If you like beautiful landscapes, good food and a lot of history, the countries of Central America can be perfect destinations for your next trip !
The region was privileged by nature, which filled the territory with paradisiacal islands, cinematic beaches, volcanoes, forests and mountains that can provide incredible walks.
Did you find little? Central America also holds legacies from the colonial past in very well-preserved historic centers and even archaeological sites from pre-Columbian civilizations, such as the Aztecs and Mayans.
To complete, the continent is also famous for low-cost destinations , which can be easily explored in backpacks or traditional trips!
You just can’t forget to plan carefully before your trip to ensure the best possible experience, check it out!
What are the countries in Central America ?
Of the 37 countries that make up the American continent, 23 of them are in Central America !
Of this total, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama are considered Central American, while the remainder is part of the Caribbean.
Check below all the countries that are part of Central America:
- Anguilla;
- Antigua and Barbuda;
- Aruba;
- Bahamas;
- Barbados;
- Belize;
- Bermuda;
- Costa Rica;
- Cuba;
- Curacao;
- Dominica;
- El Salvador;
- Grenade;
- Guatemala;
- Haiti;
- Honduras;
- Jamaica;
- Nicaragua;
- Panama;
- Dominican Republic;
- Saint Lucia;
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines;
- Turks and Caicos.
Central American countries to visit on your next trip
With so many incredible destinations on a single continent, it’s even difficult to choose which countries to include in your travel plans.
To help you set up your itinerary, we highlight which countries in Central America are worth visiting! Check it out!
Costa Rica
One of the most popular Central American countries for foreign tourists, Costa Rica has attractions for all tastes, such as beaches, forests, volcanoes and much more.
You can practice adventure sports on Isla del Coco , Lake Arenal and the Pacuare River , discover the paradisiacal beaches of the Cahuita National Park and the beaches of Punta Uva , Dominical and Tamarindo , hike the Arenal volcano trail and much more.
Take the opportunity to stroll through the modern capital, San José , and visit historic destinations such as Monteverde , Talamanca , Puerto Limón and Cartago .
What do you need to enter Costa Rica?
You do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica, but you must present a passport (with a minimum validity of 6 months after the date of departure).
In addition, local authorities may require proof of tickets to or from the country, so always have this document at hand.
Guatemala
One of the Central American countries with the most preserved history, Guatemala is home to the largest Mayan city ever discovered, many colonial churches, buildings erected centuries ago and many natural beauties.
In addition to being world-renowned for the importance of the Tikal National Park , where the ruins of the largest city of the Mayan civilization are located, the country also has incredible beaches bathed by the Pacific and Atlantic oceans .
Those who love history cannot miss visiting the ancient capital, Antigua , listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco and surrounded by three volcanoes, and the traditional Chichicastenango Market , 140 km from Guatemala City .
You can also be enchanted by the natural pools of Semuc Champey , the Caribbean village of Livingston and the volcanic landscape of Lake Atitlán .
What do you need to enter Guatemala?
As with other Central American countries, you do not need a visa to travel to Guatemala for up to 90 days.
The only documents required for your trip are your passport ( within a minimum validity of 6 months on the date of departure), and the Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate .
Panama
Panama has become one of the most visited Central American countries by foreigners as it is home to one of the largest and most important air hubs in the Americas thanks to its privileged location, with easy access to countries in the North, South and Caribbean.
Among the most famous cities in the country is the formidable capital, Panama City , and the charming Colón , the main destination for those looking for Caribbean beaches.
You can also be enchanted by the environmental diversity of the San Blas Archipelago and the crystalline waters of Bocas del Toro , the perfect destination for those who enjoy diving.
What do you need to enter Panama?
A visa is not required for travel to Panama, but you will need to present your passport (which must be valid for three months after boarding) in order to visit the country.
Furthermore, it is extremely recommended that the traveler be properly immunized against Yellow Fever .
Cuba
Cuba is an island already accustomed to foreign interest, which takes the traveler back in time to the 1960s.
Most of the buildings and vehicles that circulate in the country are quite old – the result of decades of international economic sanctions – which makes Cuban scenarios even more curious for tourists.
Cities like the capital, Havana , Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos are like huge open-air museums, where travelers can immerse themselves in tradition, culture and good cuisine.
Do you like beaches? Be sure to visit Varadero , Cayo and Isla de la Juventud , one of the best diving spots in the Americas.
The country’s currency is the Cuban peso (equivalent to R$0.20, on 05/30/2022) and the official language is Spanish, although it is not difficult to find English speakers in the country.
What do you need to enter Cuba?
Cuba is one of the countries in Central America that requires travel insurance for its visitors: a measure that aims to protect foreigners themselves, who do not have free access to the efficient Cuban health system.
Therefore, in addition to presenting your passport (with at least 6 months of validity), you cannot forget your travel insurance, or you may even be prevented from traveling to the country!
Dominican Republic
Consolidated as a popular international destination, the Dominican Republic is one of the Central American countries bathed by the Caribbean Sea, which attracts the attention of travelers from all over the world.
The country has several resorts that guarantee a high standard of service, especially in Punta Cana , the main Dominican destination.
Nature is the protagonist in Santa Bárbara de Samaná , La Romana , Isla Saona and Cabarete , known for their white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
You like history? Be sure to visit Bayahibe and the capital, Santo Domingo , which has more than five centuries of history!
The country’s currency is the Dominican peso, which is equivalent to R$0.086 (as of 05/30/2022), but the US dollar is widely accepted in the most famous tourist destinations. The official language is Spanish.