If you think Central America is just a beach destination, think again.
In this week’s YouTube video, I’m breaking down my favorite places in Central America for culture, history, adventure, and more. Whether you’re a foodie, a city lover, or you need some time in nature, you can definitely find what you’re looking for.
Click below to watch.
My Top Picks
For City Lovers: Mexico City
- World-class museums like the National Museum of Anthropology, Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, and Museo de Arte Popular (and so many more!)
- Tacos, tacos, tacos—and great upscale restaurants, too
- Cool neighborhoods for exploring, like Roma and Condesa
- Architecture sites like Casa Luis Barragán, UNAM, Museo Jumex, and Museo Soumaya
- Day excursion to the Teotihuacán ruins
- Where to stay:
- High-end: Four Seasons Mexico City
- Boutique: La Valise, Ignacia Guest House, Hotel Condesa DF, Octavia Casa
If You Want a Little Bit of Everything: Yucatán Peninsula
- Great beaches (get out of Cancún!)
- Colonial towns like Mérida and Valladolid
- Lots of nature options: the Celestún wetlands for flamingos (November-April), Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve for mangroves, swimming in cenotes, and snorkeling the Mesoamerican Reef
- Incredible Mayan ruins like Chichén Itzá, Coba and Uxmal, among others
- Where to stay:
- High-end: Chablé Maroma, Chablé Yucatán, Maroma, Hotel Esencia
- Boutique: Hotel Hacienda Mérida, Hacienda Xcanatun, Be Tulum, Ser Casasandra Holbox, Azul Nomeolvides, La Valise Tulum
For Traditional Culture: Oaxaca
- Charming colonial old city with museums, markets, and fantastic local craft shopping
- Amazing food, mezcal, and chocolate!
- Monte Albán ruins right outside the city center
- Day excursion to the eastern valleys for craft villages, indigenous weekly markets, Mitla ruins, and beautiful scenery
- Where to stay:
The Up-and-Coming Destination: Panama City
- UNESCO-listed old town with colonial architecture, cobblestone backstreets, and interesting shops, museums and restaurants
- UNESCO-listed food!
- A rainforest park right in the city where you can look for wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and toucans
- Day excursion to the Panama Canal
- Where to stay:
- High-end: Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Hotel La Compañía
- Boutique: American Trade Hotel, Las Clementinas
If You’re Seeking Nature: Costa Rica
- Ecotourism hotspots: Monteverde cloud forest, Arenal Volcano and Tortuguero National Park
- Beaches like Manuel Antonio, on the Caribbean side, for palm trees and cheeky monkeys; Playa Guiones on the Pacific side for surfing and laid-back vibes (fun fact: I spent a month here teaching English in college! It’s changed a lot since then…)
- Explore coffee culture and beautiful scenery in the central highlands
- Where to stay:
The Wildcard: Cartagena
- Technically South America—but just barely! An easy flight from the US
- Colorful colonial city with bougainvillea-covered balconies and music drifting out of doorways
- Great boutiques for cool housewares, local crafts, and fashion from top Colombian designers like Johanna Ortiz, Slivia Tcherassi, and Mercedes Salazar
- Sunset drinks at Café del Mar on the ramparts, overlooking the ocean
- Outside of the old city, explore the Castillo de San Felipe fortress and the Getsemaní district, which is filled with street art and cool bars and cafés
- Day excursion or spend 1-3 nights in the Rosario Islands for some beach time
- Where to stay:
- High-end: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, Sofitel Baru Calablanca
- Boutique: Casa San Agustín, Hotel Casa del Arzobispado