Central America: 5 paradises chosen by travelers

Central America and the Caribbean are a region of vibrant cultures, landscapes and experiences that must be explored and experienced at least once.

To fill your trip with unforgettable moments, Civitatis recommends 5 countries and their main routes, which become a gateway to orient the traveler's compass towards this side of the American continent.

GUATEMALA: It is a country of dazzling contrasts, where ancient Mayan temples blend with volcanoes, jungles and colonial streets. Among its must-see experiences is the Semuc Champey National Park in Cobán, famous for its turquoise pools and for being one of the few places where you can admire the quetzal in its natural habitat.

If you want to inject adrenaline into your soul, all you have to do is climb the Pacaya volcano and walk along its gaps created by the lava flow; the colonial city of Antigua can be the perfect ending, with a walk through the best viewpoints, one of them in the shape of hands and which has gone viral on Instagram.

CUBA: History and authentic beauty are what define the island. The most colorful postcards that take you back to the 1950s can be found on a photo tour of the streets of Havana and aboard its classic cars, complete with a mojito.

The trip should also consider a getaway to the tobacco fields of Viñales to learn how to roll cigars or, better yet, an excursion to Playa Pilar, with turquoise waters and soft sand, in the paradisiacal Cayos.

COSTA RICA: The phrase "pure life!" that makes this country famous worldwide is no coincidence. 5% of all known species in the world are preserved here. The two- and three-toed sloth is one of them and can be seen by going into the jungle thanks to a guided tour of the La Fortuna jungle. In the same community is the Arenal volcano, another must-see for excursions to see its crater and bathe in the hot springs of Baldi.

For sea lovers, Civitatis recommends a trip to Tortuga Island; the best round trip plan to enjoy the sun, beach and sand a short distance from San José, the capital.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Setting foot in this territory means discovering a true tropical paradise, starting with the 7 beaches of Samaná shaped like inlets and discovered on a ride aboard a catamaran.

This country is also known for its caves and underground lagoons, such as those that make up the Los Tres Ojos National Park, where tours include the observation of bats and giant ferns.

Also on the bucket list is a visit to Montaña Redonda, very close to Punta Cana, where the body, mind and spirit swing through eight swings installed at a height of 300 meters above sea level.

PANAMA: This Central American destination is a melting pot of cultures and landscapes that make their way between beaches and jungles, like the San Blas archipelago, made up of 360 islands. With Civitatis you can book an excursion to
visit three islands and live with the Guna ethnic group, whose women preserve the “molas”, hand-embroidered pieces that capture the relationship between God, nature and the cosmos.

Another cultural experience is visiting the Emberá tribe that lives in the Darien jungle. The indigenous people welcome travelers to teach them the meaning of their dances, how to carve wood to create crafts, and even to engrave the
body with symbols of protection, painted with ink extracted from the jagua fruit.

Finally, don't forget to take the adventure of travelling in a 4x4 to see the sunrise from the Barú volcano, which offers the best view of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Source: Civitatis.