Interested in spending time in nature? These national parks in Central America could be exactly what you’re longing for!

Boasting lush rainforests, idyllic beaches, serene lakes, and active volcanoes, Central America is adorned with some of our planet’s most stunning vistas. This North American sub-region holds approximately 7% of the globe’s biodiversity. It brims over with natural wonders and abundant wildlife. Visitors exploring any of these seven nations frequently return with stories of encountering screeching monkeys en route to the shore, discovering enormous iguanas basking beside their pools, or admiring an array of vividly colored birds during treks through the lively rainforests.

If you’re interested in connecting with nature in an isolated setting, think about visiting some of Central America’s national parks. Make sure to pack your hiking shoes and binoculars because these locations will surely amaze you with their splendor.

Exploring Central America? Browse through our articles for tips to assist with planning your journey.

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The top five stunning national parks to explore in Central America

Be amazed by an erupting volcano at Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Perhaps it’s one of the
top desired natural getaway spot
In Central America, Arenal Volcano National Park features the renowned Arenal Volcano, which reaches an elevation of 1,633 meters. Although climbing the volcano itself isn’t permitted, various paths around its base lead you through dense rainforests, across suspension bridges, and to stunning waterfalls. After several days of trekking and discovering the park’s wonders, make sure to set aside time for unwinding in one of the natural thermal pools nearby.

• The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, which spans from February to April.
• Where to stay?
  Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Explore the waters of Coiba National Park in Panama.

Situated along the Pacific coastline of Panama, roughly an hour away from the town of Santa Catalina, lies Coiba National Park. This protected area includes Coiba Island—the biggest island in Central America—and comprises 38 smaller islands surrounding it; it earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005. Renowned for exceptional scuba diving experiences, this site features the renowned Bahía Damás reef, offering opportunities to encounter manta rays, whales, hammerhead sharks, and even whale sharks underwater.

• The ideal period to visit is from December to April for spotting whale sharks.
• Where to stay?
  Villa Coco
  in the town of Santa Catalina

Stroll through the annals of time at Tikal National Park, Guatemala.

Situated within the rainforest in northern Guatemala, near the frontier with another country, is an area of interest.
of Belize
Tikal houses the ancient city of Yax Mutal, one of the most significant Maya settlements in Central America. It’s thought that people first inhabited this area around 900 BC. The Tikal National Park stands out as one of the select UNESCO World Heritage Sites recognized for their combined natural and cultural wealth. As visitors explore the park, they’ll encounter numerous intricate architectural marvels such as the Temple of the Great Jaguar and the Temple of the Masks—testaments to the rich yet nearly forgotten heritage of this civilization. Spanning across 57,600 hectares encompassing forests, wetlands, and savannas, Tikal National Park teems with life. Travelers may come face-to-face with an impressive variety of birdlife, monkeys, and perhaps even jaguars during treks through the dense jungles en route to various archaeological ruins.

• The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, which spans from November to April.
• Where to stay?
  Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel

Head for a swim at Semuc Champey, Guatemala

Semuc Champey means “where the river hides under the earth” in the Qʼeqchiʼ language. Nestled along the Cahabón River, Semuc Champey is essential a naturally formed water park in the middle of the Guatemalan jungle, boasting incredible turquoise pools. It is without a doubt, one of the most unique places to swim in the world. You can spend days here swimming through caves, jumping off waterfalls, tubing down the river and hiking through the forest.

• The optimal period to visit is during the dry season, which spans from December to April.
• Where to stay?
  Utopia Eco Hotel

Unwind by the shore at Isla Bastimentos Marine National Park, Panama

Want to relax at the seaside? Situated in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago off Panama’s eastern coastline in the Caribbean Sea, this marine park safeguards 130 islands and serves as an ideal spot for your getaway. This area also houses some of Panama’s finest attractions.
most incredible beaches
, such as Red Frog Beach and Old Point Beach. While visiting this archipelago, take advantage of island-hopping opportunities to discover pristine islands where you might feel akin to being in the Maldives. This park serves as a crucial nesting site for both hawksbill and leatherback turtles; visitors have the chance to witness these creatures during their peak nesting period from July through August.

• The optimal time to visit is during the turtle nesting season, which occurs from May through August.
• Where to stay?
  La Coralina Island House