Nestled neatly between the bigger, louder and brasher North and South Americas, it would be quite easy (but unforgivable) to overlook the compact cluster of seven incredible countries that make up the region of Central America.
But, are you in for an adventure! Volcanoes, Caribbean beaches, Mayan ruins, offshore reefs, colonial towns and dense jungles are ready and waiting for your eager little feet to explore.
So with so much to choose from, wouldn’t it be ideal if you had a neat little list of, say tips and advice for backpacking and things to do in Central America? Well whad’ya know…
Essential Travel Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Central America Tours
• Browse small group adventure tours with G Adventures or Contiki.
Top Places to Visit
Central America is such an underrated destination with so many diverse countries. There are so many unique experiences available from beaches, islands, wildlife, jungles, adventure and much more. You can travel independently which is easy if you know Spanish or book an organised tour.
Here are some of the most popular countries to check out.
• Belize
• Costa Rica
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Nicaragua
• Panama
Best Things to Do in Central America
These are some of my favourite destinations in the region which you need to add to your itinerary.
Check out Incredible Mayan Ruins
Witness incredible architecture and intelligence from civilisations gone by. You’ll be spoilt for choice as Mayan ruins and pyramids are as common in Central America as black cabs in London (this doesn’t make them any less remarkable!)
Set amongst some truly stunning locations, any ruin you visit deserves some quality camera time. The Mayas, Aztecs and Incas were an industrious bunch. Between them, they left behind a swag of ye olde treasures for us to explore.
Central America alone boasts 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites – ancient ruins, Colonial cities, national parks and some of the most incredible archaeological gems you’ll ever clap eyes on.
Climb a Volcano in Nicaragua
As well as some pretty spectacular lakes (looking at you Lake Nicaragua), Nicaragua is also home to an abundance of volcanoes. Some of these active, some dormant, many offer spectacular opportunities to hike upon them or even swim in crater lakes.
Ometepe Island is a perfect place to do this. Located in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, travellers have the chance to hike up Volcano Maderas or Volcano Concepción.
See Sea Turtles Nest in Tortuguero
Between the months of July and October something seriously special happens in Costa Rica. If you happen to be there you may be lucky enough to see the Green Sea Turtles arrive at the beaches to lay their eggs on the sand. If not, wildlife-lovers needn’t worry – there are plenty of fantastic national parks to spot an abundance of wildlife in Costa Rica.
Explore the National Parks of Costa Rica
Some might say Costa Rica is the perfect destination. Lush rain-forest is complemented with sandy white beaches, Caribbean vibes radiate throughout and the jungles are teaming with wildlife.
Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity and has an incredible 27 national parks, overflowing with fish, birds, mammals and plants. Hike volcanoes, explore caves, and soar through the air on the world’s longest zip-line!
“Go Slow” on the Island of Caye Caulker
If you want to relax like you’ve never relaxed before, then a visit to Caye Caulker with the moto “go slow” might just be your perfect holiday.
This is a small Caribbean island just off the coast of Belize, is characterised by its white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters and picturesque palm trees that line the shores.
Cars are prohibited on the island and visitors are encouraged to rent bikes to explore the area – an activity that promotes a slower form of travelling to take in more of the beautiful surroundings.
Swimming, snorkelling and water sports are all popular on the island as well as expeditions to the Great Blue Hole – a giant sinkhole that’s considered one of the best scuba diving sites in the world.
Find Your Perfect Beach
Think you know beaches? You don’t until you’ve stretched out on the sand beneath the cliff-top Maya ruins at El Castillo in Tulum, watched the sunset over the water with three friendly dogs at your side in El Cuco or snorkel about like it ain’t no thang in Caye Caulker. Beach, please.
Volunteer
Giving back on your travels is a great way to meet inspirational people, do something beneficial and learn a lot. There are so many volunteering projects located in this region, from helping sloths to helping communities.
Learn Spanish in Antigua
If you have always wanted to brush up on your Spanish skills, this region has some of the cheapest places to take classes. I highly recommend Antigua in Guatemala as a place to study, lots of schools are located here offering great value courses.
As one of the most charming colonial city of Central America, Antigua needs no presentation. Part of the UNESCO Heritage List since 1979, flanked by volcanoes – including active Pacaya – and conveniently near Guatemala City, it is on everybody’s list.
During Santa Semana, half a million tourists are showing up for its world-famous processions on the narrow cobbled streets but visitors or Spanish student make the town & western restaurants busy year round…
Central America Travel Tips
Language
Most countries in this region speak Spanish, other than Belize where surprising English is spoken. Learn some basic Spanish phrases for tourism before arriving.
Safety
Always take precautions and research countries before arriving. Travelling on a tour is one of the safest ways to get around as you will get a Spanish speaking guide and be taken to the best locations. Follow local advice and general tips like not flashing valuables, having too much cash on you, or venturing off the tourist trail. Some countries are much safer than others, for example Costa Rica is very safe.
Foods to Try
Tacos, tortillas, quesadillas, hot tamales, poporopo and, of course, straight-up barbecued corn on the cob. The Mayas knew it as a ‘gift from the gods’, and after eating your way through everything Central America has to offer, you’ll be nodding your head in agreement.
And when you’ve had enough of that… there are plenty of other delicious feasts to tuck into. Frijoles and fried plantains in Guatemala, baho – a banana-leaf bowl of pork, boiled yucca and salad – in Nicaragua, or a casado – pretty much a bowl with the lot – in Costa Rica.
Enjoy with an ice-cold cerveza or a glass or two of rum.