Central America is a strip of land that connects North America and South America, but for travelers it's much more than just that. The region consists of seven countries: Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. And much of the landscape is covered with mountains, rainforests, and beaches along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean.

If you're exploring this region for the first time or have experience traveling around the region, make sure these 14 Central American destinations are included in your travel list.

Arenal volcano
Arenal volcanoArenal Volcano, Costa Rica
The Arenal district of Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful and popular among local and foreign tourists. This volcano was once one of the most active in the country, but has entered a resting phase and is now safe to explore. Rent bicycles from a local shop in the city and cycle along tropical forest roads to admire stunning views of natural habitats and geological wonders The tourism industry is developing around Arenal, so it's easy to find eco-lodges, guided tours and local cuisine within your schedule and budget.

Antigua
AntiguaAntigua, Guatemala
Antigua is another great place to visit in Guatemala, in the central part of the highlands. Architecture lovers will love to walk the streets of Antigua, explore intricate designs and explore historical sights and churches along the way.

Granada
GranadaGranada, Nicaragua
Granada is a historic and culturally significant city in Nicaragua that is worth a visit during your stay in Central America. You can learn a lot about Spanish history and architecture by strolling through the streets of Granada. And, as with many major cities, you can also find plenty of attractions, art, culture, and recreation to keep you busy all day.

Tikal
TikalTikal, Guatemala
A trip to Guatemala wouldn't be complete without a visit to Tikal. Located in northern Guatemala, it was a large city of the Mayan civilization, sheltered in tropical forests. The scenery around Tikal is unforgettable: ancient peaks hang between tropical trees and endless forest. If you're ready for a little exercise, climb to the top of the pyramids to get a panoramic view from above.

Monteverde
MonteverdeMonteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Another must-have location in Costa Rica is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Nature Reserve. It's a popular destination for canopy and zippered tours, so it's perfect for thrill seekers and adventure lovers. It is home to hundreds of species of birds, as well as howlers and capuchins. Don't forget to bring your camera with you to take some pictures of these creatures in their natural habitat among juicy flora and fauna.

Panama canal
Panama canalPanama Canal, Panama
All over the world, the people of Panama are famous for their legendary Panama Canal. This is panama City's most popular attraction, but there are many other interesting places in the city that are worth seeing and doing. It is a very cosmopolitan city with a rich history and culture, which is consistently considered one of the best places to visit in Central America.

Casa Viejo
Casa ViejoCasco Viejo, Panama
Casco Viejo is a historic district in Panama City that was inhabited in the 1600s and was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997. The city was originally built on a peninsula isolated by the sea with a protective wall system. Today, the city's main attractions are La Catedral Metropolitana, El Palacio de las Garzas, as well as several historic churches and museums.

Copan
CopanCopán, Honduras
Copan was once an important place for government affairs, art, and culture during the Mayan civilization. You can go back in history to explore the ruins of large pyramids, temples, altars, and squares when you visit Copan today. Be sure to pay attention to the hieroglyphs and stone carvings that are still visible among the ruins.

Roatan
RoatanRoatan, Honduras
For divers, a trip to Roatan is a must when visiting Central America. Located on the Bay Islands, just off the coast of Honduras, this top-notch scuba diving hub is surrounded by a large barrier reef. Other popular water sports in the Roatan area include snorkeling, kayaking and dolphin watching.

 
Ometepe
OmetepeOmetepe, Nicaragua
Ometepe is an island that was formed by two volcanoes in Nicaragua, with two peaks towering over Lake Nicaragua. Around the volcano there are sandy beaches, archaeological sites and many wildlife habitats. Be sure to check out the ancient petroglyphs that are scattered around the neighborhood to tell the stories of the inhabitants who once called this place home.

Chikibul Forest Reserve, Belize
Chikibul Forest Reserve, BelizeChikibul Forest Reserve, Belize
Visit the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Belize's largest national park, to explore the longest known cave system in Central America. This cave includes imposing underground passages and cave chambers, which are the largest discovered in the Western Hemisphere. While in the area, be sure to visit Karakol, which is a historically significant Mayan ruin. One of the pyramids here is 136 feet high, making it the tallest building in the entire country.

Belize
BelizeAmbergris Key, Belize
The country of Belize is actually made up of many islands, and one of the best to visit is Ambergris Key. It's a Central American place to go if relaxing on a sandy beach in the sun sounds like a dream vacation to you. Over the years, it has become a famous holiday destination with luxurious rooms and restaurants. You can easily reach this island from Belize by ferry or a short plane ride.

Hoya de Seren, El Salvador
Hoya de Seren, El SalvadorHoya de Seren, El Salvador
One of the most popular places to visit in El Salvador is joya de Cerén. It was a settlement founded around 600 AD that was destroyed by the eruption of the Loma Caldera. No human remains were found in the settlement, and historians believe that the earthquake could have caused the evacuation of residents before the eruption of the volcano. You can take a short trip from San Salvador to visit this site and learn the history during the tour.

Punta Roca, El Salvador
Punta Roca, El SalvadorPunta Roca, El Salvador
Surfers flock to Punta Roca in El Salvador because it's one of the best approaches in the world. Surfers from all over Central America come here to take advantage of the wave conditions, making it an exciting and lively place. Even if you've never touched a board before, you can take a lesson and rent a board to see what the locals are talking about. It's an easy day trip from San Salvador – just 40 minutes!