5 Reasons to Visit Central America

Central America is a wonderful combination of different countries, climates, landscapes, people, wildlife and influences. If you want to experience ... Read more
5 Reasons to Visit Central America

Central America is a wonderful combination of different countries, climates, landscapes, people, wildlife and influences. If you want to experience rainforests and all the colourful creatures that go with them, hike volcanoes and look down into smoking calderas, try surfing for the first time or fly through the forest canopy hanging on a wire, this amazing region packs a punch way more than its size would have you believe.

There are several compelling reasons to visit Central America. Here are just a few of them:


1. Natural Beauty: Central America is known for its stunning natural landscapes. From lush rainforests and volcanoes to pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, the region offers a diverse range of natural wonders. You can explore national parks, go hiking in cloud forests, visit breathtaking waterfalls, or relax on picturesque beaches.


2. Rich Cultural Heritage: The countries which make up Central America have a fascinating cultural heritage that combines indigenous traditions with European influences. Each country has its own unique customs, cuisine, music, and art. You can immerse yourself in the indigenous cultures of the Maya, Aztec, and Garifuna people, visit ancient ruins like Tikal or Copán, and experience vibrant local festivals and markets.


3. Adventure Activities: This region is a paradise for adventure seekers. You can go zip-lining through the jungle, whitewater rafting in the rivers, surfing along the Pacific coast, scuba diving or snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea, or trekking up volcanoes.

4. Biodiversity: Despite its small size, Central America is incredibly rich in biodiversity. The region is home to a vast array of plant and animal species, including rare and endangered ones. You can explore tropical rainforests teeming with wildlife, visit marine reserves to see colourful coral reefs, or go birdwatching in the cloud forests.

5. Accessibility and Proximity: Central America is easily accessible from North America, South America and the Caribbean. It's relatively simple to combine multiple countries in a single trip. US Dollars are regularly accepted in most tourist destinations but you may need to use local currency for smaller items like local bus fares.

With KE Adventure we can take you on active, guided group adventures in Guatamala, El Salvador, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Cuba. Learn more below.

 

Guatemala

On KE’s two week volcano trekking adventure you will get to climb seven of the country's volcanic peaks; some still smoking, spend two nights on the shores of Lake Atitlan amongst the indigenous communities, soak your cares away in the volcano warmed hotsprings and even give an offering to a local spirit guide. We also spend time in Antigua, the Spanish Colonial Capital from where most of Central and South America was once ruled. This bustling small city, surrounded by volcanoes, is a great place to visit the markets, try some of the tasty street food or just people watch in the warmth of the sun, in the jacaranda-wreathed central plaza.


 

Costa Rica

There are few other places on the planet you could go to see such an astounding diversity of natural wonders; from darting tree frogs to lounging sloths, wildlife in the sea and on the jungle floor. Trekking in the lush foothills of volcanic Arenal, a perfect symmetrical mountain built on layers of ash and lava, it’s possible you’ll see three different species of monkey, peccaries and colourful toucans. Along Costa Rica’s dazzling beaches and rich mangroves you may spot humming birds and lizards, turtles, dolphins and whales.


 

Panama

Forming the border between Central and South America and with two long ocean coastlines, there is a lot more to this tropical country than its famous canal. It’s a destination perfect for the adventurous, where you can explore a cloud forest's treetops by a network of hanging bridges and zip lines.

You can also learn about the Geisha coffee bean, said to be one of the most expensive in the world. Enjoy crystal-clear creeks, waterfalls surrounding Volcan Baru, and float past picture perfect uninhabited islands on the Pacific Coast. Snorkel by the Gulf of Chiriqui to find tropical fish and if you visit between late July and October, you can take a boat ride where you will likely see humpback whales with their young calves.

Of course, no visit to Panama is complete without witnessing the Panama Canal – sometimes known as the 8th wonder of the world. During our 2 week Costa Rica and Panama Adventure we’ll take a tour of the Miraflores Locks where there is a fascinating exhibition that tells the story of this amazing engineering endeavour.


 

Cuba

Beyond the capital city of Havana, famous for its lively Caribbean nightlife, 40-year-old classic American cars and the faded elegance of its Spanish colonial architecture, Cuba has a great variety of landscape - ripe for exploration. Traditional small-scale farming methods are still the norm outside of the capital. Explore the lush tobacco fields of Vinales, with its limestone mogotes, and wilds of the Mil Cumbres (literally translated as "Thousand Peaks).

Cuba is also an incredible destination to explore on a bike tour. Cycling along quite backroads and enjoying beautiful day rides between key locations – it’s an exhilarating and more eco-friendly way to see more of Cuba than by bus.


 

El Salvador


Part of the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ El Salvador is another of Central America’s best locations to hike volcanoes. The country is the smallest in Central America and often overlooked by travellers but it has so much to offer from quiet beaches, Maya ruins, hot springs, coffee plantations, bright colonial cities and flourishing national parks – and of course, fantastic hiking trails.

 
The highest point, which is not a volcano, is the peak of El Pital (2730m); from the top you can enjoy views into Honduras and Guatemala. However, the most rewarding peaks to climb belong to El Salvador’s volcanoes. They can often be steep, making the reward of crater views even more enjoyable.

 


 

Mexico

Mexico is home to an inviting mix of culture, history and natural beauty. Focused in the southern states, from Mexico City to the Yucatan Peninsula, our Mexican holidays sample the best of what’s on offer in this colourful corner of the world. The southern states boast a rich and diverse culinary scene, with delicious dishes that showcase a mix of indigenous and Spanish influences.

The region is also home to some of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, including the ancient ruins of Palenque and the mystical Mayan city of Chichen Itza, one of the ‘7 New Wonders of the World’.


 

Colombia

Owing to its incredible biodiversity (the second highest rating in the world for plants, butterflies, freshwater fish and amphibions), varied environments (coast, jungle and high mountain) and vibrant culture, Colombia is a destination full of experiences to thrill the most ardent adventure traveller or amaze the most curious of cultural explorers. European Colonisation and the emergence of today’s modern nation provide a captivating backdrop to any journey through this fascinating region; whether that’s seeking out centuries-old citadels in lost jungle worlds, discovering traditional coffee cultivation or delighting in the diverse range of cuisine in one of Colombia’s Colourful Heritage Town.


 

Want to head into the jungle?

Head further south to these amazing countries for a really wild adventure:

Explore one of the last untouched rainforests and immerse yourself into one of the most biodiverse wildernesses on the planet.

 

Take an expedition into the Amazon, in either Brazil or Peru and enjoy an active riverboat cruise with daily excursions into the jungle.

 

The Galapagos Islands are unique, diverse and impeccably preserved and must be seen with your own eyes.  Travel there on a standalone trip or add as an extension to your adventures in Peru or Ecuador.

 


If you would like to know more or chat to one of our Latin America experts - just give us a call on +017687 29681 or email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - you can set up a Zoom face-to-face chat too if you prefer.

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