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So, let’s get to the list of the best countries to visit in Central America! Note: If “best” to you simply means “safest,” then be sure to instead read my guide to the safest countries in Central America, which is a little different. Here, we’re talking about the best in terms of coolest, most interesting, most incredible, etc.
- Antigua, Guatemala. With 16th-century beginnings as the capital of Guatemala, a trip to Antigua is like stepping back in time. Ravaged by an 18th-century earthquake that turned monuments and buildings to rubble, much of the city stands in ruins that are fascinating to tour.
- Tulum, Mexico. If Mayan ruins are at the top of your list for a Central American trip, look no further than Tulum. Sitting on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean shores of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum encompasses incredible Mayan structures and the protected coasts, tropical forests, and wetlands of Sian Ka’an.
- San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. On Nicaragua’s southwestern Pacific coast sits the small surfer town of San Juan del Sur. Powerful waves crash on the shores, creating a hotspot for locals and travelers who want to catch big waves and have plenty of spots to catch a buzz afterward.
- Panama City, Panama. As the capital of Panama, Panama City is a bustling city filled with modern skyscrapers, stunning architecture, the renowned Panama Canal shipping and transportation hub, and vibrant culture that makes it one of our favorite places to visit in Central America.
- Splash about on Ambergris Caye in Belize. Dubbed La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island), Belize’s most popular vacation island offers sun-drenched days, ritzy resorts and an imaginative culinary scene.
- Marvel at Guatemala’s spectacular Lago de Atitlán. Ringed by lush hillsides and towering volcanoes, Central America’s deepest lake is an escape to simpler times.
- Get a taste of island life at Bocas del Toro in Panama. Dotted with Caribbean-style clapboard houses and awash with dockside restaurants and hotels, this stunning archipelago is Panama's hottest ticket.
- Discover the forest-covered Mayan city of Tikal in Guatemala. If you strolled this ground 1200 years ago, you’d be walking through a thriving Mayan metropolis.
- Costa Rica. One of the most popular countries to visit in Central America is Costa Rica. It has a reputation for being traveler-friendly, expat friendly, safe, beautiful, and fun.
- El Salvador. Generally not that popular among tourists, El Salvador is surprisingly one of the best Central American countries to visit. The country doesn’t have a great reputation due to the wars and violence that occurred there in the mid-late 1900s.
- Guatemala. Situated just below Mexico, Guatemala is an extremely diverse country. It has ancient ruins, highlands, volcanos, mountains, jungles, rainforests, lakes, beaches, cities, small towns, and so much more.
- Belize. Belize, a small and interesting country, is another one of the best Central American countries to visit. It is located on the Caribbean Coast, and therefore is sometimes considered a Caribbean nation in addition to a Central American one.
- San Blas Islands. The San Blas Islands are at the top of most people’s Central America bucket lists and we’d go as far as to say that they’re among the most beautiful islands in the world!
- Panama City. Panama City is the most modern city in Central America. With skyscrapers and luxury hotels as far as the eye can see, Panama City looks almost like a cross between Miami and Las Vegas.
- Bocas del Toro. Ah, Bocas! The tiny island on Panama’s Caribbean coast is famous for diving and snorkeling, incredible nightlife, and beaches! This tiny island is littered with backpacker hostels and small guesthouses but also presents a super relaxed vibe with few roads, and small speed boats being the only method of transport to get there.
- Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo is a small town on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. With lush jungle, amazing beaches, a wildlife rescue center, and vibrant nightlife, Puerto Viejo is easily one of the best places to visit in Central America.
Apr 8, 2024 · All of its seven countries—Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Belize—are popular travel destinations for the unique touristy sites they offer. Explore the pristine beaches surrounded by tropical forests and mountains rich with a diversity of flora and fauna.
Jun 25, 2019 · Central America is a great place to visit. With seven countries to choose from—each packed with stunning natural and cultural attractions—it can be hard to decide where to go. Luckily, we've compiled the top Central America travel destinations for you to explore.
