1. GUATEMALA - Land of Eternal Spring
 |
| Tikal |
The
largest Central American nation in terms of population, Guatemala is
a place of great beauty.
The
stunningly beautiful lakes and volcanoes of Guatemala have been the
scene of massacres and repression for centuries. Dictators like
Rafael
Carrera
and
Jose Efrain Rios Montt ruled the land with an iron fist. Guatemala
also has the most significant native population of all of Central
America.
 |
| Great Blue Hole, Belize |
Once
part of Guatemala, Belize was occupied for a while by the British and
was known as British Honduras. Belize is a small, laid-back nation
where the vibe is more Caribbean than Central American. It is a
popular tourist destination, featuring Mayan ruins, nice beaches and
world-class SCUBA diving.
3. EL SALVADOR - Central America in Maniature
 |
| Metropolitan Cathedral of El Salvador |
El
Salvador, though one of the world's smaller countries, holds numerous
elements of the rest of the Central American region - in miniature.
Its proponents claim that the country's ancient Maya sites,
volcanoes, jungles, and beaches rival those of its neighbors, while
the hospitality of its people is unmatched anywhere in the world. And
because of its size, every attraction is easily accessible.
4. HONDURAS - Ruins and Diving
 |
| Roatan |
Though
Honduras has a history of conflict, an ever-increasing amount of
travelers are discovering the country's abundant attractions. Drawing
the most visitors are the Caribbean Bay Islands, Utila and Roatan,
boasting some of the cheapest and best Scuba Diving in the world.
Honduras is also home to the captivating Mayan ruins at Copan, a
stunning natural landscape, and a welcoming population.
5. COSTA RICA - Oasis of Tranquility
 |
| Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve |
Costa
Rica is the most popular destination in Central America for a reason.
Though small in size, the country contains 5 percent of the world's
biodiversity. For travelers, that means countless pristine beaches,
tumbling jungles, and abundant flora and fauna. To top it all off,
Costa Rica boasts a amiable society founded upon kicking back and
enjoying the scenery.
6. NICARAGUA - Natural Beauty
 |
| Masaya Volcano |
Nicaragua
is off the beaten path for the typical traveler, and yet contains
some of the world's most captivating scenery. Home to the second
largest rainforest in the Americas, and the largest freshwater
volcanic island in the world, Nicaragua's land mass holds 7 percent
of the earth's biodiversity. After years of unrest, Nicaragua is
emerging as the new Costa Rica, at a fraction of the expense.
7. PANAMA - Land of Canal
 |
| Panama Canal |
Once
part of Colombia, Panama always has been and always will be defined
by the famous canal that links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Panama itself is a land of great natural beauty and is a growing
visitor destination.
