Image: tropical beach with hammock on palm, relax concept from Nicaragua (Photo via riderfoot / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: tropical beach with hammock on palm, relax concept from Nicaragua (Photo via riderfoot / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
 75°F Overcast Clouds

Central America Travel Guide 

Central America is an expansive stretch of land and is home to seven unique and epic countries. With hundreds of volcanoes, millennia-old ruins, delicious cuisine, and endless adventures, it’s become one of the best travel destinations in the world.

It’s also one of our personal favorites! But with so much to explore and so little time, creating a satisfying itinerary can be difficult. 

Fortunately, you can use this Central America travel guide to learn about this travel hot spot’s highlights and our picks for the best places to visit!

Featured Offers

Related Destinations

Zoetry
Upcoming Webinar

SEP 26 2PM ET

Lean how an intimate getaway at Zoëtry artfully balances unrivaled luxury and personal well-being.

Top Things To Do

Guatemala has attractive active volcanoes that can be visited. (Photo via Lucy Brown - loca4motion / iStock / Getty Images Plus).
Guatemala is a Central American gem. The culture, people, and paradise vibes are unlike anything we’ve experienced before. And the beauty of the natural climate and ancient civilization feels otherworldly. To help you along your journey and guide you to the best spots, take a look at our picks for the best things to do in Guatemala.
Central America is a region with powerful waves for surfer experts from around the world. (Photo via Colin Field).
Central America is the land of wonder that connects South America and North America, and it’s a diverse and eclectic holiday designation. It consists of seven countries, and choosing the best things to do can be overwhelming. Luckily, Travel Pulse is here to help you simplify the process with the top things to do in Central America.
Take your pick from endless options when you visit Panama
Panama is a country of unmatched biodiversity. Cloud forests, nature reserves, white beaches, and azure waters make it a nature lovers' paradise and bliss for seekers of serenity. But it also offers the adventure seeker many exhilarating activities: hiking, zip lines, and white water rafting - all in pristine jungles, rivers, and oceans.
Costa Rica Active Adventure

Costa Rica Active Adventure (Photo Credit: Provided by GAdventures)

Epic History 

Today, Central America is divided into seven unique countries. But before it was what it is now, the land was ruled by the Incas, Mayans, and Aztecs, some of the most notable empires in human history. 

In our opinion, there is no better way to learn about Central America than by visiting the museums and ruins scattered throughout Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize.

Natural Beauty

When we think of the top most beautiful places we’ve visited, Central America is in our top three. With local tours, you can experience lush jungles, breathtaking fauna and flora, and so much more. 

If you get bored of being on land or exploring jungles, take a trip to one of the local beaches. The water is perfect for sunning, swimming, and surfing and the views are perfect for epic vacation photos. 

Vivid Culture

Trying to describe Central American culture would be impossible. The region has a diverse history and an even more vivid present that is ever-changing. 

But you can immerse yourself in the culture as we did. You can participate and learn about all the bright ancestral history and the religious, civic, and popular festivities. The vivid culture will quickly swallow you up and show you just how amazing this region is. 

Delicious Food

The last highlight has to be the amazing food. Again, the diversity of this region becomes clear when exploring the cuisine. 

Here you can enjoy a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and African cuisine and their local variations. Try everything you can and remember to add a delicious local drink for good measure. 

Latest News

Top Places To Visit In Central America

Costa Rica is a paradise for those looking for experiences in one of the richest biodiversity in Central America. (Photo via Arenal Volcano National Park).
Costa Rica is a paradise for those looking for experiences in one of the richest biodiversity in Central America. (Photo via Arenal Volcano National Park).

Costa Rica

One of our favorite places to visit in Central America is Costa Rica. It’s a must-see for any thrill seekers! 

In Costa Rica, you can explore amazing national parks, tree-top adventures, ziplining, canoeing, and more. 

It’s also the perfect Central America destination for animal lovers. You can explore amazing natural habitats and witness some of the cutest animals on earth, including sea turtles and sloths. 

Belize

If you love the ocean, then Belize is the place for you. Visit the iconic Great Blue hole and scuba dive into its depths. If that’s a little too much for you, take it slow on one of the many amazing local beaches and enjoy diving with local professionals. 

But beaches aren’t all Belize has to offer. This country has some of the most beautiful jungles we have ever seen. Take your family on an adventure and explore Belize - a natural wonder. 

Surfer in Playa Venao
Surfer in Playa Venao (photo courtesy Tourism Panama)

Panama

If you’re ready to explore the more modern side of Central America, visit Panama. Panama city is the most developed city in Central America and has an eclectic nightlight and vibrant city scene. 

Here you can visit the Panama Canal, one of the biggest and most impressive man-made waterways in history.  You can also visit the Panama city rainforest, the only city forest in the world. 

Guatemala

In our opinion, no Central America trip is done without a visit to Guatemala. The region boasts three UNESCO world heritage sites, including Mayan ruins, the colorful colonial town of Antigua, and the Tikal National Park.

The landscape is also dotted with volcanoes and trees that stretch to the horizon. To us, Guatemala felt like an explorer’s paradise and one we’d love to visit again. 

Be A Travel Expert

Upcoming Webinar
Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts WebinarSEP 26 2PM ETLean how an intimate getaway at Zoëtry artfully balances unrivaled luxury and personal well-being.
Upcoming Webinar
Porter Airlines WebinarSEP 28 2PM ETJoin Porter's webinar and learn how we are turning the idea of economy air travel "upside down".
Upcoming Event
Destination Leisure Travel ExpoOctober 11-12 2-5PM ETDestination Leisure Travel Expo
Upcoming Webinar
Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts WebinarSEP 26 2PM ETLean how an intimate getaway at Zoëtry artfully balances unrivaled luxury and personal well-being.
Upcoming Webinar
Porter Airlines WebinarSEP 28 2PM ETJoin Porter's webinar and learn how we are turning the idea of economy air travel "upside down".
Upcoming Event
Destination Leisure Travel ExpoOctober 11-12 2-5PM ETDestination Leisure Travel Expo

Trending Destinations

The United Statues Capitol Building, Washington DC, USA. (photo via Tanarch / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
Washington DC
Emerald Lake Alaksa
Destinations
Alaska
Anse d'Arlet (photo via Damien VERRIER / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
Martinique
Miami Florida skyline and bay at sunset seen through palm trees (photo via littleny / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
Miami
People bathing in the sun at the beach, aerial view with clear blue water and sandy beach. Corfu island Kerkyra, Greece (photo via CalinStan/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
Greece
Custom House Dublin
Ireland
Empty hammock in the shade of palm trees on tropical Fiji Islands (photo via mvaligursky / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
Fiji
View of downtown Willemstad at twilight. Curacao, Netherlands Antilles (Photo via sorincolac / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
Curacao
Skyline of Honolulu, Hawaii.  (photo via sorincolac/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
Hawaii
Cabo San Lucas Marina at sunset (Photo via LindaYG / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Destinations
Los Cabos

Get To Know Us Better

Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me
Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me