It’s official, the flights have been booked and we are off to Mexico City to start one long trip throughout Central America. To say I am ecstatic is an understatement!
With that in mind, I thought it was time to sit down and plan some bucket list things I would like to do in each of the countries we plan to visit. Although I don’t like to plan my every move before a trip I do find it helpful to have a handful of ideas of things to do.
So I hit the travel blogs, watched all the vlogs and started my research. And now it’s time to share my findings with you.
Mexico
My journey begins in Mexico City and I couldn’t think of a better place to start, it’s a country that has always sat high on my bucket list. Offering everything from jungle to beaches to vibrant cities and most importantly great food!
Celebrate Los Dias de los Muertos in Mexico City
Float the day away in Los Rapidos in Bacalar
Swim with turtles at Akumal Beach
Walk to the stunning Punto Mosquito beach on Isla Holbox
Explore the Uxmal Ruins near Merida
Search for the Cenotes in and around Valladolid (Cenote Zaci, Suytun and Xkeken to mention a few)
Hire a golf cart and explore the beautiful Isle Mujeres
See one of the wonders of the world Chichen Itza
Eat tacos everywhere
Explore Xochimilco in Mexico City
Belize
Home to the glorious Belize Barrier Reef, Belize can be a destination for divers and ocean explorers as well as an ideal spot to kick back and relax.
Discover the history that hides within the ATM caves. (Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave)
Snorkel, scuba dive or take a plane ride over the famous Blue Hole
Visit the caves and Mayan ruins in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Swin with manatees in Caye Caulker
Check out the floating bars in San Pedro
Cycle my way around Caye Caulker
Chill out and soak up the sun on the beaches of Placencia
Guatemala
Guatemala has 4 active volcanoes and sits above the meeting of 3 different tectonic plates, so safe to say it’s a lively country with plenty of things to keep you busy.
Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, hidden in the jungle wilderness
See the infamous pools of Semuc Champey
Get a caffeine fix whilst touring a coffee farm.
Explore the villages on the shores of Lake Atitlan
Zipline through the trees of Ixpanpajul Natural Park.
Check out the Spanish colonial architecture in Antigua
Stop by Jorge’s rope swing whilst in Flores
Take a boat trip on the Rio Dulce
El Salvador
Whether you want to surf on some of the infamous beaches or explore off-the-beaten-track, El Salvador is certainly worth your attention.
Drive La Ruta de Las Flores and stop for some coffee
Surf in El Tunco
Explore the charming town of Suchitoto
Relax and enjoy the Santa Teresa Hot Springs
Discover the street art in La Palma
Honduras
Known best for the famous Bay Islands, Honduras is a less explored country in Central America and with lush areas of jungle, I’m not sure why!
Be adventurous and go white water rafting in Rio Cangrejal
Learn to scuba dive or snorkel in the Bay Islands
Hike to Pulhapanzak Waterfall, Lake Yojoa
Relax at the Luna Jaguar Spa Resort, Copan
Kayak through the mangrove canal in Utila
Visit Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve
Go back in time and explore the Copan Ruins
Take in the views from San Cristóbal Fort in the colonial city of Gracias
Nicaragua
Nicaragua I understand has gone through a lot of changes in the past decade and has slowly been becoming an ideal tourist destination for many reasons. With plenty of different landscapes to explore, sign me up!
Go volcano boarding on Cerro Negro
Swim in El Ojo De Agua in Isla de Ometepe
Wander the colourful streets of Granada
See Masaya Volcano at night
Watch the sunset in San Juan del Sur
Kayak or paddleboard in Laguna De Apoyo
Check out the tidal pools in the small beach town of Popoyo
Relax and enjoy the Corn Islands
Costa Rica
Costa Rica changed the game when it came to sustainable tourism and is arguably one of the best countries in the world when it comes to protecting its natural beauty, so I can’t wait to visit!
Try ziplining or the Sky Walk in Arenal
Spot a wild sloth
Stroll through the cloud forest in Monteverde
Indulge in a chocolate tour at a cacao farm
Hike around the waterfalls in Montezuma
Discover all the wildlife in Corcovado National Park
Have a beach day on Uvita beach
See the sea turtle’s nest in Tortuguero National Park (between July and October)
Take a food tour around San Jose
Kick back and relax in Tabacon Public Hot Springs, La Fortuna
Panama
Honestly, I can’t think of Panama without thinking about that rubbish season of Prison Break! However I won’t allow my TV opinions to cloud my judgement on this country, it seems to be home to some gorgeous islands and I can’t wait to explore inland Panama too.
See the starfish at Playa Estrella, Bocas del Toro
Sail around the paradise that is the San Blas Islands
Check out the rooftop bars in Casco Viejo, Panama City
Trek in the jungle from the small mountain village of Boquete
Stroll or cycle along the Amador Causeway, Panama City
Explore the beaches on Taboga Island
Jump on a boat and snorkel around the Bocas del Toro archipelago
I can’t wait to begin the adventure of exploring these beautiful countries and will for sure be updating this post whilst on the journey.
To anyone heading out to any of these places or who already has been, please let me know your thoughts!
