Central America Vacations & Tours

Central America packs a lot of diversity into a small geographic region. Connecting North and South America and comprising seven unique countries, each has its own vibrant culture, landscapes, and attractions. The top countries in Central America you can visit on a Zicasso trip include:

• Costa Rica
• Belize
• Panama

The best time to visit Central America is during the dry season, from December to April. The dry season sees sunny, warm weather ideal for spending time on sun-soaked beaches, enjoying outdoor activities, and seeing wildlife.

The Central American rainy season runs from May to November. These months are quieter, and though humid and rainy, thunderstorms clear quickly. Bear in mind that there are regional differences in weather conditions, as the Caribbean coasts stay drier into June while the Pacific sees earlier rains.

The right time to go depends on your personal travel preferences, and you can work with our travel specialists to determine the best time for your trip.

With ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and diverse ecosystems, Central America offers many exciting destinations for travelers to explore. Some of the best places to visit include:

• Arenal, Costa Rica: With its stunning volcano views, active hot springs, and lush rainforests, Arenal is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. You can hike through Arenal Volcano National Park, whitewater raft on the Balsa River, and explore the area's diverse wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and over 500 species of birds.
• Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica: Zipline across the lush canopy and encounter exotic wildlife like the resplendent quetzal on guided hikes. Suspended bridges in the misty forest transport lead you through the protected reserve and one of the world’s top ecotourism destinations.
• Ambergris Caye, Belize: With its turquoise waters, colorful Caribbean coastline, and access to the magnificent Great Blue Hole, Ambergris Caye offers the perfect tropical island escape. You can snorkel dazzling reefs by day and enjoy fresh seafood and the laidback island lifestyle by night.

Panama City, Panama: Panama City's cosmopolitan energy and cultural charms make it a top destination for luxury tours of Central America. You can explore the historic Casco Viejo district's architectural gems, see the iconic Panama Canal, or escape to Soberania National Park.

Central America offers endless options for adventure, nature, history and culture. Some of our top things to do in the region include:

• Explore ancient ruins, from historic temples and artifacts to spectacular Mayan sites
• Cross the volcanic landscapes on hikes at Acatenango or Arenal
• Zipline through the lush forest canopies
• Snorkel to see the marine life living in colorful Central American reefs
• Visit coffee plantations to savor authentic, traditional Central American coffee
• Browse colorful handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs at local artisan markets
• Surf perfect waves at legendary spots like Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica

From secluded coves to top surfing spots, Central America is filled with beautiful beaches along its Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. Some of the best beaches to relax or play in the waves include:

• Playa Conchal, Costa Rica
• Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
• Half Moon Bay, Belize
• Bocas del Toro, Panama

You can find more inspiration for your beach vacation in our guide on the best beaches in Costa Rica.

Known for its incredible biodiversity, multi-faceted cultures, and remnants of ancient civilizations, Central America is a dream region for wildlife enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and history buffs. Wildlife viewing opportunities range from howler monkeys swinging through the jungle to sea turtles nesting on beaches. Central American cuisine fuses pre and post-Columbian ingredients from seafood like ceviche to Mayan favorites like tamales. Finally, the legacy of ancient civilizations persists through ruins at sites like Caracol in Belize.

Central America’s top travel destinations are safe to visit on vacation.

Costa Rica and Belize are considered among the safest countries in Central America. Panama also has low crime rates in the major cities. While petty crime occurs, it rarely affects travelers who use common sense when touring busy areas on trips planned by travel specialists.

We recommend following the advice of your travel specialist when visiting on tours to Central America.

Whether you want to discover the highlights of Costa Rica and Panama or explore the lush forests and ancient cultures of Belize, our best Central America itineraries for first-timers offer some of the best travel ideas for your preferred Central American destination.