verde B&B

14. Macaw Mountain, Honduras

If you’re in Honduras, visit Macaw Mountain before your vacation passes you by.

The nature reserve features several species of birds that will delight your entire family. You’ll have a great time learning more about the different types of birds and how they came to the park through means of rescue. 

The park, which has been taking care of abandoned parrots and macaws since the 1980s, is run entirely on donations, so you can also contribute to the good cause after your visit.

Where to stay near Macaw Mountain, Honduras 

15. caye caulker, belize.

Just a short boat ride from Ambergris Caye and San Pedro, Caye Caulker is often considered the most laid back of all the Belize islands. To get to Caye Caulker, you’ll ride a boat from Belize City for about an hour.

It’s one of the greatest island destinations in Belize, featuring fantastic shopping opportunities and an exciting diversity of aquatic species.

It’s also home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world for adventurous travelers and is often a popular destination for diving enthusiasts, as well as European tourists, so you’ll likely find some crowds year-round. 

Spring is the most popular season to visit, so if you’re looking for a private beach destination, consider making it your vacation destination during a different season of the year.

Where to stay in Caye Caulker, Belize

• Colida Cabanas
• Island Magic Beach Resort

16: Roatan, Honduras

Roatan, Honduras is one of the best Caribbean islands for families , and an easy destination in Honduras to visit. The island is a popular stop for many Caribbean cruises, and is known as one of the best dive spots in the Caribbean.

Like many other places in Central America, Roatan boasts gorgeous white sand beaches, jungles, and crystal clear water filled with colorful fish – perfect for kids learning to snorkel for the first time.

Spend some time at West Bay Beach and enjoy the low-key vibes that the island is known for.  

Where to stay in Roatan, Honduras

• Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort

17. San Ignacio, Belize

Located in western Belize, in the Cayo District, San Ignacio is a popular place in Central America if you are looking to explore the jungles and Mayan ruins the Belize is known for .

There are a lot of things to do in San Ignacio and the surrounding area.

Many people visiting the area choose to stay in one of the incredible jungle lodges located just outside the city. But you’ll find no shortage of caves, waterfalls, and ruins, like Cahal Pech and Xunantunich, just a short distance from the city, if you have rented a car and plan to drive in Belize .

San Ignacio’s sister town — Santa Elena — is connected to it by a suspension bridge. After visiting the ruins, you can explore all the local areas with your family. These ruins are also by a river, giving you plenty of beautiful sights to take in while you experience history.

Where to stay in San Ignacio, Belize 

• Lodge at Chaa-Chaa Creek
• Table Rock Jungle Lodge

18: San Jose, Costa Rica

The whole country of Costa Rica is perfect for sightseeing and has several opportunities for families looking for something to do.

If your family loves adventure, you can try a whitewater rafting tour, which will show you the beautiful views of Costa Rica you can’t see anywhere else, thanks to traveling by waterway. You can also take on other fun adventures, like horseback riding or snorkeling.

If you’re looking for a place to start your adventure in Costa Rica with kids , choose San Jose. While San Jose is often overlooked As the capital city of Costa Rica, it has much to offer and can occupy your time before you tackle the activities that involve the country’s beautiful nature.

It has several museums that could interest families with kids of all ages, like the art and children’s museums. It also has several zoos that can keep a child’s attention and teach them more about the animals in the area.

Where to stay in San Jose, Costa Rica 

• Gran Hotel Costa Rica (luxury) 
• Park Inn San Jose (mid-range)

Conclusion | Choose Your Central American Destination Wisely

While not every destination has everything, you should be able to find a little something that everyone likes in these 18 best places to visit in Central America. Sit down with your family and plan out your vacation carefully — you should be able to find something that works for everyone.

Whatever destination you choose, remember you’ll make beautiful memories as a family – and fall in love with Central America.

Have a suggestion or a question about any of these best places to visit in Central America? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Home » Travel Guides » Central America » 15 Best Places to Visit in Central America

15 Best Places to Visit in Central America

There’s more to Latin American tourism than just all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Spring Break in Cancun.

The entire region of Central America has such a natural beauty for anyone to enjoy without breaking the bank.

The region’s packed with gorgeous beaches, rich wildlife, tropical rainforests, ruins from some of the world’s earliest civilizations, and year-round summertime climates. What more could you want?

Let’s explore the best places to visit in Central America :

1. Tikal and Copan – Guatemala

These ancient cities of the Maya people are testimony to the rich civilization that dominated the region between 700 BC and 900 AD. While Maya ruins are scattered throughout the country, Tikal and Copan are the two major sites that remain intact.

The “Great Plaza” of Tikal is the most impressive structure, located centrally between ornate altars, ceremonial buildings, lavish dwellings, and the infamous ball court.

Fun fact: the ball games in ancient Maya times are thought to be the first sport throughout all of human history, dating back to 2500 BC. Archeologists have found ancient ball courts, like the one in Tikal, as far north as Arizona all the way down to Nicaragua and even in Cuba.

Though ancient native populations played the game for fun, it was also taken very seriously for ritual events and in disputes between communities (sounds kind of like soccer in modern-day Latin America). Under these circumstances, the captain of the losing team would often be executed or sacrificed.

2. Lake Atitlan – Guatemala

This lake formed as a result of a volcanic explosion 85,000 years ago that spread volcanic ash all the way up to Florida.

The pressure from the volcano’s magma forced the surface ground to collapse, forming a hollow circle that soon filled up with water.

Today, the breathtaking site is home to small quaint villages and is an ideal stopping point for any backpacker.

This location is more for relaxation and taking a breather from all the adventure than it is for partying.

You can take in the serene beauty of the lake and volcanos by kayaking, hiking, biking, jet skiing, swimming, boating, or taking a cultural tour through the surrounding indigenous villages.

3. Dominical – Costa Rica

This beach town is a surfer’s dream. With consistent ten-feet-high waves, hardly anyone does anything else.

But there are other options aside from taking surfing lessons from one of the countless surfing companies along the shore.

Dominical has gorgeous rainforests, waterfalls, and caves where you can go zip lining, horseback riding, hiking, enjoy a massage or even a yoga session.

You can also see whales 9 months out of the year. There are whale watching tours where you can see the only place in the Western Hemisphere where whales from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet.

This beach town is a perfect place to lay back in a hammock and relax off the beaten trail—since there are no paved roads, chain restaurants, or significant cultural sites here.

4. Corcovado – Costa Rica

National Geographic called Corcovado National Park the “most biologically intense place on Earth,” and they were definitely onto something.

It’s the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national parks, with 103,290 acres of tropical rainforest, and home to 500 species of trees, 6,000 species of insects, 140 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 116 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 40 species of fish.

There are also jaguars, sea turtles, sloths, and many species of monkeys.

So if you want to hike up your sleeves and explore the wildlife of the incredible Central American rainforests, you surely can’t miss Corcovado!

5. San Blas Islands – Panama

Lonely Planet named San Blas the #3 tropical paradise in the world in 2011. This heavenly place of 365 islands is exactly what you picture when you think tropical paradise: white sand, crystal-clear waters, palm trees, and isolation.

Thanks to the Guna indigenous group who owns this region, big business and commercialization hasn’t been allowed in.

They have preserved the natural environment in all of its glory.

You won’t find any concrete, sky scrapers, or even wifi in this part of Panama, and it is bliss if you’re really trying to escape from reality for a few days (or weeks or years…you might just want to move there).

All the islands are very accessible to each other, so you can hop from one to the other by boat and enjoy sun bathing, snorkeling, kayaking, or sailing.

The Guna people are also very friendly, and happily offer tours of their villages to tourists.

You can explore their peaceful way of life that seems like it’s stuck in time, walking through their bamboo houses and swinging hammocks, all tucked in between the rainforest, waterfalls, and impeccable beaches.

6. Boquete  – Panama

Don’t forget to stop by this quiet mountain town deemed “The Land of Eternal Springtime.

” It contains the best known U.S. expat community in the world, so you can have fun and take a mental break from working on your Spanish skills.

Because of the many Americans in the area, you can find anything between hostels to luxury hotels with health spas.

In Boquete, you can go whitewater rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, enjoy the natural hot springs, go on an adventurous safari tour, visit the famous coffee plantations the region is known for, or visit the Baru Volcano, one of the only places in the world where you can see both the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean at the same time.

7. León – Nicaragua

Discover the thriving college town of León, one of Nicaragua’s oldest cities, and the country’s political and cultural center.

León remains one of Central American’s main attractions for students as backpackers, as the city is draped in Spanish colonial architecture and pulsates with museums, art centers, public murals, and historic churches.

Savor the authentic flavors of Nicaragua’s local favorites: fried cheese, plantains, and the quintessential rice and beans.

And at night, muster up the courage to try León’s famous salsa dance clubs.

8. Granada – Nicaragua

One of the country’s largest cities and situated along the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Granada offers travelers plenty of variety from site-seeing to activities.

Take a stroll through this historic city, filled with brightly colored buildings remnant of Spanish colonialism, and explore the buzzing markets selling local goods and handicrafts.

And head to the banks of Lake Nicaragua for horseback riding and ancient archaeological sites.

9. Ambergris Caye – Belize

In the only English-speaking country in Central America, tourists throughout the world can come to Belize and not have to stress over any language barrier.

In this dreamy island off the coast of Belize, relaxation is the modus operandi.

Swap out your slacks for shorts, turn in your professional-looking shoes for flip flops, and leave your stress back at home.

Ambergris Caye is the ultimate getaway for beach lovers looking to retreat from civilization.

Swim through the crystal-clear turquoise waters, bask under the warm Caribbean sun, and explore some of Belize’s exotic animals in the wildlife sanctuaries.

10. The Hummingbird Highway – Belize

At the foot of the Maya Mountain range, the Hummingbird Highway in Belize directs tourists through some of the most jaw-dropping views in Central America.

The 55-mile-long highway winds through Belize’s jungles, citrus orchards, and impeccably picturesque villages, with gorgeous scenery at every turn.

And the road is not to be travelled in one sitting, but rather tourists should consider stopping along the way.

Visit Cave’s Branch along the Highway for cave tubing, or stop at St.

Herman’s Cave, where you can explore the huge caverns and classic Mayan artifacts with a guide.

And for the final touch, take a dive into the Blue Hole, a 25ft-deep sapphire-blue swimming hole off the Hummingbird Highway.

11. Roatán – Honduras

The largest of the Bay Islands, Roatán is a prominent scuba diving destination in Central America.

Snorkelers and scuba divers flock from all over the globe to this spot in the Caribbean Sea, where the second-largest barrier reef in the world surrounds the island.

And for all those looking for their own slice of tropical paradise, Roatán features the region’s famous white sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush jungles, and exotic wildlife—without the mass tourism in the way.

Come relax in this Central American oasis, where pure bliss is just the natural state of mind.

12. Ruta de las Flores – El Salvador

Translated literally as “The Flower Route,” this beautiful trail through El Salvador is like meandering through the history of the country itself.

In a series of colonial and indigenous villages, La Ruta de las Flores captures the beautiful architecture and rich culture of the Salvadoran people.

Browse through local markets with handmade crafts, try El Salvador’s renowned coffee from the source, and relax for a lazy weekend with authentic Salvadoran cuisine.

If that’s too slow of a pace, you can also head to the Cordillera Apaneca, a volcanic mountain range with trails for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking.

And scattered throughout the Apaneca are stunning waterfalls.

13. Antigua – Guatemala

Once the capital of the Spanish Empire in Central America (with Mexico City representing North America and Lima, Peru, and Buenos Aires, Argentina  representing South America), the historic town of Antigua, Guatemala is a must-see destination for Central American travelers.

The enchanting Spanish architecture gives Antigua a quaint and romantic atmosphere.

Stroll through this beautiful, old town with historic landmarks dotted throughout.

Trek to Central Park, where you can lazily spend the day under the plush trees among the city’s monuments and fountains.

And for full panoramic views of Antigua, climb up to the Hill of the Cross and take in the vastness of the land.

14. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – Costa Rica

Located along the Tilarán mountain range in Costa Rica, this reserve is one of Costa Rica’s most coveted tourist destinations.

Around 400 species of birds, more than 100 species of mammals, 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 2,500 species of plants are all found at this mecca for biodiversity.

In order to fully experience nature at work, tourists can go ziplining, hiking, Sky Walking over suspension bridges, and take canopy tours over the tree tops at Monteverde.

In this majestic forest, you’re likely to come across wild pigs, moneys, porcupines, and many other wildlife species you may have never heard of.

15. Arenal Volcano – Costa Rica

Up until 2010, Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica.

Its frequent, small eruptions displayed glorious shows of spewing lava for onlookers to admire.

Now in its dormant phase, the explosions are indefinitely on hold.

Even so, the area surrounding the Arenal provides an enchanting backdrop for any Central American traveler.

Together with the dormant Chato Volcano, the Arenal Volcano makes up the Arenal Volcano National Park, inclusive with breath-taking lakes, rivers, mountains, and rainforests.

Venture into nature for whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, ziplining, canopy tours, caving, and waterfall rappelling.

And when you’re ready to relax from the day’s adrenaline, soak in the park’s natural hot springs created by the volcanic geothermal activity.

15 Best Places to Visit in Central America:

• Tikal and Copan – Guatemala
• Lake Atitlan – Guatemala
• Dominical – Costa Rica
• Corcovado – Costa Rica
• San Blas Islands – Panama
• Boquete  – Panama
• León – Nicaragua
• Granada – Nicaragua
• Ambergris Caye – Belize
• The Hummingbird Highway – Belize
• Roatán – Honduras
• Ruta de las Flores – El Salvador
• Antigua – Guatemala
• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – Costa Rica
• Arenal Volcano – Costa Rica

The Best Places to Go in Central & South America in 2024

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024 —find more travel inspiration here .

For a region so marked by its ancient cultures—the Mayans, the Olmecs, the Aztecs, the Incas, the Moche, the Wari, spanning 5,000 years of human history—it’s a real shift of perspective to look at a map, considering places to go in Central and South America, tilt your head, and ask: “So—what’s new?”

After all, superlatives are usually part of the draw in these parts. The oldest known civilization in the Americas flourished around 3,000 BC in Caral, Peru, with today’s travelers regularly driving three hours from Lima to walk its grounds. Tikal, the Mayan citadel in Guatemala, is described by UNESCO as “one of the most important archaeological complexes left by the Maya civilization,” and cars, buses, and helicopters bring visitors to it daily.

Yet around these gobsmacking, still-standing vestiges of cultures past, there is so much newness. There are museums of a staggering scale, like the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP)— Brazil ’s first modern art museum when it opened in 1947—that’s soon to become even bigger with a 14-story extension; just blocks away, a brand-new Soho House will be the club’s first outpost in South America . On the Magdalena River in Colombia , the charming city of Mompox (founded in 1540) that Gabriel García Márquez anointed in his novel The General in his Labyrinth, will become more accessible than ever thanks to new river cruises aboard the glossy AmaWaterways. (Expect to hear more brands hitting these waters in years to come.) As for Tikal, in Guatemala? It’ll be easier to reach in 2024 thanks to new direct flights from the US to Guatemala City (where you’ll want to stop to try food from the country’s rising chefs). There’s also glamping , ritzy resorts , and the makings of a few epic road trips .

These are the best places to go in Central and South America in 2024—where new meets the very, very old. — Megan Spurrell

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Chacarita in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Go for: cool wine bars, seasonally driven restaurants, and celebrated cocktail spots

At Sofá in Buenos Aires, up-and-coming bartender Agostina Elena makes expert cocktails in a moody space.

Small plates and late-night dancing round out the ambience at Sofá, emblematic of the casual-cool spots that have made Chacarita so popular.

Buenos Aires has long banked on grass-fed beef to propel its food scene, but that’s hardly all that’s on the menu these days—and Michelin’s first guide to Argentina , unveiled in November 2023, is proof. Porteños embrace a spontaneous approach to eating and drinking, and the Chacarita neighborhood—right near ever-cool Palermo—is the Argentine capital’s current casual-dining darling with a diverse collection of recently opened spots.

Wine bars are all the rage: At Naranjo , enjoy higher-welfare porchetta and skin-contact vintages under the orange tree for which it’s named; Anchoíta Cava’ s wine, cheese, and charcuterie lists are notable, while small plates, such as cacio e pepe, and a generous pick-your-own bottle selection are paired with charming floral arrangements at Lardito . Southeast Asian tapas such as chicken pao are on the menu at Apu Nena , while dishes are for sharing at Picaron and Condarco : When they appear on the changing menus, order the razor clams in salsa verde at the former and griddled oyster mushrooms at the latter. The 25-year-old chef, Nicolas Tykocki, at the opened-this-year Ácido , meanwhile, intrigues diners by making a daily off-menu dish. Chacarita’s drinks scene, spearheaded by vermouth specialist La Fuerza , also punches above its weight: Whiskey aficionados can sip from 110-plus cask-aged malts to a vinyl soundtrack at Sede ; find signature beverages from bartending legend Mona Gallosi at Punto Mona ; and try up-and-coming Agostina Elena’s cocktails at just-opened Sofá . If you’re traveling to eat and drink in the year ahead, Chacarita should be your first stop. — Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Colca Canyon, Peru

Go for: a stylish new tented camp, epic hiking, and unforgettable landscapes

In Peru's dramatic Colca Canyon, trekking and horsebacking riding are popular ways to traverse the epic Andean landscape.

Peru now has its first tented camp thanks to Puqio, with stylish interiors and elevated dining and excursions included in every stay.

Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon , Colca is a dramatic gash in Southern Peru where Inca-built agricultural terraces line the hillsides, and shadows of Andean condors—with all nine feet of their wingspans—ripple across the landscape. It’s long been worth the journey required to reach this hiking destination, which is about three hours by car from the colonial city of Arequipa (itself a 90-minute flight from Lima or Cusco). But with Peru’s first-ever tented camp, open as of September 2023, the Colca Canyon is set to climb even higher on visitors’ bucket lists.

Puqio—from the same team behind chic Cirqa in Arequipa, boutique Atemporal in Lima, and the lakeside lodge of Titilaka on Lake Titicaca—has all the makings of another destination-worthy stay. Safari-style tents and adobe huts are on offer, with all meals and drinks included—expect local dishes cooked in clay ovens, or over an open flame, and the zing of pisco in cocktails. Outdoor bath tubs and wood-burning stoves make it tempting to turn in early, but Puqio-organized excursions will keep you busy, whether you’re looking to learn from Andean herbalists, go horseback riding, embark on sweat-inducing treks, or dip into natural hot springs. It’s much of what already draws travelers to Colca, wrapped in a bow—go while it’s still easy to nab one of only eight accommodations available. — Megan Spurrell

Go for: new cruises leading to ancient ruins, and a burst of artsy openings

From the capital city to Antigua, new art, cultural, and community spaces beg travelers to venture beyond Mayan ruins like Tikal—and stay awhile.

Luna Zorro Studio, which sells artisan textiles, will open a boutique with a two-bedroom casita for rent in October 2024, in Antigua.

When National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions launch their new Belize to Tikal itinerary in January 2024, travelers may be tempted to tack on a few days ashore Belize’s white-sand beaches and palm-dotted islands. But Guatemala , home to the jungle-shrouded Mayan ruins of Tikal, is the extension not to skip. The country’s mix of rich Indigenous and colonial history, staggering natural beauty, and now expanding infrastructure for tourism in the form of restaurants, hotels, and tours makes 2024 the year to explore Guatemala in earnest. In the charming city of Antigua, the world class MUNAG (National Museum of Art Guatemala) , which covers 3,000 years of heritage through a contemporary lens, is now open, and a second-phase unveiling is expected imminently. Nearby, the team behind Luna Zorro studio —known for merging traditional craftsmanship with modern textile design and crafting boutique trips throughout Guatemala in collaboration with El Camino Travel —is renovating a historic property into La Valiente: It will house a Luna Zorro boutique and a coffee-and-wine bar in the front, with a two-bedroom casita for rent in the back, all set to open in October 2024. Café No Sé , meanwhile, an anchor of the old city that’s touted as the first mezcal bar outside of Mexico , will continue to honor “20-ish” years of being in business with events and live music. A flush of new art spaces, like Aura Galerías , and innovative restaurants continue to characterize the capital of Guatemala City.

Air carriers have taken notice of the increasing interest in this destination—in December 2023, Alaska will begin daily service from Los Angeles to Guatemala City, marking a new year-round route for the airline. Delta is bumping up access to Latin America in general and upping the frequency of winter flights from its Atlanta hub to Guatemala. — Ali Wunderman

Inhotim, Brazil

Go for: the chance to finally spend the night within the renowned open-air art museum

Inhotim has long been a jewel in the crown for art-loving travelers. In 2024, new bungalows on-site will make it possible to sleep among the masterpieces.

Nestled within Brazil’s Atlantic Forest , Inhotim is Latin America’s largest open-air art museum—and one that begs for slow, thoughtful exploration. Here, one of the most diverse collections of contemporary art in the world, with pieces ranging from large-scale sculptures to paintings and photographs, stretches over thousands of acres of botanical gardens. An art center of this magnitude begs for a multi-day visit, yet the lack of nearby accommodation has long made that difficult. This will all change next year.

Come September 2024, there will be 45 bungalows on-site, the first phase of a project spearheaded by Clara Resorts , a São Paulo–based hotel group focused on sustainable luxury. Each night, hotel guests will be able to retreat to luxurious rooms outfitted with balconies, fireplaces, and soapstone bath tubs; amenities like a 25-meter heated pool, sauna, massage room, gym, and events space are also planned. Plus, there will be a food hall with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. In an effort to create a welcoming and comfortable space for families, each bungalow will accommodate four to five people—and, once the bungalows are complete, 60 additional rooms and a spa will follow, and a larger resort with at least 150 rooms is expected to open by 2029.

The project will incorporate designs by architect Freusa Zechmeister, a native of the state of Minas Gerais, and overflow with stones from the state—nodding to the area’s prosperous mining history and inviting visitors to explore Brazil’s most destination-worthy museum, less than a two-hour drive from the city of Belo Horizonte. — Carla Vianna

Magdalena River, Colombia

Go for: scenic river cruises with a big hit of culture

Colombia's Magdalena River and the historic towns that line it are about to become more accessible than ever, thanks to new cruise itineraries coming via river sailing experts AmaWaterways.

Immortalized in Gabriel García Márquez’s classic Love in the Time of Cholera, the Magdalena River is Colombia’s largest and most important waterway. Running 930 miles from the snowcapped Andes through fertile valleys and into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean , it's the economic and cultural heart of the country. However, for many travelers, the mighty Magdalena has been off the radar.

But courtesy of luxe river-cruise company AmaWaterways , two different ships will kick off voyages in the future: AmaMagdalena , in November 2024, and AmaMelodia , in January 2025. Both ships will sail the Magic of Colombia itinerary, from Barranquilla to Cartagena , and the Wonders of Colombia itinerary, from Cartagena to Barranquilla—each taking passengers upriver to the UNESCO-designated city of Mompox , founded in 1540, where riverfront plazas and ornate churches await in this lost-in-time pueblo magico.

Along the way, the three-story ships, which come with rooftop sun decks and balconies, stop for birdwatching and hiking. What really sets this river sailing apart from those in the Amazon River , though, is its focus on culture: From musical explorations in the town of Palenque , the first “free” town founded by formerly enslaved people in the Americas, to jazz concerts in Mompox and a special Colombian Carnaval celebration in Barranquilla, this is a journey into the exuberant heart of Colombian life.

Fly via Cartagena, with its world-class beaches, dining, and nightlife—not to mention the new Casa Pestagua hotel , situated in a lavishly restored 17th-century palace—for a soft landing before or after the cruise. There are a number of existing nonstop flights from the US, including an increase in weekly flights from Atlanta via Delta as of October 2023. — Ocean Malandra

Panama City, Panama

Go for: a buzzy old quarter with new boutique hotels, and easy access to beaches and jungle

With new restaurants and boutique hotels in the UNESCO-designated Casco Viejo neighborhood, and bucket-list cruises offering multi-day itineraries via the port, Panama City is no longer just a stopover.

Once a mere stopover destination, Panama City is giving us new reasons to stay awhile. Go beyond the eponymous canal—arguably the most significant trade route of all time—to a city punctuated with mind-bending skyscrapers (like the F&F Tower), uniquely steeped in both American influence and Central American culture, and wrapped around its own rainforest (the 573-acre Metropolitan Natural Park ).

In the old quarter, UNESCO-designated Casco Viejo, the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Panama opened last year in a former social club founded in 1917. Breeze through its immaculate French-colonial-inspired lobby with fringed palms and tiled floors to Arcano, a speakeasy with tarot card readings and aged Panamanian rum. The new Kaandela restaurant, inside the adults-only Amarla boutique hotel, opened in 2022 and showcases open-fire cooking just behind the bar. Fan out from the old quarter on Truly Panama ’s new epicurean Flavors of Panama tour to score chicheme (a traditional, creamy spiced drink), ceviche at the fish market, tropical fruit at stands in sprawling Park Omar, and lunch at Afro-Panamanian La Tapa del Coco . Further north along the coast, stay at the sprawling Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort , for a round at its 72-par Jack Nicklaus golf course, backed by the Panama City skyline—or time your visit for January to catch the first-ever 2024 Latin American Amateur Golf Championships .

The city remains a perfect launching point for wide-ranging Panamanian adventures, too. Dive deep into nature with a quick flight to the rarely explored Gulf of Chiriqúi, plotting a new nighttime jungle hike and mod beachfront bungalow stay at Isla Palenque . Or stop over on a cruise that lands you at port at the new Fuerte Amador cruise terminal, with ideal access to the Panama Canal. Following a new multimillion-dollar refurbishment, the Crystal Serenity offers glam suites with Italian marble and custom-made Jesurum 1870 linens and will stop in this tropical metropolis on 2024’s World Cruise. — Nina Kokotas Hahn

Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica

Go for: glitzy resort openings from beloved brands

Villa Eram is one of several shiny new stays on Costa Rica's Papagayo Peninsula, where surf, sea, wellness, and high design collide.

You wouldn’t be alone in thinking Costa Rica was all barefoot backpackers, surf seekers, and adrenaline-fueled adventurers. But on a tiny Pacific peninsula in Guanacaste, beach lovers with deeper pockets can find sleek resorts from beloved hospitality brands like Four Seasons , Andaz , Hyatt-owned Secrets , and Marriott’s El Mangroove, Autograph Collection . This all-star resort destination will get even better in 2024 when it welcomes Nekajui , a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: an ultra-lavish playground with 107 rooms and 36 private residences overlooking Pochote’s horseshoe-shaped bay. Nekajui , which means “garden” in Chorotega (one of the region’s native languages), nods to the open-air experiences, from a showstopping infinity pool and a beach club reachable by funicular to a treehouse spa accessed via suspension bridge. Plus, the beloved, 20-year-old Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo just completed a major renovation as of November 1. There’s now a Mediterranean-inspired beach club on Playa Virador, improved sustainability on the 18-hole Arnold Palmer–designed golf course, and new wellness offerings for those seeking out Costa Rica’s Blue Zone benefits. With the much-anticipated arrival of Waldorf Astoria Residences Guanacaste on the other side of Culebra Bay coming in 2025, consider this your chance to get in on the exclusive enclave’s five-star service and unparalleled privacy while making the most of the Liberia airport’s new purpose-built terminal for private jets and Peninsula Papagayo’s 180-berth private marina, which can accommodate yachts up to 250 feet. Short-term renters can register their interest with Martha Dayton Design and U+B Architecture & Design’s latest project, Villa Eram , a biophilic retreat (opened in 2022) inspired by the rainforest, while brand loyalists should keep their eyes peeled: It’s rumored that Six Senses, One & Only, and Rosewood are all in talks with developers here too. — Anna Prendergast

Patagonia Azul, Argentina

Go for: seafaring excursions, wildlife sightings, and new eco-stays

The Patagonian steppe meets the Atlantic coast in the protected area of Patagonia Azul. Glamp by the sea—or stay in new oceanfront huts, open for the 2023-2024 austral summer—then boat, scuba dive, or whale watch with local tour operator Viento Azul.

Despite the challenges of taming Argentina’s vast and unmeasurable region of Patagonia , Fundación Rewilding’s Patagonia Azul Project park conservation effort has scaled up over the past two years with several gateways for visitors. And the adventures are rich: Navigations to Islas Blancas and the abandoned Isla Leones lighthouse with local tour operator Viento Azul , for example, put you in the company of petrels, cormorants, and Commerson’s dolphins as well as four species of whale—you can go even deeper into the blue with snorkeling and diving in Camarones. When calm, the Bustamante Bay’s waters are perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddling, while surfers come to Cabo Raso for the testing tubes.

Flights to Patagonia Azul arrive via the El Tehuelche Airport in Puerto Madryn or Trelew International Airport in the north and Comodoro Rivadavia in the south, then it’s a drive to the entry point of your choice. Plan on three hours to reach the portal near Camarones, where hardy travelers can bed down for free with no previous reservations a stone’s throw from the Argentine Sea’s winds and waves at the 10-spot Cañadón del Sauce and nine-spot Bahía Arredondo (the latter houses a simple kitchen and dining room for use). For those seeking greater creature comforts, Portal Isla Leones will assemble six new ocean-front huts in mid-December for the Southern Hemisphere's 2023–2024 summer. At Bahía Bustamante, an hour’s drive from Camarones, the eponymous eco lodge has also just opened four new marine lofts in addition to eleven existing cabins not far from a 100,000-strong colony of Magellanic penguins. — Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Quito, Ecuador

Go for: a city on the rise

Quito is catching up to culinary neighbor Lima with spots like Nuema, where award-winning chef and co-owner Pia Salazar blends sweet and savory ingredients.

Opposites also attract in the heart of Quito. Modern architecture lives alongside a UNESCO-anointed colonial center—in late 2023, an all-new metro will better connect the city's various parts.

Quito is finally getting its due. The city’s mile-high skyline got a lot higher thanks to the work of architects like Bjarke Ingels Group, whose 32-story IQON tower (completed in 2022) is now the city’s tallest. It's just one of several projects to come from Ecuadorian development firm Uribe Schwarzkopf , in its ongoing effort to mature the ancient Andean city into an unlikely new hub of contemporary architecture. That’s no small feat considering that Quito stands atop both the ruins of a pre-Columbian settlement and an earthquake-prone high plateau and is anchored by an untouchable colonial center with UNESCO status. But a new generation of Ecuadorian and international creatives are pushing the city toward the future—and not just for the sake of visitors.

Moving things along in that direction, an all-new metro system will be inaugurated in late 2023, with 15 stations spanning from Quitumbe in the southern part of the city to El Labrador in the north. New hotels have been slower to arrive, but one standout is the affordable 151-room Go Quito Hotel , which opened in June 2023 with a rooftop bar-restaurant, spa, sauna, pool, and airy rooms offering unbeatable views of the city. Meanwhile, Quito’s dining scene is finally catching up to culinary neighbor Lima . Buzzy new restaurants include Cardó , where Chef Adrián Escardó makes octopus bacon and suckling pig with naranjilla sauce; Aura , which leans into native Ecuadorian ingredients like Mashua honey and Manaba cheese from the coast; and Nuema , where chef and co-owner Pia Salazar’s sweet-salty hybrid desserts—think pastries with leek with lemon verbena and tonka bean, and white seaweed with black garlic—won her World’s Best Pastry Chef 2022, a first for Quito and Ecuador, and 2023. — Adam H. Graham

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Go for: stargazing, a luxe stay, and a super bloom in a new national park

The beloved Habitas brand laid roots in northern Chile in 2023, with a boutique hotel that complements the dramatic desert surrounds.

San Pedro de Atacama is known for its geographical wonders, from snowcapped volcanic mountains, to shimmering lakes with flamingos.

With its bronzed, dusty roadways and handcrafted adobe dwellings, Chile’s oldest village has captivated adventurous visitors for decades. But now, the soulful oasis of San Pedro de Atacama is securing the spotlight as Chile’s northern star, with a variety of travelers eager to experience its rugged-chic vibe. After all, this celestial city is a hotbed of geographical wonders, with snowcapped volcanic mountains in the world’s driest nonpolar region, high-altitude lagoons dotting the Andean desert, and dazzling salt flats.

Wildlife lovers flock to Los Flamencos National Reserve for up-close encounters with the world’s rarest flamingos and native vicuñas. And the surreal, dramatic scenery of the steaming El Tatio Geysers at sunrise can only be rivaled by the fiery palette of the Valle de Catarpe canyons at dusk. In 2024, El Niño is likely to spark an extraordinary Atacama superbloom inside Chile’s new national park, Desierto Florido .

Under the clearest skies on the planet, backyard astronomers can explore the cosmos on ethereal stargazing tours . The ALMA Observatory , poised at an atmosphere-topping 16,000 feet, promises expert-led interstellar experiences. But the most otherworldly excursion might be traversing the Valle de la Luna's inhospitable yet magically serene moonscape environment. Earthly travelers can seek solace in the area’s newest luxe property, Habitas Atacama . Opened in September 2023, the elite outdoorsy design guarantees a memorable stay before you jet off to glimpse Easter Island’s annular solar eclipse in October. — Colleen Kelly

São Paulo, Brazil

Go for: major openings for art lovers and jetsetting socialites

The Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) will massively expand in 2024, with a second building—making this an exciting year for culture vultures to fly South.

Just a few blocks from MASP, Cidade Matarazzo is a massive redevelopment project focused on showcasing Brazilian culture—Soho House São Paulo will open there in 2024.

Home to more than 12 million people, São Paulo is one of Latin America’s most diverse metropolises—the New York City of the Southern Hemisphere, if you will. In 2024, travelers have even more compelling reasons to visit, starting with the long-anticipated expansion of Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP). Connected via underpass to MASP’s original Lina Bo Bardi–designed modernist building, the 14-story LEED-certified addition will house five exhibition galleries, two multipurpose spaces, a restaurant, a shop, classrooms, and a restoration lab. Nearby Cidade Matarazzo , one of São Paulo’s biggest and most ambitious redevelopment projects, is busy transforming a warren of 20th-century buildings into an arts center, a retail village, restaurants, and a green space. Its anchor tenant, the 160-room Rosewood São Paulo hotel, opened in 2022 and features Philippe Starck interiors and 450 site-specific works by 57 Brazilian artists. Also coming to Cidade Matarazzo in 2024 is Soho House São Paulo , the club’s first foray into South America. Once complete, the 36-bedroom property will include a rooftop pool, a spa, a gym, members-only dining spaces, and interiors showcasing Brazilian designers. It’s a good thing reaching São Paulo just got easier, thanks to new direct flights from Los Angeles and London via Delta-LATAM and Virgin Atlantic , respectively. — Ashlea Halpern

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• World's Best

The 10 Best Resorts in Central America in 2022

The best resorts in Central America, according to Travel + Leisure readers marry luxurious accommodations with activities that celebrate adventure and nature.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite resorts in Central America .

As it did last year, Costa Rica leads the pack of winners for 2022's best resorts in Central America with a whopping seven spots. Belize managed to secure two spots on the list, with Nicaragua snagging the last slot this time. It seems, for now, Costa Rica's hospitality prowess remains unmatched by its neighbors.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city hotel, resort, or safari lodge based on their locations and amenities.

Belize continues to represent an incredible value, with a landscape that can go toe-to-toe with Costa Rica, offering lush rain forests, powder-sand beaches, and pristine waters for diving and snorkeling. Eco-lodge Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort (No. 6) is a prime example, offering personalized service and friendly staffers who lead "excursions that are excellent due to their top-notch tour guides," according to one voter, who also gushed, "Hamanasi now has a special place in my heart!"

Rancho Santana, which came in at No. 4, is a dynamic surfing spot in Nicaragua. One person mentioned its "spectacular beaches, fishing, turtle sanctuary, and truly unique birding." Other highlights include farm-to-table dining and its "excellent private beach" that one reader praised. Another fan summarized: "hidden treasure."

The best resorts in Central America all elicit similarly enthusiastic comments from readers. So what set this year's No. 1 apart? Read on for the details — and to see the entire list.

1. Nayara Tented Camp, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

A Nayara property has topped this category for the last three years — and the two sister resorts are never too far behind. This is the second year in a row that the newest Nayara haven has landed in first place. This luxurious property recalls some of the best African safari lodges with its cliff-top canvas glamping tents and superior service. The massive tents boast romantic four-poster beds, large bathrooms with soaking tubs, and decks with private hot-spring-fed pools that overlook the Arenal Volcano. Voters' comments are appropriately effusive, with statements like "Everything was perfect and service was exceptional," and "a jewel of a resort, outstanding in every respect." Several readers also mentioned it was the best hotel they had stayed at. One summarized: "This was the most luxurious vacation we have ever been on."

Score: 97.55

Book on Tripadvisor

2. Hotel Belmar, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Score: 97.50

3. Nayara Springs, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Score: 96.79

4. Rancho Santana, Rivas, Nicaragua

Score: 96.75

5. Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Score: 96.00

6. Nayara Gardens, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 95.09

7. Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, Hopkins Village, Belize

Score: 94.31

8. Victoria House Resort & Spa, Ambergris Caye, Belize

Score: 93.82

9. Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Score: 92.13

10. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica

Score: 91.29

Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in may 2024.

With its pleasantly warm weather and thinned crowds, May is the perfect time to take a trip before the expensive summer season. Considering sights, weather, traveler sentiment and annual events (among other factors), U.S. News rounded up the best places to visit in May. Whether you're looking for an outdoor adventure in a national park, a quick Memorial Day getaway or a leisurely beach vacation , you can't go wrong with these destinations. Vote for your favorite locales below to help determine next year's list.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Laguna beach, st. vincent & the grenadines, victoria & vancouver island, yellowstone national park.

When May comes around in Bryce Canyon National Park, the snow is nearly gone, which means the park's main road and popular trails are likely to be open. Highs are typically in the 60s during the day, too – ideal conditions for hiking and biking this Utah park's paths. Visitor numbers start to ramp up this month, but it's still early enough in the season that you're unlikely to have to jostle for a view at the popular Bryce Point, which overlooks Bryce Amphitheater, a landscape of otherworldly rock spires (called hoodoos).

This Portuguese island chain in the Atlantic Ocean offers a little bit of everything for active travelers, from geoparks and waterfall hikes to paragliding. Though the weather here is always a bit unpredictable, the chances of wind and rain are lower in May. The water temperature also begins to warm up for must-do activities like snorkeling or swimming with dolphins, and with fewer swells than the winter months, beginner surfers will feel more comfortable trying to hang ten. As an added bonus, the biggest festival in the Azores – the Feasts of Santo Cristo dos Milagres – typically occurs in May.

Travelers looking for a vacation filled with unique and heart-pumping activities should set their sights on Cappadocia. This mountainous region in central Turkey is home to a UNESCO-listed national park, centuries-old underground cities, ancient cave dwellings, magnificent rock formations and more. Plus, thanks to average temperatures in the 60s and 70s in May, activities like soaring high above the Göreme Valley on a hot air balloon tour and driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle past fairy chimneys couldn't be more pleasant.

As one of the warmest and driest times of year in Palawan, May welcomes travelers with open arms. Take advantage of the minimal rainfall by experiencing all of the outdoor activities and attractions that this Philippine island has to offer –spoiler alert, there are a lot. Spend time relaxing on Palawan's white sand beaches, island-hopping or even swimming with gentle whale sharks. Water sports are popular in this destination as well, from diving Tubbataha Reef to kayaking El Nido's Big Lagoon.  

Visiting Granada, Spain, in May is a no-brainer. Average temperatures in the mid-70s, blooming flower displays (at Generalife Gardens) and a full roster of events make this Andalusian city a must-visit in the spring. Día de la Cruz and Feria del Corpus Christi, two of the city's most popular celebrations, are both held in May, and travelers won't want to miss seeing Granada come alive with music, flamenco dancers and more. Save time during your trip for a guided tour of the Alhambra and strolling through the Albaicín neighborhood.

May falls within this Peruvian city's winter season, though you probably wouldn't notice thanks to its consistently mild temperatures (highs hover in the 60s). This month rarely sees rain showers, and you'll encounter fewer tourists at archaeological wonders like La Catedral – which sits in the restaurant- and coffee shop-filled Plaza de Armas – and Machu Picchu – a bucket list destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 50 miles northwest of Cusco. If you're up for a challenge, hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This difficult trek through the area's towering mountains takes about four days to complete.

With 33 beaches, this eastern Caribbean island is a sun worshipper's dream, and May temperatures in the upper 70s and 80s are perfect for basking on its white sands . Spend warm days venturing to offshore cays, exploring fishing villages and watching yacht races during the Anguilla Regatta, typically held every May. Since this is the start of the island's rainy season, the weather can be wetter and more humid than the winter months, but visitors will be rewarded with cheaper accommodations. 

May is a great time for a trip to this seaside Spanish city before the heat and humidity become unbearable. Can't-miss architectural marvels to check out include Antoni Gaudí's whimsical Park Güell and the Gothic-style Sagrada Família. Budget time for visiting some of Barcelona's highly regarded museums, such as the Picasso Museum, and relax at Barceloneta beach before stopping at a nearby seafood restaurant for some of the best paella in the city. What's more, the city plays host to a number of events come May, including film and music festivals

Craggy coastline views, a world-famous aquarium and a superb farm-to-table dining scene draw tourists of all types to Monterey, California. Though temperatures here remain in the 60s for most of the year, rainfall drops significantly in May. Popular festivals also make this a great time of the year to visit. Come early in the month for the Pacific Grove Good Old Days Street Festival, which showcases local artisans and craft vendors, plus a variety of food booths. And near the end of the month, the three-day California Roots Music & Arts Festival celebrates reggae artists.

Visit Laguna Beach for a perfect sunny-and-70, laid-back beach vacation. May is part of this Southern California town's spring shoulder season, so you'll find fewer people on popular stretches of sand like Main Beach and Crescent Bay Beach. Plus, the quieter month is ideal for relaxation-focused activities, such as outdoor yoga and hiking. When travelers need a break from reconnecting with themselves or nature, they can check out Laguna Beach's thriving art scene, which includes hundreds of galleries, studios and public works of art.

Bright turquoise water, gorgeous white sand and lush green vegetation await vacationers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Composed of 32 islands and cays, this Caribbean archipelago is perfect for a tropical getaway. May falls between the country's peak winter season and its hurricane-prone low season, making it an ideal time for scuba diving and snorkeling in the Tobago Cays Marine Park, swimming and soaking up some rays at Canouan's beaches and hiking to beautiful waterfalls like Dark View Falls. Travelers will also want to check out the country's 20-acre Botanical Gardens, the oldest available in the Western Hemisphere.

Victoria, British Columbia's capital city, sits on the southern portion of Vancouver Island. Not only does this Canadian destination boast comfortable highs in the low 60s in May, it is just a short ferry ride from Seattle (less than three hours), making it perfect for a quick weekend getaway . Spend your visit strolling through the 55-acre Butchart Gardens, which are bursting with colorful tulips and cherry blossoms come May, then get out on the water on a whale watching tour. Before heading home, don't forget to shop for souvenirs along Government Street.

Considered the birthplace of democracy and drama, Athens boasts a historical legacy that is hard to top. The main reason to visit is to see the ancient city's impressive ruins, which you'll find at the Acropolis and Ancient Agora. For an additional look at Athens' past, check out the incredible Greek artifacts on display at the National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture. May vacations are especially enjoyable thanks to comfortable daytime temps hovering in the mid-70s.

By late May, most of Yellowstone's trails and must-see attractions are open, welcoming eager nature enthusiasts seeking a breath of fresh air. The average 50-degree temperatures provide a brisk but comfortable atmosphere for a hike on one of the Old Faithful area's trails or a kayaking excursion on Yellowstone Lake. For a glimpse of wildlife, head to Lamar Valley to view wolf pups emerging from their dens. Keep in mind that if you visit during Memorial Day weekend, you'll likely run into crowds.

With warm weather year-round (average temperatures sit in the 80s), there's never a bad time to visit Singapore. But in May, this Asian city-state on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula welcomes events such as the Singapore Cocktail Festival, the Singapore International Festival of Arts and the Singapore HeritageFest. When you're not enjoying your time at one of Singapore's cultural events, check out top attractions like Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic nature park that is home to the Supertree Observatory and the Cloud Forest.  

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Kruger National Park

Mont-Tremblant

Miami Beach

Newport, RI

Mexico City

Indianapolis

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The 14 best beaches in Central America

Mar 1, 2022 • 8 min read

It's all about the good vibes and the consistent surf at Nicaragua's Playa Maderas © Mireya Acierto / Getty Images

Ah, Central America – that great S-bend of land joining Colombia to Mexico. With two coastlines squiggling up the Caribbean Sea and the wild Pacific in a 1770km (1100-mile) medley of coral gardens, frothing waves and emerald-coast jungles laden with howler monkeys, there's hardly a more beach-heavy region on earth. 

No matter whether you're searching for a laid-back surf town where you can chase barrels, a remote isle to channel your inner castaway, or a beer-sloshing party place on the Pacific Ocean, this corner of Latin America has you covered. This guide searches out the crème-de-la-crème of coves and bays, narrowing down the best beaches in Central America to just 14 picks.

Manuel Antonio – Costa Rica

Best beach you have to hike to 

Manuel Antonio is the pièce de résistance of its namesake national park , a bijou bit of tropical forest roughly midway up the Pacific shores of Puntarenas province. The beach is completely within the reserve, which means you'll need to earn your taste of paradise by hiking 30 minutes amid jungles crawling with sloths and howler monkeys. Facing south, the beige-tinged sand can be surveyed from the Mirador Playa Gemelas on the distant headland. The park opens at 7am, so get in early to beat the crowds.

Placencia – Belize

Best beach for peace and quiet

With a croc-filled lagoon on one side and the kaleidoscopic corals of the Belize Barrier Reef – part of the second-largest coral reef system on the planet, no less – on the other, Placencia is in just about the perfect place to be hailed as one of the best beaches in Central America. It's quiet compared to the likes of Ambergris Caye, despite being more accessible (no seaplanes needed!). The area is peppered with traditional Garifuna fishing shacks and fronted by soft sands that sprout twisted sabal palms and sea oats.

Santa Catalina – Panama

Best hidden-gem beach

Mainly on the map for the rifling right-hand point break of La Punta that keeps surfers happy from April to October, Santa Catalina is one of the long-lost fishing towns on the Panamanian Pacific . It's still little more than a clutch of ramshackle fishing huts and surf villas, but there's growing interest, not least of all because it's enfolded by two sweeps of unbusy, coffee-hued sand – Playa Arrimadero and Playa Santa Catalina. Oh, and be sure to check out Coiba Island just across the strait, where you can swim with mantas and whale sharks at certain times of the year.

The best places to swim with whale sharks in 2022

Isla Robeson – Panama

Best beach for pretending you’re a castaway

You don't get a moniker like Isla Robeson (Isla Robinson Crusoe in English) without some top-quality beaches in the bank. Although the actual place where Defoe's hero is thought to have been stranded is some 4830km (3000 miles) away in Chile, this speck in Panama's spectacular San Blas chain still has all the hallmarks of a castaway spot. There's not an overload of activity, just a few snorkeling reefs, a patch of jungle inland and – of course – a powdery lip of white sand on the west shoreline.

Little Corn Island – Nicaragua

Best beach to get away from it all

Languishing 43 miles off the coast of mainland Nicaragua , Little Corn and Big Corn – together the two Corn Islands – offer a rare slice of the Caribbean not yet dominated by multi-star hotels. Little Corn is the more untouched of the two; it's only really got one resort, the fantastic bungalows that gaze at the Yemaya Reefs . Away from that, you'll paddle through dashes of coral reef and wander virginal coastal forests, where you're more likely to come across a scaly iguana than another human being.

Red Frog Beach – Panama

Best beach resort beach

A soft bend of a bay on the northern tip of Isla Bastimentos , Red Frog is one of those beaches that could easily grace the cover of travel mags. It's lined by a jumble of jungle that sprouts sea grapes and bowing coconut trees over a wavy Caribbean, which offers some pretty gnarly surf between December and April. Stay at the Red Frog Beach Island Resort if you'd like to swing open your villa door to see the daffodil-hued sands framed by your own infinity pool – it's the closest hotel to the beach.

Santa Teresa – Costa Rica

Best surf beach

Throughout the Costa Rican wet season (May to August), waves roll into Santa Teresa  like clockwork, in sculpted wedges of Pacific water. They're what first drew surfers to this distant edge of the Nicoya Peninsula sometime in the late '90s. The secret is now well and truly out, and this erstwhile fishing town suddenly finds itself laden with yoga studios, boho surf camps and even a steady trend of Instagram-touting influencers. But there's space enough for all on the 5km-long (3-mile) playa, along with some of the most reliable swells this side of Hawaii.

The 12 best beaches in Costa Rica

West Bay Beach – Honduras

Best beach for active beach goers

West Bay Beach is where Honduras does its best impression of the Bahamas. A wisp of cream sand that curls its way around the tip of finger-like Roatán island, it regularly tops lists of the best beaches in Central America – and it's hard to disagree. Come here to soak up the rays, ride the glass-bottomed Coral Reef Explorer to see zebrafish and turtles in the surrounding reefs, whiz on Jet Skis and sip rum cocktails in the sandy palapa bars. Sounds good, eh?

Playa Conchal – Costa Rica

Best beach for swimming and snorkeling

Playa Conchal is the final beach in the tiara of beaches that starts in the small resort town of Brasilito in Guanacaste. Sandwiched between the rocks of the Punta Sabana headland and a sprawling Westin hotel resort, it doesn't have black or white sand, but it does come covered in a unique shingle of crushed shells. The Pacific waters are crystal-clear, and there's fantastic swimming and snorkeling to be done at the northern end of the bay.

6 road trips in Costa Rica that aren't for the faint of heart

La Flor – Nicaragua

Best beach to see sea turtles

Playa La Flor is actually a lot like the other dark-sand beaches that arc and curve their way southwards to the Costa Rica border from San Juan del Sur in southern Nica . However, this one has a trump card: olive ridley turtles. Come here to witness one of the seven annual nesting events known as arribadas  – they take place between July and January, and the whole playa transforms into a shifting mass of carapaces and egg nests. About seven weeks later, you can return to watch new turtle life spring into action to make the arduous pilgrimage into the Pacific.

Playa El Cuco – El Salvador

Best beach for seafood

El Salvador 's lone contender for the best beach in Central America comes in the form of Playa El Cuco. It threads along the side of the Gulf of Fonseca, in the south of the country, in a run of dusky black sand with knots of lanky palm trees and frothing waves and whitecaps crashing in front. You don't come here for postcard-worthy sands – you come to hear the calls of the fisherfolk in the early hours, and to dine on zingy ceviche in the seafood restaurants. Cuco itself can get busy with vacationers from San Miguel, but you can always stroll to more distant Playa El Esterón in the east to escape the buzz.

Guanaja – Honduras

Best beach for jungle hikes

Guanaja is more than content to let Roatán draw in the crowds and the cruise ships. Meanwhile, this member of the impossibly wonderful Bay Islands  is covered in protected jungles and hiking paths. The north coast is where you go for the beaches. From Michael Rock to Jim Bodden Beaches, there's a series of coves and inlets that are washed by uberclear seas and have snorkeling aplenty. To sleep, bag one of the treehouse-style cabanas at the End of the World Resort – the name says it all!

Punta Uvita – Costa Rica

Best beach for walking

The isthmus beach at Punta Uvita is one of the great wonders of the Dominical coast . It's also known as Whale Beach, because it resembles the shape of a great whale tail splashing in the Pacific. You can walk the whole length of it under the bristling coconut trees from Uvita Beach at low tide to see the salt-washed rock reefs at the tip. Also head to the neighboring sands of Hermosa and Ventanas, where a cacophony of gnarled ficus trees and palms tumble into the ocean. Oh, and there's fantastic whale watching in the surrounding Costa Ballena between December and March.

The best national parks in Costa Rica

Playa Maderas – Nicaragua

Best beach for a yoga retreat

It's all about the good vibes and the consistent surf at Playa Maderas. Rumble down the rough dirt tracks north of San Juan del Sur and you'll eventually emerge in a rocky bay wedged between stacked headlands. The main wave is an all-level A-frame that breaks right in the middle. But you don't need to have a board in tow to feel at home here. There are blazing sunsets to watch from bamboo beer shacks, zen-inducing yoga retreats like Buena Vista Surf Club  and secluded coves like Playa Rosa on the menu too.

You might also like:  8 of the best places to surf in Central America for beginners to pros 15 things you absolutely must do in Central America Central America's most thrilling volcano adventures  

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A boomer who moved to Panama after years as a bartender in the Hamptons and New Mexico outlines the pros and cons of living in Central America

• George Stumpp, a retired bartender, lives comfortably in Panama after moving from New Mexico.
• Stumpp rents two properties as Airbnbs, supplementing his income in a country with good healthcare.
• He said Panama has robust infrastructure, a lower cost of living, and many of the same stores as the US.

George Stumpp, 65, worked as a bartender and bar supervisor in Long Island and New Mexico for decades. Realizing his retirement savings could go further in a different country, he settled in Panama .

In 2006, he and his wife bought a property on the outskirts of Panama City for $37,000 in cash, traveling back and forth until his retirement. After 15 years of going back and forth, he settled there permanently in 2021, renting out two casitas as Airbnbs to supplement his income. He's enjoying retirement in a country with a lower cost of living and high-quality healthcare, and he said he's enjoyed adapting to Panamanian culture.

"One of the reasons I chose Panama over other Central American countries is because we've got better infrastructure than anyplace else," Stumpp told Business Insider. "It's a thriving country, and a lot of that is based on income that they get from the Panama Canal ."

As the cost of living continues to increase, driven by elevated housing costs and still-high grocery bills, many American retirees are looking abroad for retirement. Some recent retirees previously told BI they're living much more comfortably in places like Colombia , Thailand , and St. Maarten .

Leaving the US

Stumpp grew up in the Hamptons on Long Island and eventually worked as a bartender for 15 years. He worked at rock 'n' roll clubs in the 1970s then found work at more upscale bars and restaurants.

As Long Island got more expensive, he decided to relocate to Sante Fe, where he had a cousin at the time. In 1993, he moved to Santa Fe with his then-girlfriend and her two kids.

He got a job at a luxury hotel downtown, working his way up the ranks to bar supervisor. For years, he managed the bar, from creating schedules to ordering inventory. As his kids got older, he started to vacation in Central America, traveling to Costa Rica , Belize, and Panama.

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His parents had retired to a lakefront cottage in Ontario, Canada, so he knew he wanted to retire abroad. In the mid-2000s, he started looking into purchasing a property in Belize , a predominantly English-speaking nation, although he and his wife ended up passing on it after noticing it wasn't as peaceful as they wanted it to be.

After reading more about Panama and seeing more Americans moving there, they took a lengthy trip searching for potential properties. He noticed he could get cheaper prices by calling the number on hand-painted signs outside homes instead of going through real estate websites, which would upcharge nonlocals.

Buying a home in Panama

He settled on a nearly half-acre property for $37,000 back in 2006 located three minutes from the beach, giving his Sante Fe home to his stepdaughter. The property had an old home that was falling apart, and he and his wife built a smaller house toward the back of the property with a bedroom, small kitchen, bathroom, and front porch. They split the old house in two as rental units. He owns his property outright with no mortgage, and his annual property tax is less than $100.

"We literally just took it apart — it was wired with extension chords, and it was in sad shape," Stumpp said. "We took it apart, put it back together again, and turned it into these two cute little Airbnb rentals. I'm not making a million dollars, but it's supplemental income."

After moving back and forth between Panama and the US for work for several years, he finally decided to retire and put his Santa Fe house on the market in 2021, noticing his home increased over $100,000 in value from the year before. He sold his convertible and bought an SUV, drove around the US for four months visiting friends and seeing national parks, and then flew back to Panama with his dog.

Moving to Panama permanently

He said over the last two decades, Panama's infrastructure has become much more robust than many other Central American countries. He said the city has good healthcare, a thriving financial scene, and plenty of big-box retailers and large chains.

Within 15 minutes of his house, he said there are four grocery stores, a Home Depot-like retailer, and many restaurant chains similar to those in the US.

"Anything I can buy in the States I can buy here. You might pay a little bit more for certain things, but then again, there's always alternatives," Stumpp said. "I can buy Kellogg's cornflakes and pay a lot of money, or I can buy the local cornflakes for a lot less."

Because he's over 60, he gets discounts on his utilities, doctor visits, public transportation, flights, and even movie theaters.

He's seen many large condominium complexes built along the beach that sell for about $300,000 with monthly maintenance fees of between $150 and $250. In his area, which has fewer tourists and expats, home prices are much lower, though he said sometimes houses can stay on the market for years without buyers.

His electricity fees are about $50 a month, while WiFi is $40 a month. His water bill is a miniscule $5 a month, and he rarely uses air conditioning, which keeps costs down. Still, he estimates his grocery bills are comparable to what he spent in the US, though going out to eat is slightly less.

"As more and more North Americans come down, prices on certain things like services have gone up," Stumpp said. "When I first got here, a hand carwash was $2, but now it's $10."

He loves the weather and living by water, and he's enjoyed becoming integrated into Panamanian culture over the past few years. Still, he said he's noticed a lot of Americans moving down to Panama who don't adapt to the culture, noting that some have left recently citing cultural differences. He said Americans should understand that they're guests in Panama and respect their neighbors, even if it means having to listen to loud music during a party.

"If you come down here to retire, it's not going to be like back home, and you're going to have to be flexible," Stumpp said. "There's some other old-timers here, and those are the ones that can adapt to life here, but there's those that can't."

Have you recently left the United States for a new country? Have you recently moved to a new state? Reach out to this reporter at [email protected] .

Axel Springer, Insider Inc.'s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.

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The Top 10 Best Places to Go Birdwatching in America

Plan your next vacation around these cool spots.

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Think about it: what could be better than combining your two favorite obsessions: birding and travel ? Especially when some of the world's best birdwatching can be found within America's borders, in places as pretty as northern California and coastal Maine? Best of all, the following avian hangouts are so dense in winged wonders (hellllooo Platte River Valley!) you don't need to be an expert to spot some stunning species. And some destinations, like the legendary Rio Grande Valley, are home to birds you won't find anywhere else in the nation, giving even the most experienced twitchers a chance to expand their life list (the inventory of birds a birder has spotted in their lifetime).

Many of the following vacation hotspots, which are sprinkled throughout the U.S., are best to visit in spring or fall, when long-distance migrants are moving through on their way to or from Central or South America. Some provide special birding opportunities in summer, or even winter. But all are definitely for the birds!

Acadia National Park, Maine

Thanks to an incredibly diverse landscape, ranging from wild, water-swept coastline to verdant forest and barren, rocky mountaintop, more than 300 species of birds call the nearly 50,000 acres of Acadia National Park in Maine home. That includes the 20-plus species of warblers that nest in spring and summer on Mount Desert Island, though the park is a birder's paradise in all seasons.

Popular annual avian events include the Acadia Birding Festival in early summer and autumn's Cadillac Mountain Hawk Watch, a prime time to check out the thousands of raptors that descend on the area as they head south for the winter.

Looking to spot the iconic (if slightly silly-looking) puffin? Maine is the only state to boast breeding populations of the bird, which nest on offshore islands (not technically part of the park) come warm weather. Tour boats that visit the islands leave from Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia, and other towns along the coast.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico

Tucked away between the Chupadera and San Pascual mountains along the Rio Grand River, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1939 to provide an overwintering habitat for migrating waterfowl. By November each year, the refuge's nearly 60,000 acres play host to sandhill cranes, ducks, and snow and Ross's geese numbering in the tens of thousands.

The birds' return to the refuge is celebrated annually in late fall with the Festival of the Cranes , while the springtime migration—known for visiting and nesting flycatchers, vireos, and a dozen species of warblers—gets its own special event in May. Spring is also a good time to catch sight of the legendary greater roadrunner (maybe even with a coyote in hot pursuit).

Although summer in the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge can get as sultry as you might expect, birders who head out in the morning and evening hours may be rewarded with sightings of black-chinned, broad-tailed, calliope and rufous hummingbirds.

Plan Your Trip

Cape May, New Jersey

Named by National Geographic as one of the best places in the world to birdwatch, Cape May is blessed with a location along the Atlantic Flyway (a sort of north-south super-skyway for migrating birds), westerly winds and a range of habitats pleasing to our fine feathered friends. Thanks to these and other factors, as many as a whopping 400 species of birds visit Cape May during fall migration.

Songbirds galore like vireos, tanagers, grosbeaks, warblers, buntings, and orioles flood the peninsula in September and October, along with raptors such as falcons, hawks and eagles. Ideal viewing spots include the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area and Cape May Point State Park , but be sure to keep an eye for smaller flying critters. The area's famed monarch butterfly migration usually begins in late September and continues through mid-October.

Cape May Bird Observatory and New Jersey Audubon coordinate a wealth of fun events in Cape May throughout the year, from migration watches to fall and spring festivals and The World Series of Birding . Held every May, the fundraiser benefits bird conservation by challenging teams to count the most species in a 24-hour period.

Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona

Cave Creek Canyon , which sits pretty at 5,000 feet, on the eastern side of the Chiricahua Mountains, is home to the elusive elegant trogon. One of the country's most sought-after birds by hobbyists, this beautiful metallic-green and scarlet red fellow's range in the U.S. is mostly limited to southeastern Arizona. You'll find him summering here, in this stunning slice of Coronado National Forest, most likely near the south fork of Cave Creek.

Of course, as rare as the elegant trogon is, he's just one of as many as 370-some species birders may see in the canyon, including a dozen species of hummingbirds in the summertime.

Thanks in part to the area's astounding biological diversity, which ranges from desert to grassland and various types of woodlands and forests, species as varied as the Western screech owl, the sulphur-bellied flycatcher, the cactus wren, the hairy woodpecker, and the majestic golden eagle all thrive in Cave Creek Canyon.

Central Park, New York

It may seem counterintuitive to recommend a park nestled within a bustling city as a haven for birders. But Central Park , an 843-acre rectangle that dates to the mid-19th century, provides a critical pit stop for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway. Spring and fall are thus the peak birding seasons, with as many as 30 warbler species sometimes seen on a single day. In total, more than 280 bird species have been recorded in Central Park.

The best places for birding in the park include the 40-acre North Woods; The Ramble, featuring a leafy canopy and feeders to entice avian creatures; and The Pond. It's frequented by everything from great egrets to majestic red-tail hawks, which are year-round Big Apple residents. Peregrine falcons, another raptor favorite, also are permanent fixtures in Central Park (as are dedicated local birders, who are usually happy to point out birds to fellow enthusiasts).

Otherwise, in the wintertime keep an eye out for six species of owls, including the great-horned, barred, and northern saw-whet. Spring brings everything from cuckoos to flycatchers, kinglets and freshwater sandpipers. In fall, along with warblers, Central Park trees fill with sparrows, thrushes, and birds of prey.

Everglades National Park, Florida

The largest subtropical wilderness in the country, Everglades National Park sprawls across 1.5 million acres in southern Florida but can be easily accessed via entrances in Miami, Everglades City, and Homestead. The dry season, which lasts from December to April, is best for birding. Not only are there fewer mosquitos, but the warm winters attract the greatest variety of wading birds.

They include the wood stork—once endangered and still federally listed as threatened—the pink-plumed roseate spoonbill, the least bittern, the glossy ibis and an array of egrets and herons. Some of the other 360-some species seen in the park include the brilliant blue indigo bunting, the pleasingly acrobatic purple martin and the little yellow warbler.

There are a number of trails in Everglades National Park popular for birding, most accessible from the main entrance in Homestead, but the "River of Grass" can also be explored via everything from trams to airboats. Guided birdwatching tours are available from both park rangers and outside companies .

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Ohio

A refuge for 36 species of migrating warblers (including the endangered Kirtland's warbler) and more than 100 species of other songbirds, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area serves up some of the country's best birding come mid-May. In total, around 310 species of birds have been found here in spring, but the 2,200 acres of unspoiled wetlands along western Lake Erie draw plentiful species of birds in the fall, too. They include jaw-dropping numbers of waterfowl like Canada geese, mallards, green- and blue-winged teal and gadwall.

The well-maintained trails at Magee Marsh make birding here a bit less taxing than at some other avian-rich destinations. Most notably, the mile-long Magee Boardwalk offers twitchers a stellar view of neotropical migrants without having to work up a sweat. Meanwhile, birders should head to Hawkwatch Tower to see bald eagles, a wide array of hawk species, and osprey soar in the springtime.

The Biggest Week in American Birding , an annual 10-day extravaganza that takes place each May in northwest Ohio, will offer two daily guided walks at Magee Marsh, along with a wide range of other field trips, workshops, and special events.

Platte River Valley, Nebraska

Dubbed one of the planet's greatest migrations, the mind-boggling influx of one million sandhill cranes into the Platte River Valley should be on every birder's bucket list. Each year, beginning in mid-February, 80 percent of the world's population of the tall, leggy, crimson-capped wading birds descend on central Nebraska. They stay until early April, taking a well-earned breather before heading on to their breeding grounds in Alaska, Canada, and Siberia.

Among the world's oldest birds, the sandhill cranes spend their days in farm fields, chowing down on corn leftover from fall's harvest. They return to the safety of the Platte's shallow waters to roost at sunset, making dusk and dawn ideal times for crane watching. Blinds line the river; other perches include Fort Kearny Bridge in Kearney and Plautz Viewing Platform , south of Gibbon.

Or, visit Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary for guided sunrise and sunset crane tours. They also offer an overnight photography experience for dedicated shutterbugs who don't mind spending the night in a blind.

Point Reyes National Seashore, California

According to the folks at Point Reyes National Seashore , their piece of the Northern California coast "claims the prize for the greatest avian diversity of any national park." Nearly 490 species, or over half of all North American bird species, have been observed there. This staggering number is due to the park's more than 70,000 acres of diverse, unspoiled habitat; coastal location; advantageous latitude; and the 10-mile projection of the peninsula into the sea, which attracts "vagrants," birds that have made navigation errors during migration.

Its location on the Pacific Flyway (like the Atlantic Flyway, a major north-south skyway for migrating birds), means that fall and spring are plenty productive in Point Reyes, though the winter months offer great flocks of waterbirds thousands strong. Head to Limantour Estero or Bolinas Lagoon to catch grebes, cormorants, pelicans, kingfishers, ducks, and more, while Abbotts Lagoon is home to coots, black-shouldered kites, Caspian terns, a variety of raptors and nests of the threatened western snowy plover. (The threatened northern spotted owl also flourishes in the park.)

The park hosts several annual ornithological events throughout the year, like spring's Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival , which boasts a wide variety of guided birding walks, and the Point Reyes Christmas Bird Count , with hundreds of volunteers tallying up the birds they observe throughout the day.

Rio Grande Valley, Texas

It's almost impossible to beat the Rio Grande Valley for birding. Some 500 species have been documented in this mostly subtropical area, which unspools across 4,200 square miles and four counties in the southernmost tip of the Lone State State. Nestled within the convergence of the Mississippi and Central flyways, this is the place to check birds off your list you won't find anywhere else in the country, including such showstoppers as the great kiskadee, the green jay and the buff-bellied hummingbird.

The World Birding Center is an invaluable resource for visitors, maintaining nine unique locations, each representing one of the valley's diverse landscapes. Depending on the facility, they offer goodies like tours and other special programming, exhibits, trails, boardwalks, observation towers, bird blinds, feeding stations, and even trams.

The birds vary by site, too, with everything from plain chachalacas and Altamira orioles sighted at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley to endangered brown pelicans and piping plovers spotted at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. Want to flock together with some birds of a feather? The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival runs for four days in November, offering a wealth of field trips, keynote speakers, workshops and more.

Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.

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From Coast to Coast: America’s Best Family Vacation Spots in Each State

F rom national parks to trendy tourist spots to historic places to peaceful scenic beaches, the United States offers families dozens of perfect destinations for the perfect family vacation.

Whether families are looking to relax and soak up the sun on a sandy beach, explore the best interactive museums, or seek out some of the most famous historic spots in the country, the possibilities are endless when planning a family vacation. Each state offers dozens of fun activities and sights for families to see, and the only question is, “Where do you want to go?”

Alabama | Gulf Shores

If a family vacation with activities on and by the beach sounds appealing, Gulf Shore s is the place to be. Relax and spend time lying on the beach, get lost in family-friendly excursions like dolphin watching, paddle boarding, and parasailing, or get ready to shop ’til you drop.  

Alaska | Denali National Park

As a US National Park, Denali is home to more than 100 animal species, including grizzlies, wolves, and caribou. Visitors will spot all kinds of wildlife on a bus tour, and Denali also offers several trails, including kid-friendly routes, to catch a glimpse of different animals.

Arizona | Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is a bucket list item for visitors of all ages and is impressive to appeal to anyone who visits. The park offers several hiking trails and plenty of scenic vistas, so families can be as adventurous as they feel comfortable, all while appreciating the majesty of the Grand Canyon . 

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Arkansas | hot springs national park.

This southern national park is a year-round destination but is a great family vacation spot in the summer. Visitors can tour historic bathhouses, hike scenic trails, photograph wildlife, and more. Hot Springs is also home to Arkansas’ only water and theme park and other great family activities, including an interactive science museum.

California | Disneyland

Visitors of all ages can embrace their inner child at this magical, family-friendly wonderland bursting at the seams with fun. Visitors can explore attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, meet classic Disney characters, ride thrilling roller coasters, and so much more. The only limit to fun is the imagination!

Colorado | Rocky Mountain National Park

Families who enjoy the outdoors will relish visiting this national park, which offers many memorable outdoor experiences. Families can hike several trails of varying difficulty levels, view the park from the Alpine Visitor’s Center, and explore paths that lead them past crystal-clear mountain lakes, mountains, and picturesque waterfalls.

Connecticut | Mystic Seaport

This coastal Connecticut village exudes small-town historic charm and provides an opportunity to see what a 19th-century seaport looked like. Families can marvel at hundreds of historic ships, bike or walk along the waterfront, and hear stories of the town from storytellers and talented artisans.

Delaware | Rehoboth Beach

Families who seek an oceanside vacation can explore this scenic Delaware city along the Atlantic Ocean. During the day, beachgoers can spend time by the water or walk the city’s famous boardwalk while enjoying their favorite vacation foods. After dark, the town comes to life with excellent dining options and nightlife.

Florida | Walt Disney World

The ultimate spot for a family vacation appeals to the kid in every visitor and invites them to explore four different theme parks, including Epcot and Magic Kingdom, and two water parks. The only question one might ask is what do I do first?

Georgia | Savannah

Savannah is consistently ranked one of the nation’s best cities (and one of the most haunted). The city greets visitors with a heaping dose of Southern hospitality. Savannah has something to offer every visitor, including museums and a historic district, scenic walking paths, arts and culture, delicious Southern food, and more.

Hawaii | Honolulu

Hawaii is kissed by the sun all year round, and families who want to spend vacation by the water can sunbathe, swim, play in the sand, and even surf. There are also opportunities to see wildlife, including whales, go on scenic hikes, and much more.

Idaho | Silverwood Theme Park

What was once a small local amusement park has grown into a sizeable regional destination with dozens of shows, attractions, and rides. Thrill seekers can ride a thrilling array of coasters, and the park also includes a lazy river, wave pools, raft slides, and a toddler play area.

Illinois | Chicago

Believe it or not, the Windy City is full of kid-friendly activities, making it a perfect family vacation spot. Families can see a menagerie of animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo, explore sandy beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan, see a baseball game at Wrigley Field, visit one of Chicago’s excellent museums, and more.

Indiana | Indianapolis Children’s Museum

Families looking for family fun can find something for everyone in Indianapolis, including racing, music venues, and art museums. One can’t-miss stop in Indy is the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – the largest children’s museum in the world. It offers a variety of interactive exhibits, a five-level playground, an antique carousel, and much more. 

Iowa | Amana Colonies

This collection of seven historic villages in east-central Iowa offers family fun for all ages. Visitors can stop into quaint shops and find unique toys and gifts for kids, handmade chocolates, and even furniture. There are also hands-on activities, places to bike and hike, and even spots to paddle on the Iowa River.

Kansas | Wichita

In the heart of America’s Plains region is Wichita, a vibrant city boasting fun-filled festivals, outdoor attractions, world-class museums, and much more. Families can enjoy dining at one of Wichita’s top-notch eateries before exploring every exciting nook and cranny of the city.

Kentucky | Mammoth Cave National Park

This US national park is a perfect family-friendly destination with unique things to do and see. Families can select from one of the park’s many cave options, take off for a relaxing family hike, or stop into the visitor center to learn all about the park.

Louisiana | New Orleans

New Orleans might be best known for its adults-only fun, but it is also a great family vacation destination. From cultural events to museums to family-friendly attractions, you’ll find something to fit your tastes. Even a stroll in one of the city’s historic districts and tasting New Orleans cuisine will make visitors smile.

Maine | Acadia National Park

The Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities to hike, camp, fish, bike, drive, and much more. Families can choose their favorite outdoor adventure and explore the park and its quaint surrounding towns.

Maryland | Ocean City

Through the years, Ocean City has earned a reputation as “America’s Greatest Family Resort”, and for good reason. It’s brimming with dining hot spots, special events, amusement parks, beaches, a nearly 3-mile boardwalk, and plenty more to give families all the ingredients for a perfect vacation.

Massachusetts | Cape Cod

One of New England’s most famous and scenic places, Cape Cod offers plenty for vacationing families to have fun. Visitors can soak up the sun on beautiful, sandy beaches, take a scenic drive, visit historic villages, experience the taste of the freshest seafood, and much more.

Michigan | Mackinac Island

A trip to Mackinac Island is one that families won’t soon forget. This resort-like destination is only accessible by ferry and is an ideal vacation spot for families. Visitors can rent a bike for a scenic view of the island, hike to Fort Michilmackinac, shop, dine, and, of course, sample the island’s famous fudge.

Minnesota | Mall of America

Vacationing families who want to “shop til they drop” can do just that at the nation’s largest shopping mall. The four-floor mall has more than 500 stores but also has rollercoasters, mini-golf, an aquarium, a movie theater, and plenty more for families to see, do, and experience.

Mississippi | Gulfport

On the Gulf of Mexico, Gulfport offers visitors more than 20 miles of beautiful white-sand beaches, making it easy for vacationing families to have a beach day (or two). The city’s waterfront complex also allows access to a fish pier, a playground, a volleyball net, and more.

Missouri | Silver Dollar City

With dozens of unique shops, great restaurants, skilled craftsmen, and more than 40 rides and attractions, every family member can find something fun to do in Silver Dollar City. Thrill seekers can ride the Time Traveler, and visitors of all ages can enjoy the diverse selection of live shows.

Montana | Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is perfect for outdoor adventures and is known for its abundance of wildlife, picturesque lakes, and glaciers. Families can take a variety of short hikes, which offer incredible viewpoints to soak in the park’s majesty and beauty and where families can take photos, enjoy picnics, and more.

Nebraska | Omaha Zoo

Omaha, Nebraska, is home to one of the best zoos in the world and offers visitors a top-notch interactive experience where fun is around every corner. The zoo has more than a dozen main exhibits, including kids’ adventure trails, a gorilla valley, and a butterfly and insect pavilion.

Nevada | Las Vegas

There’s plenty for families to do in Las Vegas, a town with many bells and whistles. Families can enjoy top-notch live entertainment, arcades, a pinball hall of fame, and even some educational opportunities, making Vegas the perfect spot for a well-rounded vacation.

New Hampshire | White Mountains

White Mountains keeps families entertained with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy amusement parks, local parks, animal-viewing centers, and local trails offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and more.

New Jersey | Atlantic City

Amidst a sea of casinos, Atlantic City offers plenty of indoor and outdoor attractions, plus an iconic boardwalk to entertain families. Families can soak up the sun on the beach, go on outdoor excursions like dolphin-watching tours, or visit one of many exciting indoor attractions.

New Mexico | Santa Fe

Santa Fe’s motto is “The City Different,” and families vacationing here will find an eclectic mix of cultures and plenty to do. Families can venture downtown to endless opportunities for shopping and dining. The Santa Fe Railyard brims with activities, including concerts, kid-friendly fun, and family parks.

New York | Niagara Falls

The majesty of Niagra Falls is unquestioned, but there’s so much for families to see and do around the falls. There’s plenty of awe-inspiring natural beauty, scenic hiking trails, and even the Cave of the Winds Hurricane Deck, where visitors are just 20 feet from the rushing torrents of the falls.

North Carolina | Outer Banks

The Outer Banks has long been a haven for beachgoers because it offers families a chance to spend quality time together on beautiful beaches. Outdoor enthusiasts can visit local attractions, go fishing, relax, or even participate in eco-tourism. A trip here can be as relaxing or busy as a family desires.

North Dakota | Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Nature enthusiasts will love everything about this park, which offers opportunities for scenic drives, scenic hikes, wildlife viewing, and incredible views of Painted Canyon and the Little Missouri River. Families can embrace a sense of freedom and explore the best of the Dakota Badlands.

Ohio | Cedar Point

With dozens of rollercoasters ranging from kid-friendly to more advanced, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio , is the ultimate family vacation spot for thrill seekers. But Cedar Point is more than coasters, offering live performances, petting zoos, character interactions, and two waterparks next door.

Oklahoma | Tulsa

For both youngsters and youngsters at heart, Tulsa, or T-Town as some call it, offers visitors a chance to explore sights like the Tulsa Zoo, the Tulsa Botanic Garden, and the Gathering Place, an award-winning riverfront park offering must-see attractions for visitors of all ages. 

Oregon | Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is the perfect spot for families looking for natural scenery as well as historic sites. Visitors can take the scenic Rim Drive to look out from a scenic overlook and take beautiful photographs of the lake, the surrounding landscape, wildflowers, and more.

Pennsylvania | Hersheypark

The chocolate dreamland of Hersheypark has been a family destination for decades. The amusement park spans more than 100 acres and is open seasonally from May through early September. The 70+ rides in the park are strategically placed so families don’t have to split up. Families can also enjoy their fair share of sweet treats.

Rhode Island | Newport

Newport is the perfect destination in the warmer months for families who want to craft a unique adventure. Families can enjoy helicopter tours, sailing excursions, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, sightseeing, and much more.

South Carolina | Myrtle Beach

Families who love the beach can spend hours swimming in warm ocean waters, building sandcastles, and frolicking in the sand in a place that’s less crowded than big beach towns like Miami. But Myrtle Beach offers plenty more in the way of attractions, including ziplining, seaside shopping, mini-golf, live entertainment, and much more.

South Dakota | Mount Rushmore

As one of the most popular historical sites in the nation, Mount Rushmore is a must-visit spot for those who love history. The carved faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt are a sight to behold, and there is also lots to do nearby.

Tennessee | Dollywood

Pigeon Forge is home to activities and sites of all kinds, but the Dolly Parton-inspired Dollywood theme park easily stands out among the rest. It welcomes almost three million guests a year and features a variety of events and activities year-round, including rides, live entertainment, crafts, and much more.

Texas | San Antonio River Walk

San Antonio is a town steeped in rich tradition, and families who visit the iconic River Walk are encouraged to start traditions of their own that can be passed down to future generations. The River Walk features unique restaurants, historic sites, and one-of-a-kind events that turn it into a place of celebration.

Utah | Zion National Park

A trip to Zion can be absolutely special for families of all kinds as they explore and learn about the park. Families can hike one of the park’s easy trails and bring along a picnic lunch. They can also participate in a ranger-led program to see the park’s many wonders.

Vermont | Stowe

Nestled way up in New England, Vermont has many great towns to explore. But Stowe, which sits near Mount Mansfield, is a town for all seasons. It’s one of New England’s top skiing destinations in winter. In the spring, summer, and fall, Stowe offers lots of space for outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and scenic drives.

Virginia | Virginia Beach

Families who love being by the water will love Virginia Beach, which offers the perfect backdrop for a family getaway. Families can spend time on sandy beaches, enjoying the Atlantic surf and scenic coastline. The city also has a water park, aquarium, and lots more to do away from the shoreline.

Washington | Seattle

Whether families consist of tiny tots or teenagers, Seattle, also known as the Emerald City, is the perfect place to explore. The city has a host of museums, ranging from interactive museums to ones specializing in pop culture and airplanes. The city also has an excellent aquarium and zoo that are perfect for family trips.

West Virginia | Harpers Ferry

Families in search of adventure can find it in spades in Harpers Ferry, which offers a relaxed atmosphere, natural beauty, and lots of history. Downtown Harpers Ferry is brimming with historical attractions and lots of shopping and dining options. Many outdoor activities are nearby, including tubing, kayaking, and rafting. 

Wisconsin | Wisconsin Dells

With nearly 100 attractions, four local state parks, and more than 100 restaurants, every family member can find something to do and enjoy. Kids of all ages can spend the day at an outdoor waterpark or playground, and families can see the wonders of the Dells on a double-decker boat tour of the Wisconsin River.

Wyoming | Yellowstone National Park

As the nation’s first national park, Yellowstone has remained a popular tourist destination for families who love the outdoors. Yellowstone spans more than 2 million acres and features geysers, including Old Faithful, mud pots, hot springs, and more. Visitors can also keep their eyes peeled for diverse wildlife, including bison, bears, and elk.

Make Your Next Family Vacation Your Best One Yet

With a little imagination, careful planning, and plenty of enthusiasm, the next family vacation may be your best. The United States offers both seasonal and year-round spots for a memorable family vacation, and adventure awaits from coast to coast!

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