Central America’s New Chapter

A few years back, if you asked a friend to go to one of the many nations in Central America that wasn’t named Costa Rica or Panama, they’d ask the big question: “Is it safe?” You might have hesitated about the answer then, but you shouldn’t now. Central America is safe and has experienced a stunning resurgence in recent years. 

El Salvador has led the way. This small nation on the Pacific coast has seen its crime rate drop by 98 percent over the past decade. That’s an unprecedented turnaround and proof of how quickly Central America is developing. In El Salvador and the nearby nations of Guatemala, Belize, and Nicaragua, a more robust tourism network is ready to welcome travellers from across North America. 

People are finally waking up to the fact that these countries are home to astounding natural and cultural beauty. Robert Miller, Product Manager for The Americas at Goway, visited El Salvador last year and experienced the smoky volcanoes near Cerro Verde, the pristine shorelines of El Tunco, and the incredible cuisine and views of Lake Coatepeque. “Having time to wander and relax in the small town of Suchitito was an unexpectedly special highlight,” says Robert. “It’s roughly two hours by car from San Salvador and is one of the most charming and laidback towns I’ve ever visited.” 

Of course, El Salvador is by no means the only place in Central America that is ready for the limelight. Take Guatemala, which has the highest concentration of Mayan ruins for a country its size. It's home to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Tikal, famous as the Rebel base on Yavin IV in Star Wars, as well as the ruins of Uaxactun, one of the oldest Mayan cities in the world. I remember exploring deserted passageways feeling like Indiana Jones. History is palpable here, but it’s not dead. Rather, Mayan culture is alive and thriving in Guatemala today, which you’ll glimpse in the markets of Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan, renowned for their colourful textiles.

Across the border to the east lies Belize, which is home to more gorgeous Mayan ruins, notably Xunantunich and Caracol. English is the official language here, which makes it a great first-time destination for travellers branching out into more parts of Central America. It’s also a great beach spot and home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef. There’s a lot to do: Snorkel alongside sea turtles and nurse sharks on the Belize Barrier Reef. Feast on local delicacies in Ambergris Caye and Placencia. Explore the jungles of Cayo District in search of jaguars. 

Finally, across Costa Rica’s northern border lies Nicaragua, the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes. If you like the outdoors, this place is made for you. You can hike along the rim of Masaya, an active volcano, explore Ometepe Island, the region’s largest freshwater island, and try your hand at surfing in San Juan del Sur. It’s beautiful, affordable, friendly.  

It’s also a place where people know how to celebrate life to its fullest. I remember one Christmas Eve in Nicaragua waking to a commotion at midnight. I went onto the roof to investigate and was greeted by a 360-degree view of the most intense fireworks display I’ve ever seen. Every street was filled with families and neighbours celebrating Christmas together. 

There’s a lot to love about this part of the world. It’s beautiful. It’s friendly. It’s bursting with life. And it’s safe. It’s time for more people to experience Central America’s new chapter for themselves.

By Bryan Tutte