What are the Best Countries to Visit in Central America + Top Tips

One of the most popular travel experiences that you see a lot of at the moment is a trip through Central America—and for good reason! Central America is a truly gorgeous part of our planet, home to a variety of cultures, ecosystems, and endless adventures to experience. What’s more, it’s just a short flight away from the US! Today at Civitatis, we’re going to talk about the best countries to visit in Central America and give you some top tips to keep in mind for your travels. Let’s get into it!

1. Costa Rica

Coming in as our favorite country in Central America is the nation of Pura Vida: Costa Rica! A nature lover’s paradise, with rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches galore, Costa Rica is also statistically one of the safest countries in the region. ‘Pura vida‘ is a phrase you’ll hear a lot when in Costa Rica, used to say ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, and as a response to ‘how are you?’ (¿como estás?). It translates literally to ‘pure life’, but it refers to a national worldview based on optimism and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

La Fortuna

Our favorite place to go in Costa Rica is La Fortuna, a hub for backpackers seeking adventure and wellness in the northern highlands of the country. Sure, you’re going to meet a lot of fellow travelers in La Fortuna but don’t worry, it still has a local feel and the pura vida vibe that sets Costa Rica apart from its neighbors.

The most popular thing to do when in La Fortuna is probably visiting the Arenal National Park, home to the Arenal Volcano, a 5,358-foot (1,633-meter) tall volcano. In this national park, you’ll find lots of hiking trails bringing you through the wild jungle, and passing by gorgeous lagoons. See it for yourself on this Arenal Volcano tour! But there’s so much more to do around this national park. You can go waterfall canyoning at the Arenal Volcano, paddle boarding on Lake Arenal, or explore the jungle from above on this Arenal hanging bridges tour. After a few days of adrenaline-pumping experiences, it’s time to check out the Thermal Pools of la Arenal. There’s so much to do in and around La Fortuna, you won’t ever get bored!

• See more tours & experiences in La Fortuna.

Manuel Antonio

5-6 hours from La Fortuna is Manuel Antonio, where turquoise water splashes onto white beaches framed by tropical trees, and lots of backpackers and digital nomads come to chill out and enjoy nature. Manuel Antonio National Park is home to magnificent tropical rainforests and diverse wildlife—over 100 species of mammals, and 200 species of birds. On this Manuel Antonio National Park tour, you’ll be brought through the rainforest, hopefully seeing such magnificent creatures as marmoset monkeys and two-toed sloths.

Like La Fortuna, there are lots of adventure activities in Manuel Antonio. You can zipline through the rainforest in Manuel Antonio, or enjoy a quad tour through the rainforest. Or, if you’re really looking for an adrenaline rush, you can go skydiving over the rainforest.

• See more tours & experiences in Manuel Antonio.

• Check out tour packages and activities in Costa Rica.

2. Guatemala

Next up on our list… Guatemala. This country is home to breathtaking natural beauty, incredibly kind and welcoming people, and rich Mayan and Colonial heritage. What’s more, it’s better value for money than most of the rest of the region.

Flores

Only a few hours from Belize by bus, Flores is a beautiful, colorful little town that is well worth visiting in Guatemala—considered the second oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the Americas, and it was also the last Maya city to fall to the Spanish.

Flores has a unique charm and is also close in proximity to absolutely breathtaking Maya ruins, particularly those of Tikal, which are an absolute must-see for everyone visiting Guatemala. Tikal was massive—thought to have been home to an estimated 100,000 people at its height. The archeological site is beautifully preserved containing pyramids, plazas, palaces, and other curiosities—you can check it all out for yourself on this Tikal excursion from Flores.

Yaxha is another Maya site that is well worth checking out. On this tour of Yaxha, you’ll delve into the Guatemalan jungle and learn all about this site’s staggering pyramids, which you’ll learn all about as part of the tour. We’d also recommend checking out the Blue Crater, a section of the river Arroy not far from Flores, where you can cool off in crystal clear blue water, surrounded by the wild jungle.

• See more tours & experiences in Flores.

Antigua Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala, or often just ‘Antigua’, is one of the most popular destinations in the country, and for good reason. This old colonial town was founded in the early 1500s, as the capital of Guatemala, and its cultural and economic center. 5,000 ft (1,500 m) above sea level, the town has been struck by earthquakes, floods, and fires, leading to the capital eventually being moved to where Guatemala City is today.

Today, Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a window into colonial times in Guatemala, with much of the grid plan and early colonial architecture still standing today. The best way to discover this magical city is on this Antigua Guatemala free walking tour, which will take you to all of the major sites, and tell you more about its history. Also, given this town’s altitude, we’d recommend this Antigua Guatemala viewpoints buggy tour—make your way to the best viewpoints in the city on buggies!

• See more tours & experiences in Antigua Guatemala.

• Check out more activities and tour packages in Guatemala.

3. Mexico

Okay, okay. Mexico is generally part of North America, but if you’re planning on doing a sort of Central American tour, Mexico is kind of the perfect place to start.

Mexico City

You can fly into Mexico City from almost anywhere in the world and your journey can start right here! This dynamic city is full of charm, brimming with rich history (in fact, Mexico City is the oldest city in the Americas) and it has a spectacular street food scene, which you can get a taste of as part of this free taco tour.

The best way to get acquainted with your surroundings (and to learn about its history) is to go on this free walking tour of Mexico City. This tour will bring you past the city’s major landmarks, including the colonial Palace of Fine Arts and Constitution Square, as well as the Aztec ruins of the Templo Mayor and Templo de Tlaloc.

A short drive from Mexico City, going on a Teotihuacan Pyramids tour is an absolute must. These ancient ruins lie just 50 minutes away from Mexico’s capital and constitute the largest pre-Hispanic city in the country. For an even more complete experience, see the site from the sky on this Teotihuacán hot air balloon ride, which also includes admission to the site.

• See more tours & experiences in Mexico City.

Cancún

This beach-lovers paradise is the most popular tourist destination in Mexico, famous not only for its turquoise waters, but also its fantastic food, cenotes, entertainment, and proximity to other gems of the country. Located on the Yucatán Peninsula, Cancún is a short drive from the world-famous Chichén Itzá, the most important archaeological site of the Maya civilization. Check out our tours and experiences at Chichen Itza. If you plan on staying for a while in Cancún, check out our top 15 things to do in Cancún blog.

If you’re in Mexico and want to get to Belize, it’s actually pretty straightforward from Cancún. Your best bet is to get a bus to Bacalar overnight, and then get another bus from Bacalar to Belize City in the morning. Alternatively, you can get a direct flight from Cancún to Belize City.

• See more tours & experiences in Cancún.

• Check out more activities and tour packages in Mexico.

4. Nicaragua

An underrated gem, Nicaragua is known as the ‘land of lakes and volcanoes’ and offers dramatic landscapes, gorgeous colonial landscapes, and a truly authentic cultural experience, in a country that has been largely unaffected by mass tourism.

Managua

The historic city of Managua, Nicaragua’s capital, is mainly used as a base camp for exploring other parts of the country. However, Managua is quite lovely, and this city deserves at least a day of exploration. Rubén Darío National Theater and the Plaza de la Revolución Square, home to such landmarks as the Old Cathedral and the National Palace of Culture are definitely highlights in the city. See these landmarks and learn about their history on this Managua guided tour.

Outside of Managua, there’s lots to see. If you’re into volcanoes, check out this day trip to the Masaya Volcano—only an hour from the city, this volcano is known as the ‘mouth of hell’. Another activity we’d recommend checking out is this Somoto Canyon day trip. Somoto Canyon is a great place to hike, swim, sail, or just enjoy the spectacular view!

• See more tours & experiences in Managua.

Granada

The oldest town in Nicaragua and not too far from Managua, Granada is a sunny, colonial gem perched on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. This charming, though somewhat edgy city was founded back in 1524, and thanks to its position by the lake, quickly became an important trade center in the region. Granada offers an authentic cultural experience, with great food and bars to enjoy with beautiful colonial architecture serving as the backdrop. Architectural highlights include the Granada Cathedral, a beautiful yellow building right at Parque Central in the middle of the city. The best way to explore the city is on this Granada free tour!

• See more tours & experiences in Granada.

• Check out more activities and tour packages in Nicaragua.

5. Belize

Welcome to Belize, the only Central American country without Spanish as its first language, and also the second smallest—of course, there’s a whole lot more to Belize than that! The country is perhaps best known for its abundance of Maya ruins, though it’s also home to the laid-back, Caribbean beach vibe if that’s what you’re after!

San Ignacio

The town of San Ignacio itself isn’t the most life-changing place in and of itself, and in fact most people stay a little bit outside of it. That said, Belize’s prized Maya ruins, in and around San Ignacio is the best place to base yourself out of. With Civitatis, you can visit visit Xunantunich, Lamani, Caracol, and Atun Ha. You can also explore hidden Maya caves. such as the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, where you can wade through water and discover ancient Maya artifacts and sacrificial remains. There’s so much to see—if you’re a history buff (or even if you’re not), you’re going to be blown away by this part of the world.

• See more tours & experiences in San Ignacio.

Caye Caulker

A small island with a big personality, Caye Caulker is what that laid-back Caribbean vibe is all about. With its motto “Go Slow,” this island is the perfect place to unwind at the beach, eat some good food, and enjoy the views. If you’re into marine life, we’d also recommend going snorkeling in Caye Caulker—on this activity, you’ll make you’re way out to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and swim above incredible coral reefs, sharks, giant turtles, and more!

• See more tours & experiences in Caye Caulker.

• Check out more tours and experiences in Belize.

6. El Salvador

The smallest and most densely populated country in Central America, El Salvador is the most up-and-coming country on this list. In recent years, it has received far more attention as a tourist destination, largely thanks to a crackdown. With its diverse landscapes, rich history, and welcoming locals, El Salvador is a no-brainer!

San Salvador

The vibrant capital, and where you’ll most likely begin your journey in El Salvador, San Salvador is a buzzing city with gorgeous historical landmarks. The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador, the Iglesia of El Rosario, and the Plaza Libertad are just some of the highlights—all of which you can see and learn more about as part of this free tour of San Salvador.

Other than the major landmarks, San Salvador is home to lots of great beaches, restaurants, museums, as well as some Maya ruins. 

Outside of the city (just a 20-minute drive from the city center) is the San Salvador Volcano, which lies within El Boqueron National Park. Back in 1917, this volcano erupted and destroyed large parts of the city, which is why the city is sometimes referred to as the ‘Pompeii of America’. Here, you can visit the volcano’s crater, and explore hiking trails that bring you past beautiful, diverse vegetation and wildlife. Check it out for yourself on this tour of El Boqueron National Park.

• See more tours & experiences in San Salvador.

Santa Ana

The second largest city in El Salvador is Santa Ana, a laid-back, friendly city with lots of colonial history. However, this part of the country is best known for the Santa Ana Volcano. This stunning piece of natural beauty rises a staggering 7812 ft (2380 m) above sea level, providing incredible panoramic views of the surrounding areas. The volcano also holds a beautiful turquoise lagoon inside, giving it a nearly other-worldly appearance. You can hike the Santa Ana Volcano on this day trip from San Salvador.

• See more tours & experiences in Santa Ana.

• Check out more activities and tour packages in El Salvador.

7. Panama

Panama offers a mix of modern skyscrapers, tropical islands, and rich history, and yet many people think that all that this country has to offer is its canal, which admittedly, is pretty cool.. but there’s much more to Panama than that!

Panama City

The capital of Panama is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, but also a highly modernized city, with lots of high-rise apartments and office towers, which give the city quite an Americanized feel. On this Panama City + Panama Canal tour, you’ll get to see the city, and its famous canal all in one. If you didn’t know, the Panama Canal is as famous as it is, because, since the early 20th century, it has allowed boats to cut their journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean by a staggering 8,000 miles (12,875 km). Panama’s old center, known as Casco Antiguo, is another neat part of the city you’ll see on this tour. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to a number of architectural gems, including the Church of San José, famous for its magnificent golden altar.

Panama City is also known for its vibrant nightlife, fantastic restaurants, and luxury boutiques… but there’s a lot you need to check out outside of the city as well. Take a look at some of our favorites:

• Day Trip to the San Lorenzo & San Jeronimo Forts
• Excursion to Soberania National Park and Sloth Sanctuary
• Day Trip to San Blas Islands
• Taboga Island Catamaran Day Trip

Boquete

Nestled in the highlands of western Panama, Boquete offers the complete opposite experience to that of Panama City. This mountain town is a paradise for coffee lovers and outdoor enthusiasts—home to some of the best coffee plantations in the world. If that’s what you’re into, check out this Boquete coffee tour, which will bring you through a number of coffee plantations, with all different types of coffee beans. You’ll gain an insight into the production process and also taste a variety of Panamanian coffees, including the highly unique and aromatic Geisha coffee.

We’d also recommend making your way to the stunning La Amistad National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to stunning waterfalls, vegetation, and wildlife, including monkeys and exotic birds, including the quetzal, one of the most stunning, colorful birds in the world. Visit La Amistad National Park on a Zipline Adventure!

• See more tours & experiences in Boquete.

• Check out more activities and tour packages in Panama.

Know Before You Go – Central America Travel Tips

Before you make your travel plans, get to grips with the basics of traveling to Central America:

What languages are spoken in Central America?

The main language spoken across Central America is Spanish. The one exception to this rule is the country of Belize, which has English as its official language. If you’re planning a trip, it might be wise to brush up on your Spanish on Duolingo!

Throughout the region, many native and Creole languages are also spoken.

Is Central America safe?

Central America is generally considered safe for tourists to visit, though precautions must be taken. Naturally, some countries, cities, and neighborhoods will be safer or more dangerous than others. Generally, tourist towns will be the safest to stay in, though that is not to say that these areas are trouble-free. It’s good practice to always be aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas, don’t wear flashy clothes or jewelry, and avoid wandering around after dark.

When traveling in Central America, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance to give you peace of mind, and so that if something does go wrong (illness, robbery) you’re covered!

Cash & currencies in Central America

Pretty much all the way across Central America, cash is still king. You’ll find ATMs everywhere, and some vendors will have card readers. However, expect to be hit with a significant surcharge with each purchase/cash withdrawal.

In terms of currencies, the US Dollar is accepted in touristy areas of many Central American countries, and as the main currency in Panama and Belize. However, you’ll likely need to take out local currency along the way—Colones in Costa Rica, Quetzals in Guatemala, etc.

There you have it for our list of the best Central American countries to visit. Truthfully, each country has its merits and can make for an extraordinary holiday. Whether you’re looking at visiting just one or doing a tour of Central America, be sure to check out more tours and experiences with Civitatis and fill your trip with fun activities!