- Going snorkeling in the bright blue waters of Belize
- Walking among Mayan Pyramids in Tikal, Guatemala
- Riding a small boat on the Panama Canal after visiting an indigenous tribe in the rainforest.
- Walking around Old Havana, Cuba, to see Hemingway haunts and 1950s-era American cars, still running.
- Surfing Central America’s top surf spots
Best Things to Do in Central America & the Caribbean
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Things to do in Central America & the Caribbean - Expert's guide
If there is an ultimate bucket list to do in Central America, we’ve got you covered. In no particular order, here are the top 10 things that you cannot miss out to make your journey to Central America the best trip of your life.
1. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
One of the most scenic, vast and gorgeous lakes you could see in your life. There are several towns around the lake that you could visit, each one a different vibe from the other. While this is one of the most sought after escapes in Guatemala, it is surprisingly not touristy and very much immersed in local and Mayan culture.
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2. Tortuguero, Costa Rica
If you’re looking for Costa Rica adventure traveling or a biodiverse paradise, Tortuguero is the ideal destination. Come here to see thousands of sea turtles, rainforest expeditions, brilliant wildlife and over 2000 different types of faunas.
3. Dominical, Costa Rica
This beach town is one of Costa Rica’s best surfing destinations. While the waves and white sandy beaches are what most travelers come to see, Dominical is also filled with jungles, mountains, waterfalls and a large wildlife rescue.
4. Corcovado, Costa Rica
This is one of the largest and untouched tropical rainforests in Central America. None of the animals are groomed or fed by humans which makes for the most raw, natural and spectacular wildlife viewing there is. You can expect to see some incredible sights before wandering for too long inside, such as lounging jaguars, pumas, swinging spider monkeys and more.
5. Bay Islands, Honduras
The Bay Islands are a hub for one of the most exotic marine life and contains the second largest reef barrier in the world. Come here to learn to dive for cheap, snorkel with whale sharks, chill at the beach and explore local village life.
6. Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua
Located by Lake Nicaragua and holding two majestic, twin volcanoes, this is the perfect getaway in Central America for anybody looking for an oasis of relaxation. Come here to explore the lagoons, boulders and stone art, hike the perfectly cone shaped volcanoes and backpack around the misty forest.
7. San Blas, Panama
One of the best beaches there is, the San Blas islands have some of the best beaches in Panama. Tour around san blas and experience scuba diving, fishing, surfing, sailing under the sun and so much more!
8. Costa del Sol, El Salvador
Like most Salvadoran beaches, this beach is huge, sandier, extremely clean and gorgeous. Costa del sol is perfect for surfers of any experience and tourists of every kind, from baby boomers to budget backpackers. Stay in luxurious hotels or hostels, rent yachts or hike, this place has it all.
9. Great Blue Hole, Belize
Mysterious and enigmatic, this massive sinkhole attracts brave scuba divers and snorkelers every year that seek to explore what lies beneath the blackness. Dive in crystal, turquoise waters and swim next to a mecca of diverse marine life.
10. Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal is probably the most breathtaking space of Mayan ruins there is on earth. Book a tour to Tikal and immerse yourself in the culture, traditions and knowledge of one of the most powerful kingdoms that once walked Central America.
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