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Central America is generally regarded as being composed of seven countries—Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua. That's seven wonderfully compelling vacation destination options famed for stunningly varied ecosystems, culturally significant historic ruins, and some of the best beaches around. But where do you start?
If history and culture is your thing, head out to Tikal National Park. This ancient Mayan citadel surrounded by the rainforests of northern Guatemala is deserving of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the record, Tika contains the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas.
A small town nestling on the Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo oozes an appealing local ambiance. Some of the country's best beaches are clustered in and around Puerto Viejo: surfers head here for the biggest and most powerful wave in the land, known as Salsa Brava. Make sure you leave time to visit the renowned Jaguar Rescue Center, which, besides the famed big cats, houses other incredible animals.
Cerro Verde National Park is also known as Los Volcanes National Park for its three highlight attractions: the Cerro Verde, Izalco, and Santa Ana volcanoes. Santa Ana (pictured) is, in fact, the highest volcano in the country.
A Central America bucket list favorite, Panama's tranquil San Blas Islands rank among the most picturesque in the Caribbean. This tropical paradise getaway greets the visitor with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an enviable seafood restaurant scene.
Seasoned travelers to Nicaragua rate Ometepe Island as among the most impressive destinations in the country. And for newcomers, this extraordinary island with its towering twin volcanoes set within a vast lake serves as an ideal introduction to this Central American nation.
The largest island of Belize, Ambergris Caye is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. A hub of the area's maritime trade for centuries, Ambergris Caye today serves as the embarkation point for some of the most rewarding dive and scuba destinations in the Caribbean—the island's eastern coast runs parallel to the northernmost stretch of the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Copán archaeological ruins are also protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason! Copán is one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization.
Atitlán in the Solalá highlands is regularly voted as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Created approximately 84,000 years ago as a result of a volcanic eruption, this outstanding body of water is framed by the volcanoes Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro—"The Three Giants"—to form an impressive landscape.
Panama City is a cosmopolitan wonder. The country's capital boasts some of the tallest skyscrapers in Latin America. But here's the surprise: this modern conurbation, known for its gourmet restaurant scene and glitzy nightlife, also embraces two other cities, Panama Viejo and Casco Antiguo, both declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
This fabulous ecosystem protects Costa Rica's best coral reef formations and the massive trees of the lowland Atlantic tropical rainforest and their inhabitants, the residents of which include the long-limbed two-toed sloth (pictured).
This picturesque beach town is a Nicaraguan gem of a destination. Besides an alluring band of sand, San Juan del Sur captivates the visitor with a charming laid-back vibe and welcoming character. Definitely a place to relax in and recharge the batteries.
