- The complementarity of these 7 sister nations offer the traveler the possibility of organizing an unforgettable multi-destination trip. Discover how!
Friday, July 28, 2017 – With a little over 500 thousand square kilometers, Central America surprises with its incredible diversity and the multiple possibilities it offers. The region, a full heritage of jungles, rivers, colonial cities, craters and pristine beaches, offers the traveler the possibility to live and unforgettable experience, thanks in part, to the complementarity of the 7 nations that form it. Here are 10 tips to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
1-. Draw inspiration and discover the best in the region. To learn more about the region and take advantage of its enormous potential, the official web of Visit Centroamérica and its different profiles in social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, are worth consulting. There you will find all kinds of information and a number of ideas for the trip, their own as well as ideas from others travelers.
2-. Design your own route. Central America is formed by seven sister nations: Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. In fact, the region allows the traveler to experiment a diversity of very different destinations, but complementary among themselves. Central America is ideal to embark on a multi-destination trip, which includes two or more countries, so that one can combine different attractions, routes or activities in each one of them: nature, adventure, wellness, urban visits, etc.
3-. Plan your trip. Thanks to low cost flights and intraregional buses, it’s very easy to move from one country to another. In fact, 2 or 4 weeks are enough to visit at least 3 destinations. For example, one can Travel to Costa Rica and leave from Guatemala, or the other way around. To take the best possible advantage of time it’s a good idea to consider the direct flights that are available from different airlines to Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador or Honduras. Good flight connectivity is a point in favor of organizing a multi-destination trip to the region, as well as no visa requirements from any European citizens,
4-. Go with the flow! One of the advantages of Central America is that, besides offering many organized circuits, the region offers many options for someone who wants to plan the trip on their own, according to their needs and interests. Local operators offer transportation, activities and all types of experiences: from guided routes and paths through archaeological parks or protected areas to immersions in local communities or cooking classes. Without a doubt, the best way to go with the flow and discover the region.
5-. Write down the destinations you can’t miss. As in all trips, Central America has destinations that are a must see. To the North, the enigmatic Blue Hole or San Pedro in Belize; Tikal park, Semuc Champey and Antigua Guatemala, in Guatemala; the beaches of Roatan, in Honduras; or Suchitoto and La Libertad Port in El Salvador. All offer unforgettable scenarios. To the South, the beaches in Tamarindo and Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica; and all the landscapes in Casco Viejo and Bocas del Toro an Panama.
6-. Pick a place to stay. Bungalows in the middle of the jungle, first class beach resorts, incredibly charming boutique hotels located in beautiful colonial houses. Central America offers a number of options to stay: from shelters with multiple rooms for adventurous families or groups or friends, up to luxurious and exclusive hotels, perfect for a couples’ trip or honeymoon. Some options to consider are Casa Ventanas hotel (Belice), El Convento (Guatemala), Las Flores (El Salvador), Grand Roatan Caribbean Resort (Honduras), Guacalito de la Isla (Nicaragua), Villa Cielomar (Costa Rica) or JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort (Panama).
7-. Consider sites that are Patrimony of Humanity. Did you know that Central America has 18 sites declared as Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO? This selection includes archeological sites, natural areas, colonial cities and even forts in the middle of the Caribbean. Some of the highlights are the reserve system of the Belize Reef (Belize), Tikal national park (Guatemala), the cathedral in Leon (Nicaragua), Joya de Cerén (El Salvador), the Mayan site of Copán (Honduras).
8-. Are you looking for sun and beach destinations? In no other place in the world does the Sun shine with the intensity, beauty and brilliance as it does in Central America. The region has magnificent coasts in the Caribbean Sea and in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, very different among them. In fact, depending on the type of Sun and beach tourism that we are looking for, we must consider visiting the Caribbean or Pacific coast. In the first one paradisiac beaches prevail with white sand and turquoise waters, while the second one has volcanic sand and greater waves, perfect for surfing.
9-. Enjoy regional gastronomy. Central American cuisine has marked indigenous, Spanish and African influences and offers an unequaled explosion of tropical flavors. Besides the many products derived from corn (nacatamales, tamales, atoles, chichas…), we must not forget dishes like baleadas, gallo pinto, Green plantain ceviche or palm hearts.
10-. Bring back a memory! If there is something in Central America that sounds out for its authenticity, it’s their markets. Discover the wonderful local artisan products and try the best of regional gastronomy; all in close contact with the local population. Don’t miss the markets in Chichicastenango (Guatemala), Masaya (Nicaragua), San Felipe (Panama).
About CATA
The Central American Tourism Agency, founded in 2002, is led by the National Tourism Administration (public sector) and by the Central American Federation of Chambers of Tourism (FEDECATUR). CATA seeks to promote regional tourism to Central America from Europe. Its main markets are: Spain, Italy, France, Holland, Germany and the United Kingdom. For more information go to: http//visitcentroamerica.com/
