The most popular Central and South American cruise destinations include Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, & the Galapagos Islands.
For amazing scenery, exotic animals and great adventure, Central America is an ideal destination. The countries of Central America provide a wide range of adventure, exploration opportunities, ancient history, art and numerous attractions. Adventure can be had at the white sand beaches, hot springs, volcanoes, rainforests and ruins. Accommodations, both budget (jungle lodges) and luxury five-star resorts are available for all types of travelers.
Most Popular Destinations in Central America
Mexico - Mexico's variety of landscape is matched by its abundance of flora and fauna, unrivalled anywhere else on the continent. See our section on Mexico.
Costa Rica - Costa Rica is riding a wave of well-deserved popularity as an ecological wonder. It's packed with incredible biological diversity, varied landscapes, and a seemingly endless selection of outdoor diversions. Costa Rica's natural beauty and accessibility appeal to a broad range of visitors. The beaches might also be the stomping ground of more serious adventurers on a mission to surf some of North America’s best waters.
Nicaragua – Nicaragua: rich green tropical land of mountains and volcanoes, lakes and rivers, lush rain forests and broad sun swept beaches. Nicaragua is the largest of the Central American republics. Her neighbors are Costa Rica in the south and Honduras in the north; this sparkling isthmus is bordered by the Caribbean on the east and the Pacific on the west.
Guatemala - Guatemala is known as the land of the eternal spring. Whether your interests are archaeology, history, bird watching or simply relaxing on a tropical beach, Guatemala has something to offer every visitor. From the graceful colonial architecture of Antiqua and the colorful markets, such as Chichicastenango, to the great Classic Maya cities such as Tikal, Uaxactun, Ceibal and Yaxha, Guatemala is an intriguing destination.
El Salvador - El Salvador has been on the path to recovery since a long and arduous civil war was resolved in 1992. Despite the additional hardship of a disastrous earthquake in 2001, El Salvadorians maintain a warmth and hospitality that is refreshing. With 300 km of coastline in its domain, El Salvador has recently become recognized as something of a hot-spot for surfers. But El Salvador's real attractions lie beyond its beaches. Inland, monumental volcanic peaks dot the landscape; the mystifying Montecristo cloud forest captivates visitors; and the ancient Mayan ritual sacrifice site of Tazumal bears testimony to the central significance of El Salvador in a past era.
Belize - Belize is a favorite diving destination, but its beauty can be enjoyed in variety of ways. If your specialty is adventure travel, just two hours flight from US main gateways will enable you to explore the beaches and coral reefs.
Honduras - Honduras is a vibrant country, brimming with clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches, lush jungles, breathtaking mountains, challenging rivers, and fascinating ancient ruins. Ecotours, inexpensive scuba diving, river rafting, and mountain treks are what Honduras is known for today. Honduras is enjoying a boom in popularity, as the rich and famous have found a place where they can still travel unknown. First time visitors to Honduras are amazed by the warmth of Honduran hospitality.
Panama - Panama means "the place of abundant fish," but people like to say that everything is found in abundance here. And it's true, as visitors will quickly discover for themselves. You'll find an abundance of wildlife in Panama's many national parks, an abundance of white sand beaches, hundreds of islands, more banks and shops than you would have dreamed possible, the Panama Canal and, of course, a fantastic quantity of fresh seafood.
