Where to go in Central America?

• From turquoise seas with white beaches, volcanoes, dense rainforests, exotic islands to rare wildlife, Central America has a lot to offer. Along with mysterious ancient Mayan cultures, Spanish colonial footprints, West African influences from slavery, vibrant markets and coffee fields makes Central America the destination where it can be as relaxing or as overwhelming as you wish.
• For backpacking: Central America is one of regions where you as a backpacker can alternate a lot of culture and nature in a short period of time.
  Travel: a versatile travel area with lots of culture, white beaches, tropical rainforests, exotic islands and special coffee fields.
• The largest country in Central America, by far, is Mexico. See famous ruins like Chichén Itzá, Palenque, Tulum and Teotihuacán. Party at playa del Carmen with a taco and tequila upfront or go surfing on the Oaxa Coast. This country has both extreme drought and lush exotic resorts.
• Below Mexico lies Guatamala with the most rich Mayan history, whose culture remains most intact. Stroll the market of Chichicastenango and wander the ruins of Tikal. Dream away at the landscape surrounding the lake, Lago de Atitlán, with beautiful Mayan villages and volcanoes.
• Belize and Honduras are two of the few countries in Central America where Spanish is not a national language. In fact, English is spoken here due to the British colonial past. In both countries you will find beautiful idyllic beaches surrounded by jungle. Prefer to stay on an island? Bay islands including Cayos Cochinos are highly recommended! You can also do super snorkeling and diving for little in Honduras. In addition, this country has as many as 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. You can also climb the Masaya volcano there.
• Costa Rica has a rich biodiversity. Go there on tropical safari, visit misty jungles and discover marine life.
• Panama is the narrowest piece of land connecting 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.

Living in Central America

• Language: it is difficult to function without Spanish. English is not widely spoken.
• Living environment: in general, the lifestyle is considered very positive by expats in many Central American countries.
• Safety and health issues: the quality of health care can vary greatly and personal health insurance is necessary everywhere.
• Seek advice on insurance policies that provide adequate coverage for proper care and also repatriation in case of emergency.

Stories, tips and experiences from specific countries in Central America

Belize - Costa Rica - El Salvador - Guatemala - Honduras - Mexico - Nicaragua - Panama