Title: Things to Do in Central America in 2026 | Expedia.com [Central America Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Central-America.dx553248635975748723)[Hotels in Central America](https://expedia.com/Central-America-Hotels.d553248635975748723.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Central America](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Central-America.d553248635975748723.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Car Rentals in Central America](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Central-America.d553248635975748723.Car-Rental-Guide)[Central America Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Central-America.d553248635975748723.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Things to do in Central America ## Find and book activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Central America Types of activities Where to stay [Central America Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Central-America.dx553248635975748723) ![The famous pink lakes of Mexico, Rio Lagartos. A magical sight! Pink waters and blue sky, It was like sunset reversed; a feast for eyes! There are plenty of colorful salt lakes near Las Coloradas/Rio Lagartos in the Yucatan peninsula. It is just 2 hours drive away from Chichén Itzá and around 3 hours from Cancun. Public transport is scarce in this part of Mexico. We took a rental car and it was an easy and comfortable journey for us :) Once we reached Las Coloradas, we were welcomed by giant white salt mountains. After driving around the salt mountains for some time, we finally found someone local who took us to this beautiful private salt lake. #nature](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6320352/6e633f4c-84fa-43b3-bec4-0bb91d0fb29a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![The famous pink lakes of Mexico, Rio Lagartos. A magical sight! Pink waters and blue sky, It was like sunset reversed; a feast for eyes! There are plenty of colorful salt lakes near Las Coloradas/Rio Lagartos in the Yucatan peninsula. It is just 2 hours drive away from Chichén Itzá and around 3 hours from Cancun. Public transport is scarce in this part of Mexico. We took a rental car and it was an easy and comfortable journey for us :) Once we reached Las Coloradas, we were welcomed by giant white salt mountains. After driving around the salt mountains for some time, we finally found someone local who took us to this beautiful private salt lake. #nature](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6320352/6e633f4c-84fa-43b3-bec4-0bb91d0fb29a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![A lovely waterfall near Arenal Volcano. I skipped the volcano hike and rode a horse to this spot. #blue](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047145/ea7235b5-d3b1-44b2-9dcc-7267bd034afd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Chichen Itza was a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya civilization. Here you have the serpent from the ball court and the Kukulcan temple in Chichén-Itzá Maya site, Yucatan, Mexico](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6052401/9cbba2a6-3421-4e24-bb46-a979720b7b11.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Central America](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6052401/bb6d344e-bb0c-45a6-8bc6-b267dd401049.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) --- - ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. - ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. - ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals. [Learn about One Key](https://www.expedia.com/welcome-one-key) --- ## Central America must see attractions ### 1\. Xcaret Eco Theme Park Part theme park, part wildlife sanctuary and part archaeological site, Xcaret Park has dozens of attractions and activities to keep the whole family occupied. So many, in fact, that it’s almost impossible to see everything with just one visit. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Xcaret-Eco-Theme-Park-Playa-del-Carmen.d6074370.Vacation-Attraction) ![Xcaret Eco Theme Park featuring general coastal views, a luxury hotel or resort and a coastal town](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6074370/fbcd4d30-631c-40d8-91ed-381f8d2bf281.jpg) ### 2\. Lake Atitlán Visit the Lake Atitlán area to explore indigenous villages, trek through volcanic highlands and dive, kayak or swim in Central America’s deepest lake. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Lake-Atitlan-Solola.d6220357.Vacation-Attraction) ![Lake Atitlan showing landscape views, a lake or waterhole and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6220357/ee79adf4-7213-4dda-a8c5-e45220b794d0.jpg) ### 3\. Paseo de la Reforma Paseo de la Reforma is likely to be one of your daily reference points as you travel around Mexico City. See many historic buildings and monuments along the lengthy stretch of this wide and beautiful tree-lined avenue. Notice the important modern buildings that have been constructed over time as Mexico and Mexico City have grown internationally as important financial markets. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Paseo-De-La-Reforma-Miguel-Hidalgo.d179290.Vacation-Attraction) ![Paseo de La Reforma avenue and Angel of Independence Monument - Mexico City, Mexico](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/179290/3a01d0ca-bd22-4b94-820e-cbeee93de6a1.jpg) ### 4\. Angel of Independence Monument Mexico City’s Angel of Independence Monument stands as a tribute to the heroes of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. From 1521when Hernán Cortés defeated the Aztec nation, until the early 1800s, the vast country of Mexico was a colony of Spain, separated by the wide Atlantic Ocean. Learn about the decade-long battle that started in 1810 and finally led to Mexico’s status as an independent monarchy and then a republic. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Angel-Of-Independence-Monument-Reforma.d501737.Vacation-Attraction) ![The Angel of Independence in Mexico City](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/501737/473226e5-df19-42e9-b3a2-1cf9606c78d5.jpg) ### 5\. Zócalo The Zocalo is the epicenter of Mexico’s capital city. The massive square can hold more than 100,000 people, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world. Officially named Plaza de la Constitucion, the Zocalo was once the heart of Tenochtitlan, an ancient Aztec city. You can see the square’s history in the wide variety of architecture, which ranges from pre-Hispanic ruins to palatial structures and modern buildings. Make sure to step into the Zocalo Metro Station, where you can see models of how the square has changed over time. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Zocalo-Historic-Center.d508474.Vacation-Attraction) ![0_dv604023](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/508474/5e13ec45-32f3-4c69-a0be-266e5c8909f6.jpg) ### 6\. Coco Beach The charming coastal town of Coco Beach (Playas del Coco) is known for its bars, restaurants and picturesque stretches of sand. Its clear waters are a haven for divers and the surrounding jungle is home to intriguing Costa Rican wildlife. The clubs and casinos in the downtown area provide a lively nightlife atmosphere. Spend the afternoon zip-lining through a maze of trees or sunbathing at the beach. In the evening, relax with a drink at the bars downtown. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Coco-Beach-Guanacaste.d6071351.Vacation-Attraction) ![Rainy season in Costa Rica brings out some of the best sunsets of the year. #sunsets](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6071351/27e54044-bc5d-4a37-8f44-b5a9594c5424.jpg) ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.com/deals?rfrr=ACTIVITIES_SPRING_PROMO_553248635975748723) ## Recommended things to do in Central America | Number of things to do | 2 | | ------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Awesome Bar Hunt: Baton Rouge Goes Rogue](/things-to-do/baton-rouge-bar-hunt-baton-rouge-goes-rogue.a2562697.activity-details): $13 | | Top 5 things to do | [Baton Rouge Scavenger Interactive Hunt](/things-to-do/baton-rouge-scavenger-interactive-hunt.a51051563.activity-details)[Awesome Bar Hunt: Baton Rouge Goes Rogue](/things-to-do/baton-rouge-bar-hunt-baton-rouge-goes-rogue.a2562697.activity-details) | | Under $25 | [Awesome Bar Hunt: Baton Rouge Goes Rogue](/things-to-do/baton-rouge-bar-hunt-baton-rouge-goes-rogue.a2562697.activity-details) | | With kids | | ## What to do in Central America --- Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Central America? [Search event tickets](https://www.expedia.com/event-tickets/) to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend! --- --- ### Discover the most popular places to visit in Central America ![Xcaret Eco Theme Park featuring general coastal views, a luxury hotel or resort and a coastal town](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6074370/fbcd4d30-631c-40d8-91ed-381f8d2bf281.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Xcaret Eco Theme Park Commune with nature, explore ancient ruins and learn about Mayan culture at this popular theme park, home to a natural underground river. [](https://expedia.com/Xcaret-Eco-Theme-Park-Playa-del-Carmen.d6074370.Vacation-Attraction) ![Lake Atitlan showing landscape views, a lake or waterhole and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6220357/ee79adf4-7213-4dda-a8c5-e45220b794d0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Lake Atitlán Mountainous treks, artistic pursuits and scuba diving; the towns, villages and volcanoes that surround this picturesque lake in Guatemala's highlands offer adventure and culture. [](https://expedia.com/Lake-Atitlan-Solola.d6220357.Vacation-Attraction) ![Reforma which includes a high rise building, a park and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/179290/21ee96f7-2fce-4ddf-a3d5-c696d3790739.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Paseo de la Reforma Like the Champs Elysées in Paris, this famous wide avenue provides a distinctive elegance to the historic plan of this huge global city. [](https://expedia.com/Paseo-De-La-Reforma-Miguel-Hidalgo.d179290.Vacation-Attraction) ![Zócalo featuring heritage architecture, a city and night scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/508474/8447fb23-aa93-4fd6-a8d2-3f71e08143a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Zócalo This is the heart of Mexico City with wide-ranging architecture, cultural events and a lively arts scene. [](https://expedia.com/Zocalo-Historic-Center.d508474.Vacation-Attraction) ![The Angel of Independence Monument showing a monument, heritage elements and city views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/501737/3c8447da-3f2e-42fe-98a7-2d483b28e397.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Angel of Independence Monument Gaze upon this tall and majestic structure that symbolizes for the whole nation’s citizens the country’s long struggle for independence. [](https://expedia.com/Angel-Of-Independence-Monument-Reforma.d501737.Vacation-Attraction) ![Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe showing a square or plaza, religious aspects and a church or cathedral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/501754/3c1a86e7-59f4-4233-824c-be3522bbe03a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mexico’s patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, is believed to have appeared on the site of this church, making it an important pilgrimage site for many Catholics. [](https://expedia.com/Basilica-Of-Our-Lady-Of-Guadalupe-Gustavo-A-Madero.d501754.Vacation-Attraction) ![Coco Beach which includes a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6071351/602e77ad-3c26-4840-ae51-4c308e1d7f0e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Coco Beach Explore the depths of the ocean with your snorkel and fly through the treetops of the jungle on a zip line in this picturesque beach town. [](https://expedia.com/Coco-Beach-Guanacaste.d6071351.Vacation-Attraction) ![Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6159559/ab8245cb-b8fc-4a3c-9de1-f378d850a241.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Playa del Carmen Main Beach Nothing says vacation like spending a lazy day at Playa del Carmen Main Beach, a popular beach in Playa del Carmen. Stroll along the seaside or experience the area's festivals. [](https://expedia.com/Playa-Del-Carmen-Main-Beach-Downtown-Playa-del-Carmen.d6159559.Vacation-Attraction) ![Insel vor Playa del Carmen, Strand Maroma, Mexiko](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6160476/b607290e-1d31-4b7f-a67d-1d4664ebefd7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Maroma Beach Nothing says vacation like spending a lazy day at Maroma Beach, a popular beach in Playa del Carmen. Discover the lively bars and entertainment choices in this relaxing area. [](https://expedia.com/Maroma-Beach-Maroma.d6160476.Vacation-Attraction) ### Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Central America ![Escenica Tower which includes a beach, a luxury hotel or resort and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6242258/fc60c3cf-93d9-484c-80f5-da93122526bc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Zona Hotelera 4.5/5(19,550 area reviews) Relax on white-sand beaches or poolside at luxury hotels, dive at an underwater museum, swim with dolphins and visit archaeological ruins. [](https://expedia.com/Cancun-Zona-Hotelera.dx800022) ![The Cibeles fountain in Mexico City is an exact replica of the Cibeles fountain that is located in the Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid, Spain](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635921598937/d4ab020c-934b-423e-ba55-1912bef1eb90.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Roma Norte Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Roma Norte. Check out top attractions like Avenida Insurgentes and MUCA Roma, and jump on the metro at Insurgentes Station or Sevilla Station to see more of the city. [](https://expedia.com/Mexico-City-Roma-Norte.dx553248635921598937) ![Puerto Vallarta city Old town in the romantic zone](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6051315/b8c54e51-b601-460b-ae36-99ef17df0a0d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Romantic Zone 4.5/5(1,569 area reviews) Playa de los Muertos and Bay of Banderas are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Romantic Zone. Travelers also love the stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife, and popular shops. [](https://expedia.com/Puerto-Vallarta-Romantic-Zone.dx6051315) ![Polanco featuring a church or cathedral, a park and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/179291/e3be856d-cc50-4287-bc89-bb0b55a8e7bf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Polanco 4.5/5(491 area reviews) Luxury shopping along Presidente Masaryk Avenue and upscale restaurants await, while nearby Chapultepec Park houses the National Museum of Anthropology and other cultural institutions. Enjoy a stroll in Parque Lincoln or explore Polanquito's vibrant dining scene. [](https://expedia.com/Mexico-City-Polanco.dx179291) ![La Condesa featuring cafe lifestyle](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6051410/b552c8a3-75bd-41b8-bfce-2343732a6e7c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### La Condesa Fashionable and popular with young professionals, Condesa boasts international restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Stroll along tree-lined avenues, admire Art Deco architecture, and visit landmarks like Edificio San Martín and Basurto Building. [](https://expedia.com/Mexico-City-La-Condesa.dx6051410) ![Aerial view, coast and town, Corrohoe Bay and Playa Espadilla, Manuel Antonio National Park, Puntarenas, Quepos, Costa Rica](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/601060/a7cd93c8-f3df-422a-ad5f-20cc95dc02a6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Manuel Antonio The stunning beaches and idyllic natural landscape are just a few highlights of Manuel Antonio. Make a stop by Biesanz Beach or Playa Espadilla while you're exploring the area. [](https://expedia.com/Quepos-Manuel-Antonio.dx601060) [See our Where To Stay guide](https://expedia.com/Central-America.dx553248635975748723.Where-To-Stay?rfrr=TG.LP..Neighborhoods) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app