Hunting down family-friendly locations can be challenging, especially when you’re planning to leave the country. You have so many things to get in order before you head out, but the most important is determining a destination.
Luckily, there are many family-friendly destinations in Central America to choose from that are fun and safe for children. So, if you’re planning a family vacation to Central America, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Central America for families.
This list includes 18 of the best destinations in Central America to visit with kids, plus, recommendations on what to do and where to stay in each of the best Central America places to visit.
What Countries are in Central America?
Central America is a narrow strip of land connecting North America and South America. While technically part of North America, the countries that make up Central America have such a unique culture and history that differs from the North American countries of Canada, United States and Mexico.
Although often referred to as Latin America, which typically includes Mexico and much of South America, as well, Central America specifically is limited to the countries of Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
18 Incredible Central America Places to Visit
Although the countries in Central America have a lot in common, they also vary significantly in some ways.
Depending on the type of family vacation to Central America you are looking for, here is a quick look at the destination that might be right for you.
- Best Central American country for adventure-seekers: Costa Rica
- Best place to visit in Central America for beaches: Belize Cayes
- Best Central America destinations for history and culture: Guatemala
- Least visited Central American country: El Salvador
- Best place to visit in Central America on a cruise: Roatan, Honduras
- Most posh Central America destination: Panama City, Panama
- Best place to visit in Central America for an all-inclusive vacation: Guanacaste Costa Rica
Best Places to Visit in Central America
From adventurous family members to ones who want a more laid-back vacation, you can find something that suits everyone in these Central America destinations.
1. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Lake Atitlan is a must-see, formed naturally by an eruption of a volcano. It used to be full of Maya villages, but now, you still have all the natural landscapes to enjoy.
Families should visit this lake, considered the most beautiful in the world and one of the great wonders. The lake is also safe to swim in, so it can be great for a family excursion.
Visiting a lake may also teach your older children about a lakeside ecosystem and help them get more interested in one close to home. They might choose to learn more and care about the water quality at home or get involved in a volunteer program.
Where to stay in Lake Atitlan
- Hospedaje el Viajero (budget)
- Selina Atitlan
- Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlan (luxury)
2: Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
The Arenal Volcano is not only one of Costa Rica’s most recognizable landmarks, but the area also surrounding the dormant volcanic mountain is an adventure-lover’s dream destination.
From some of the best ziplining in Costa Rica, to waterfalls and natural hot springs to guided hanging bridge tours in Costa Rica’s rainforests, families will have an exciting time exploring the Arenal Rainforest and surrounding area.
Be sure to book a stay at one of the hotels with hot springs near La Fortuna, so you can relax in the evening after a day filled with adventure and activity.
Your family will love every minute of the day from the moment you wake up to the majestic views of the volcano shrouded in clouds to the second they lay their heads down in an eco-friendly, sustainable lodge.
Where to stay near Arenal, Costa Rica
- Hotel El Silencio del Campo (mid-range)
- Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel (luxury)
3. San Pedro, Belize
You need to visit San Pedro if you want a laid-back destination where golf carts and bicycles are the primary modes of transportation around the town and the island.
The island of Ambergris Caye, which is home to San Pedro, is world-renowned for its barrier reef and is one of the best places to go diving in Belize. Spending time on the beach or at a beach resort with a pool will be nothing but relaxing for you.
It’s an excellent place to start a Central American family vacation. There are plenty of adventures, restaurants, and fun things to do in San Pedro, Belize to keep your family occupied.
The island’s calm, warm, shallow water makes it an ideal destination in Central America to visit for families. And if visiting Belize with kids, San Pedro will certainly be a highlight!
Where to stay in San Pedro Belize
- Coco Beach Resort (Luxury)
- Belizean Shores Resort (Mid-Range)
4. Granada, Nicaragua
Colors abound in this famous colonial town of Nicaragua. Your children will love to take in the bright hues of different buildings and churches.
From Granada, you can also see the natural beauties of Nicaragua, like lakes and volcanoes, just a day trip away.
The food in Granada is delicious, and if you stay for a while, you can rent one of the houses on the tiny islands.
This location is one of the best places in Central America to visit if you want to prioritize making memories with the ones you love by taking in the beautiful sights of Central America.
Where to stay in Granada, Nicaragua
- Hotel Dario (luxury)
- Selina Granada (mid-range)
5. Monkey Island, Panama
This island gets its name from the white-faced monkeys that inhabit it. It’s a prominent tourist spot, so it would be perfect for kids who want to see new animals. Arrive early in the morning and you should be able to get the whole experience.
Your kids can learn more about monkeys and how they can benefit the ecosystem around them.
The boat ride to get to Monkey Island might take a while, so bring something to keep the kids distracted from the potentially long journey.
You can easily take a boat ride to Monkey Island as a day trip from Panama City.
6. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
The region of Guanacaste in Costa Rica is best known for its beaches and posh, all-inclusive resorts. It is one of the best places in Central America for an all-inclusive, stress-free vacation.
If visiting Costa Rica with kids, plan to spend at least a few days in Guanacaste to enjoy some relaxing beach time. Book a beach hopping excursion to see some of the country’s black sand, white sand, and even pink sand beaches.
If you want to venture away from the shore, Guanacaste is also home to Llanos de Cortes, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls and natural swimming holes. The small pool beneath this stunning waterfall is shallow enough that children can easily swim.
Llanos de Cortes can easily be reached on a guided tour, or a self-guided adventure if you rent a car and plan to drive around Costa Rica.
Where to stay in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Riu Guanacaste (mid-range)
- Planet Hollywood Beach Resort (luxury)
7. Panama City, Panama
Panama City can be both an educational and fun destination for your family. You can take in some old Spanish architecture in the cobblestoned historic center of Casco Viejo or enjoy the various stores and rich dining experiences in the luxurious Marbella district.
The city is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan places to visit in Central America, with high rises, posh hotels and trendy restaurants.
Of course, one of the country’s main tourist attractions, the Panama Canal is just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Built by the US in 1914, the famous canal connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans cutting through the isthmus of Panama as a means of making Maritime trade safer and more efficient.
You can also find natural environments around Panama City, which means it’s the perfect destination for anyone who doesn’t know where else to go in Central America. You’ll see nothing but fantastic views when you visit.
It’s a great destination to take a family to because it has so many things to do.
Where to stay in Panama City, Panama
8. Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala
Pacaya volcano is a national park that offers an up-close look into the lava flows that run through it. It’s close to the country’s largest city, Guatemala City, and about an hour away from Antigua, the tourism hub for the country, making it easy to explore upon arriving in Guatemala.
The Pacaya Volcano is active, meaning you must be careful around it, and is one of the few active volcanoes in the world you can actually climb.
Your family should be safe around the volcano, but your knowledgeable guide will share the fascinating history of Pacaya, as well as teach you about proper evacuation methods and how lava travels faster in some terrains.
It might be a great adventure to take older kids on as long as they can understand the dangers around it.
9. Suchitoto, El Salvador
Suchitoto is a delight, as it’s overflowing with cultural flair. Many people dress like cowboys here and there’s plenty to do to keep your kids occupied. You can stumble upon one of the many tours offered in this quaint lakeside town or enjoy some of the museum attractions.
If you want to dive into El Salvadorian history, Suchitoto is the place to be — it was a crucial place in the Salvadorian civil war back in the 1980s.
You can see things both natural and human-made in this city, so it’s worth a look if you plan on visiting El Salvador.
Where to stay in Suchitoto, El Salvador
10. Tikal National Park, Guatemala
One of the best places to visit in the Peten Province of Guatemala, the Tikal National Park is an awesome place to visit in Guatemala with kids. The lush vegetation of the jungle can draw your family in, as can the opportunity to see wildlife.
This national park contains the Tikal ruins, one of the most important ruins in Maya culture.
These ruins include stone carvings and intricate inscriptions. While you can easily get to Tikal from San Ignacio, Belize as a day trip, if you’re eager to absorb more of Maya culture, spend at least one night inside Tikal National Park. It is a must-see!
You would have to cross the Belize-Guatemala border, which can be tricky to navigate, the Tikal ruins are well worth the trip!
Be forewarned though, exploring Tikal requires a lot of walking!
Being out in nature and walking around can also give you several health benefits though, like lessening symptoms of depression or helping digestion, so take your time and enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the exercise you’ll get while exploring it!
Where to stay near Tikal National Park, Guatemala
11. Antigua, Guatemala
The historic city of Antigua is perhaps the most popular city for tourism in Guatemala. The Spanish colonial town is surrounded by volcanoes and renowned for its colorful buildings.
Once the colonial capital city, Antigua was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, and the capital was moved to Guatemala City.
For centuries, Antigua has maintained its colonial charm and has a relatively low population and is a fairly inexpensive destination to visit.
It’s a wonderful place to immerse yourself in Maya culture and learn about the history of Guatemala, or even immerse yourself in the Spanish language, one of the top languages for travel you should try to learn.
Where to stay in Antigua, Guatemala
12. Caracol, Belize
The Maya ruins in Belize are fascinating places full of history. If anyone in your family wants to learn more about the days gone by, visiting the ancient city of Caracol is perfect. The largest ruins in Belize, Caracol is an easy day trip from San Ignacio.
Most day trips to Caracol also include stops at other popular tourist spots in the country, like Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Pools.
With only 10 percent of Caracol unearthed, researchers estimate that much of the city is yet to be discovered. Archaeological work is still ongoing, so it remains to be seen what else researched will unearth in this ancient city.
13. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Central America.
Spanning more than 10,000 acres, the forest reserve draws roughly 70,000 visitors each year who come to see the colorful assortment of flora and fauna in a dream-like forest almost always covered in clouds.
Similar to Arenal, Monteverde is a popular destination for ziplining and hanging bridge tours and can be a wonderful educational travel experience for families.
Where to stay in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
14. Macaw Mountain, Honduras
If you’re in Honduras, visit Macaw Mountain before your vacation passes you by.
The nature reserve features several species of birds that will delight your entire family. You’ll have a great time learning more about the different types of birds and how they came to the park through means of rescue.
The park, which has been taking care of abandoned parrots and macaws since the 1980s, is run entirely on donations, so you can also contribute to the good cause after your visit.
Where to stay near Macaw Mountain, Honduras
15. Caye Caulker, Belize
Just a short boat ride from Ambergris Caye and San Pedro, Caye Caulker is often considered the most laid back of all the Belize islands. To get to Caye Caulker, you’ll ride a boat from Belize City for about an hour.
It’s one of the greatest island destinations in Belize, featuring fantastic shopping opportunities and an exciting diversity of aquatic species.
It’s also home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world for adventurous travelers and is often a popular destination for diving enthusiasts, as well as European tourists, so you’ll likely find some crowds year-round.
Spring is the most popular season to visit, so if you’re looking for a private beach destination, consider making it your vacation destination during a different season of the year.
Where to stay in Caye Caulker, Belize
16: Roatan, Honduras
Roatan, Honduras is one of the best Caribbean islands for families, and an easy destination in Honduras to visit. The island is a popular stop for many Caribbean cruises and is known as one of the best dive spots in the Caribbean.
Like many other places in Central America, Roatan boasts gorgeous white sand beaches, jungles, and crystal-clear water filled with colorful fish – perfect for kids learning to snorkel for the first time.
Spend some time at West Bay Beach and enjoy the low-key vibes that the island is known for.
Where to stay in Roatan, Honduras
17. San Ignacio, Belize
Located in western Belize, in the Cayo District, San Ignacio is a popular place in Central America if you are looking to explore the jungles and Mayan ruins the Belize is known for.
There are a lot of things to do in San Ignacio and the surrounding area.
Many people visiting the area choose to stay in one of the incredible jungle lodges located just outside the city. But you’ll find no shortage of caves, waterfalls, and ruins, like Cahal Pech and Xunantunich, just a short distance from the city, if you have rented a car and plan to drive in Belize.
San Ignacio’s sister town — Santa Elena — is connected to it by a suspension bridge. After visiting the ruins, you can explore all the local areas with your family. These ruins are also by a river, giving you plenty of beautiful sights to take in while you experience history.
Where to stay in San Ignacio, Belize
18: San Jose, Costa Rica
The whole country of Costa Rica is perfect for sightseeing and has several opportunities for families looking for something to do.
If your family loves adventure, you can try a whitewater rafting tour, which will show you the beautiful views of Costa Rica you can’t see anywhere else, thanks to traveling by waterway. You can also take on other fun adventures, like horseback riding or snorkeling.
If you’re looking for a place to start your adventure in Costa Rica with kids, choose San Jose. While San Jose is often overlooked as the capital city of Costa Rica, it has much to offer and can occupy your time before you tackle the activities that involve the country’s beautiful nature.
It has several museums that could interest families with kids of all ages, like the art and children’s museums. It also has several zoos that can keep a child’s attention and teach them more about the animals in the area.
Where to stay in San Jose, Costa Rica
- Gran Hotel Costa Rica (luxury)
- Park Inn San Jose (mid-range)
Conclusion | Choose Your Central American Destination Wisely
While not every destination has everything, you should be able to find a little something that everyone likes in these 18 best places to visit in Central America. Sit down with your family and plan out your vacation carefully — you should be able to find something that works for everyone.
Whatever destination you choose, remember you’ll make beautiful memories as a family – and fall in love with Central America.
Do you have a suggestion or a question about any of these best places to visit in Central America? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Like it? Pin this guide to the best places to visit in Central America to save it for later!
About the Author of this Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Central America: Cora Gold is the Editor in Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She loves to write about travel, family and adventure. Follow Cora on LinkedIn and Twitter.
