Things to do in Central America

Activities, attractions and tours

The famous pink lakes of Mexico, Rio Lagartos. A magical sight! Pink waters and blue sky, It was like sunset reversed; a feast for eyes! There are plenty of colorful salt lakes near Las Coloradas/Rio Lagartos in the Yucatan peninsula. It is just 2 hours drive away from Chichén Itzá and around 3 hours from Cancun. Public transport is scarce in this part of Mexico. We took a rental car and it was an easy and comfortable journey for us :) Once we reached Las Coloradas, we were welcomed by giant white salt mountains. After driving around the salt mountains for some time, we finally found someone local who took us to this beautiful private salt lake. #nature
The famous pink lakes of Mexico, Rio Lagartos. A magical sight! Pink waters and blue sky, It was like sunset reversed; a feast for eyes! There are plenty of colorful salt lakes near Las Coloradas/Rio Lagartos in the Yucatan peninsula. It is just 2 hours drive away from Chichén Itzá and around 3 hours from Cancun. Public transport is scarce in this part of Mexico. We took a rental car and it was an easy and comfortable journey for us :) Once we reached Las Coloradas, we were welcomed by giant white salt mountains. After driving around the salt mountains for some time, we finally found someone local who took us to this beautiful private salt lake. #nature
A lovely waterfall near Arenal Volcano. I skipped the volcano hike and rode a horse to this spot. #blue
Chichen Itza was a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya civilization. Here you have the serpent from the ball court and the Kukulcan temple in Chichén-Itzá Maya site, Yucatan, Mexico
Central America
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Top places to visit

1. Xcaret Eco Theme Park

Sitting somewhere between theme park, wildlife sanctuary and archaeological site, Xcaret is one of the major highlights of any visit to the Riviera Maya. This is a great family-friendly outing with more than enough on offer to keep all ages entertained and inspired. In fact, many visitors to the eco-park find that one day here is just not enough time to pack it all in!
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Xcaret Eco Theme Park showing general coastal views, a luxury hotel or resort and a coastal town

2. Paseo de la Reforma

Paseo de la Reforma is likely to be one of your daily reference points as you travel around Mexico City. See many historic buildings and monuments along the lengthy stretch of this wide and beautiful tree-lined avenue. Notice the important modern buildings that have been constructed over time as Mexico and Mexico City have grown internationally as important financial markets.
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Paseo de La Reforma avenue and Angel of Independence Monument - Mexico City, Mexico

3. Lake Atitlán

Visit the Lake Atitlán area to explore indigenous villages, trek through volcanic highlands and dive, kayak or swim in Central America’s deepest lake.
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Lake Atitlan showing a sunset, landscape views and boating

4. Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

More than 12 million people visit the Basilica de Santa Maria each year. They come to see the site at which the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a poor Indian, and to see the cloak with her image that is displayed there.
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Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe showing a statue or sculpture and a square or plaza

5. Angel of Independence Monument

Mexico City’s Angel of Independence Monument stands as a tribute to the heroes of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. From 1521when Hernán Cortés defeated the Aztec nation, until the early 1800s, the vast country of Mexico was a colony of Spain, separated by the wide Atlantic Ocean. Learn about the decade-long battle that started in 1810 and finally led to Mexico’s status as an independent monarchy and then a republic.
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The Angel of Independence in Mexico City

What to do in Central America

Popular places to visit

Xcaret Eco Theme Park showing general coastal views, a luxury hotel or resort and a coastal town

Xcaret Eco Theme Park

Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural heritage of Mexico with a visit to this popular archaeological park.

Xcaret Eco Theme Park
Reforma featuring a park, a city and a monument

Paseo de la Reforma

Like the Champs Elysées in Paris, this famous wide avenue provides a distinctive elegance to the historic plan of this huge global city.

Paseo de la Reforma
Lake Atitlan showing a sunset, landscape views and boating

Lake Atitlán

Mountainous treks, artistic pursuits and scuba diving; the towns, villages and volcanoes that surround this picturesque lake in Guatemala's highlands offer adventure and culture.

Lake Atitlán
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe showing a church or cathedral, religious elements and a square or plaza

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Mexico’s patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, is believed to have appeared on the site of this church, making it an important pilgrimage site for many Catholics.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Playa del Carmen Main Beach

Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Playa del Carmen Main Beach, a popular beach in Playa del Carmen. Stroll along the seaside or experience the area's festivals.

Playa del Carmen Main Beach
The Angel of Independence Monument which includes a monument, city views and heritage elements

Angel of Independence Monument

Gaze upon this tall and majestic structure that symbolizes for the whole nation’s citizens the country’s long struggle for independence.

Angel of Independence Monument
Coco Beach showing a beach

Coco Beach

Explore the depths of the ocean with your snorkel and fly through the treetops of the jungle on a zip line in this picturesque beach town.

Coco Beach
Zócalo featuring heritage architecture, a city and night scenes

Zócalo

This is the heart of Mexico City with wide-ranging architecture, cultural events and a lively arts scene.

Zócalo
Colorful sunset over Tulum beach, Mexico, Shutterstock ID 664142827, Purchase Order: -

Tulum Beach

Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Tulum Beach, a popular beach in Tulum. Stroll along the seaside in this romantic area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Tulum Beach

Areas of Central America

Escenica Tower featuring general coastal views, a luxury hotel or resort and a beach

Zona Hotelera

4/5(130 area reviews)

Relax on white-sand beaches or poolside at luxury hotels, dive at an underwater museum, swim with dolphins and visit archaeological ruins.

Zona Hotelera
Puerto Vallarta city Old town in the romantic zone

Romantic Zone

4/5(9 area reviews)

Are you interested in stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife and popular shops? A visit to Romantic Zone might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Playa de los Muertos and Bay of Banderas.

Romantic Zone
The Cibeles fountain in Mexico City is an exact replica of the Cibeles fountain that is located in the Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid, Spain

Roma Norte

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Roma Norte. Check out top attractions like Avenida Insurgentes and MUCA Roma, and jump on the metro at Insurgentes Station or Sevilla Station to see more of the city.

Roma Norte
The beach in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio

The stunning beaches and idyllic natural landscape are just a few highlights of Manuel Antonio. Make a stop by Biesanz Beach or Playa Espadilla while you're exploring the area.

Manuel Antonio
Polanco showing a park, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Polanco

5/5(6 area reviews)

Visit the most diverse section of Mexico City for sophisticated shopping, dining, accommodations and sightseeing.

Polanco
La Condesa which includes café lifestyle

La Condesa

Enjoy 20th-century history in these two sections of Mexico City, with interesting art and architecture reflecting European influences.

La Condesa

 

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