5 Awesome Places to Visit in Central America
Central America is full of natural beauty and cultural diversity that will leave any first-time visitor with an abundance of memorable experiences. This is an area that is home to a diverse range of wildlife, ruins of ancient societies, pristine beaches, and several active volcanoes. Altogether, the Central American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica combine to form a region that is a must-see for anyone who is interested in a tropical destination. With that said, here are five specific places in Central America that you should definitely consider for your next vacation destination:
1. Copan, Honduras
The ancient ruins of Copan are what’s left of some of the most impressive artifacts from the Mayan empire, as the small town in Honduras was once a center for art, culture, government, and astronomy. If you’ve been wanting to see some of the most intricate Mayan hieroglyphics, then be sure to stop by these ruins, which consist of two huge pyramids, multiple stone temples, a number of alters, and several statues that depict Mayan beliefs, historical events, and customs.
2. Ambergris Caye, Belize
This is the largest island in Belize and its grand size is equally matched by its beauty. This is a place where the weather and people are perpetually in spring break mode. Most people here drive around in golf carts and relax on the white sand beaches in their spare time. This is one of the country’s leading travel destinations and is known worldwide as one of the top tourist hot spots in the Caribbean with a number of 5-star dining establishments and hospitality venues.
3. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica
If you’re looking for an amazing tropical jungle to visit, look no further than the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica. This extraordinary environment is home to an incredible amount of biodiversity with more than 100 kinds of mammals, about 400 bird species, and more than 1,200 kinds of reptiles and amphibians. The reserve also offers a selection of fun activities like canopy tours and zipline rides. If you’re looking for a Costa Rica rental near the reserve, Punto de Vista is an excellent option that comes to mind.
4. Roatan, Honduras
As a popular scuba diving destination ship port, Roatan is also the largest island in the Bay Islands set off the coast of Honduras. The small paradise is surrounded by the world’s second-largest barrier reef, making it one of the most ideal spots for snorkeling and underwater sightseeing. Furthermore, the beaches of the island are visually stunning and constantly bustling with fun activities like dolphin watching and kayak tours.
5. Tikal, Gutemala
Nestled deep within the tropical rainforests of Guatemala, Tikal was once the largest and busiest city in the Mayan empire. Out of all the Mayan ruins in Central America, this one is probably the fan favorite due to its collection of ancient temples that oversee the canopy of the surrounding jungle. From atop the pyramids you can enjoy amazing panoramic scenery that stretches out to the horizon.
Ask the Locals Where to Go
Finally, when you get to any of the destinations above and run out of ideas for things to do, be sure to ask the locals for their advice. Oftentimes, you’ll find that this is the best way to discover hidden gems that aren’t overcrowded.