Central America Travel Information

A hotspot of exploration by the Spanish and other European adventurers, the culture of Central America blends that of its colonists along with the native Mesoamerican peoples indigenous to the area. And with many different species of animals and plants, there's plenty to see in the wilds of Central America as well.

Bridging the two continents of the Americas, the Central American isthmus comprises several countries, each unique in their culture and landscape. Visitors can witness the manmade wonder of the Panama Canal, which provides water-access between oceans at the point where South meets Central America, or visit Mennonite villages in the former crown colony of Belize, formerly known as the British Honduras.

Christopher Columbus first reached Central America exploring the coasts of Honduras and Costa Rica in 1502. At that time, the Mayan civilisation still ruled, and many artefacts and ruins can be found of the expansive empire, including Kaminaljuyu in Guatemala, one of Central America's oldest cities.

Key Information for a Holiday in Central America

• Central America can be afflicted by regular volcanic activity as well as earthquakes, as it straddles the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates. Hurricanes from the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico can also be a threat to the region during certain seasons.
• As the region rides the Equator, Central America has a tropical climate year-round. This means hot and humid weather, except in higher elevations, where cooler temperatures can be found.
• The forests, mountains and beaches comprising Central America are some of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, with many plant and animal species being found only in small areas.

Consult our country pages for essential information on holidays in Central America, and make sure you check out My Destination Costa Rica for more info...

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