Central America Holidays 2025 & 2026

Welcome to Central America, where tropical jungles and bright cities come together to create an unforgettable holiday. This region, stretching between two oceans, holds a wealth of experiences for every traveller, from rainforests to active volcanoes to animal watching. With over 70 active and dormant volcanoes and a coastline that offers powdery beaches and rich marine life, Central America is a dream for both adventure seekers and nature lovers. A trip to Central America promises memorable encounters with wildlife, bubbly local culture, and mind-boggling landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. For city lovers, Panama City stands out with its modern skyline and the historic Casco Viejo district - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Casco Viejo showcases cobblestone streets, 17th-century churches, and a buzzing nightlife scene. Nearby, the Panama Canal – often labelled ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’- offers one of the greatest engineering feats in history. Visit the Miraflores Visitor Centre to witness ships as they navigate the intricate lock systems, providing an educational yet extraordinary experience. For a taste of paradise, the San Blas Islands await. Comprising 365 islands off Panama’s Caribbean coast, San Blas is a peaceful escape with white sands, swaying palms, and glassy-clear waters. Home to the Indigenous Guna tribe, these islands offer visitors beautiful beaches and the chance to immersive themselves in Gunna culture, making it a rewarding experience beyond just a day at the beach. Travellers interested in history will find Portobelo a must-see destination. This coastal town, once a major Spanish stronghold, offers Spanish colonial ruins and a thriving Afro-Caribbean culture. From historic forts to vibrant festivals, Portobelo provides a bewitching insight into Panama’s past and its traditions. Costa Rica, a sanctuary for eco-tourism, invites visitors to experience some of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests and cloud forests. The Arenal Volcano stands tall, with nearby hot springs that bubble with geothermal energy, making it a base for relaxation and adventure. Take a hike around the volcano or explore its verdant rainforests, where you can spot toucans, sloths, and other incredible wildlife. For a truly unique encounter with nature, head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest and witness the rare, misty biome that supports an astonishing variety of flora and fauna. Birdwatching, canopy tours, and hiking trails in Monteverde make it an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers. Those looking for an across-the-board beach and wildlife experience will find Manuel Antonio National Park a paradise within Costa Rica. This park not only prides itself on some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America but also offers trails teeming with wildlife, from capuchin monkeys to vibrant iguanas. Hike through the park, then unwind on the sandy shores for a perfect day of exploration and relaxation. Central America is also home to iconic volcanoes. Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala offers a rare adventure with its frequent eruptions, where visitors can even roast marshmallows over hot lava flows. For a slightly more tranquil volcanic experience, Arenal Volcano provides stunning views and geothermal hot springs perfect for soaking. Hikers can traverse paths surrounded by dense rainforest, taking in the scenery with a breathtaking volcanic backdrop. The region’s rainforests offer endless excitement, with zip-lining, canopy tours, and hikes through places like Volcan Arenal and La Fortuna in Costa Rica. For those drawn to the underwater world, Central America is blessed with vibrant coral reefs and incredible scuba diving spots, such as Ambergris Caye in Belize and the reefs of Honduras, where you can swim among colourful coral gardens and abundant marine life. La Ruta de las Flores in El Salvador is a scenic route where you can explore picturesque towns, vibrant flower fields, and local markets. Meanwhile, Montecristo Cloud Forest in El Salvador allows for stunning views and hikes that highlight the beauty of the cloud forest ecosystem.