The Central American isthmus consists of seven countries, two expansive coastlines and more than 100 volcanoes. Add it all up, and you’ve got one of the most exciting regions in the world to explore.

Options for adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts are ubiquitous, and you’ll also find plenty of relaxed island getaways, magnificent Maya ruins and bustling cities. Whatever your travel preferences, Central America can satisfy them.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat customer, knowing where to start can be a challenge – but it’s also part of the fun. In this roundup of Central America’s best experiences, we’ll guide you on where to find monkeys, how to choose islands, which volcanoes to summit and who throws the best parties. ¡Vamos!

1. Island hop in Bocas Del Toro, Panama

With nine main islands and some 200 islets, this stunning archipelago looks like a series of eye-catching postcards and is unsurprisingly Panama’s most popular vacation spot.

Its dockside hotels and restaurants, low-hanging palm trees and crystal-blue water have for many years attracted international travelers. Some have even refused to go home.

Activities of choice include pedaling a beach cruiser around, snorkeling among giant sea stars, surfing reef breaks, touring chocolate farms and feasting on delicious Caribbean fare.

In the evenings, Latin rhythms and clinking glasses fill the air on backpacker-y Isla Colón.

2. Meet wildlife on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula

The wildest of the wild in Costa Rica, this national park on the country’s most secluded peninsula explodes with biodiversity and eye-popping ecosystems.

In the same afternoon, you can traverse a gnarled, dripping rain forest, cross a waist-deep river and take lunch on a wilderness beach – and you’re all but guaranteed to encounter dangling monkeys, shy tapirs and squawking macaws. 

It’s usually intrepid types who venture out here, as the terrain is rugged and remote. But the trails are in good shape, and a guide is required (which is great because getting lost would suck).

3. Self-reflect at Guatemala’s Lago de Atitlán

Outsiders tend to fall in love with Central America’s deepest lake, extending their trips by weeks or even years – and for good reason.

Ringed with lush hillsides, towering volcanoes and diverse communities, this crater lake and its aquamarine waters, a highlight of any Guatemala trip, offer an escape to a simpler way of living. 

On an Atitlán getaway, travelers can do it all: some learn Spanish, practice yoga and stay with a local family; others long-distance kayak, scale volcanoes and throw down with other backpackers in San Pedro La Laguna.

Whatever you do here, take some time to relax and reflect by this glorious lake as the rustic fishing boats glide by. 

4. Explore Mayan ruins in Honduras’s Copán

Tucked into an idyllic river valley, these archeological ruins were home to a Maya civilization whose artisans could carve stone like few others.

The sculptures here are particularly impressive – don’t miss the hieroglyphic stairway – and a day spent peering around these temples and the surrounding sites will make you feel like a time traveler.

Thereafter, you can retreat to the neighboring town of Copán Ruinas and its lovely boutique hotels or stay in the pine-forested hills at Hacienda San Lucas. Day trips north for a soak in hot springs at Luna Jaguar Spa Resort are to be savored.

5. Plunge into Belizean waters

Undersea adventures are off the hook around the atolls of Belize, where snorkelers and divers glide over spectacular coral formations and encounter majestic marine life, including reef sharks.

At the world-famous Blue Hole, divers submerge more than 100 feet into a massive marine sinkhole. 

Reputable tour operators with excellent customer service and solid environmental credentials abound.

And bold travelers seeking a highly personal and adventurous experience should consider a stay on the castaway-esque island Long Caye, which is just minutes from the country’s most coveted underwater attractions. 

6. Explore Guatemala’s colonial gem, Antigua

Central America’s top colonial showpiece is an enchanting amalgam of cobblestone, crumbling ruins and elegant churches. To comply with its World Heritage listing, the former Guatemala capital hides all evidence of modernity behind traditional pastel facades, and its plazas and markets pulsate with local life. 

If you ever tire of wandering these charming streetscapes (which you won’t), you’re also well-placed to venture into the surrounding countryside, where traditional Maya communities, verdant coffee plantations and smoking volcanoes await. 

7. Road trip through El Salvador’s Ruta de las Flores

Flanked by wildflowers, this scenic 20-mile road through multi-hued colonial villages and undulating coffee plantations is a journey into the heart of El Salvador.

It is best undertaken on weekends when the cobbled streets of five main settlements come alive with local food festivals. The Feria Gastronómica in Juayúa is particularly delicious. 

Regardless of when you go, there will be ample opportunity to shop for artisanal crafts and sample the coffee.

Not too far off the route, Los Chorros de Calera offers hiking and swimming near a series of waterfalls spilling from fractured cliffs.   

8. Feast on the Corn Islands’ Caribbean fare

Foodies who land in Central America simply cannot miss the lip-smacking Caribbean cuisine, and there’s no better place to sample it than on Nicaragua’s dreamy Corn Islands.

We’re talking scrumptious lobster, whole fried snapper, heaping plates of coconut-y rice and beans, and (best of all) the rondón.

Essentially the jambalaya of the Caribbean, this local favorite features sea bass or snapper, shellfish, tubers, plantains, heart of palm, plantains, peppers and a host of spices.

Local restaurants on Great Corn – the larger and busier of the two islands – serve this stew year-round. Be sure to give 24 hours’ notice for your order, though, as the ingredients must simmer in a spicy coconut broth all day. The islands also throw a festival dedicated to crab soup every August.

9. Move-and-shake in Panama City

Welcome to Central America’s most hustling, bustling capital city. You could almost mistake the place for Miami with all its steel and glass towers – but the glittering skyline is only the beginning. 

We recommend staying in the historic district, Casco Viejo, whose restored colonial buildings now house boutique hotels, swank restaurants and rooftop bars. You’ve also got the crumbling ruins of Panama Viejo, the rollicking nightlife of Calle Uruguay and an abundance of casinos all over the city to keep you entertained. 

A short drive west, you can visit the world-famous Panama Canal and its impressive lock system. Rainforest and beach destinations are also within striking distance.

10. Live it up in El Salvador’s Playa El Tunco

El Salvador’s most famous beach is a hard-partying black-sand paradise with killer beach breaks and a distinctive pig-shaped rock formation just offshore. (“Tunco” means pig)

Weekends are an absolute scene with both locals and tourists, and hangovers are best nursed with thin-crust pizza at Tunco Veloz. 

Other nearby beaches are much more chill, particularly the windswept wilderness of Barrio Santiago, where turtles hatch along the shore.

11. Volcano-board in León, Nicaragua

There is just one place in the world to “send it” down the sooty terrain of a volcano: Nicaragua’s Cerro Negro, just outside of León.

The little-known sport essentially involves dressing up in an orange jumpsuit, a helmet and safety goggles and carrying sled-like equipment up over lava-baked rocks.

Then, you hurl yourself down the sulfur-spewing cinder cone’s ashy flank. The idea is to go fast, but not so fast that you wreck. What’s not to love?

For the full experience, stay at the Bigfoot Hostel, a vibrant backpacker joint formerly owned by the inventor of volcano boarding. Go with one of their group tours and have a Toña beer once you’ve survived.

12. Learn to scuba dive in Utila, Honduras

If you’re looking for big experiences on a small budget, consider taking the plunge off Utila, one of the world’s least expensive places to get scuba-certified.

The balmy, turquoise waters off this palm-flecked Caribbean isle simply teem with colorful coral and curious fish.

Enormous whale sharks have been known to chill on the northern tip of the island all year round, and the tasty seafood and lively bar scene are nothing to scoff at, either.

13. Surf Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast

Ever since Endless Summer II hit the big screen in 1994, surfers have been flocking to Central America’s Pacific Coast for its temperate sea and uber-consistent swells.

The film featured Costa Rica’s Tamarindo, and certainly that beach is a surfer’s paradise. But just a few hours north in Nicaragua, things get a bit more adventurous and a lot more affordable. 

The former fishing village of San Juan del Sur is now Nicaragua’s jumping-off point for all things surf, but its waves are unremarkable compared to the point breaks and beach breaks found in the secluded bays to the north and south.

The hollow tubes rolling into Playa Maderas are world-class, and the backpacker beach vibes are strong. 

14. Zip-line through the Monteverde forest canopy

We know, we know: there’s nothing more touristy than strapping on a helmet and shimmying into a harness to zip around a Central American forest like some oversized hummingbird on a bender. But the rush is undeniable, and if you’ve never done it, you need to. 

There is no shortage of zip lines, particularly in Costa Rica, where the tourist attraction was invented. We are partial to forest flying in the adventure parks of Monteverde, where businesses have stepped things up with Tarzan swings, rappels through tree centers and treetop walkways.

When you’re done, head to the Tree House Restaurant for a delicious passion-fruit smoothie.

15. Do nothing on Caye Caulker in Belize

Sometimes travel can feel a bit hectic. Rest assured that this will never happen on this blissed-out tropical dream island. Think sugar-white sand, warm azure waters and beach bars serving up fruity cocktails and pumping reggae tunes all day long.

Nights are on the quiet side, which tends to draw a chilled-out, international backpacker crowd and plenty of families.

For visitors who insist on doing stuff, there are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling around with turtles and small sharks, spying on manatees or kayaking to lesser-explored parts of the island. 

You might also like:
6 road trips in Costa Rica that aren’t for the faint of heart
Central America’s most thrilling volcano adventures
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One of the best ways to discover Germany is by bike. Whether zipping around a new city, zooming along a river, winding through vineyards or circling a lake, every route offers an alternative vantage point from which to see the country.

While some trails might take a few hours to complete, others can take days, even weeks, crossing diverse landscapes and maybe even different federal states. Along the way, you’ll find fantastic guest houses and great places to eat, scenic spots to take a break, and plenty of locals following the same routes. So grab your wheels and hit the road, starting with some of our suggestions below.

1. The Berlin Wall Trail (Berliner Mauerweg)

Best for history
163km (101 miles); easy

This trail in the German capital traces the former GDR border fortifications around West Berlin. Open since 2006, the easy-to-follow route mainly sticks to old patrol and border control roads, with regular signposts and maps to help you stay on track. There are also photographs and information signs at a number of points, detailing life in the divided city. At times, you’ll be highly aware of the history and significance of the journey; at others you’ll completely forget and be more focused on the nature that has returned.

Broken up into 14 sections, the route can be done in a day, or bit by bit, with good public transport links helping you dip in and out – just remember to also pay for your bike when buying a ticket. Alternatively, you can stay in the center and join a shorter bike tour along the inner-city section with a guide.

2. German Wine Cycle Route

Best for reliable weather
97km (60 miles); moderate to difficult 

Starting in Bockenheim and ending in Schweigen-Rechtenbach on the French border, the popular German Wine Route runs through the heart of the Palatinate (Pfalz), one of Germany’s largest wine-growing regions. Here you’ll find vine-covered hillsides, rambling forests, picturesque hamlets and exceptional wine estates, as well as local almonds, figs and lemons thanks to the moderate climate. 

The sunny weather, along with the bike-friendly infrastructure, make it easy to plan a trip here. Pop into a tourist office for various cycling maps and details on bike rentals, and be sure to plan the occasional stop at a winery or an end-of-day drink in a local tavern.

For more wine-focused routes, try the Baden Wine Cycle Route in the south west, or the Moselle Cycle Path that takes you to some of the country’s oldest and most famous wine towns. 

3. 100 Castles Route (100-Schlösser-Route)

Best for… castles! 
960km (597 miles); easy to moderate 

Meandering through the Münsterland region in the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen, these four interconnecting circuits encompass a dense collection of castles, gardens, fortresses and moated estates, in a mix of Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic styles. 

The loops are divided into north, south, east and west. Try the southern one (210km/130 miles) for the shortest option or the northern one (305km/190 miles) for the higher terrain of the Tecklenburger Land area. Shorter day routes are possible too, starting at around 22km (14 miles). Also don’t miss the city of Münster, itself a cycling hub with a car-free ring around the center and a well-developed network of bike lanes.

4. Hessen Railway Cycle Route (BahnRadweg Hessen) 

Best for a round trip
245km (152 miles); easy to moderate 

As the name suggests, this long-distance option follows disused railway lines in the state of Hessen. The route starts in Hanau, the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, and ends in Bad Hersfeld, with additional paths making it possible to organize a round trip. You’ll pass impressive castles and monastery ruins, attractive towns, such as Lauterbach and Fulda, and the picturesque low mountain ranges of Vogelsberg and Rhön.

Thanks to gentle railway inclines and tarmac surfaces, the route is rarely strenuous. Look out for iron bridges, old train carriages and tunnels: on a stretch known as the Milseburgradweg, you’ll need to trust that the motion-sensor-controlled lights will come on as you head into a kilometer of darkness!

5. Elbe Cycle Route (Elberadweg)

Best for city stops
1270km (789 miles); easy to moderate

The Elbe Cycle Route covers almost 1300km and the entire length of Germany’s second-longest river. It is also one of the most-loved routes in the country according to the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC). 

While the route (and the river) actually starts in Czechia, it crosses the German border close to Schöna before heading to the striking rock formations in Saxon Switzerland. From here, it’s around 40km (25 miles) to the beautifully restored city of Dresden with its Frauenkirche and Renaissance city palace. Keep going for more towns and cities, such Magdeburg, Dessau and Hamburg further north. The final destination is Cuxhaven, where the Elbe flows into the North Sea.

Due to its length, the Elbe cycle route can take around two weeks to cover in its entirety and longer if you want to make stops. As a result, many people choose to focus on certain sections, such as Dresden to Hamburg, or even Prague to Dresden. There are a number of tour companies that can book your accommodations and organize luggage transfer between stops.

6. Chiemsee Bike Route (Chiemsee Radweg)

Best of Bavaria 
52km (32 miles); easy to moderate

With views of the water, the alpine foothills and high peaks beyond, this route around Bavaria’s largest lake is a must for exploring more of Germany’s southern state. Start in Übersee, reachable by train from Munich, and go either way around the shores – watching out for pedestrians who share the route. It shouldn’t take longer than half a day to complete. 

You’ll see lots of places to stop for a swim and pass the main boat departure area with options to reach the islands. There are bike services and rental options in most towns along the route.

7. Baltic Sea Cycle Route (Ostseeküsten-Radweg)

Best for families 
1140km (708 miles); easy 

Running between Flensburg near the Danish border and Ahlbeck on the Polish border, the German section of this coastal route tops the states of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg Western-Pomerania. Come for sand, sea, rugged coastlines and changeable weather. 

Highlights include the cliffs in Rügen, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Wismar and Stralsund, and the city of Lübeck, known for its distinctive brick architecture and marvelous marzipan. The route is pretty flat, with plenty of options for beach breaks, making it a great option for all abilities and ages. Some people split the trip into two parts using Lübeck as the division. Alternatively, you could extend the trip by carrying on into the neighboring countries.

8. The Industrial Heritage Route (Die Route der Industriekultur per Rad)

Best for unusual architecture 
700km (435 miles); easy to moderate 

Germany’s Industrial Heritage Route links sites connected to the history and culture of the Ruhr region, once a major center for coal mining and steel production. Here structures such as blast furnaces and gasometers still stand, but many are now used as cultural venues, sports centers or parks. One of the best ways to visit the different spots and take in the whole landscape is by bike, with hundreds of kilometers of trails covering the area.

The two main routes are the Emscher Park Cycle Path (Emscher Park Radweg) and the Ruhr Area Circuit (Rundkurs Ruhrgebiet). The latter is almost 300km-long (186 miles) and passes steel mills, collieries and workers’ settlements, as well as some of the biggest sites in the area: UNESCO World Heritage Site Zeche Zollverein and the Gasometer Oberhausen. Paths connecting these two routes also allow you to create shorter circuits.

The 885-sq-mile Lake District is a hauntingly beautiful part of northwest England that is considered to be not only the most-visited national park, but also the nation’s favorite. The region seduced Wordsworth and other literary giants, and continues to attract sightseers, walkers and adventurers in search of its fascinating heritage and abundant outdoor activities.

Until the mid-19th century the area was barely visited by outsiders – Daniel Defoe described it as “barren and frightful” in 1724 – but the Romantic poets’ idea of “sublime nature” encouraged an appreciation of wild places, and the introduction of the railway to Windermere in 1847 made mass tourism possible.

From Windermere to Scafell Pike, and the best things to do with your family, this first-time guide will tell you everything you need to know before visiting the Lake District.

Why visit the Lake District?

The landscape in the region is spellbinding: shadowy ridges gilded with golden light, shimmering meadows ablaze with wildflowers, and sparkling blue lakes that reflect the whole glorious scene.

Lakes are plentiful, of course: to the west of Windermere is Coniston Water and west of there are Wasdale valley and Wastwater, the deepest lake in England. North of Wastwater you’ll find Lake Buttermere, absurdly scenic from all angles, and east of Buttermere is Derwentwater, with its lovely wooded islands. Further east, Ullswater is arguably the most majestic of all, and is where the daffodils that inspired Wordsworth can be found.

Where in the Lake District should I go?

Here are some of the region’s key locations and what you can do there.

Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere is still the entry point for most visitors. Its adjacent namesake lake ribbons for 11 glorious miles through the gently undulating southern portion of the park. Taking a cruise here is a classic Lakeland experience, albeit one you’ll share with plenty of fellow sightseers. 

Hawkshead

On the western side of Windermere is the village of Hawkshead, a pretty and atmospheric place to stay. It also has important connections to Beatrix Potter. You can visit Potter’s old home, a 17th-century cottage called Hill Top whose setting inspired much of her work. 

Grasmere

Wordsworth was schooled in Hawkshead and lived for a time in Grasmere to the north of Windermere. You can visit his old home, Dove Cottage, where he penned some of the greatest poetry ever written – much of it concerned with the nature he found around him – and see his grave in St Oswald’s Churchyard.

Beyond here, heading further north into the middle of the park, the scenery becomes more wild and dramatic. Bottle-green valleys dotted with sheep and flanked by craggy ridges form great fissures in the landscape. Mountain passes, draped like bootlaces across the unforgiving terrain, link remote hamlets and villages.

Keswick

The most northerly of the Lake District’s major towns, Keswick has the most beautiful location of all: encircled by cloud-capped fells and nestled alongside the idyllic, island-studded lake of Derwentwater, a silvery curve criss-crossed by puttering cruise boats. It’s also brilliantly positioned for further adventures into the nearby valleys of Borrowdale and Buttermere, and is a great base for walking.

What are the best things to do in the Lake District?

Follow one of England’s best hiking trails

The Lake District has some of the finest walking trails in the world. Walk Lakes is a useful resource and allows you to choose trails by both difficulty and location. Some popular routes include:

• The 5-mile (8km) circuit around Buttermere is surrounded on all sides with mountains and offers consistently stunning views.
• The popular 3-mile (5km) scramble up the 1476ft (450m) peak of Catbells, adjacent to Derwentwater, is slightly more testing and provides one of the best panoramic views in the Lake District.
• For the glory of saying you’ve climbed the highest peak in the country, Scafell Pike beckons. This is doable for anyone with reasonable fitness but should be approached with common sense and waterproofs, not flip flops and a vest. If the weather is kind, you’ll catch a glimpse of Wastwater from the top – a mere puddle on the landscape when viewed from the 3208ft (978m) summit.
• The national park also has a wide range of accessible walks for those who are less mobile. There are 50 routes, right across the national park to suit people of all abilities, including many routes for wheelchair users. You can find full details of those at the park website.

Hit the water, bike or climb

Not surprisingly, there’s an abundance of other ways to enjoy the outdoors in Lakeland, from water-based activities such as fishing and kayaking, to mountain-biking, climbing and gorge walking (often called “ghyll scrambling” in these parts). One of the most exciting adventure activities can be found at the Honister Slate Mine on its vertiginous via ferratas – think cables, cliffs and clinging on for dear life.

What is there to do with kids? 

There are plenty of great family days out to be had in the Lakes, and they’re not all reliant on favorable weather. For indoor entertainment, try the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness. It’s divided into areas themed on Potter’s more famous stories and is perfect for younger children.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway (known locally as La’al Ratty) makes for a highly pleasant 40 minutes, trundling 7 miles (11km) from the coast through the lovely Eskdale valley to the foot of the Scafell range. Nearby Muncaster Castle, with its impressive castle grounds, has a Hawk and Owl Center with daily flying displays of birds of prey.

Is it easy to get to and around the Lake District?

It’s possible to access and explore most of the Lake District using public transport – there are railway stations at Windermere, Oxenholme (Kendal) and Penrith, and an excellent network of local busses, including the legendary 555 that runs the entire length of the national park and is a day out in itself.

For convenience and flexibility, most prefer to use their own transport. The M6 flanks the entire eastern edge of the park, while the A591 and A66 dissect it internally. Most of the Lake District’s roads are rural and mountain passes may be closed in bad weather.

The national park also offers electric car hire options, as well as a network of charging points.

Where is the best place to stay?

The bulk of accommodations is in the four main towns – Bowness, Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick – but almost every village has at least one B&B option. There are also plenty of campsites and youth hostels.

What is the food like?

The county is crammed with passionate food producers and local delicacies. Taste Cumbria has a running schedule for local food markets. There are plenty of excellent pubs to choose from too, from no-nonsense fodder for hikers to fine-dining at the three-Michelin Starred L’Enclume in Cartmel.

What should I pack?

Be properly prepared for the likes of Helvellyn and Scafell Pike, especially in the colder months. You should have a pair of sturdy boots and waterproofs as an absolute minimum. There are many outdoor shops in the area where you can buy extra equipment or layers.