Central America is more than just the large passage of land that connects North America to South America. It is diverse landscapes teeming with colorful wildlife and different cultures. Central America is comprised of seven different countries that includes Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Belize, and Panama.
This landmass spanning over 500,000 square km separates the Pacific Ocean from the Caribbean Sea. There are so many places to visit within this wide expanse of land, but we’ll highlight some of the top destinations to visit in Central America to create the ultimate vacation.
Let’s start with the country of Guatemala. Like many Central and South American countries, Guatemala celebrates a unique culture that combines Spanish heritage with that of the Native American people. Tourists can enjoy the country’s rich cultural and natural histories by visiting some of its most popular sites.
For the courageous adventurer, a day’s journey through Volcan Pacaya should quench your thirst for adventure. Volcan Pacaya is an active volcano complete with trails and areas for hiking. It last erupted in May of 2010, but precautions should be taken when planning a trip up this treacherous volcano. Tikal is both a place of natural and historic wonder. Visitors can view and touch the ruins of Mayan temples and buildings while simultaneously getting a view of some of the local wildlife that includes monkeys, foxes, and parrots to name a few.
Because Central America borders two huge bodies of water on either side, it is also home to some amazing beaches. If you are looking for a white sandy getaway, Caye Caulker in Belize offers that and much more. Those white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters are something straight out of a magazine. Visitors here can lounge around on the beautiful beach, cycle, snorkel and swim with aquatic wildlife that includes turtles, stingrays and even sharks.
Beach lovers will also appreciate the beauty of Roatán off the Gulf Coast. It is home to a beautiful coral reef, and it is often a popular tour stop for cruise ships. If you’re going closer inland, Tegucigalpa, the capital of the Honduras, is the place to visit. Here you can experience rich culture, history, music and wildlife all in one area. Hotspots to visit here include the Museum for National Identity, La Tigra National Park, and the Galeria Nacional de Arte.
If you are going to visit Nicaragua, then you have to go through the city of Granada first. The beautiful buildings and cobblestone roads reflect the city’s colonial heritage, and the colorful buildings against the deep blue Gulf provides the perfect scenic view that truly embodies the spirit of Granada.
If you’re visiting Granada, you have to stop to visit the historical Iglesia La Merced, one of the city’s most beautiful churches and iconic landmarks.
Granada is also home to the Museo de Chocolate. Yes, you read that right. The city has an amazing chocolate museum that guides guests through the process of making their own chocolate bar. It even features an all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet, a cacao tour, and you can even indulge in a chocolate facial at their choco spa.
In Central America, there are plenty of places to relax and unwind or get some adrenaline pumping during a thrill-packed adventure.
Whether it’s a chocolate spa day or a beach day with the sharks, you will certainly have some very memorable times.
