Central America is the very narrow 228,571 square mile isthmus bridging North America and South America. Central American countries include Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama.

All of these countries are rich in culture, entertainment, and attractions. The most appealing feature is the easy access to three very desirable bodies of water for vacationing. On the west coast is the North Pacific, on the east coast is the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico is just to the north. There is a wide continental shelf on the Pacific side of Central America. This creates a veritable playground for shallow water activities like fishing, various watersports, or cruising while providing relative safety from deep water predators. The Caribbean coast is fringed with a multitude of different reefs and islands to explore and offers similar cruising grounds to those of the Caribbean Islands.

Whether you prefer diving the beautiful reefs of Belize, surfing in Costa Rica, sailing in Panama, the unparalleled beaches and nightlife of El Salvador, or touring any of the ancient ruins, dining, visiting wildlife preserves, or simply soaking up the sun wherever possible, Central America has something to offer everyone.

The Spanish explored and colonized the area in the 1500s, and Spanish is still the primary language. Before Spanish colonization, Central America was inhabited by a series of Mesoamerican societies, most notably the Maya and the Aztecs. The influence of these cultures can most easily be seen in the building structures of Central America. We can see the Spanish influence in more contemporary architecture, but we have to go back to ancient times to see Maya temples, homes, and public infrastructures. Influence can also be noted in the traditions of Central America. These ancient societies have shaped the way ceremonies like weddings, funerals, and various festivals are practiced.