So, which are the best places to visit in Central America?
Here we’ll look at these diverse lands that link South America to the north. With so much to explore and discover where will you start?
- Where do I start my trip?
- How long do I stay?
- Which is the best country to visit?
- When is the best time to travel?
I asked similar questions before my first trip to Guatemala in 2014.
If you need some ideas, keep reading. I’m going to show you what I have learned after years of non-stop backpacking in and around Central America and the Caribbean.
Places to Visit in Central America
After traveling Central America safely I decided that asking which is the best country to visit in Central America is the wrong question.
As Central America is so unpredictable, a better question to ask is…
Which are the best places to visit in Central America?
As a subcontinent, Central America is small enough to navigate around in a short period.
You can cross the borders of all countries without lifting both feet off the ground. But make sure you’ve got your travel documents in order.
Sounds amazing right?
Keep reading. I promise you’ll see why I’m presenting you with this way of cultural travel that I’ve so positively nurtured since backpacking Central America for the first time.
What did I learn?
If you’re not in a rush, you can follow my travel blogs and learn more about the most popular places to visit.
Where to go in Central America
Being an avid traveler in Latin America doesn’t necessarily mean I’ve been to every country, but they’re all on my list, and there are a few places that I’m still itching to see.
Guatemala is my favorite country, but one word of warning! Whatever you do, don’t drink the tap water as it will lead to illness!
Always carry a water bottle with a built-in filter; there are some clever water bottles that remove most bacteria on the market now.
Let’s look at all the countries to see what each can offer for somebody who’s thinking of backpacking Central America.
Usually, I book a one-way ticket, pick up my backpack, and head for the road, but others prefer to plan more and know every exact step.
If you’re familiar with my style of travel, you know that I don’t engage in random travel but, if you’ve got the time and resources, why not?
Also, it can be very limiting when you choose not to visit countries solely because of their crime rate such as Belize for example.
Countries in Central America
Compared to other regions in Latin America, Central America is tiny.
In my quest to find the best country in Central America, I found myself crossing borders a lot, purely because it was so easy.
I started my first trip by learning Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala.
I found myself in some party hostels in Central America on more than one occasion – but I stuck to my purpose of learning Spanish 😉
Focusing on landmarks rather than countries means you’ll get to adventure and see more of the uniqueness each country has to offer.
See the countries in Central America with the most tourism in 2016:
- 🇬🇹 Guatemala
- 🇳🇮Nicaragua
- 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
- 🇵🇦 Panama
- 🇧🇿 Belize
- 🇸🇻 El Salvador
- 🇭🇳 Honduras
In my opinion, every country in Central America has things worth seeing and experiencing.
For example, many people are concerned about safety in Honduras hence why it came up last in the list.
As a backpacker, I have learned to create my own stories about the places I go and keep moving.
This is why it’s wise not to fixate on any one country. Because you can easily cross borders to see the greatest landmarks in the world.
Just like the ones I’m going to list below. Let the fun begin:
Belize
🇧🇿 Famous for: Beaches, Archaeology, Birdwatching, Eco Tours, Nature parks
Places to see in Belize: Ambergris Caye > Xunantunich > Caye Caulker
Whether soaking up the sun in Ambergris Caye or exploring Mayan ruins, Belize is a unique county in Central America that is still largely undiscovered by backpackers.
If you’re planning a trip to Belize, you can switch between dense jungles, paradise beaches, and the famous Belize Barrier Reef. The marine life is astonishing if you’re into scuba diving.
Belize Tourist Attractions
Belize is a location that many people may choose to visit but might find it hard to understand why.
On the face of it, this is a rather general nation without much to do. Look beyond the surface, though, and you are left with a nation that has much for those with an astute eye for both the past & present.
From amazing beaches to relax on all day to the stunning eco-tours and birdwatching experiences, few nations do so much to help you appreciate its natural architecture.
Here are some of the best tours to do in Belize:
It’s a place with amazing things to see in their various ecological tours and national park visits. On top of that, a host of awesome archaeology tours waiting for you.
If you decided not to learn Spanish, good news! In Belize, you’ll get by with English and be able to enjoy the highlights of Belize easily.
Fancy something sweet to eat? Then be sure to try out Belizean Cacao – truly delicious!
Places to Stay in Belize:
Honduras
🇭🇳 Famous for: Nature & Parks, Tropical fruit, Coffee, Rainforests, Diving.
Places to see in Honduras: Copan > Roatan > Tela > Lake Yoja > Punta Gorda
While Honduras is one of the less-visited countries in Central America, you’ll find large numbers of tourists in some very popular places like Copan and Roatan.
Known for having a fantastically electrical atmosphere in every part of the country, Honduras is a very interesting nation and potentially the most beautiful country in Central America.
Honduras Tourist Attractions
It’s a place that is known for its amazing rainforests in particular, so if you intend to come here be ready for some rainforest visits.
Here you’ll find all manner of fun and excitement waiting for you, with many untouched gems not blighted by typical tourist traps.
Archelogical tours in Honduras:
You will also find that it has many fun places to visit if you would like to try out some new foods and drinks.
Famed for its tremendous coffee and fruits, you can eat (and drink) like royalty if you come here with an open mind.
Be prepared to experiment! Like everything else in Honduras, the food you eat will differ from other Central American countries!
Places to stay in Honduras:
El Salvador
🇸🇻 Famous for: Volcanos, Lakes, Textiles, Surfing, Hiking ,Pupusa’s, Coffee.
Places to see in El Salvador: Tazumal Ruins > San Andrés > El Tunco
El Salvador is known as the smallest country in Central America, but it’s the one that packs the most punch – believe me.
It has much more to offer than Pupusas, which are well-known throughout Central America.
Visit and see for yourself; it’s easily accessible from Nicaragua.
El Salvador Tourist Attractions
For those who enjoy a bit of nature, El Salvador is one of the best places to come to.
Despite being such a small landmass, it manages to fit in masses of quality into such a comparatively small quantity.
They have amazing volcanos to go and visit, with a host of major volcanoes among the most beautiful in the whole of Central America.
On top of that, enjoy trips to major hotspots for everything from lake trips to hiking walks and large surfing experiences.
El Salvador is a nation made entirely for those who enjoy adventure and don’t mind taking a few risks in life.
If that sounds like you, then you will find the amazing climate and the friendly people the ideal place to come and visit.
From surfing to hiking, there’s something waiting for you here!
Where to stay in El Salvador:
- Papaya Lodge → Hostel in El Salvador
- Surf House → Best hostel for surfers
- Tunco Lodge → El Tunco’s finest
Nicaragua
🇳🇮 Famous for: Island beaches, Rum, Coffee, Volcanos, Cigars.
Places to see in Nicaragua: Leon > Granada > Ometepe > San Juan > Corn Islands
When you choose to come to Nicaragua, you are tying yourself up to come to a nation that is all about excess.
While you might be brought here by the amazing island beaches to relax on and volcanoes to wow at, there is much more to this amazing nation than just landscape.
Nicaragua Tourist Attractions
For one, are you a fan of cigar culture? Then forget Cuban cigars – Nicaraguan cigars are easily among the most enjoyable in the world.
You’ll find that the cigars you find here do hit the spot, while the coffee and rum combo will also have you feeling mellow.
Popular tours in Nicaragua:
Make sure you come here when looking for a fun way to relax and try some of the finest coffee with rum drinks you’ll find on this earth!
Whether you’re interested in cigars, soaking up the sun on a secluded beach, or eco-tourism on a sacred island, you’ll find Nicaragua has something for you.
Visit Grenada to really get an idea of life in Nicaragua, as it’s noted for its Spanish architecture.
Places to stay in Nicaragua:
- Mano a Mano → Eco hostel in Nicaragua
- Boca en Boca → Epic hostel in Granada
- Hostel Guide → Hostels in Nicaragua
If you’d like more ideas on what to do in Nicaragua, including where to go. Check out my Backpacking Nicaragua guide for more ideas.
Guatemala
🇬🇹 Famous for: Mayan Artefacts, Coffee, Textiles, Tribes, Lakes, Jungle.
Places to see in Guatamala: Tikal > Antigua > Flores > Xela > Lake Atitlán
Guatemala is known as one of the most culturally rich countries in Central America. You’ll not be disappointed by the wealth of history and culture it has to offer.
While Guatemala might not seem it from the offset, this is a truly spectacular nation to travel across.
Guatemala Tourist Attractions
It’s known for having a tremendous range of cultural artifacts, especially from its old Mayan heritage.
In fact, today many tribes still exist within the rich, lasting jungles that make up much of the landscape of this truly tremendous nation.
One thing that you will find about Guatemala is that it’s a location with amazing ruins, lakes, and jungles to visit.
The manmade ruins manage to fit in perfectly with the natural landscape, making sure that you get to enjoy the most satisfying and demanding of journeys when you come here.
Most popular tours in Guatemala:
You will also get to enjoy that you will get to see some amazing Mayan artifacts as well as old-school tribal items.
Definitely, one to enjoy for those who have an interest in the cultures that came before our own.
The perfect place to learn Spanish in the world and a beginner backpacker’s dream – check out these places to visit in Guatemala for more inspiration.
Guatemala’s beaches, however, are not so famous, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Check out places like Monterrico or Champerico on the Pacific coast for more beach ideas.
Places to stay in Guatemala:
- Adra Hostel → Cool hostel in Antigua
- Peten Express → Epic Hostel in Tikal
- Selina Atitlan → Best in Lake Atitlán
To get the low down on what to do in Guatemala, including budget advice. See my backpacking Guatemala guide for more tips.
Panama
🇵🇦 Famous for: Chocolate, Sailing, Culture, Biodiversity, Hiking, Snorkelling.
Places to see in Panama: Panama City > San Blas > Bocas del Toro
Come to Panama and visit the right places, and you’ll wonder why you never came here before.
Panama was once part of Colombia and now sits just above the line with South America. Get out of Panama City, and you’ll soon see there’s much more than skyscrapers and a canal to visit.
The great thing is that Panama still has some indigenous cultures that are unique to the land. Check out the San Blas Islands for example.
Known for its amazing and deep culture, one thing that you will soon notice about Panama is how diverse it is.
Panama Tourist Attractions
Traveling from part of the nation to the next will often bring some amazing sights and sounds, from amazing old cultural artifacts to complete changes in the climate of the area from step to step.
A diverse and fun place to come to, Panama is perfect for everything from sailing and snorkelling to lasting hiking trips.
Panama usually leaves its visitors with more wisdom than they had before they arrived. So come here, get educated, and enjoy a trip that works perfectly with any lasting visit to this part of the world.
Places to stay in Panama:
Costa Rica
🇨🇷 Famous for: Beaches, Biodiversity, Tropical fruits, Birdwatching, Eco Tourism.
Places to see in Costa Rica: Arenal Volcano > Quepos > Cocos Island
If the aim of your trip is to enjoy a lasting and satisfying trip around beaches and diverse bio areas, then Costa Rica is just for you.
Costa Rica is an absolute gringo’s paradise for some and home to the happiest people in the world for many others.
Costa Rica Tourist Attractions
It’s a tremendous place to come to when you want to enjoy a rich and biodiverse location, with all manner of things to see, to wow over, and to enjoy looking at.
If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, you may want to know where the best spots are before you get there.
On top of that, Costa Rica is home to some of the finest tropical fruits and foods that you will find anywhere in Central America.
For those who enjoy seeing how diverse the world is, then heading on over to Costa Rica makes a lot of sense.
Popular tours in Costa Rica:
The wildlife is incredible, and you’ll find some of the rarest animals known to man. Just make sure you carry some decent hiking shoes to help trek through all those jungle-like terrains.
It’s got a wonderful, diverse, and varied range of things to do, places to visit, and foods to try out.
So, why not come and see what this special location has to offer you?
I saw some of the most enticing beaches and pure white, squeaky sand while backpacking Costa Rica.
Places to stay in Costa Rica:
There’s so many amazing things to do in Costa Rica right now, what are you waiting for?
Places to visit in Central America
So, now we’re fully aware of the countries in Central America (excluding the Caribbean islands), let’s look at some popular things to do in Central America.
You can even plan your Central America travel route in a more meaningful way with these landmarks in mind.
- Tikal, Guatemala
- Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador
- Bay Islands, Honduras
- Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua
- Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
- Great Blue Hole, Belize
- Casco Viejo, Panama
Now that you know some of the best places to visit in Central America, where will you start your trip?
I recommend starting from the bottom if you can. I found that Costa Rica and Panama (located at the bottom) are the most expensive parts of Central America.
That way, as you start moving up, you’ll get smarter and wiser with pricing. You won’t have to watch your spending so much as the prices do change quite drastically.
🔗 Prefer to stay Connected in Central America!?
Been in Central America doesn’t have to mean being disconnected.
- ✓ Super fast global 4G hotspot
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In Central America the internet can be unreliable. I try to maintain contact with loved ones during my trips click here to learn more.
Best time to go to Central America
What will it take to get ready? Don’t let the weather put you off even though Central America can be hot and humid.
I usually try to position myself near a lake at some point during my adventure to cool off and catch the breeze.
Lakes are spectacular in Central America. Visit Lake Atitlan, Petén Itzá, and Izabal. They’ll take your breath away if you get the chance to visit them.
The dry season is from January to April. Then from May, the rain can become really heavy, so you’ll need a comfy pair of walking shoes to really explore, but sunny spells are normal.
Between June and November, you can expect to feel the backlash of the hurricanes that usually strike around the Caribbean at that time.
💡 Smart Travel Tip
It’s also worth noting that prices usually rise between Christmas and Easter due to the influx of tourism.
Safest Country in Central America
Based on the list above, one of the safest places to travel in Central America and a great starting point for beginners would be Costa Rica.
If you’re looking for something more culturally challenging, then I’d start with Guatemala for an interesting mix of safety and adventure.
Check out my Travel Bible. Antigua is one of the first places I recommend for backpacking Central America for the first time.
Check out my Travel Bible, Antigua is one of the first places I recommend for backpacking Central America for the first time.
Central America Travel Tips
Below are some useful travel tips for backpacking Central America, including books to read to make the most out of your experience.
Got Travel Insurance for Central America?
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Books to Read on Central America
Interested in Central American cultures? You’ll love these books:
- Enrique’s Journey – A great read about Mexican, Central American, and South American immigrants. Staring a 12-year-old boy from Honduras who sets out on his own to find his mother in the U.S.
- The Maya – This book is full of facts about the Mayas. The author traces a path from prehistoric times through to the population of five million Mayans inhabiting the Yucatan Peninsula today.
- A Brief History of Central America – Learn more about Central America history from a Gringo outlook and dosn’t shy away from negative critizism and governmental corruption.
- Understanding Belize: A Historical Guide – Learn more about Belize and it’s history. This book has sought after infomation about Belize’s conflics with Guatemala and how Great Britain dominatated the land.
- Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Northern Central America – The compact size of this book is perfect for traveling with. Use it as a field guide or resource for identifying the many species of bird.
Great reads if you wish to learn more about Central America before you head out on your trip.
Best Country in Central America
If you’re interested in adventure travel, Central America is a great place to start. Find one of the many cheap flights and get going.
Depending on your unique set of interests, this article should have given you a better idea of which country in Central America suits you the best.
Are you still undecided? Read more in this backpacking Central America guide on this site to help you learn more about each country.
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