Central America is a hiker’s paradise with hundreds of mountains and the Ring of Fire. You’ll find an incredible 110 volcanoes with 37 of them in Guatemala alone!
Table of Contents
Central America comprises six countries; Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panamá. You will find some of the most magnificent trails in Central America.
It doesn’t include Mexico which surprised many people but Mexico is actually part of North America.
Even in the regions in Central America without mountains, you’ll find large tracts of forests. However, this makes it difficult to decide which trails to hike – a good problem to have!
Even in the regions in Central America without mountains, you’ll find large tracts of forests. However, this makes it difficult to decide which trails to hike – a good problem to have!
Because Central America isn’t a place with snow and super high mountains, many adventurers don’t see it as a destination for hiking. However, there is an overwhelming number of trails in each country alone, let alone in all of Central America.
5 of the Best Trails in Central America
From Nebaj to Cuchumatanes Summit – Guatemala
If you’ve ever visited Guatemala you’ve probably seen the advertisements for Acatenango, San Pedro, and Pacaya. I’ve been to each of those places and loved them.
They are awesome and I keep going back! But I have an insider’s recommendation if you are looking for something a bit more unique. A trail in Central America that almost no one knows about.
This hike over the top of the Cuchumatanes mountain range takes three days. The terrain of the area is unique in Guatemala and you’ll be able to see tiny shepherd’s towns along the way.
Most of them have less than ten houses each. This is one of Central America’s best-kept secret trails.
Related Articles: The 5 Best Day Hikes in Guatemala and 8 Great Adventures to Try in Guatemala.
Santa Ana Volcano or Ilamatepec – El Salvador
Santa Ana is a small volcano that’s quite easy to hike. It won’t take you more than two hours to reach the top. Once you get there, you’ll peer down to see a turquoise pool inside the crater.
Since this is still an active volcano the water inside of the crater is boiling. However, as tempting as it may look, you definitely don’t want to go for a swim here.
On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Coatepeque Lake, and on the other side, you’ll see Cerro Verde and Izalco Volcano.
Furthermore, topping off what is already a fantastic hike is that right at its base, you’ll see a small and beautiful park. It’s an idyllic spot where you can set up your tent or rent a rustic cabin to enjoy this spectacular area a little longer.
Related Reading: The Best Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary – Belize
What makes this place special and unique is the fact that it is the world’s only jaguar reserve. There are many different gentle trails that take you through the reserve.
Each gives you the opportunity to check out the local wildlife. The focus of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is definitely on hiking to observe wildlife rather than on the physical challenge.
Furthermore, you’ll be at full attention as you hear every branch snap wondering whether it’s a jaguar.
Note: Laurel really enjoyed her visit here and was there observing howler monkeys as part of her primatology studies. Unfortunately, she didn’t spot a jaguar.
Besides jaguars, you’ll also find other jungle cats including; pumas, ocelot, Jaguarundi and Margay and other 300 species of birds!
Related Reading: The Best Places to See Monkeys in Central America
Volcano Concepción – Nicaragua
Nicaragua is known for having the largest lake in Central America, Lake Nicaragua or Cocibolca. Within the lake, there’s a small island called Ometepe. It was formed by two volcanoes that emerged from the water and grew to be some of the tallest in the country.
One of those volcanoes is called Concepción. Furthermore, this volcano provides a fun challenge. It will take you around 10 or 11 hours to reach the summit and descend, making it a challenging yet unique and fun day trip.
The best part is the amazing views that you get from the top with a unique perspective of being surrounded by water.
These five trails in Central America all offer fantastic scenery and each one provides a very different experience.
Lourdes is soon to be a lawyer from Guatemala with the mission to explore each corner of the country. Her favorite activity is hiking along with exploring mountains, forests, caves, volcanoes and all that the region has to offer. Lourdes’s goal is to reach as many summits around the world as she can.
