Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Central America January 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Central America Travel Guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Central-America.dx553248635975748723)[Hotels in Central America](https://expedia.co.uk/Central-America-Hotels.d553248635975748723.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Central America](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Central-America.d553248635975748723.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Central America Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Central-America.d553248635975748723.Car-Hire-Guide)[Central America Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Central-America.d553248635975748723.Holidays-City-Breaks) # What to do in Central America ## Activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Central America Types of activities Where to stay [Central America travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/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) ## Central America Attractions Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Central America has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Central America, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Central America with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes. #### Places of interest in Central America Central America is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Central America, and make it a breeze to explore Central America and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Central America to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind. If you’re planning a visit to Central America, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Central America. #### Central America attractions Central America has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Central America to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Central America. Looking for things to do in Central America can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Central America or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Central America attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails! --- - ![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 holiday rentals. [Learn about One Key](https://www.expedia.co.uk/welcome-one-key) --- ## Top places to visit ### 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.co.uk/Xcaret-Eco-Theme-Park-Playa-del-Carmen.d6074370.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.co.uk/Lake-Atitlan-Solola.d6220357.Attraction) ![Lake Atitlan showing boating, 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.co.uk/Paseo-De-La-Reforma-Miguel-Hidalgo.d179290.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\. Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe More than 12 million people visit the Basilica de Santa Maria each year. They come to see the site at which the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a poor Indian, and to see the cloak with her image that is displayed there. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Basilica-Of-Our-Lady-Of-Guadalupe-Gustavo-A-Madero.d501754.Attraction) ![Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe which includes a statue or sculpture and a square or plaza](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/501754/392c003b-eec3-4e2c-8518-57a8f3386ddb.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.co.uk/Zocalo-Historic-Center.d508474.Attraction) ![0_dv604023](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/508474/5e13ec45-32f3-4c69-a0be-266e5c8909f6.jpg) ## Recommended things to do in Central America | Number of things to do | 2 | | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Baton Rouge Bar Hunt: Baton Rouge Goes Rogue](/things-to-do/baton-rouge-bar-hunt-baton-rouge-goes-rogue.a2562697.activity-details): £9 | | Top 5 things to do | [Baton Rouge Scavenger Interactive Hunt](/things-to-do/baton-rouge-scavenger-interactive-hunt.a51051563.activity-details)[Baton Rouge Bar Hunt: Baton Rouge Goes Rogue](/things-to-do/baton-rouge-bar-hunt-baton-rouge-goes-rogue.a2562697.activity-details) | | Half-day tours | [Baton Rouge Scavenger Interactive Hunt](/things-to-do/baton-rouge-scavenger-interactive-hunt.a51051563.activity-details)[Baton Rouge 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 --- ### Popular places to visit ![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 4/5(7 reviews) Commune with nature, explore ancient ruins and learn about Mayan culture at this popular theme park, home to a natural underground river. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Xcaret-Eco-Theme-Park-Playa-del-Carmen.d6074370.Attraction) ![Lake Atitlan showing boating, 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.co.uk/Lake-Atitlan-Solola.d6220357.Attraction) ![Reforma which includes a monument, a garden 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 4.5/5(8 reviews) 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.co.uk/Paseo-De-La-Reforma-Miguel-Hidalgo.d179290.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 4.5/5(40 reviews) This is the heart of Mexico City with wide-ranging architecture, cultural events and a lively arts scene. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Zocalo-Historic-Center.d508474.Attraction) ![Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe showing a church or cathedral, religious elements and a square or plaza](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 4.5/5(18 reviews) 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.co.uk/Basilica-Of-Our-Lady-Of-Guadalupe-Gustavo-A-Madero.d501754.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 3.5/5(31 reviews) Nothing says holiday 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.co.uk/Playa-Del-Carmen-Main-Beach-Downtown-Playa-del-Carmen.d6159559.Attraction) ![The Angel of Independence Monument featuring a monument, heritage elements and central business district](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 4.5/5(15 reviews) Gaze upon this tall and majestic structure that symbolizes for the whole nation’s citizens the country’s long struggle for independence. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Angel-Of-Independence-Monument-Reforma.d501737.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 3.5/5(8 reviews) Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Maroma Beach, a popular beach in Playa del Carmen. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this romantic area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Maroma-Beach-Maroma.d6160476.Attraction) ![Coco Beach showing a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6071351/602e77ad-3c26-4840-ae51-4c308e1d7f0e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Coco Beach 4.5/5(2 reviews) 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.co.uk/Coco-Beach-Guanacaste.d6071351.Attraction) ### Explore areas of Central America ![Escenica Tower featuring a luxury hotel or resort, a beach 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(130 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.co.uk/Cancun-Zona-Hotelera.dx800022) ![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(9 area reviews) Are you interested in stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife and popular shops? A visit to Romantic Zone might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Playa de los Muertos and Bay of Banderas. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Puerto-Vallarta-Romantic-Zone.dx6051315) ![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.co.uk/Mexico-City-Roma-Norte.dx553248635921598937) ![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.co.uk/Quepos-Manuel-Antonio.dx601060) ![Polanco which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/179291/e3be856d-cc50-4287-bc89-bb0b55a8e7bf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Polanco 5/5(6 area reviews) Visit the most diverse section of Mexico City for sophisticated shopping, dining, accommodations and sightseeing. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mexico-City-Polanco.dx179291) ![La Condesa featuring café scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6051410/b552c8a3-75bd-41b8-bfce-2343732a6e7c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### La Condesa Enjoy 20th-century history in these two sections of Mexico City, with interesting art and architecture reflecting European influences. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mexico-City-La-Condesa.dx6051410) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.co.uk/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 on select hotels when you book in 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