Central America: Updates & Travel

Travel in Central America?
What are the best routes in Central America?
Updates Central America

Travel in Central America?

From turquoise seas with white beaches, volcanoes, dense rainforests, exotic islands to rare animals, nature in Central America has a lot to offer. Together with the mysterious ancient Mayan cultures, Spanish colonial footprints, West African influences from slavery, lively markets and coffee fields, Central America is the destination where it can be as relaxed or as overwhelming as you wish.
The largest country in Central America is by far Mexico. Visit famous ruins such as Chichén Itzá, Palenque, Tulum and Teotihuacán. Party on Playa del Carmen with a taco and tequila beforehand or go surfing on the Oaxa coast. This country has both extreme drought and lush exotic places.
Below Mexico lies Guatemala with the richest Mayan history, of which the culture has remained the most intact. Stroll through the market of Chichicastenango and wander through the ruins of Tikal. Dream away at the landscape around the lake, Lago de Atitlán, with beautiful Mayan villages and volcanoes. Belize is one of the few countries in Central America where Spanish is not a national language. English is spoken here due to the British colonial past. In Belize you will find beautiful idyllic beaches, a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere and relatively short travel distances.
Prefer an island? Honduras has the Bay Islands, including the Cayos Cochinos: definitely recommended! You can also snorkel and dive super cheaply in Honduras. In addition, this country has twenty national parks.
El Salvador has beautiful landscapes full of black sand beaches, volcanoes and small coffee towns. The quietest surf beaches can be found in El Salvador.
Nicaragua is full of beautiful volcanic landscapes. For example, you can also climb the Masaya volcano there. You will find many colonial cities in Honduras, but also challenging surfing conditions.
Costa Rica has a rich biodiverse nature. Go on a tropical safari, visit misty jungles and discover underwater life.
Panama is the narrowest piece of land that connects South and Central America. It has one of the most impenetrable rainforests, such as Darién Parque Nacional Coiba. If you are interested in indigenous cultures, you can visit the Kuna people on the San Blas Islands. The Bocas del Toro Islands are tropical paradises with a Jamaican atmosphere.
Central America is very diverse in its cultures. For example, you have the ancient Mayan culture and other indigenous cultures, the Spanish culture was brought over from the colonial period and West African influences were brought from slavery. In the last century, many Asians, Europeans and North Americans have also come to immigrate, which has resulted in a lot of Western influences such as towering skyscrapers in Panama City.
Central America is one of the best diving destinations. Dive among the whale sharks or discover the largest coral reef in the world while snorkeling in Belize.
One of the most beautiful and diverse collections of beaches can be found in Central America. With the wild ocean on the west coast, perfect for surfers, and the beautiful quiet white dream beaches on the east coast. Catch the biggest waves at Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica or Santa Catalina in Panama. There are plenty of low-budget hostels in most surf towns!
Create your own discovery adventure through dense jungles, past high volcano peaks and mysterious ruins. Make your way through canyons and cross rivers. Spot the diversity of wildlife and exotic plants and trees along the way. There are several national parks in Central America such as Monteverde and Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica,
The Mayan empire left its greatness behind in Central America. Temples such as Tikal, Palenque, Chichen Itza, Copan and Altun Han show their pride in contrasting bright green landscapes.
The main crops in the Central American countries consist of cocoa, tobacco and coffee. Walk along the plantations and delve into the production of these products.
Central America has numerous islands. You can go island hopping on the Bocas del Toro archipelago or imagine yourself in a dreamy atmosphere on the Bay Islands with low-budget facilities.
Dia de los Muertos in Mexico is not to be missed on November 1st. The day of the dead is a commemoration and celebration day with offerings and exuberant parades.
Antigua in Guatemala served as the capital of all of Central America around 1500. It is a very traveler-friendly colonial town surrounded by volcanoes. Most visitors fall in love with the image of lush botanical gardens and colorful houses that this town offers. In addition, the center is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Volcán Masaya National Park in Nicaragua is a beautiful park with volcanoes of which the Santiago crater steams and smokes the most. Hike through the lava tunnels of Tzinancanostoc and el Comalito and be amazed by the landscape.
Panama City is also called 'Miami from the south'. Here you will find luxurious hotels and restaurants in contrast to the surrounding nature. There is also a vibrant nightlife.
The colonial past has left many traces in Granada. This town is not called one of the most beautiful cities in Central America for nothing. Explore this town on foot or by carriage and let your dreams drift away at richly decorated facades and spacious plazas.
Spot giant sea turtles in the Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica. Especially at the beginning of the rainy season in April and May, it is teeming with turtles.
Monte Verde Cloud Forest Reserve is a protected area that is literally in the clouds. Due to this spooky phenomenon, the area has an extremely wide variety of plants and animals.
Some hotspots: Antigua, Lago Atitlan (Guatemala), San Cristobal (Mexico), Granada (Nicaragua), Bocas archipelago (Panama), Roatan (Honduras), Bay Islands (Honduras) and Puerto Limon (Costa Rica).

What are the best routes in Central America?

Central America is relatively easy to travel around; certainly by bus / long-distance bus. The routes below connect some of the most fascinating destinations in Central America and offer a versatile experience with a mix of culture, history and nature.
Guatemala – Honduras – Nicaragua route: travel for example from Antigua (Guatemala) → Copán (Honduras) → León (Nicaragua) → Granada (Nicaragua). Combination of historic cities, impressive Mayan ruins and colonial architecture. From the historic charm of Antigua to the ancient Mayan city of Copán and the atmospheric cities of León and Granada: a rich cultural experience is guaranteed. Costa Rica – Panama route: travel for example from San José (Costa Rica) → Puerto Viejo (Costa Rica) → Bocas del Toro (Panama) → Boquete (Panama) → Panama City (Panama). From the vibrant culture of San José and the beaches of Puerto Viejo to the islands of Bocas del Toro and mountainous Boquete. End in Panama City for a mix of modern and historic atmosphere, plus the famous Panama Canal. Belize – Guatemala – Mexico route: travel for example from San Ignacio (Belize) → Flores (Guatemala) → Tikal (Guatemala) → Palenque (Mexico) → Campeche (Mexico). This route takes you past some of the most beautiful Mayan ruins in Central America: from the ancient city of Tikal in Guatemala to the impressive ruins of Palenque in Mexico. You will also travel to charming San Ignacio and Campeche, a historic port city.
Honduras – El Salvador – Nicaragua route: travel for example from Tegucigalpa (Honduras) → La Union (El Salvador) → Suchitoto (El Salvador) → León (Nicaragua) → Granada (Nicaragua). Discover the diversity of Central America, from the vibrant markets and beaches of El Salvador to the colonial wealth of León and Granada in Nicaragua. This route offers a mix of culture, history and natural beauty.
Mexico – Belize – Guatemala route: travel for example from Cancun (Mexico) → Chetumal (Mexico) → Corozal (Belize) → Belize City (Belize) → Flores (Guatemala) → Antigua (Guatemala). Start with the vibrant atmosphere of Cancun and Mayan ruins in Mexico, then cross the border into Belize for beaches and culture, and finish with the beautiful colonial city of Antigua in Guatemala. This route offers a diverse experience of history, culture and natural beauty.