Belize was my fourth Central American destination—and its blend of Caribbean coast, ancient Maya sites, and rainforest wilderness keeps me coming back. Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, this English-speaking country packs barrier-reef snorkeling, jungle trekking, and cultural diversity into just 22,966 km².

Belize highlights:

• Mayan archaeology: Explore Altun Ha’s temple ruins, climb the pyramid at Xunantunich, or trek to Caracol deep in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve.

• Barrier Reef & cayes: Snorkel and dive along the Belize Barrier Reef—second only to Australia’s—and relax on Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye.

• Rainforest & caves: Cave-tube the ATM (Actun Tunichil Muknal) system, zip-line over the Maya Mountains, and spot jaguars in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Wildlife & marine parks: Swim with manatees in the Southern Lagoon, kayak through mangroves at Laughing Bird Caye, and bird-watch in Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Cultural communities: Visit Garifuna villages in Hopkins for drumming and dance, sample Belizean Creole and Mestizo cuisine in San Ignacio, and meet descendants of Maya in Toledo.

In my Belize guides you’ll find up-to-date advice on the best months to travel (dry season late November–April), how to book water taxis and domestic flights, road-trip routes to inland sites, eco-lodge and beachfront cabana recommendations, plus key local customs—from tipping etiquette to market bargaining—so you can explore Belize with confidence, respect, and genuine understanding.

Costa Rica was my second Central American destination—and its “pura vida” spirit and staggering biodiversity have kept me returning time and again.

Country highlights:

• Rainforests & cloud forests: Monteverde’s misty reserves, wildlife-rich trails in Braulio Carrillo and Corcovado National Parks.

• Volcanoes & hot springs: Arenal’s cone and lava fields, Tabacón’s thermal springs, Rincon de la Vieja’s fumaroles and mud baths.

• Pacific & Caribbean coasts: Surf breaks at Playa Tamarindo and Pavones; snorkeling and Afro-Caribbean culture in Puerto Viejo.

• Water adventures: White-water rafting on the Pacuare, waterfall rappelling in Bajos del Toro, canopy tours above the canopy.

• Wildlife corridors: Sea-turtle nesting on Tortuguero’s beaches, howler monkeys in Manuel Antonio, toucans and quetzals in Orosi Valley.

• Sustainable travel: Community-run eco-lodges, farm-to-table dining at coffee haciendas, and wildlife-friendly canopy bridges.

In my Costa Rica guides you’ll find up-to-date advice on the best travel seasons (dry months of December–April), how to navigate shuttle and public-bus routes between major regions, eco-lodge and boutique-hotel recommendations, plus tips on local customs and conservation-minded activities—so you can experience Costa Rica with confidence, respect, and genuine understanding.

El Salvador was my third Central American destination—and its compact size belies a landscape of volcanoes, coffee routes, and Pacific waves that keep drawing me back.

El Salvador highlights:

• San Salvador & Suchitoto: The capital’s museums and markets, plus the cobblestone streets and lake views of colonial Suchitoto.

• Ruta de Las Flores: A string of mountain towns (Juayúa, Ataco) known for coffee farms, weekend food festivals, and nearby waterfalls.

• Volcanic landscapes: Hikes up Santa Ana (Ilamatepec) and Izalco with views over crater lakes and sugarcane fields.

• Pacific surf coast: Black-sand beaches at El Tunco and El Zonte, with consistent breaks and a laid-back surf culture.

• Biosphere reserves: Jiquilisco Bay’s mangroves and sea-turtle nesting sites, plus birdwatching around Golfo de Fonseca.

• Cuisine & customs: Pupusas at family-run sodas, seasonal fairs like the Carnaval de San Miguel, and warm “usted” greetings.

In my El Salvador guides you’ll find the best months to visit (dry season November–April), tips for shuttle and bus connections between San Salvador, Ruta de Las Flores, and the coast, eco-lodge and boutique-hotel picks, plus practical advice on local customs—so you can explore El Salvador with confidence, respect, and genuine understanding.

Nicaragua was my first Central American destination—and its mix of volcanic peaks, colonial cities, and laid-back Pacific beaches has drawn me back time and again.

Nicaragua highlights:

• Colonial cities: Granada’s colorful plaza, baroque cathedral, and lakefront views; León’s revolutionary murals and historic architecture.

• Volcano adventures: Hiking and crater-edge panoramas at Masaya Volcano; boarding down Cerro Negro’s ashy slopes; touring coffee farms on Volcán Mombacho.

• Lake Nicaragua & Ometepe: Two-volcano island hikes, kayaking among freshwater lakes, and riverside villages.

• Pacific surf & sand: World-class breaks at San Juan del Sur, secluded coves at Playa Maderas and Popoyo, plus sunset strolls on soft sands.

• Rainforest & wildlife: Boat trips through Indio Maíz Biological Reserve and Río San Juan wetlands, home to monkeys, sloths, and toucans.

• Local culture: Artisan markets in Masaya, traditional dance performances, and hearty cuisine—gallo pinto for breakfast, vigorón for lunch.

In my Nicaragua guides you’ll find up-to-date tips on the best seasons to travel (dry months of November–April), overland transport routes between Granada, León, and the coast, eco-lodge and surf-camp recommendations, and essential customs—so you can explore Nicaragua with confidence, respect, and genuine understanding.