Central America Travel Guide

Panama

Panama

According to Countryaah, there are 7 countries in Central America. Panama is one of them. Without a doubt, the Panama Canal plays a major role in this country, it shapes the history and also the culture of the country and the people. However, Panama is much more than just the canal: “The land of abundance of fish, trees and butterflies” – This is probably the most widespread meaning of the name “Panama”, which is mainly reflected in the rich diversity of flora and fauna Country shows.

In contrast, there is the cosmopolitan capital of Panama City. Here, skyscrapers and colonial buildings, salsa rhythms, as well as an incredible internationality of the inhabitants and indigenous peoples with a centuries-old tradition and culture meet.

Climate:

With daytime temperatures around 29 to 32 degrees Celsius all year round, Panama is characterized by a tropical climate. The Central American country offers slightly cooler temperatures on the Pacific west coast than on the north coast of the Caribbean, and the values ​​also drop at higher altitudes. The Caribbean side is with a rainy season between April and December – particularly productive in the months of September and October – significantly more humid than the part of the country facing the Pacific. The months of July and August are a little drier on the coast in southern Panama.

Best travel time:

Panama’s Pacific coast is an ideal travel destination during the dry months between December and March. Beach holidays on the northern Caribbean coast can also take place during this time, and divers also have good visibility when the sea is calm. The rainy season in the country can be used well for rafting.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua

Located in Central America, Nicaragua is criss-crossed by a chain of active volcanoes, which is why it is called the “land of a thousand volcanoes” for a reason. Nicaragua is small, it fits almost three times the size of Germany. In spite of this, this small country has a power pack of diverse landscapes, colorful culture and Latin American flair ready for you. The biggest city of Nicaragua is Managua with a population of 1,262,978.

Climate:

Nicaragua is characterized by a tropical climate with constantly warm temperatures. The highest temperature values ​​in the lowland regions are 38 degrees Celsius, the central highlands have an average of no more than 27 degrees. It rains significantly more on the eastern Caribbean coast than on the Pacific coast in the west and in the highlands there.

Best travel time:

Little to hardly any rain makes the dry season between November and April attractive for Nicaragua trips to the Pacific coast. From the end of April, however, temperatures can rise uncomfortably again. The Caribbean rainforest in the lowlands is the ideal destination between February and April, where the dry period is a little shorter. Hurricanes are possible between June and November, so travel during this time is not recommended.

Guatemala

Guatemala

Guatemala is a country located in Central America. Guatemala offers a dramatic landscape profile, a rich indigenous culture, numerous witnesses of Mayan culture and an eventful history: Guatemala is one of the most impressive countries in Central America. Huge mountains, furrowed by river valleys and criss-crossed by plateaus, drop steeply to the Pacific coast and like a ramp to Lago Izabal and the banana country of the Caribbean coast. 33 volcanoes, including the extinct Tajumulco, at 4,220 meters the highest volcano in Central America, tower over the Sierras. To the north-east rise the mountains of Verapaz, characterized by coffee plantations, dense coniferous forests and raging rivers, to merge into a karst landscape of the Kegelberge and finally the dense jungle of the Peten. All over the country there are ruins of the ancient Mayan culture that once predominated here. The most famous are Tikal, Uaxactun, Dos Pilas or Aguateca in the Peten jungle. The descendants of the ancient Maya still dominate the country. They are unmistakable in the street scene with their colorful costumes.

Climate:

Guatemala has a tropical climate with constant warm temperatures throughout the year. Depending on the altitude, the temperatures can vary: With up to 40 degrees Celsius on the Pacific coast and in lower parts of Guatemala, it is significantly warmer than in the temperate regions between 1,000 and 1,800 meters. In the mountains it sometimes gets cold below zero at night. A dry season between November and May alternates with a rainy season, which brings repeated, heavy rain showers. On the coast to the Atlantic, it is rather humid all year round.

Best travel time:

Trekking tourists and wildlife watchers should stick to the dry season between October and May, when the temperatures are still bearable even at high altitudes. The rainy season is more suitable for water sports enthusiasts and surfers.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Costa Rica – the rich coast with impressive natural beauty. This safe and fascinating country is characterized by mysterious cloud forests, tropical rainforests in the highlands and jungles with extensive mangrove landscapes, volcanoes, lakes and coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific. Costa Rica has the highest density of national parks with 27% of the land area, which invite young and old to unique discoveries.

Sustainable expeditions into the tropical jungle and the numerous impressive national parks support environmentally friendly tourism on site: Species protection is very important here! How much the optimistic residents of Costa Rica live in harmony with themselves and nature can be seen in the local philosophy of life: “Pura Vida”.

You can get an insight into this e.g. For example, you can win sightseeing in the capital San José, where the Costa Rican National Museum is located. The annual carnival is also a spirited spectacle and attracts many tourists. A tour with the rainforest cable car or to one of the impressive waterfalls rounds off the perfect holiday experience in Costa Rica. The “Switzerland of Central America” ​​is also a very safe and politically stable country and does not have a standing military.

Climate:

Costa Rica is characterized by a tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. The rainy season, which is characterized by short heavy rains and wind, takes place in May and from late July to November. The dry season runs between December and April and from June to mid-July.

Best travel time:

Costa Rica can be visited all year round. Put your focus on hiking or trekking, visiting the Osa Peninsula with the very original Corcovado National Park, swimming and diving in the Pacific or unique nature and animal observations. A trip to Costa Rica in the dry season from December to April is worthwhile.

If you are interested in the diversity of birds native to Costa Rica, the travel period from May to July is suitable. Surfers especially benefit from the incomparable waves in the rainy season.

The phases of the moon and the correct travel time are important for observing the egg-laying of different turtle species. We recommend the months of August / September to be able to observe this emotional spectacle on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.