Central America is the thin section of land that connects the North American continent with the South American continent. It consists of a continental part, which goes from Mexico to Panama, and an insular part, consisting of an underwater cordillera.
Geographically part of the North America, is made up of seven small towns, mostly tropical, which have much more in common with the South America and Mexico compared to the richer north. Mexico is occasionally considered part of Central America due to the language and cultural heritage it shares with many of the countries in the region.
Central America occupies most of the tapering isthmus that separates the Pacific Ocean to the west from the Caribbean Sea. At its narrowest point the isthmus is only about 50 km wide e there is no destination in Central America that is more distant than 200 km from the sea.
The predominantly Spanish-speaking area has one common culture and history, the result of centuries of political union, which has been handed down in the seven contemporary states. The homogeneity of the continental contrasts with the variety present in the Caribbean islands reflect the different indigenous cultures and the impact of multiple colonies of European origin.
Central America includes the Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica e Panama. Costa Rica and Panama are more developed economically and have several internationally renowned villages and natural parks.
The countries that make up Central America are among the most beautiful places on the planet and are among the best destinations for those who want to live incomparable experiences. They have crystal clear beaches, volcanoes, lakes, impenetrable jungles, interesting cultures, and unique architecture. Wetlands and wetlands stretch along both western and eastern coasts, but four-fifths of Central America are hilly or mountainous.
The climates of Central America
The climates of Central America are essentially tropical, tempered by proximity to the sea, altitude, latitude and local topography; consequentially, they can vary substantially over short distances.
The elevation mitigates the climatic effects of the tropical latitude of Central America and the average temperatures in the highlands they are much lower than those in the coastal plains.
The rains occur mainly during the summer and are more consistent between May and November. The months between January and March are the driest months. In general, the Caribbean side receives about twice as much rain as the Pacific region.
The countries of Central America
Belize
Occupying one of the last and remaining unspoiled places on earth, just south of the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize is a beautiful Caribbean destination where tourists can relax on white sand beaches, dive into the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere, hike through the lush jungle and explore ancient Mayan ruins, all in one vacation.
An English-speaking country with a multicultural population, Belize is best known for its tropical beauty, world-class dive sites and endless possibilities outdoor adventures that offers.
Belize is home to one of the richest biodiversity collections in the world. Don't miss a visit to San Ignacio e Caye Caulker, a dream place with crystal clear waters, white beaches and palm trees that line the coast.
Don't forget to visit the site of Actun Tunichil Mukna. You will find beautiful caves, Mayan pottery and even human skeletons from ancient sacrifices.
Find and book a hotel in BelizeCosta Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world; it contains about 5% of the planet's species. Visitors here will find a lush and wild natural environment and a perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, culture, fine cuisine and wildlife.
Locals like to call their country "the Switzerland of Latin AmericaBecause of its mountainous terrain and its political neutrality. Indeed Costa Rica is a safe paradise, enjoys a very stable political climate and economic development and is one of the few countries in the world without an army.
Nature lovers should not fail to visit Tamarind, a prime destination for surfing and sport fishing, diving and sun. In addition, its beaches are an important nesting area for large leatherback turtles.
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If you prefer to feel the urban hustle and bustle, its capital, San Jose, is the best setting to visit. Two hours from the capital of Costa Rica it is located Jacob, a beautiful and energetic seaside town known for its carefree and festive atmosphere and exceptional water activities.
Then the beauty of the Tortuguero natural parks, San Antonio e the BarĂș waterfalls leave every visitor speechless. At the last one who climbs on the heights of Cerro Chirripo you will be able to enjoy the incomparable views.
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El Salvador
The Savior, the most densely populated state of the seven countries of Central America, it is a small and highly industrialized country.
In the 80s, El Salvador was ravaged by a bitter civil war fueled by severe inequality between the vast majority of the population and a small and wealthy elite. A peace agreement brokered by the United Nations ended the civil war in 1992, initiating major political reforms.
Do not miss San Salvador surrounded by spectacular volcanoes: it is the largest city in the country and also the capital of El Salvador.
Discover the beauty of the country by visiting the Lago di Coatepeque and beaches like that of The Cuckoo, El Sunzal, The Zonte, Mizata o The Cobanos.
To immerse yourself in local customs and traditions follow the Flower Route which skirts coffee plantations, forests with waterfalls and towns such as Nahuizalco, SalcoatitĂĄn and Juayua, three of the quaint colonial towns that make up this 35-kilometer journey.
History lovers can go back in time by visiting Jewel of Cerén, an ancient agricultural village of the Mayan era, a World Heritage Site, preserved almost intact under the layers of ash caused by a volcanic eruption.
Anyone who likes to ride waves up to six meters should head for the El Tunco beach where surfing tournaments are also held.
Don't leave without photograph its volcanoes. Santa Ana's one reaches 2.382 meters and is one of the highest in the country. Add to the list that of Izalco, considered the youngest volcano and Tecapa that accompanies your visit with fumaroles and hot springs.
Find and book accommodation in El SalvadorGuatemala
With a population of 14.373.472 people, Guatemala is the largest country in Central America by population. The country borders Mexico to the north, Belize to the northeast, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
It is a country of contrasts, a wonderful combination of first order volcanoes, abundant vegetation and pre-Columbian jewels. Its beautiful beaches, its fascinating caves and its monumental architecture make it one of the most fascinating destinations in Central America.
Alive, magical, mystical and ancestral, Guatemala is a country of extraordinary cultural and natural wealth and with a privileged geographical position. The distances from place to place are short, which allows you to visit several regions in one trip.
Guatemala is the heart of the Mayan world. Tikal, with its 16 kmÂČ is the largest of the ancient ruined cities of the Maya civilization. It is located in the department of PetĂ©n and, thanks to its cultural and natural riches of exceptional universal value, it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979 by UNESCO.
An unmissable stop is Antigua, a beautiful colonial-style city. In Antigua you can do various activities such as climbing the Vulcano Pacaya, go to Lake Atitlan, where you can climb another volcano, the vulcano San Pedro, visit the Chichicastenango market and enjoy the black beaches of Itzapa.
Be sure to surf the beaches of the Guatemalan Pacific Come to the Port of San José, Marmaya Beach (to Sipacate), El Paredón or El Champerico.
Discover caves of Naj Tunich, a mysterious place full of cave paintings that symbolize the Mayan sacrifices and the caves of ActĂșn Kan full of stalagmites and stalactites. And finally head to the yoga mecca, San Marcos.
Find and book accommodation in GuatemalaHonduras
Honduras is a beautiful country located in the central part of America. It borders with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Honduras covers a total area of ââ112.090 square km, has a population of 8.448.465 people and the capital of the country is Tegucigalpa.
Rich in history and unspoiled nature, Honduras surprises those who visit it every year with its long Caribbean coast embellished with beaches and coral reefs, with the fauna and flora of national parks such as Nice Peak, with the archaeological heritage of places like the Mayan city of CopĂĄn and with its colorful colonial towns.
Explore i fiumi Cangrejal e Zambrano. Take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Bay islands and reach the Tela bay, an unspoiled Caribbean paradise where you can dive, play golf or relax on a remote beach.
Find and book accommodation in HondurasNicaragua
In the heart of Central America, Nicaragua truly deserves the descriptive nickname of âThe land of lakes and volcanoesâ. Its visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of dozens of volcanoes, rivers and lakes, as well as two oceans.
Nicaragua is a great place to visit for anyone looking for something unique and adventurous. This country offers aimmense variety of activities like surfing, kayaking, hiking on volcanoes, and zip-lining above the forests. Nicaragua is particularly suitable for those interested in ecotourism and is home to a rich variety of animal and plant species.
On the "Coffee road", located in the northern part of the country, you can have a close look at the coffee plantations, you can go hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and observe countless animals in their natural habitat.
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Panama
The richest in the region mostly due to the channel of the same name, this country only gained independence from Colombia at the beginning of the 20th century.
In natural beauty, biodiversity and dazzling landscapes, Panama is incomparable. Off the Pacific coast you can watch the passage of humpback whales, you will also be able to see dolphins plying the crystal clear waters and doing acrobatic jumps.
If you like adventure, Panama will be your paradise. Its seas offer incredible opportunities for fishing, snorkeling and diving world-class. Thanks to its geographical position, the country is a stopping point on the path of numerous bird species that migrate from north to south and vice versa.
Find accommodation in PanamaOther destinations in Central America
Le Greater Antilles they are made up of Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
I Eastern Caribbean they consist of the Bahamas, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Le Lesser Antilles group Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Santa Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Granada, Virgin Islands (UK), Virgin Islands of Anguilla (United States), Montserrat, Saint-Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius, St. Barthélemy, Guadeloupe and Martinique
Le Southern islands sleep: Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao
