Central America is the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure — a string of countries packed with jungles, volcanoes, surf breaks, ancient ruins, and wild wildlife. You’ve got Caribbean coasts, Pacific swells, cloud forests, coral reefs, and laid-back towns where time basically doesn’t exist.

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Start in Guatemala for misty mountains, colourful markets, and epic ancient ruins — sunrise at Tikal is next-level. Lake Atitlán is all good vibes and yoga mats, while Antigua brings the volcano views and cobblestone charm. Head south to El Salvador or Nicaragua for beach towns, crater lakes, and volcano boarding (yep, that’s a thing). Surf spots like El Tunco and San Juan del Sur serve waves and parties in equal measure.

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Costa Rica brings the jungle energy — sloths, zip-lines, hot springs, and waterfalls around every corner. Chill in surfy towns like Santa Teresa, or go full jungle explorer in Monteverde and La Fortuna. Want Caribbean vibes? Bocas del Toro in Panama is where the music’s loud, the water’s warm, and the island-hopping never ends.

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On tour or on your own, you’ll be hopping borders by chicken bus, boat, or shuttle — meeting locals, learning Spanish on the fly, and swapping hostel tips with backpackers from all over. You’ll hike volcanoes in the morning, swim in waterfalls by lunch, and end your day with a sunset beer and a hammock.

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Central America is raw, real, ridiculously beautiful, and way more diverse than most people expect. If you want culture, nature, adrenaline, and freedom — this is where you find it.