Central America

With cerulean seas and verdant forests, magnificent Maya ruins and smoking volcanoes, Central America is like a tropical fairy tale except all of it is real.

Costa Rica mountains and hillside was amazing. view into valley was unbelievable. It was so much green for miles, and miles. cloud formation.

© David Thompson/Getty Images

Latest Stories
Book
Costa Rica Travel Guide
Book

Costa Rica

Shop $28.99 USD
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

Top places to visit in Central America

Discover the best attractions in Central America from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all

Travel Guides

Central America travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

Colonial cities, adventure treks, scuba diving, surfing: all there is to do in Central America can be overwhelming. Here’s our guide to the region’s best.

Read full article

Transportation

It's easy to zip around Central America by bus, boat and plane, hopping from Mayan ruins to jungles and tropical beaches. Here's what you need to know.

Read full article

Best Places to Visit

You'll find stunning lakeside scenery, laid-back beaches and ancient archaeological sites in Central America. Here are 14 of the top spots.

Read full article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

Central America and beyond

View all