- Costa Rica for wildlife and adventure, Belize for diving and the reef, Guatemala for Maya ruins and colonial towns, Panama for islands and the canal
- The dry season runs roughly December to April on the Pacific side
- Most UK travellers fly via the USA, Madrid or Amsterdam, with a direct option to Costa Rica in some seasons
- Overland routes from Mexico's Yucatán into Belize and Guatemala are easy
Central America packs more variety into a small space than almost anywhere else. In two weeks you can climb a volcano, snorkel a coral reef, walk through cloud forest and stand on top of a Maya temple. Distances are short, and the region's seven countries are linked by buses, shuttles and short flights.
Where to go in Central America
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the easiest introduction: stable, well set up for visitors and packed with wildlife. The Arenal volcano area combines hot springs, hanging bridges and rainforest.
Belize
English-speaking Belize is all about the sea. Snorkel or dive the barrier reef from the cayes, or fly over the Great Blue Hole.
Guatemala
Guatemala has colonial Antigua, volcano-ringed Lake Atitlán and the jungle-bound temples of Tikal.
Panama
Panama mixes a modern capital, the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal and the islands of Bocas del Toro and San Blas.
Many travellers start in Mexico's Yucatán and travel south; see our North America guides for Mexico, and our Central America itinerary.
Best time to visit
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Dry season (December-April) | Sunny and busiest, best for beaches and hiking |
| Green season (May-November) | Afternoon showers, lush landscapes, lower prices; September-October wettest |
Getting there from the UK
Expect about 11h direct to Costa Rica when seasonal direct flights run, or 13-16h with one stop via Madrid, Amsterdam or a US hub. If you connect in the USA you need an ESTA even when only transiting.
Landmarks & things to do in Central America
NatureGreat Blue Hole
A huge, perfectly round marine sinkhole on Lighthouse Reef, best seen from the air or on a deep dive.
LandmarkPanama Canal
Watch giant ships rise and fall through the locks of one of the world's great feats of engineering.
Historic siteTikal
Towering Maya temples rising from the rainforest canopy, with howler monkeys and toucans all around.
Central America on the map
Frequently asked questions
Which Central American country is best for a first trip?
Costa Rica: it has the best tourist infrastructure, excellent wildlife and easy shuttle transport, though it is also the most expensive.
How much does Central America cost?
Guatemala and Nicaragua are the cheapest; Costa Rica and Belize cost closer to European prices. Budget roughly £60-£120 a day per person for mid-range travel, more in Costa Rica.
Can I combine Central America with Mexico?
Yes. Cancún to Belize and Guatemala's Tikal is a classic overland route of about one to two weeks.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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