Central America Travel 2026

Central America Travel 2026

Central America is in growth mode. According to statistics from Amadeus, passenger demand for travel to Central America and the Caribbean surged 3.1 percent between July 2024 and June 2025. Expectations are high for this year as well, as new hotels and an array of activities, events and attractions continue to lure travelers. 

While Costa Rica continues to enjoy an especially high profile among travelers, thanks to its success in developing ecotourism and introducing new internationally branded hotels, other Central American nations are benefiting from increased awareness as well. The Amadeus study, for example, found that El Salvador has jumped to second place in search volume, while the destinations of San Salvador, Liberia and Guatemala City have become the fastest-growing searched destinations and nature-rich destinations like Quepos, Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez are posting triple-digit increases in bookings. 

Here are some of the most interesting places and ways to experience Central America travel in 2026. 

Central America Travel 2026: Best Destinations

Guanacaste and Punta Cacique, Costa Rica: Northwestern Costa Rica is one of the region’s top tourism destinations, and with good reason. Its enticing blend of natural beauty, expansive beaches, adventurous activities and world-class hotels has helped to cement its reputation among international travelers. The recently opened Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique and Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve are evidence of the destination’s increasingly upscale appeal.

Panama City, Panama: This bustling metropolis is home to the most modern skyline of any Central American nation, but its allure goes far beyond the glistening skyscrapers, luxury hotels and chic restaurants. The city’s historic, UNESCO-listed Casco Antiguo neighborhood (also known as the Casco Viejo) is both picturesque and trendy. Panama City also wows with attractions, including the Biomuseo (a biodiversity museum set in an eye-catching building designed by star architect Frank Gehry) and the world-famous Panama Canal. The main visitor center is a short drive from the city. New hotels include the Hyatt Regency Panama City, the first of that brand in Central America. 

Playa Caracol and Chame, Panama: This nation’s Pacific coast offers miles of lovely beaches and lots of watersports excitement — including kayaking, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Visitors can also find land-based excitement by exploring the Los Cajones canyons and Las Lajas waterfall. This region is bound to attract additional attention with new accommodation options, including the Radisson Riviera Panama, which opened in 2025, and the Margaritaville Beach Resort & Residences at Playa Caracol, which is slated to open in 2027. 

Antigua and Lake Atitlán, Guatemala: The historic streets of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a joy to explore, with well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, and fascinating cultural attractions and activities. Nearby, Lake Atitlan is a postcard-perfect body of water surrounded by volcanoes and small towns, and visitors can stop at markets in Chichicastenango and other towns to shop for locally produced arts and crafts. 

Roatan and the Bay Islands, Honduras: This Caribbean archipelago dazzles travelers with its turquoise waters, picturesque beaches and excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling — its colorful coral reefs are well worth the trip. The hotel scene continues to evolve to serve a diversifying traveler base. Refreshed options include the Hotel Roatan Media Luna, Affiliated by Melia, the result of an existing property joining the Melia Hotels International portfolio, while the Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Roatan is scheduled to debut in 2027.  

El Salvador’s Pacific Coast: El Salvador lures surfers from around the world, thanks to the offerings along its Pacific coast. El Tunco, El Zonte and Punta Roca are hubs for those looking to ride the waves, and travelers can also view coral reefs and marine life while snorkeling and diving at Los Cobanos National Park, and hike to nearby volcanoes. Cultural and wellness travel are also rewarding in this region. 

Central America Travel 2026: Best Attractions

The Panama Canal: This massive engineering feat, built between 1904 and 1914 to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, continues to amaze visitors. The Miraflores Visitor Center, near Panama City, is the best place to learn about its history and enjoy a close-up view of ships passing through locks, while the Agua Clara Visitor Center, located closer to the Caribbean side, offers yet another perspective. Travelers can also explore nearby Gatun Lake by boat or kayak and combine a canal tour with jungle hikes in beautiful Soberania National Park. Road Scholar offers a six-day itinerary called Grit and Glory: Exposing the Panama Canal, with multiple departures in 2026 — and operators including Tauck offer cruises that include a transit of the canal. 

Tikal National Park: Tucked into the Guatemalan rainforest, Tikal is one of the most magnificent Mayan architectural complexes, representing a city that peaked around 600-900 CE. Now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a stunning archeological treasure, marked with stepped pyramids, temples and great plazas — all set against a dramatic jungle backdrop. Audley Travel is among the companies that offer guided visits as part of larger Guatemala itineraries. 

Ambergris Caye: One of Belize’s true hotspots for lovers of sun and sea, Ambergris Caye is also the nation’s largest island — a Caribbean paradise that’s conveniently close to the Belize Barrier Reef, making it ideal for snorkelers, divers and adventurers. But Ambergris Caye is also perfect for relaxation and partaking in land-based activities. The town of San Pedro has lots of restaurants, bars and small hotels that exude a decidedly relaxed vibe. One of the newest hotel options is Aruna Resort & Villas, which offers wellness and adventure activities. 

Caye Caulker: Ambergris Caye’s smaller counterpart provides still more opportunities to relax and learn about the region’s natural beauty. Travelers can join snorkeling trips to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve as well as Shark Alley, where snorkeling and swimming with nurse sharks, sting rays and turtles is the big draw. 

Arenal Volcano National Park: No first-time visit to central Costa Rica would be complete without a stop at Arenal Volcano National Park, one of the nation’s most important natural landmarks. A gigantic, dormant volcano serves as the park’s dramatic visual centerpiece, and activities include hiking along old lava flows, zip-lining through rainforest canopies, swimming at La Fortuna waterfall and bathing in thermal waters. Audley Travel and EF Adventures include guided visits as part of multiple Costa Rica itineraries. 

Semuc Champey: One of Guatemala’s most naturally beautiful regions, Semuc Champey is an enclave graced with a limestone bridge that spans the Cahabon River, as well as terraced pools set in the verdant jungle. Visitors can hike, raft the river and wade in the pools. The Zephyr River Lodge, located in the town of Lanquin, offers a day trip to Semuc Champey, with opportunities for caving, waterfall jumping and swimming in natural pools. 

Must-See 2026 Events in Central America

Semana Santa (Holy Week): Slated for March 29 to April 5, 2026, this Catholic tradition plays out in various ways across Central America, from purple wooden crosses and processions of Costa Rica to a symbolic boat crossing on Lake Nicaragua. The town of Antigua, Guatemala hosts an especially fascinating Holy Week event; its streets are covered with colorful sawdust carpets and processions carry statues through the city as thousands look on. G Adventures, Adventure Life and Journey Latin America are among the operators that offer tours centered around Holy Week in Guatemala. 

Panama Carnival: Taking place February 13–18, 2026, this is one of Central America’s liveliest pre-Lenten celebrations. The town of Las Tablas, about 3.5 hours by car from Panama City, hosts the nation’s largest carnival, with parades, elaborate costumes, live music and playful water fights on the streets. Planning in advance is essential for those looking to attend this massive event. 

Boquete Flower and Coffee Fair: Mid-January is when this colorful event takes place in Panama’s highlands. Beautiful floral displays and locally produced coffee are the focus of the fair, with tastings, craft demonstrations and live music among the offerings. Those looking to sample local brews at any time of the year may want to consider a stay at hotels like the Lerida Coffee Estate, which has guest rooms and hosts coffee tastings and other activities. 

Chocolate Festival of Belize: Foodies with a sweet tooth should consider attending the Chocolate Festival of Belize, which takes place May 16-18, 2026, in the town of Punta Gorda, the hub of a region with centuries-old cacao production traditions that date to the Mayan civilization. Chocolatiers from around the country display and sell their mouthwatering creations, and live music and other activities are also part of the festivities.

Best Places for Family Travel in Central America in 2026

Costa Rica: Travelers of all ages can appreciate Costa Rica’s natural beauty, and the country’s excellent infrastructure makes it easy for families to comfortably explore. In Monteverde, for example, visitors can spot sloths, toucans and kinkajous and join exciting expeditions across canopy walkways and hanging bridges in the cloud forests. Manuel Antonio National Park, on the central Pacific coast, is also a great place for spotting exotic birds, monkeys and sloths. Jacada offers customizable family tours of Costa Rica, with ample opportunities to include kid-friendly activities ranging from snorkeling with turtles and dolphins to zip-line adventures in Arenal. 

Belize: This Central American nation offers a perfect blend of nature-based excitement and Caribbean-style relaxation. Families can enjoy beach time in places like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, where the calm waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and paddleboarding. Inland, the Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center — billed as the nation’s oldest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility — is home to more than 150 animals and 43 native species, including jaguars, tapirs, harpy eagles and crocodiles. The center offers guided tours so that visitors can learn more about the residents. 

Panama: Families can enjoy a variety of activities in Panama. The nation’s capital, for example, is a hub of fun and educational activities — including guided visits to the Panama Canal and the Biomuseo, a fascinating museum that showcases Panama’s biodiversity with extensive exhibits about the nation’s flora, fauna and natural history. Another great destination for families in Panama is Bocas del Toro, a group of idyllic islands on the Caribbean coast, where families can take mangrove tours and even kayak between islands. 

Guatemala: Families can learn about history and indigenous culture in the beautiful town of Antigua and the surrounding region, as well as at the National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology in Guatemala City. Multigenerational travelers looking to stay active may want to consider the offerings of companies like Backroads, which offers a six-day Belize and Guatemala Family Multi-Adventure Tour that includes wildlife spotting, hiking and cycling into Tikal National Park. 

Best Places for Couples and Romance Travel in Central America in 2026

Lake Atitlan and Panajachel, Guatemala: Dramatic volcanoes and tranquil blue waters provide a lovely backdrop for a romantic getaway in the town of Panajachel. Casa Palopo, a Relais & Chateaux property, has sumptuous lake-view suites, and even a helipad to get couples there in style. Dining at cafes and restaurants in Panajachel, as well as boat rentals and tours are among the popular activities for couples.  

The Cayes of Belize: The allure of the Caribbean is strong for many travelers, and the cayes that lie just off the Belizean coast offer picturesque settings for a romantic escape. The upscale resorts of Ambergris Caye provide indulgent options for couples. Victoria House Resort & Spa, for example, offers a Reef Romance package that includes a private candlelit dinner on the beach or by the pool. Shaka Caye, located on a private island, offers a Romance and Honeymoon package that includes a sunset cruise and a beachfront private dinner. For a different setting, couples can consider heading inland to The Banks, a new member of the Belize Collection that offers one-, two- and three-bedroom villas with views of the jungle and the river. 

Costa Rica’s Arenal and Papagayo Peninsula: From volcano spas to beachfront luxury, Costa Rica offers diverse options for romance travel. At Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, guests can bathe in mineral-rich thermal water and sign up for couples’ massages in open-air bungalows. On the Papagayo peninsula, meanwhile, romance is easy to foster at luxury resorts including the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort and the adults-only Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica, an all-inclusive resort with a spa. CRS Tours offers a variety of romance packages in multiple destinations that are designed for couples. 

Casco Viejo, Panama City: The historic streets of this Panama neighborhood can set the stage for a memorable and stylish romantic escape. This supremely walkable zone is graced with beautiful architecture and dotted with excellent restaurants, bars and small shops. La Compania Casco Antiguo, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, can serve as an ideal base; each of its three wings represents a different era of Panamanian history, and its onsite restaurants — including the French modern venue, 1739 — are top-notch. 

Roatan and the Bay Islands, Honduras: The secluded beaches of the Honduran islands are a natural choice for couples. Romance-seeking travelers can also share experiences such as snorkeling trips over colorful reefs, private sailboat excursions to unspoiled coves, and beachfront dinners. The Ibagari Boutique Hotel and Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort and Spa, which has a spa that offers couples’ treatments, are among the accommodation options. 

Best Places for Group Travel in Central America in 2026

Antigua and Lake Atitlan, Guatemala: Antigua’s walkability, historic charm and variety of interesting restaurants, shops and hotels make it a good choice for group travel. Nearby, Lake Atitlan wows with its natural beauty and proximity to small towns and experiences where groups can learn more about local culture and traditions. Craft workshops and coffee tastings are just a couple of the experiences that can be arranged for groups. The 134-room Hotel Casa Santo Domingo in Antigua is among the group-friendly accommodation options, and the hotel’s affiliated museums add cultural depth to the stay.  

Bocas del Toro, Panama: This Caribbean archipelago offers outdoor relaxation and excitement, with activities that can include beach days, snorkeling trips, jungle treks and chocolate farm visits. The adults-only Nayara Bocas del Toro offers luxurious, over-water villas on a private island, while the Red Frog Beach Island Resort has everything from beachfront rooms to villas with between two and six bedrooms. 

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua: This beachfront community offers an enticing mix of outdoor activities and nightlife. Groups can spend their days surfing, sunbathing, horseback riding and zip-lining, and then head out for drinks in the evening. The Treecasa Resort has three pools, onsite activities including yoga sessions, and guided eco-tours and accommodation options that include cabins, bungalows, treehouse suites and a Family Suite that sleeps eight. 

Arenal and La Fortuna, Costa Rica:  This region is a hotspot for group excitement, with activities like zip-lining, rappelling, rafting and aerial tram rides among the options. Trails that lead through Arenal Volcano National Park also provide excellent opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors. Local operators including Sky Adventures can organize itineraries for groups, and group-friendly hotel options include The Springs Resort & Spa, a luxury resort with hot springs, a spa, an adventure center that organizes soft adventure activities, and accommodation options that include two- and three-bedroom suites and villas — as well as a five-bedroom villa. 

Belize’s Cayo District: The parks and ecological reserves of this lush inland region attract groups seeking unique inland experiences — including visits to Mayan ruins, river tubing and wildlife spotting. Chaa Creek, in the Macal River valley, offers accommodation options including the two-bedroom Wright House, a three-bedroom Spa Villa and Tree Top Villas with beautiful views. The property also offers a variety of packages that may include adventure travel excursions and visits to inland and coastal attractions. 

Best Places for Solo Travel in Central America in 2026

Costa Rica: With its excellent connectivity and myriad activities and accommodations at various price points, Costa Rica is well-positioned to serve solo travelers. Small-van shuttle services connect many of the top destinations around the nation, making it easy and economical for independent globetrotters to pack in a lot of activities. G Adventures offers an eight-day Solo-ish Costa Rica itinerary that runs from San Jose to Quepos and Manuel Antonio, with stops at La Fortuna/Arenal and Monteverde. This adults-only program is for solo travelers only and is designed to foster bonds among the group. 

Belize: On this nation’s coast, solo travelers can immerse themselves in the laidback vibe of Caye Caulker, with beautiful beaches, outdoor activities and beachfront bars all providing the opportunity to spark conversations and friendships — or just enjoy relaxed alone time. Inland, the San Ignacio Resort Hotel bills itself as ideal for solo travelers, with group excursions including cave tours and visits to the Xunantunich Mayan archeological site. G Adventures, meanwhile, operates a Solo-ish Belize itinerary, designed only for solo adult travelers, that includes Belize City, San Ignacio, the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and Caye Caulker. 

Guatemala: Historic Antigua is a welcoming spot for solo travelers; its relatively small size can make it easier to meet others, and it’s a convenient hub for exploring the surrounding region — including Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango. Hotel options include Socialtel Hotel Antigua, which features a coworking space and hosts yoga and meditation sessions, fitness activities, workshops and other experiences that can foster socializing.  G Adventures offers a nine-day Solo-ish Guatemala itinerary, limited to adult solo travelers, that starts and ends in Antigua, with visits to Lake Atitlan, Rio Dulce and Tikal. 

Panama: The capital city, highlands and Caribbean coast of Panama can all provide enjoyable settings for solo exploration. Panama City’s Casco Viejo neighborhood is especially good for solo travelers, since it’s walkable and provides multiple cafes and bars for meeting other travelers. The Central Hotel, set in a historic building on the main square, is a well-located accommodation option, and can be combined with a stay at the Central Hotel Bocas del Toro, a nature-focused property on the Caribbean coast that offers scuba diving and other excursions. 

Best Places for Foodie Travel in Central America in 2026

San Jose and the Central Valley, Costa Rica: Fascinating traditional markets, home-grown coffee and authentic cuisine are among the reasons why foodies head to the area around Costa Rica’s capital. Dishes such as gallo pinto, empanadas and fresh tropical fruits are must-try items on the menu. Foodie Tours Costa Rica offers multiple culinary outings that highlight locally produced coffee and chocolate, and showcase both traditional and contemporary cuisine. The International Kitchen, meanwhile, operates multi-day “cooking vacations” that can include visits to coffee and sugarcane plantations, and opportunities to cook with locals with help from professional chefs. 

Belize: This Central American nation is especially attractive for lovers of fresh Caribbean seafood and handmade chocolate. The Chocolate Festival of Belize, which takes place in Punta Gorda on May 16-18, 2026, is a popular annual foodie event that ties in with Belize’s Mayan heritage and cacao traditions. In the island town of San Pedro, Belize Food Tours operates guided, year-round lunch and dinner tours, each with multiple stops and at least nine tastings. 

Guatemala: The town of Antigua and the central highlands are heaven for foodies and coffee lovers. Those looking for a guided experience can check out Audley Travel’s street food tours of Antigua, which can be added to other itineraries and include opportunities to sample dishes such as cheese-filled tortillas, pork dishes and even cow brains. Columbus Guatemala Travel also operates an Antigua street food tour; its program lasts three hours and showcases both traditional and modern Guatemalan favorites, including seasonal fruits and hearty stews called pepian and hilachas. 

Panama: Panama City is a hotspot for sophisticated international cuisine as well as delicious local specialties like patacones (fried plantains) and sancocho (a stew made with chicken, beef or pork). Barefoot Panama offers a Taste of Panama City tour that includes stops at a seafood market for fresh ceviche, samples of Panamanian chocolate, coffee and four types of beer. Food Tours Panama, meanwhile, offers a cooking class and a food market tour. 

Best Places for Adventure Travel in Central America in 2026

Pacuare River, Costa Rica: Whitewater rafting is a heart-pumping experience on the Pacuare River, which serves up class III and IV rapids near the central highlands. OARS offers a seven-day, multisport Costa Rica: Pura Vida itinerary that includes moderately challenging Pacuare rafting, as well as canal kayaking and zip-lining at a nature preserve. The company’s nine-day Costa Rica Rainforest and River Explorer itinerary, meanwhile, adds extra rafting time, plus a hike to a waterfall. 

La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica: Arenal Mundo Aventura, an ecological park in La Fortuna, offers a variety of adventure activities, including zip-lining, rappelling and horseback riding. Its Canopy and Rafting combo package includes visits to the park’s seven most extreme zip-lines, as well as transportation to the Balsa River, where participants test their whitewater rafting skills in class II and III rapids.  

Guanacaste: Northwestern Costa Rica has a new option for adventure and sports fans; in December 2025, Peninsula Papagayo debuted a multi-sport destination complex that includes BMX tracks, a lap pool, and tennis and pickleball courts. Access is free for guests at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo. Additional fast-paced excitement awaits at Buena Vista del Rincon, a hotel, spa and eco-adventure park where visitors can soar along a zip-line with 12 platforms, steer a mountain bike along challenging trails and go horseback riding. 

Multi-Country Adventures: The relatively short distances between Central American nations make it easy to partake in a wide variety of adventure activities in multiple destinations. G Adventures, for example, leads a 13-day Costa Rica to Panama itinerary, designed for adventurers aged 18 to 40 that includes biking in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, followed by snorkeling in Bocas del Toro and hiking in Boquete, Panama. Intrepid’s 34-day Central American Adventure itinerary, meanwhile, stops at major sites in seven countries (including Mexico) and includes hiking, cycling, zip-lining and a variety of other activities. 

Belize and Guatemala: Hiking in the jungles of the Cayo district, snorkeling and diving along the Placencia peninsula and mountain biking in a Caribbean pine forest are just a few of the activities offered by Jacada in its customizable itineraries in this region. In addition, Backroads offers a Belize and Guatemala Multi-Adventure Tour that includes biking and hiking through remote Guatemalan landscapes and Belizean forest reserves, exploring caverns near the Tikal archeological site and snorkeling along the barrier reef off the coast of Belize. 

Central America Travel 2026: Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts

Panama: Fans of challenging endurance sports should consider a visit to Panama City for Ironman 70.3 Panama, which takes place on March 22, 2026. Participants will swim, bike and run through urban and coastal routes in this spirited competition, which draws participants and spectators from around the globe. The Marriott Panama is the host hotel. Year-round sporting options include cycling tours with Roar Adventures (its 14-day itinerary also includes Costa Rica and Nicaragua). 

El Salvador: San Salvador will debut its first Ironman 70.3 event on February 22, 2026, offering triathletes a chance to compete on a course that begins with a swim in Lake Ilopango. Surfers will find breathtaking challenges in El Salvador, as well; the Pacific coast offers ideal waves and accommodation options like the AST Surf Hotel, which offers Surf and Stay packages that include daily lessons. 

Belize: The barrier reef that runs the length of Belize makes it a prime diving destination, and the Beyond Blue Dive Summit, slated for April 22-25, 2026, is one of the best times to meet other members of the diving community, explore the reefs and learn about conservation efforts. Companies that offer dive tours throughout the year include Belize Diving Adventures and Aggressor Adventures. 

Costa Rica: Cyclists flock to Costa Rica for La Ruta, a mountain bike stage race that takes place next on November 6-8, 2026. The challenging route runs from the Pacific to the Caribbean coast, covering varied terrain. Cycling enthusiasts can tour Costa Rica on two wheels with Exodus Adventure Travels, a company that offers a 14-day, coast-to-coast itinerary, with visits to Manuel Antonio National Park and Las Cruces botanical gardens. 

Best Places for LGBTQ+ Travel in Central America in 2026

Costa Rica: This is Central America’s most progressive nation when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights; it’s the only one that has legalized same-sex marriage and also has anti-discrimination protections. The capital city of San José is the nation’s LGBTQ+ hub, with vibrant nightlife, an annual pride celebration in June and hotels like Colours Oasis Resort, which targets the LGBTQ+ market. The Pacific coastal area of Manuel Antonio is also a prime destination; Royal Grand Resorts offers accommodations specifically for gay men. For those looking for guided experiences, Out Adventures offers a seven-night Gay Eco-Adventure tour itinerary that includes stops at a variety of naturally beautiful sites and attractions. 

Panama: While lacking the inclusive legislation that exists in Costa Rica, Panama nevertheless provides a warm welcome to LGBTQ+ travelers — especially in sophisticated Panama City, which is home to a thriving queer nightlife scene and a large Panama Pride celebration that takes place in late June. A company called Out in Panama offers tours and experiences for gay men, including city tours, day trips and nightlife outings. 

Pride Celebrations in Other Central American Countries: Visiting other destinations during pride season is a good way to connect with the local LGBTQ+ community and witness its strength. Pride events take place in June in El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua, and in August in Belize. 

Unique to Central America 

Guna Yala (San Blas) and Embera Villages in Panama: This Central American nation offers especially rich cultural experiences, thanks to the presence of at least seven living indigenous groups, each with its own distinct culture and traditions. Many members of the Guna community make their homes in the autonomous indigenous territory called Guna Yala, a stunning archipelago on Panama’s Caribbean coast. Travelers can book individual stays at small hotels on several islands, or join multi-day tours offered by companies including San Blas Dreams. Travelers can learn about the Embera culture, meanwhile, by joining day trips from Panama City to communities living on the Gatun River. Ancon Expeditions is among the companies offering these outings. 

Tikal and Flores in Guatemala: One of the region’s most impressive Mayan archeological sites, Tikal never fails to amaze. Bolontiku Hotel Boutique & Spa, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, serves as a decidedly stylish base for exploring this fascinating region, with guided tours departing from the hotel for Tikal and the nearby island town of Flores. 

Antigua, Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan in Guatemala: This region of Guatemala is an ideal place for visitors to witness and learn about indigenous culture. There are several Mayan communities around Lake Atitlan, and the many markets — including the well-known market in the town of Chichicastenango — are extremely popular. Mayan Hands offers a nine-day Guatemala Artisan Tour that includes guided market visits and the opportunity to meet Mayan women weavers to learn about their traditions and techniques. 

Copan Ruins in Honduras: Abandoned by the Maya in the early 10^th century, Copan is one of the region’s most important archeological sites. Its acropolis, plazas and stadium are just a few of the elements that are on view. The Ancestral Copan Hotel, located near the ruins, offers accommodations as well as a variety of experiences, including guided Tikal tours, hikes to the Mayan ruins of Rastrojon and visits to the Macaw Mountain Bird Park. 

Pre-Columbian Settlements of the Diquis and the Boruca Community in Costa Rica: Located in the Diquis Delta in southern Costa Rica are four archeological sites that belonged to a society that dates to around 500-1500 CE. The site’s collection of mysterious stone spheres has caused much speculation about their use and purpose. The Boruca community, meanwhile, is a living group of people in the southern Pacific coastal region of Costa Rica; its annual Fiesta de los Diablitos — which commemorates the battle between indigenous people and the invading Spanish — takes place in late December. Tucanes Tours offers customized cultural tours to the Boruca community, with departures from Manuel Antonio, Dominical or Uvita. 

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

Contact My Journey Begins Travel to plan and book your travel to Central America in 2026.