CENTRAL AMERICA
A Few Possibilities
Liberia, Panama City, San Salvador, Guatemala City, Leon, Belize City, Tegucigalpa, Managua, Le Ceiba, Antigua Guatemala, San Jose, San Pedro Sula, Quetzaltenango, Granada, San Miguel, Santa Ana, Masaya, Villa Nueva, Comayagua, Punta Arenas
Sites Worth Seeing
From horseback riding to white river rafting to ziplining to snorkeling and surfing, there are so many choices of things to do in Central America. The beauty of the landscape speaks for itself...just venture to Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, or to the coastline of Dominical and the tropical rainforest of Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica, or to the beautiful isolated white sands and crystal blue waters of San Blas Islands, Panama or to the breathtaking views of the Maya Mountain range seen from the Hummingbird Highway in Belize.
Mayan history runs throughout the region with numerous ruins dating from 700 B.C. to 900 A.D. Two structures most intact can be found in Guatemala: Tikal and Copan. The “Great Plaza” of Tikal is a most impressive structure, where one can really get an idea of what life might have been like at that time.
León, Nicaragua is a main attraction for backpackers due to its Spanish colonial architecture and array of museums, art centers, public murals and historic churches and and the of course, the city of Lake Nicaragua, Granada with its various ancient archaeological sites.
Do you want to just relax and enjoy a stress-free existence? Then you must visit the isle of Ambergris Caye. It is the ultimate getaway for beach lovers looking to retreat from civilization and be sure to go snorkeling off the coast in the Belize Barrier Reef.
Foodies & Shopaholics
There are flea markets, farmers markets, specialty gift shops and shopping malls found in Central America. Here are a few notables: Mercado de Chichicastenango, one of the biggest in Central America and a perfect place to absorb the traditional K'iche' Maya culture. Multiplaza Pacific mall and Albrook Mall in Panama City; Paseo Cayala in Guatemala City, Diamond International in Roatan, Caribbeans Coffee & Chocolate, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and San Jose's Central Market (Mercado Central) both in Costa Rica, and Plaza Futura in San Salvador.
Savor the authentic flavors of local favorites such as fried cheese, plantains, fresh caught fish and the quintessential rice and beans.
Nightlife
Just like every place else in the world, Central America doesn't disappoint. Check out a few of these great spots to party. Café No Se in Antigua, Guatemala; The Split in Caye Caulker, Belize and The Lazy Mon in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica (laid back beach bars where you can enjoy a few beers or some rum punch and hop in the water); and Treetanic in Utila, Honduras (a really cool spot for good cocktails).
The party area of Zona Rosa in San Salvador has a bunch of great spots including Republik. San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua is another hot party zone in Central America. Try The Loose Moose. Panama City has so many places to go especially in this historic quarter of Casco Viejo. A great spot to hit up is Tantalo Rooftop Bar.
NOTE: This listing of nightclubs and lounges was created pre-pandemic and will be updated soon.