Discover the options for family tourism that this multi-destination region has to offer: activities for adventure play or contact with nature. Don’t miss out on it!
Central America, one of the most interesting multi-destination regions in the world, offers all kinds of activities and experiences to enjoy with the family. From a visit to the Choco Museum in the city of Granada, Nicaragua, to a tubing voyage (float or paddle down a river sitting on a giant tube) through the Mopan River in Belize.
For adventurous families
Belize Reef Barrier (Belize)
Practice tubing in Belize can become a truly unforgettable experience. The adjoining landscapes with the Mopan River, close to San Ignacio, are the perfect setting to practice this exciting activity from the adventure offer in the region. The voyage between caves from the Caves Branch River, in the archeological reserve Nohoch Che’en, is a more than recommended option as well.
Another essential place, also in Belize, is Ambergris Caye. Very close is Belize’s Barrier Reef, the longest and most spectacular coral in the Western Hemisphere (measuring almost 300 kilometers long). Famous for its turquoise waters and for having the most aquatic life per square meter than any other place in the world, it’s the perfect place to practice diving or snorkeling and discovering its incredible marine fauna.
Families who love water sports and aquatic activities will have a grand time in the Emerald Coast (Nicaragua). The beaches in San Juan del Sur are excellent to practice kayaking, surfing, snorkeling or paddle surf, as well as spending time with people and enjoying the town. The zone also has fabulous resorts (Aqua Wellness Resort, Mukul Resort, Pelican Eyes, etc.), perfect for enjoying a stay with all the comforts.
For urbanite families
Panama has become one of the most popular destinations in Central America. Its capital, Panama City, offers the traveler an endless number of marvelous contrasts, led by its endless line of skyscrapers and buildings, its old town, filled with vestiges from colonial times, and the Panama Canal, one of the most interesting engineering works of the past century. A good trip to the city must include the Church of Our Lady of Mercy (Nuestra Señora de La Merced), the Interoceanic Canal Museum, the national theater and the seafood market, the best place to enjoy the famous Panamanian Ceviche.
For families who love nature
Suchitoto (El Salvador)
Other two essential cities in the region are Granada (Nicaragua) and Suchitoto (El Salvador). In Granada, besides visiting the urban area and strolling through its cobblestone streets, it’s worthwhile to visit the Choco Museum and participate in any of its workshops, tastings or trips to the cacao farm. Suchitoto offers its visitors marvelous cobblestone streets and perfectly conserved colonial period facades. In this city, the little ones will have a grand time attending an indigo – dying workshop or enjoying a boat trip down Lake Suchitlán. The Hermit’s Cave can also be visited.
Aviary in La Paz Waterfalls Garden (Costa Rica)
One of the best-considered natural destinations in Central America is Costa Rica. Very close to San José and the Poas Volcano, the natural park La Paz Waterfalls Garden stands out for its incredible aviary and the beauty of its surroundings, extremely green and with over 3 kilometers of trails. Another place to consider is the reserve of the Cloud Forest in Monteverde, one of the best-valued eco tourism destinations in the country. If a guide is hired, the trip can be combined with hanging bridges, trails, observation platforms within the forest, etc.
In Guatemala, the Pacaya volcano surroundings become the perfect setting to explore trails and horseback ride. Once at the top of the volcano, the opportunity to see lava and roast marshmallows cannot be passed by; without a doubt an unforgettable experience. It’s important to consider that the climb is a 6-hour walk, so this activity is not recommended for small children, it’s best for youth who want to surpass themselves.
In Honduras for its originality, the Lancetilla Botanical Garden is definitely worth mentioning. It’s the second largest in the world. Located a few kilometers away from the center of the city of Tela, this marvelous herbarium has over 6 kilometers of trails and 1.200 species of plants.
For families who want to live new experiences
Swimming with dolphins is one of the most exciting activities to enjoy as a family. The adventure takes place at Bailey’s Key (Honduras), one of the two keys that form Anthony’s Key Resort, the private home of a large family of bottlenose dolphins in the Atlantic. There, big and small will have the opportunity to play and swim with the beautiful mammals, as well as enjoy the different activities and teaching practices organized around the dolphin.
Also in Honduras, Little French Key, one of the most exotic keys in Roatan (Honduras), offers luxury trips and all kinds of activities: kayak, snorkel, horseback riding… from all its facilities, the rescue center for exotic animals if definitely worth mentioning. An essential halt on the way!
Dolphins in Bailey’s Key (Honduras)
Another of the most enriching experiences that Central America offers is discovering ‘in situ’ the passionate world of coffee. In the city of Antigua (Guatemala) different tours can be hired to learn more about Guatemalan coffee, with a journey that includes visits to the fields, as well as a close-up of coffee’s roasting, classifying, and preparing process followed by a tasting.
Besides these types of experiences, Central America has unique places that are worth visiting simply because of what they are. Joya de Cerén, in El Salvador, one of the most important archeological sites in the history of Middle America, is one of them. Declared Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO, the site has 18 structures, 10 of which have been excavated, revealing steam baths, corridors, home gardens and cornfields; a wonderful place to enjoy a magical day and learn a little more about the country’s history.
| More information at www.visitcentroamerica.com
