From the crest of a wave or deep below the water’s surface, among the coral: whichever way you look at it, there can be no denying that Central America is one of the world’s hottest spots for adventure travel. With plenty of things to see and do, it is quickly becoming a hub for many international travelers, leading to easy access to all types of amenities, a variety of airports and sea ports to arrive by, safe places for currency exchange, and plenty of guided tours, we expect this increase in travel to continue trending upward.
With such geographic and cultural diversity crammed into this relatively small subcontinent, Central America is brim full with adrenaline-fueled opportunity. Here’s a quick look at five of the best adventure holiday highlights:
- Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua: This has to be one of Central America’s most breathtaking locations. Two volcanic peaks pierce the horizon, verdant rainforest at their feet, against the exquisite azure backdrop of Cocibolca Lake. Climb, swim, snorkel, dive and be sure to pack an extra set of batteries for your camera.
- Parque Nacional Corcovado, Costa Rica: This extensive area of protected parkland contains primary and secondary rainforest, mangrove swamps and cloud forest and, as such, hosts a phenomenal array of different kinds of birdlife -- including the iconic scarlet macaw -- and is a fabulous place for travelers of all ages, budgets and inclinations.
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize: Hol Chan is, perhaps, Central America’s most exciting scuba diving location. Not only will you glimpse the multi-coloured corals, you’ll also be given the opportunity to get up close and personal with nurse sharks, sting rays, eagle rays, eels and lizard fish. There are spots, here, suitable for divers of all abilities and you’ll find equipment and training on hand, where necessary.
- La Moskitia, Honduras: La Moskitia’s draw is thanks to its off-beat feel. With few roads, hotels or organized tours, visitors are left to adventure as the will takes them, exploring the untamed wildnesses of Honduras’ Amazon Basin. Hire a local canoe and take a trip down the river to view the riverside mud-houses and lagoon villages that make up La Mostikia’s native population. You’ll soon understand why environmentalists and NGOs alike are working so hard to preserve the calm beauty of this little-explored corner of Central America.
- Bocas Del Toro, Panama: This small archipelago is as charming as it is adventurous. A merciful absence of high-rise hotels has allowed a quiet and welcoming village atmosphere to prevail, even in spite of the islands’ increasing touristic allure. These few small islands are topped with some of the wildest rainforest in the subcontinent and bordered by some of the most spectacular coral reefs.
You’ll also get a chance to see a few of the remaining tribal settlements in the area, maintaining old routines based around the sun and seasons and refreshingly reluctant to move into the technological age. Rumour has it that Bocas Del Toro is soon to be fertile ground for investors as well as jungle wildlife, so make haste, book now, and see it before it spoils.
