5 Destinations to Visit in Central America

Central America is one of the world’s most fascinating corners.

Not only are Central America’s lush landscapes, fascinating cultural sights and colonial cities exhilarating, there aren’t many other regions in the world where so much is squeezed into such a little space. That means a lot of great places can be seen in such a short amount of time.

The following five destinations all show off the unique characteristics of Central America:

Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua

If you look at a map of Nicaragua, you will see a huge lake in the southwest of the country. That’s Lake Nicaragua. Can you spot the tiny strip of land in the middle of the water? That is the island of Isla de Ometepe, one of Central America’s most enchanting destinations.

There are two big reasons Isla de Ometepe is so special: its twin volcanoes.

Volcán Concepción and Volcán Maderas are located on either side of the island; Whether you choose to hike their peaks or just gaze at them from the comfort of a hammock, they will move you.

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to an embarrassment of natural riches. From teeming rainforests and steaming volcanoes to froth-filled rapids and jungle-clad beaches, they have it all.

Manuel Antonio National Park might just bring together the best of everything.

Here, you can swim on beaches taken straight from a screensaver in the morning, then spend your afternoon spotting sloths and snapping photos of monkeys on a canopy walk.

READ MORE: 9 Things To Know Before Visiting Costa Rica

Antigua, Guatemala

Imagine strolling cobblestoned lanes lined with buildings that have been dabbed shades of pastel, all under the watchful eye of three volcanoes. This is the scene in Antigua, arguably Central America’s most exquisite colonial town.

History is alive here in the form of a strong indigenous influence and an array of enthralling architecture—a remnant from its time as a bureaucratic base of the Spanish Empire. Antigua is also a hub for Spanish language schools, which attract an eclectic clientele and help keep the present as fascinating as the past.

Panama City, Panama

Panama City is the most cosmopolitan spot in Central America, and it possesses enough big city buzz to keep any traveler’s batteries charged for weeks.

The nation's capital is home to a very international population, which keeps the food and drink options surprisingly eclectic. You will find heritage hidden behind the shiny skyscrapers and rooftop cocktail bars.

Look no further than Panamá Viejo—the ruins of the city’s first incarnation—and Casco Viejo—the city’s old quarter—for a hit of history.

READ MORE: Small Groups, Big Benefits with Travel Impressions

Bay Islands, Honduras

Due to their location on the Mesoamerican Reef, Honduras’ Bay Islands (Utila, Roatán and Guanaja) have become a top-notch snorkeling and diving destination.

Cruise ships have been visiting Roatán for years now, with visitors finding tropical charm alongside the pleasures of modernity. Utila has become the undisputed king of dive schools, with many students lingering long enough to become locals. Guanaja remains the most pristine and undiscovered of the Bay Islands, rewarding all who make the extra effort to reach it with serenity and slice after slice of paradise.

Visit Central America with Travel Impressions and experience even more of the magic this region has to offer.