There are so many incredible places to visit in Central America that it is definitely difficult to choose where to visit! Between the stunning beaches, lush jungles, and jaw-dropping volcanoes, there’s a lot of picturesque places to visit. The countries in Central America will have you wanting to keep planning more trips back to visit more.
To help with your planning, I’ve teamed up with some amazing travel bloggers to bring you a list of some of the best places to visit in Central America. It will surely inspire you to add new destinations to your travel bucket list!
Continue reading to discover the best places to visit in Central America!
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.
Table of Contents
Panama
El Valle de Antón
Recommended by Joseph of The Culture Portrait
El Valle de Antón, or more colloquially called “El Valle”, is a town set in the crater of a dead volcano, 2-3 hours away from Panama City by car. It is a tranquil and very laid-back town in the countryside of Panama and is one of the best places to visit in Central America. It is suitable for relaxing, taking it easy, and soaking in the mountain air. Overall, El Valle is great if you are a mountain town kind of person, and you love lush greenery.
To give you a look into the role that El Valle plays in local culture, Panama City locals use El Valle for a relaxing, quick mountain getaway. Additionally, wealthy Panamanians from the city own country houses there, to which they retreat whenever they want to.
The activities that are popular in El Valle are horseback riding, hiking, visiting the Aguas Termales, bird-watching, checking out the “square-shaped” trees behind Hotel Campestre, and going to the “Chorro El Macho” waterfall.
A visit to the Aguas Termales or thermal waters can be fun. These are naturally formed pools of warm water containing various natural minerals that are thought to help the skin.
Next, if you’re into hiking, the most popular hike is the hike to the top of the “India Dormida” mountain, and you can see the whole town from up there. Set at the beginning of the hike there is a big stone called the “Piedra Pintada” with Pre-Columbian petroglyphs that were made by Native American tribes (which you might want to check out). If you do hike the mountain, make sure to bring a guide with you to make sure you don’t get lost, and bring mosquito repellent.
Lastly, you might want to check out the Nispero Zoo to see cute, exotic birds and the “Chorro El Macho” waterfall, which can be fun activities for both kids and adults.
Where to Stay in El Valle:
- For beautiful sea and mountain views, check out this vacation rental.
- If you’re looking for a great hostel to meet other travellers, Bodhi Hostel is a great choice.
- For more places to stay in El Valle check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Bocas del Toro
Recommended by Megan of Red Around the World
Bocas del Toro is a tropical paradise off the Caribbean coast of Panama. It’s an easy bus and boat ride from Panama City or Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, and is perfect if you want a relaxing beach getaway.
There are two main islands that visitors stay on, Isla Colon is great if you are interested in nightlife and Isla Bastimentos just a short boat ride away is perfect if you want a laid-back vacation. You can visit some of the other islands if you decide to do an island hopping tour, which is a great way to experience the area.
There are so many awesome things to do in Bocas del Toro like renting bikes, visiting Playa Estrella and Boca del Drago, island hopping, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, relaxing on Red Frog Beach, enjoying chocolate in the hills of Bastimentos, lively nightlife, and even a bioluminescence tour.
Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro:
- If you’re looking for a stunning lodge with views of the water, Bambuda Lodge is a perfect choice.
- This vacation rental boasts a private pool and is right on the beach!
- For more places to stay in Bocas del Toro, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Panama City
Recommended by Me
If travelling to Panama, you’re likely to fly into the international airport in Panama City. The city is great to explore for a few days, or even just for a one-day stopover. When visiting, you must see the Panama Canal and the city sign near the water!
The historical area, Casco Viejo, boasts pastel-coloured colonial buildings that are really photogenic. This area is home to many local restaurants, souvenir shops, street sellers, and more to explore. Be sure to take a walk by the water to admire the stunning views.
There are plenty of organized day tours to take you around the city to learn more about the area. There are convenient tours that offer round-trip airport transportation as well, which is perfect for a stopover adventure!
Where to Stay in Panama City:
- This stunning 3-story penthouse is a perfect vacation rental option. The rooftop sitting area is the perfect way to relax after a long day of exploring.
- Hotel y Casino Central Park Panama also has a gorgeous pool and cozy rooms to relax in.
- For more places to stay in Panama City, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
San Blas Islands
Recommended by Pamela of The Directionally Challenged Traveler
One of the best places to visit in Central America is the San Blas Islands in Panama. This hidden gem is often overlooked by travelers due to its remote location. There are actually 365 islands in San Blas, but only a few are inhabited.
Visiting San Blas Islands is coordinated through the indigenous Kuna people. The Kuna Yala region is an autonomous region in Panama, meaning you need your passport to enter. Most people get transportation from Panama City to San Blas via car then boat, others prefer to fly into one of the smaller airports, and some can charter a Catamaran boat to get around the islands. Be sure to book with a company that is familiar with the Kuna region.
Enjoy the incredible beach sunsets from an over the sea bungalow.
The Kuna people are your hosts and are very friendly. They will take you to other islands for a few hours to snorkel or relax on the beach. While you’re relaxing, the staff is catching dinner (unless you have dietary restrictions). Sitting on your deck eating fresh seafood while the sunsets over the water is an incredible way to spend your vacation.
The San Blas Islands are a magical destination in Central America that are overlooked by travelers.
Where to Stay on San Blas Islands:
- This over-the-ocean bungalow makes for a dreamy and unforgettable stay.
- For more places to stay on San Blas Islands, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Guatemala
Chichicastenango
Recommended by Carley Rojas Avila from Home to Havana
A small but vibrant town located in the Guatemalan highlands is Chichicastenango. It is best known for having one of the best markets in Latin America. On market days, the town comes alive with activity and the streets swell with vendors selling everything from flowers and fresh foods to intricately woven Guatemalan textiles made into traditional clothing, wood carvings, leather, and much more.
An excursion to Chichicastenango during the market day is not only a fantastic way to visit this incredible and varied market but a great way to experience and learn more about Mayan culture as well. Make sure to visit Santo Tomás church, built by the Spanish on top of a sacred Mayan site. The stairs climbing to the church are still used by priests for ceremonies. Here, you’ll find vendors selling flowers and incense for similar rituals. Chichicastenango is also one of the best places in the country to learn about traditional Mayan clothing and weaving methods and how they vary from different areas of the country.
Many choose to make a trip to Chichicastenango a day trip as part of a longer stay by nearby Lake Atitlan. It is one of the most scenic areas of the Guatemalan highlands where volcanos spring up in the distance and small towns surrounding the lake. If you’re visiting Lake Atitlan, make sure to explore at least a few towns and take the water taxi across the lake.
Where to Stay in Chichicastenango:
- Hotel Museo Mayan Inn is a charming stay located near the market area.
- For a budget-friendly stay, Hotel Chalet is a good choice.
- For more places to stay in Chichicastenango, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Antigua
Recommended by Marquita of Marquita’s Travels
If you’re a lover of beautiful views, volcanoes, colorful architecture, or cobblestone streets, Antigua, Guatemala is one of the best places to visit in Central America
With three volcanoes visible from basically any location in the city, it makes the perfect backdrop for any occasion- from a restaurant’s deck to your hotel balcony. To get an up-close and personal volcano experience, be sure to do one of the volcano hiking tours. The Pacaya volcano is the easiest to hike. In fact, there is an option to “hike” on horseback. If a more strenuous hike is more of your pace, then Acatango and Fuego are great options- both of which offer overnight tours.
Similarly, Hobbitenango, a twenty-minute drive from Antigua, offers the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled day. Set within a stunning, uninterrupted view of the volcanoes surrounding Antigua, visiting Hobbitenango is a must. From restaurants to hiking trails, to a local artisan market and a hotel, there is something for everyone. While there, it’s basically obligatory to take a picture at the infamous “Mano Gigante” which offers an incredible, picture-worthy backdrop.
Antigua, the city itself, is filled with charm. The beautiful, colorful architecture and the cobblestone streets immediately warm your heart with their allure. Walking around from block to block is an activity all within itself. Be sure to visit Plaza Central Park and Arco de Santa Catalina to experience the full allure of the city.
Honestly, if you’re looking for a vibrant city with various once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Antigua, Guatemala is one of the best places in Central America.
Where to Stay in Antigua:
- For a stay in a charming colonial house, this vacation rental is a great choice.
- Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo boasts a luxurious 5-star stay with a stunning pool.
- For more places to stay in Antigua, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Honduras
Roatan
Recommended by Chantelle of Flannels or Flip Flops
Roatan is a small island about 40 miles from the Northern Coast of Honduras. This small island is just under 50 miles long and 5 miles wide at its largest point, but don’t let that fool you, Roatan is jam-packed with amazing things to do!
If you love being in or around gorgeous Caribbean waters, you are especially going to love Roatan. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world and is located right off the coast of Roatan. This provides incredible opportunities for world-class snorkeling and scuba diving. The water is warm and clear and excellent for relaxing and swimming as well.
The interior of Roatan is rainforest and jungle, and is so pretty! There is so much to do even if you don’t want to spend your day in the water. The animal life here is varied and plentiful. You can see exotic birds everywhere you go. One of the most fun things to do on Roatan is to hold sloths and play with monkeys. If you are feeling adventurous you can zipline over the canopy of the rain forest.
You’ll love the culture of Roatan. The population there is a great mix of people from all over that have combined ideas, food, and cultures to create a unique and super fun vibe on the island.
Roatan is becoming a very popular cruise port, with ships docking at Mahogany Bay. It is a beautiful area but is owned by cruise corporations. For a more “real” taste of Roatan, I highly suggest leaving this area and exploring Coxen Hole, Little French Key, or West Bay.
Where to Stay in Roatan:
- This secluded beachfront villa will surely leave you speechless with the views of the water!
- Bananarama Dive & Beach Resort is a great beachfront option with a dive center located right in the hotel.
- For more places to stay in Roatan, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Nicaragua
Corn Islands
Recommended by Me
Corn Islands is a lesser-known Caribbean escape that feels like a private island adventure. The two islands, Big Corn and Little Corn, boast a paradise with turquoise-coloured waters and perfect beaches. With the incredible weather and sunshine, you’ll be spending all day outside wandering around the island’s perimeter. The perimeter is lined with beaches and you’ll encounter incredible views everywhere you turn.
While there are plenty of reasons to visit Corn Islands, it is a very popular destination for scuba diving in Nicaragua. There are plenty of dive shops that offer training courses and dives for those who are more advanced.
Where to Stay on Corn Islands:
- For a gorgeous stay right on the water, check out Hotel Casa Canada. There’s also an amazing pool!
- Arenas Beach Hotel boasts a luxurious stay and is located right on the beach.
- For more places to stay on Corn Islands, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
San Juan del Sur
Recommended by Me
The fun beach town of San Juan del Sur is the party capital of Nicaragua and is one of the top places to visit in Central America. Every Sunday, the crazy and legendary “Sunday Funday” party occurs. This is a pool party pub crawl that attracts visitors from all over the world! There’s something about the beautiful weather and beaches that make San Juan del Sur a hot spot for people wanting to visit a party city in Central America.
There’s plenty of beaches to visit as well, where you can learn how to surf or paddleboard! The fun and colourful town is filled with great food and friendly locals, really making it one of the best places to visit in Central America!
Where to Stay in San Juan del Sur:
- For a top-rated stay with gorgeous tropical-style rooms, be sure to check out Selina Maderas.
- TreeCasa Resort has one of the most incredible pools I’ve seen in the area and boasts tropical vibes.
- For more places to stay in San Juan del Sur, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Leon
Recommended by Me
The second-largest city in Nicaragua, Leon, is home to beautiful architecture and is a hub for many different excursions. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Central America in terms of cities! While wandering the streets, you can admire stunning street art and you’ll find many great restaurants. The main square is exciting to visit with locals selling goods and snacks, all surrounding the largest cathedral in Central America.
From the city, you can head out on many different adventures. One of the most popular is booking a volcano boarding adventure on Cerro Negro. On a day trip to the volcano, you will suit up in bright jumpsuits, hike up an active volcano, then toboggan down on a wooden board! It’s definitely a unique experience and one of my favourite stories I tell to date about my trip to Nicaragua.
Where to Stay in Leon:
- If you’re looking for a charming boutique hotel, Hotel Flor De Sarta is sure to please.
- Hostal Lazybones is a top-rated and affordable place to stay in the city for those looking to make new friends!
- For more places to stay in Léon, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Ometepe Island
Ometepe Island is located in the stunning Lake Nicaragua and accessible via ferry. The Island boasts two volcanoes at the ends of the island, joined together by a narrow strip of land. Tourists typically rent a scooter and drive around the rocky dirt roads. But beware – the roads are certainly bumpy and many visitors fall off their scooters and scrape up their legs!
It is a great place to rent a canoe or kayak and float around the water. It is a calm destination in Nicaragua that offers plenty of hikes to volcanoes, waterfalls, and restaurants to discover.
Where to Stay on Ometepe Island:
- If you’re looking for a place with a private beach and views of the volcanoes, check out Hotel San Juan Ometepe.
- Xalli Beach Hotel is located right on the beach and has plenty of hammocks to relax in!
- For more places to stay on Ometepe Island, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Costa Rica
Playa Conchal
Recommended by Kelly of Jersey Globetrotter
Playa Conchal is a small, secluded beach town in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. Many visitors come here to see shell beach which is named after the uncommon phenomenon that occurs, where shell fragments wash up on a small section of Playa Conchal during high tide.
There are two luxurious resorts, the Westin and W Hotel, located directly on the beach, and locally owned hotels nearby. Accessing this beach from neighboring towns or other sections of Playa Conchal is a little trickier. You will need to park in the neighboring town of Brasilito and take a fifteen-minute walk over to Playa Conchal. It’s worth the hike!
Playa Conchal is quieter than surrounding towns but it’s in a fantastic central location with the main hub of Tamarindo. Here, there are restaurants, nightlife, and shops just a short, twenty-minute drive away. Conveniently, the Liberia Airport is a little less than an hour away as well, making Playa Conchal a great place to visit on your trip to Costa Rica.
Playa Conchal consistently has great water conditions and a beautiful reef for snorkeling. Many snorkeling spots in Costa Rica are not easily accessible or don’t have great visibility. If you would prefer to just relax on the water, there are several catamaran cruises in the area. These cruises are a great way to see the beautiful landscape of Costa Rica while lounging with a drink and some music.
For adrenaline-filled tours, I highly recommend an ATV or jet ski tour. On the jet ski tour, your guides will take you along popular beaches in the area. Most tours will even take you to a secluded beach to hang out, take pictures, or snorkel. ATV tours are a great way to see nearby beaches, towns and explore the back roads and trails. You may need to go through some deep water so make sure you wear shoes that are easy to clean.
Where to Stay in Playa Conchal:
- If you’re looking for an all-inclusive stay, check out Westin Reserva Conchal.
- The W Costa Rica Resort boasts two stunning pools and a buffet breakfast.
- For more places to stay in Playa Conchal, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Recommended by Veronika of Travel Geekery
Manuel Antonio National Park belongs to the most beautiful places to visit in Costa Rica and in the whole of Central America. The national park is located near the city of Quepos in Puntarenas province.
While this national park is officially the smallest in Costa Rica, it’s one of the most popular ones. On a relatively small area, you can admire the lush beauty of the tropical forest, stunning beaches, and plenty of wildlife.
You can hike on the numerous hiking trails leading to several viewpoints. If you get especially lucky, you might see a dolphin or two or even migrating whales!
Once done with hiking, beach time is more than proper. There are a few beaches to enjoy with calm refreshing waters and areas to chill:
- Manuel Antonio Beach
- Playa Espadilla Sur
- Playa Gemelas
Animals that you can spot in Manuel Antonio NP include the unique squirrel monkey, capuchin monkey, howler monkey, both types of sloth, iguana, coati, raccoon, and various types of colorful birds.
Manuel Antonio National Park is popular among locals too. It gets especially busy on the weekends when families come to enjoy the beaches.
Where to Stay near Manuel Antonio NP:
- Parador Resort and Spa is a popular place to stay near the beach.
- Another popular stay with a pool is Waterfront Hotel Verde Mar.
- For more places to stay near Manuel Antonio NP, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Osa Peninsula
Recommended by Lori of Travlinmad.com
Costa Rica still remains one of the most popular eco destinations in the world for nature lovers. One of the best places to explore is the 700 square miles of the lush Osa Peninsula on the country’s southwest Pacific coast.
Once dubbed the “most biologically diverse place on Earth” by National Geographic, the Osa is the best place to see monkeys in Costa Rica, and other wildlife like scarlet macaws and humpback whales in their natural habitat.
Surfers love Matapalo on the southernmost point of the peninsula for its excellent surf break. Divers and snorkelers should head to Caño Island Biological Marine Reserve just off the northwest corner of the Osa. It is home to manta rays, sea turtles, white sharks, Moorish idols, and other incredible underwater creatures. To explore the best of Osa’s natural world, a hike through Corcovado National Park is a must. Here, there is an abundance of native species present.
For accommodations, hotels and lodges in Costa Rica range from hostel to luxury. Any visit to the Osa demands a stay in a jungle lodge cabana. Bosque del Cabo is one of the best, with over 700 acres of the dense jungle overlooking the cliffs around Matapalo.
Wherever you go, the Osa Peninsula is the perfect place to experience Costa Rica
Where to Stay near Osa Peninsula:
- Corcovado Osa Peninsula Tree House is a unique accommodation to stay at and really is a treehouse!
- If you’re looking for a waterfront stay with gorgeous views, check out Cabinas Jimenez.
- For more places to stay near Osa Peninsula, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
La Fortuna
Recommended by Pubali and Indranil of Paradise Catchers
With its excellent tourism infrastructure, Costa Rica is a preferred holiday destination for many. The town of La Fortuna is not only a must visit destination in Costa Rica, but is also one of the best places to visit in Central America.
Located in the northern plains of Costa Rica, La Fortuna is a small town offering plenty of things to do. It is a nature lover’s delight as one can choose from several nature and adventure activities. However, the standing out feature of La Fortuna town is the view of the mighty Arenal Volcano, visible from almost any part of the town.
Some of the top activities of La Fortuna include hiking on the trails around Arenal Volcano, visiting the La Fortuna waterfall, relaxing in the natural hot springs, ziplining, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. You can hike in Arenal Volcano National Park or Arenal 1968 for closer views of lava trails and the volcano itself. There are several hot springs to fit different types of budget, some of the popular ones being Tabacon, Baldi, and Ecotermales. You can book a guided tour at Bogarin Trail for almost guaranteed sloth sightings and excellent bird-watching opportunities. Also, explore the hanging bridges of Mistico Park or Sky Adventures for aerial views of the rainforests. The amazing sky blue colored Rio Celeste waterfall is just an hour’s drive from La Fortuna.
With the diversity of activities in the area, La Fortuna is great for a romantic holiday, a family vacation with kids, or for solo travelers. It is also easy to reach as the town is located about 83 miles away from Liberia airport and around 71 miles from San Jose airport.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna:
- Selina La Fortuna is a popular stay in the area, with a nice pool and a restaurant on site.
- For a luxurious stay, check out Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort.
- For more places to stay in La Fortuna, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Rio Pacuare
Recommended by Me
If you’re an adventure and nature lover, Rio Pacuare is a great place to visit. The river is over 100km long and flows through dense rainforest. The lush rainforest is filled with animals and you’re bound to see a few while visiting the area.
The river is a popular place to go whitewater rafting in Costa Rica, boasting various classes of rapids to adventure along. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rafter, it makes for an exciting adventure and memories.
The famous and award-winning Tropical Rivers Lodge is located along the river. Here, there are plenty of dreamy cabins in the rainforest to stay in. Along with rafting, there are plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls to explore!
Where to Stay near Rio Pacuare:
- Pacuare Lodge is a unique accommodation that is only accessible by raft.
- For more places to stay near Rio Pacuare, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
El Salvador
Ruta de las Flores
Recommended by Joanna of The World in my Pocket
El Salvador is a beautiful, underrated country in Central America. It is often overlooked by its more famous neighbours like Guatemala or Belize. One of the reasons to visit El Salvador is Ruta de las Flores. It is a gorgeous road trip which you can do in one or more days, starting in Ahuachapan.
Ruta de la Flores is a 20 miles long mountain road that passes through five colonial villages. Each one is more beautiful than another. The road is called “Ruta de la Flores” because of the gorgeous yellow flowers flanking both sides of it.
The villages along the route are: Salcoatitán, Nahuizalco, Juayúa, Apaneca and Concepción de Ataco. Each of them is known for something else. Ataco is famous for its coffee. Here you can taste the famous local high-quality Pacamara coffee. In Juayúa you can take part in the local food festival and enjoy traditional dishes like pupusas or tamales. If you are looking for some handmade souvenirs, you will find the most beautiful handicrafts in Apaneca. Nahuizalco is known for the wicker and tule handicrafts. Salcoatitán is home to a peculiar museum dedicated to germinal printing, showing the evolution of the graphic arts in the country.
All five villages have their houses decorated with beautiful murals. There are no dull buildings along Ruta de las Flores. Visiting the five villages is like stepping into an explosion of colour.
Where to Stay along Ruta de la Flores:
- La Cabaña de Fer is a stunning lodge, conveniently located near Juayúa.
- If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay, Jardin Hostal in Apaneca is a good choice.
- For more places to stay along Ruta de la Flores, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
El Tunco
Recommended by Aimee Stephens of Snap Happy Travel
El Tunco is a small beach town close to the capital San Salvador. It’s just an hour’s drive from San Salvador to El Tunco and both shuttle and public buses here are very frequent.
One of the best things to do in El Salvador is to go surfing at El Tunco beach. The town is extremely popular with surfers from all over the world. There are Surf Schools in El Tunco for learning but beware the surf here can be very intense with huge waves!
El Sunzal is another lovely beach under 1km away and is again great for surfing. If you want to try yoga in El Tunco – Balance Yoga Retreat is a great option.
Most of the hostels and restaurants line the black sandy beach. Some of the best restaurants here include Coyote Restaurant and Day Cafe & Salad Bar. And if you want to try the best pupusas (a national dish similar to a flatbread that is filled with cheese and other flavors) in El Salvador – then, head to the church past Tunco Lodge where the nuns make them fresh in front of you.
Worth noting is that on the weekend, El Tunco comes alive – San Salvador’s richest come to town to party. So, it’s a great town to socialize with locals and have some fun.
Where to Stay in El Tunco:
- For a budget-friendly stay, check out Hotel Tunco Lodge.
- If you want to stay in the capital, Barceló San Salvador is a popular place to stay.
- For more places to stay in El Tunco, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Belize
San Ignacio
Recommended by Melissa of Parenthood and Passports
Located in far western Belize near the Guatemala border, the town of San Ignacio is a popular base for adventure-seekers. Surrounded by a dense jungle filled with caves, waterfalls, and Mayan ruins, San Ignacio offers visitors a variety of activities within a short driving distance. Although it is the second largest town in Belize, the town which is situated on the Macal River is home to less than 25,000 people.
But the small town has plenty of hotels, jungle lodges, and hostels to accommodate tourists who come to the town to explore the surrounding area known as the Cayo District. Just outside of San Ignacio, you’ll find the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. The nature reserve spans more than 100,000 acres. The reserve boasts the tallest waterfall in Central America plus Rio Frio Cave, a picturesque cave with the largest entrance of any cave in the country.
Within the town itself, you’ll find lots of things to do in San Ignacio, Belize. Each weekend, there is a thriving local market that draws tourists and locals alike. And during the week, spend an afternoon roaming the streets and perusing through the various shops for handcrafted goods and souvenirs, before finding a restaurant and enjoying some authentic Belizean cuisine. San Ignacio doesn’t have a single chain restaurant. Instead, you’ll find small, locally-owned restaurants that make traditional Belizean fare from scratch each day.
Where to Stay in San Ignacio:
- This hilltop vacation rental boasts stunning views and makes for a great relaxing stay.
- Vanilla Hills Lodge is a popular stay and offers accommodations in stunning cabins in the forest.
- For more places to stay in San Ignacio, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Caye Caulker
Recommended by Daniel and Ilona of Top Travel Sights
If you’re looking for one of the best laid-back places to visit in Central America, Caye Caulker is perfect. It’s a Caribbean island just off the coast of Belize, and it’s an excellent destination for anyone who wants to relax for a few days or explore the Great Belize Barrier Reef.
Getting to Caye Caulker is easy, as the ferry ride only takes 45 minutes. Once you’ve arrived, take some time to stroll across the island. Caye Caulker is small enough to explore it on foot, and in the colourful houses, you can discover smoothie bars, cafes, and restaurants serving you fresh seafood.
Caye Caulker doesn’t have many beaches, but that doesn’t matter much. Head to The Split, the place where a hurricane cut the island in two. Here, you’ll find a bar with lots of chairs and sun umbrellas in the water. It’s the perfect place to splash in the Caribbean and relax while enjoying your drink.
If you prefer a white sand beach, you can take the shuttle boat to Koko King on the Northern Island. It’s the perfect location to spend a whole day on the beach doing nothing.
Caye Caulker is also the perfect base for exploring the Great Belize Barrier Reef. You can either join a snorkeling tour or explore the underwater world while scuba diving. Both options are fantastic and will allow you to see lots of colourful fish and even sharks if you’re lucky.
If you have a diving certification, you can also consider diving the Great Blue Hole of Belize. It doesn’t take long to get here from Caye Caulker, and it’s an opportunity to explore one of the most unique dive spots in the world.
Where to Stay in Caye Caulker:
- This charming vacation rental is stocked with paddleboards and has beach access!
- Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages boasts stunning views of the water and a secluded pool.
- For more places to stay in Caye Caulker, check out Expedia.ca, Booking.com, or VRBO.
Best Places to Visit in Central America: Summary
Aren’t there so many amazing places to visit in Central America? Thanks to my fellow travel bloggers, I’ve certainly added a few more places to my bucket list! I hope reading about these stunning places will inspire you to do the same.
Read more: Best Places to Visit in South America
What are your top places to visit in Central America? Let me know in the comments!
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If you like these places to visit in Central America, you will also like:
- White Water Rafting on Rio Pacuare, Costa Rica
- Best Places to Visit in Nicaragua
- Ultimate Nicaragua Bucket List
- One-Day Stopover in Panama City
2 Comments
Krista
Wow there are so many beautiful places to visit in Central America! I can’t wait to be able to fly to this part of the world and explore. Thanks for the tips!
Kritika Panse
What beautiful places waiting to be explored! I would like to visit all of the places mentioned here but Chichicastenango and Osa Peninsula are definitely on my bucket list.