{"id":18247,"date":"2019-01-01T12:38:03","date_gmt":"2019-01-01T11:38:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=18247"},"modified":"2019-04-11T13:02:53","modified_gmt":"2019-04-11T12:02:53","slug":"central-america-vs-south-america","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/central-america-vs-south-america\/","title":{"rendered":"Central America vs. South America: Where Should You Go?"},"content":{"rendered":"

From the sun-kissed beaches in Belize<\/a>\u00a0to the\u00a0towering peaks of Argentina, both Central and South America host some of the most diverse natural wonders, colourful cities, pristine beaches, and local, authentic experiences on the planet. So, where should you go on your next adventure? We can\u2019t make that decision for you (sorry!) but we\u2019re here to compare Central America<\/a> vs. South America,<\/a> to help point you in the right direction.<\/p>\n

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Lake Titicaca | \u00a9 Persnickety Prints\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nCentral America<\/strong><\/td>\nSouth America<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Area<\/strong><\/td>\n507,966 square kilometres<\/td>\n17.84 million square kilometres<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Population<\/strong><\/td>\n42 million<\/td>\n422.5 million<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Countries<\/strong><\/td>\nSeven<\/span><\/td>\nTwelve<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Languages<\/strong><\/td>\nSpanish, Mayan languages, English Creoles, Miskito, Ng\u00e4bere, Garifuna, English, Kuna, Embera, Bribri<\/td>\nSpanish, Portuguese, English, French, Dutch, Quechua, Guarani, Aymara, Nahutl, Mayan languages, Mapudung\u00fan<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Why you need to visit Central America<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Central America might only be the size of Texas, but don\u2019t let that fool you; this region sure packs a punch. With the relaxed, laidback vibes of the Caribbean on one side and the powerful swells of the Pacific on the other, you can\u2019t go wrong. As for the terrain, it\u2019s nothing short of breathtaking. Tropical forests, rolling mountains, rocky beaches, and volcanoes are just a few of the unique environs that offer something for everyone.<\/p>\n

Where is Central America?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Situated on the southern part of the North American continent, Central America is bordered by Mexico just to the north, on the southeast lies Colombia. On the east, you\u2019ll find the Caribbean Sea, and the western side is where you\u2019ll see the Pacific Ocean.<\/p>\n

In Central America, there are seven countries considered to be part of this region:<\/p>\n

Belize<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

If blue water holes and snorkelling adventures come to mind when you think of Belize; you wouldn\u2019t be wrong. With massive Mayan Ruins, and even larger picturesque beaches, you won\u2019t be bored here.<\/p>\n

Costa Rica<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Do rainforests, jungles, perfect beaches, and volcanoes sound like your calling? If yes, then an active escape to Costa Rica<\/a> might be the destination for you.<\/p>\n

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Read the article: <\/em>Walking South America: The Best Hiking Trails<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

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Reach new heights in Costa Rica | \u00a9 Perry Grone\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

El Salvador<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

While it may be the smallest country in Central America, El Salvador is known for its beaches and vibrant mountainous landscapes dotted with volcanoes.<\/p>\n

Guatemala<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

One of the greatest drawcards of Guatemala<\/a> is the ancient city of Tikal \u2013 but there\u2019s far more to this country than meets the eye.<\/p>\n

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Spend time getting lost in Guatemala| \u00a9 Jeison Higuita\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Honduras<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Often, Honduras is generally overlooked as a must-visit destination. However, it\u2019s home to crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and top-notch dive sites along the Mesoamerican reef, the largest of its kind in the Western hemisphere. And you can bet that the coral is full of marine life, including whale sharks!<\/p>\n

Nicaragua<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Nicaragua is filled with breathtaking landscapes, and if you\u2019re into colonial architecture, you\u2019ll certainly need to have your camera close by. If this country is on your travel bucket list, don\u2019t hesitate to visit.<\/p>\n

Panama<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

Panama is filled with flawless beaches, fascinating wildlife, tonnes of history, and the world-renowned engineering marvel: The Panama Canal.<\/p>\n

When to visit Central America<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The best time to visit Central America is during the dry season from mid-December to April with pleasant temperatures and mostly clear skies. However, this is known the peak season, with some significant holidays like Christmas, New Year\u2019s Eve and Easter that overlap during this time. The prices for hotels, flights,\u00a0and transport will be significantly higher compared to the low season, especially in popular tourist destinations. Make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment.<\/p>\n

What to do in Central America<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are so many things to experience in Central America, so here are a few ideas to get you started on your adventure.<\/p>\n