Explore the diverse wonders of Central America, a region that offers a unique mix of history, nature, and culture. Visit well-preserved towns like Antigua and Granada, where you can stroll through streets steeped in history. Marvel at impressive ancient ruins such as Tikal and Copan, silent witnesses to past civilizations. For those seeking excitement, Belize's Cayo District offers plenty of outdoor adventures, while Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano area is a hotspot for nature enthusiasts. If relaxation is more your style, the beautiful beaches of Belize's Ambergris Caye or Panama's Bocas del Toro provide the perfect setting. Each destination in Central America has its own character, waiting to be discovered.

UNESCO World Heritage Cities

Antigua, Guatemala

Founded in 1543, Antigua is one of Central America's finest cities. This picturesque town, with its pastel-hued historic buildings and cobblestone streets, exudes baroque charm. Surrounded by three majestic volcanoes—Fuego, Meseta, and Acatenango—Antigua's labyrinthine streets lead to hidden treasures and stunning vistas. Bustling markets, vital to daily life in Guatemala, offer a vibrant array of products, from food and textiles to clothing and livestock, amid a riot of colour and chaos.

Antigua offers a wide selection of boutique properties, showcasing its historic beauty. A standout is Casa Santa Domingo, discreetly nestled behind an unassuming street front. This exquisite hotel, a restored 17th-century monastery, invites guests to step back in time. Explore candlelit passageways and uniquely decorated rooms, immersing yourself in a bygone era while enjoying modern comforts.

Granada, Nicaragua

Founded in 1524, Granada sits on the picturesque shores of Lake Nicaragua. Granada is Nicaragua's most attractive and enchanting city, rich in preserved colonial heritage. Andalusian-style Spanish homes with lush interior gardens are nestled behind sturdy adobe walls, while grand squares serve as vibrant meeting points for locals. The compact central area boasts magnificent architecture, making Granada an ideal base to explore Nicaragua's highlights, including Mochambo Volcano, the famous craft market at Masaya, and the island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua.

Our recommended hotel in Granada is Hotel Plaza Colon, located in the heart of the city. This majestic hotel overlooks the picturesque Parque Central and stands opposite the imposing cathedral. Dating back to the colonial era, the hotel has been beautifully transformed, featuring elegant decor and modern touches around a central courtyard with a small pool. It is a wonderful place to relax after a day of exploring.

Mayan Ruins

Tikal, Guatemala

Shrouded in dense tropical jungle and steeped in Mayan history, Tikal is an imposing archaeological wonder showcasing the civilization's ingenuity with towering temples and labyrinthine ruins. Amidst the cacophony of howler monkeys, visitors can explore thousands of well-preserved structures, witnessing the jungle come alive at dawn as mist shrouds the ancient stones. Within the sprawling National Park, certain ruins can be climbed for panoramic vistas.

Covering nearly one-third of Guatemala's northern expanse, the region of El Peten features vast wilderness areas, punctuated by the Maya Biosphere Reserve.

Our recommended hotel is the charming eco-lodge, Villa Maya. This secluded lakeside lodge overlooks the serene Lake Petén Itza. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, it offers immersion in nature, yet it is only 45 minutes from the ruins. It’s a great location to unwind and explore the local area by bike, kayak, or horseback.

Copan, Honduras

Copan in Honduras is one of Mesoamerica's most remarkable Mayan ruins, located at the eastern edge of the empire. The site features stone temples, two large pyramids, several plazas, and a ball court. Its impressive stone monuments (stelae) are the most intricate and sophisticated of any Mayan site in Central America and the renowned hieroglyphic stairway, comprising 1,250 glyph-adorned blocks, stands as the longest inscribed text in the New World. The nearby museum offers a fantastic recreation of a pyramid as it might have looked back in the 8th century.

To fully experience the ruins, we recommend visiting early in the morning and the perfect option is Hacienda San Lucas. This century-old Spanish colonial hacienda is just 15 minutes from the ruins and offers a lovely hillside location spanning 300 acres of lush tropical forest. Guests enjoy traditional cuisine prepared with local ingredients and ancient techniques, served with love in this family-run establishment.

Adventure Hotspots

San Ignacio, Belize

Belize’s Cayo District is a lush region of sub-tropical rainforest, rural communities, and ancient Mayan ruins, perfect for adventurers. Most visitors stay in San Ignacio, the area's adventure hub. Explore rugged peaks on foot or horseback, swim beneath cascading waterfalls, and uncover the secrets of Mayan ruins such as Xunantunich, El Pilar, Cahal Pech, and Caracol. A standout attraction is the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) caves, rich in Maya history with ceremonial artifacts and ancient remains.

Stay at one of the nearby jungle lodges, like the Ka’ana luxury resort, where the attentive staff offer warm Belizean hospitality. In ancient Mayan, Ka’ana means ‘heavenly place,’ and its serene, tranquil environment ensures a truly relaxing experience. Enjoy gourmet cuisine, spa treatments, or simply unwind by the pool, enveloped in the lodge's natural beauty.

Arenal, Costa Rica

Nestled beneath the awe-inspiring Arenal Volcano, the town of La Fortuna is an unparalleled hub for adventure activities. Hike rainforest paths, explore lunar-like lava fields, or visit the dormant Chato volcano with its emerald crater lagoon.

Experience La Fortuna waterfall on horseback as you ride through lush rainforest. At Lake Arenal, kayak or stand-up paddleboard against the dramatic backdrop of the volcano. For thrill-seekers, rappel through forest canopies, zoom along exhilarating ziplines, or navigate river rapids on a white-water rafting tour. There are activities for all ages, and for those seeking a more relaxed experience, there is the option to hang out with the local sloths.

After a day of adventure, unwind at Nayara Gardens, with Arenal Volcano as your stunning backdrop. Their spacious 'casitas' each feature a private plunge pool surrounded by lush gardens. Indulge in a spa treatment and enjoy a delicious meal at one of their unique dining venues. Nayara Gardens is intimate yet offers extensive in-house services for a perfect blend of exclusivity and comfort.

Best of the Caribbean

San Pedro, Belize

The cayes of Belize offer an idyllic escape with a laid-back Caribbean ambiance. Ambergris Caye, the largest and most northerly, is home to San Pedro, a town that began as a fishing village. The island's turquoise waters are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving at the Belize Barrier Reef, as well as sailing, fishing, and windsurfing. Numerous white sand beaches provide pure relaxation, with palm-fringed shores lapped by azure, blue waters, creating an ideal end to an adventurous trip.

We love Victoria House Resort & Spa, with its elegant plantation-style architecture. Nestled on a pristine white sand beach, the hotel is renowned for its friendly service, exclusivity, and barefoot elegance with a refreshing informality. Here, luxury and laid-back ambiance combine seamlessly, offering the perfect conclusion to any luxury Belize holiday.

Bocas Del Toro, Panama

The archipelago of Bocas del Toro, nestled in the Caribbean off Panama's northern coast, offers an idyllic escape accessible via a short flight from San Jose, Costa Rica, or Panama City. Visitors can enjoy unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, and delicious freshly caught seafood. The colourful coral reefs, home to tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles, beckon snorkellers and scuba divers, while above water, paddleboarding, kayaking, and boat tours are possible. As the day draws to a close, relax with a cocktail in hand as the sky is transformed into myriad colours.

Our recommendation is Azul Paradise, featuring ten overwater bungalows each with glass floors for viewing the spectacular underwater world. All the bungalows feature a private deck and hammock, perfect for relaxation. For those who can tear themselves away from their beautiful cocoon, spend lazy days at the private white sand beach.

Best spots for wildlife

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Tortuguero National Park, located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast, offers a rich and diverse ecosystem ideal for a short wildlife stay. The park’s extensive network of freshwater creeks and lagoons hosts an array of intriguing wildlife, including Southern River Otters, Spectacled Caimans, Capuchin and Howler Monkeys, seven species of river turtles, various crustaceans, and over 50 species of freshwater fish. From July to October, visitors can witness sea turtles nesting and making their first journey into the ocean.

The Manatus Hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring Tortuguero National Park. With just 12 rooms, it offers a highly personalised service and a la carte dining. After a day of adventure through the park's waterways, guests can relax by the beautiful pool, surrounded by nature. The Manatus Hotel is the perfect spot for a wildlife adventure immersed in the understated beauty of Tortuguero.

Monteverde, Costa Rica

The Cloudforest region of Costa Rica, nestled at 1400m in the Tilaran Mountains, is home to one of the world's most biodiverse areas, Monteverde. This region encompasses six distinct ecosystems, home to approximately 3,000 plant species, including 240 varieties of orchids, 490 butterfly species, and over 100 mammals, including elusive species such as jaguars, tapirs, deer, and all five native cats.

Well-maintained walking trails make exploration easy, and knowledgeable guides can uncover the wilderness secrets, ensuring optimal wildlife sightings.

Senda Monteverde, an upscale boutique hotel, serves as the perfect base to explore this unique ecosystem. After a day of adventure, unwind at the hotel’s spa or engage in on-site activities like bracelet making, wildlife talks, nature walks, or yoga. This diverse selection of experiences perfectly complements your stay, offering a relaxing and immersive experience in the heart of Monteverde’s Cloudforest.

Conclusion

Whether you are drawn to the historical allure of colonial cities, the mysteries of ancient Mayan ruins, or the thrill of adventure in pristine natural settings, Central America is the perfect holiday destination. Relax on the sandy shores of the Caribbean, explore dense rainforests teeming with wildlife, or immerse yourself in the rich local cultures and traditions.

With luxurious accommodations and unparalleled experiences awaiting you at every turn, your Central American holiday promises to be a memorable adventure filled with stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and endless opportunities for discovery. Book your journey today and create memories that will last a lifetime.