a very tall mountain towering over a lush green field

Region · 7 countries

Central America

Central America has seven countries, from Maya ruins in Guatemala to reef cayes off Belize and volcanoes in Costa Rica.

Central America has seven countries, and each one has a different draw. Guatemala and Honduras hold Maya sites: Tikal in Guatemala and Copán in Honduras. Belize has the Belize Barrier Reef, with cayes for snorkeling and diving. Costa Rica has the Arenal volcano and cloud forest around Monteverde. Panama has the Panama Canal and Caribbean islands.

A route can cover two or three countries by bus, shuttle van or short domestic flight. Border crossings can take hours, so build that time into each day. The dry season runs roughly from December to April in much of the region, while the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November and matters most on the Caribbean coast. The CA-4 border agreement lets travelers of some nationalities move between Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua on one entry. The rule depends on your passport, so check it before you book.

Central America travel guides

The questions every first trip to the region starts with.

CA-4: the shared 90-day rule

One 90-day stay across Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua: what resets it.

Read the guide Costa Rica entry requirements

Stay limit, onward ticket, passport validity, yellow fever rule and the departure tax.

Read the guide Costa Rica by season

Dry months, green season and which coast to pick.

Read the guide Roatán: ferry or flight

From La Ceiba: schedules, fares and which one to take.

Read the guide Visas and entry

The CA-4 shared stay, proof of funds and exit fees.

Explore Getting around

Shuttles, regional flights and land border crossings.

Explore

Where to stay in Central America

All stay guides

A restaurant on the beach with palm trees

PlacenciaWhere to stay in Placencia: village, Seine Bight or Maya Beach

body of water under cloudy sky during sunset

TamarindoWhere to stay in Tamarindo: four bases from town to Avellanas

RoatánWhere to stay in Roatán: West End vs West Bay and two other bases

a view of a city with mountains in the background

Guatemala CityWhere to stay in Guatemala City: four zones compared

Itineraries across the region

3 daysLa Fortuna in 3 days: waterfall, Arenal park, springs and the lakeA three-day La Fortuna plan: the waterfall and town on day one, Arenal park and a hot-spring evening on day two, then lake, bridges or river, with a rain swap.

3 daysTamarindo in 3 days: surf, the estuary and a beach day tripA three-day Tamarindo plan: beach and sunset on day one, surf and the Las Baulas estuary on day two, a day trip on day three, with a rain plan and safety notes.

green trees near body of water during daytime

3 daysJacó in 3 days: Tárcoles crocodiles, Carara forest and a surf lessonA three-day Jacó plan: the Tárcoles bridge and beach on day one, Carara National Park and Herradura on day two, a surf lesson and a flexible day three, with safety notes.

Before you go

For any trip in Central America

eSIM for Central AmericaOne plan across bordersRead the guide Travel insuranceDiving and adventure coverRead the guide Entry rulesCA-4 days and onward ticketsRead the guide Money across the regionDollars, local cash and cardsRead the guide

All Central America destinations

NicaraguaManagua, San Juan del Sur, Ometepe

El SalvadorSanta Ana, Suchitoto, Juayúa, San Salvador, El Tunco

GuatemalaAntigua Guatemala, Guatemala City, Lake Atitlán, Tikal National Park, Quetzaltenango

BelizeCaye Caulker, Ambergris Caye, Placencia, San Ignacio, Belize City, Hopkins

PanamaBoquete, San Blas Islands, Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí Province, Portobelo, Península de Azuero, Panama Canal, Bocas Town, El Valle, Panama City, Isla Colón, Isla Bastimentos, Comarca de Guna Yala, Santa Catalina

HondurasRoatán, Utila

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Central America FAQ

What is the CA-4 agreement?

Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua share one visa-free period for visitors, often 90 days, that does not restart when you cross between them. Belize, Costa Rica and Panama are outside it.

When is the best time to visit Central America?

The dry season from about December to April has the most settled weather on the Pacific side. Hurricane season runs June to November, with the highest risk on the Caribbean coast in September and October.

Can I travel overland between the countries?

Yes. Tourist shuttles link Antigua, Lake Atitlán and El Salvador, and buses cross between Costa Rica and Panama. Some borders charge exit or entry fees, so carry small US bills.

Do I need Spanish?

It helps a lot outside tourist areas. Belize is the exception, with English as the official language, and many guides in Costa Rica and Panama speak English.

Which currencies are used in Central America?

El Salvador and Panama use the US dollar. Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua have their own currencies, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.