What to do in Central America

Activities, attractions and tours

Central America
Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Photo provided by PhotoJoy

Places to Visit in Central America

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Central America, Mexico and Central America while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Central America attractions from NZ$9, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Central America tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 879 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Central America. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Xcaret Eco Theme Park

This is Mexico. With spectacular colours and flavours, thriving wildlife, sacred history and swimming, Xcaret Eco Theme Park, six kilometres south of Playa del Carmen, combines a wildlife sanctuary, an archaeological site and dozens of activities to delight and inspire.
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Xcaret Eco Theme Park featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and a luxury hotel or resort

2. 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.
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Paseo de La Reforma avenue and Angel of Independence Monument - Mexico City, Mexico

3. 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.
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Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe showing a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

4. 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.
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Lake Atitlan featuring a lake or waterhole, landscape views and boating

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.
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Recommended things to do in Central America

Number of things to do
879
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in New York: NZ$9
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Central America

Discover the most popular places to visit in Central America

Xcaret Eco Theme Park featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and a luxury hotel or resort

Xcaret Eco Theme Park

A wildlife sanctuary, cultural site and theme park in equal measure, a day at this popular attraction is a day experiencing the real Mexico.

Xcaret Eco Theme Park
Reforma which includes a monument, a park and a city

Paseo de la Reforma

Like the Champs Elysées in Paris, this famous wide avenue provides a distinctive elegance to the historic plan of this huge global city.

Paseo de la Reforma
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and a square or plaza

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

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.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Lake Atitlan featuring a lake or waterhole, landscape views and boating

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.

Lake Atitlán
Maroma Beach

Maroma Beach

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.

Maroma Beach
Coco Beach showing a beach

Coco Beach

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.

Coco Beach
Zócalo

Zócalo

This is the heart of Mexico City with wide-ranging architecture, cultural events and a lively arts scene.

Zócalo
Playa del Carmen Main Beach

Playa del Carmen Main Beach

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.

Playa del Carmen Main Beach
Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca

Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Playa Blanca, a popular beach in Rio Hato. Amble around this romantic area's seaside or experience its entertainment venues.

Playa Blanca

Explore areas of Central America

Escenica Tower showing general coastal views, a luxury hotel or resort and a sandy beach

Zona Hotelera

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

Relax on white-sand beaches or poolside at luxury hotels, dive at an underwater museum, swim with dolphins and visit archaeological ruins.

Zona Hotelera
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Romantic Zone

5/5(4 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.

Romantic Zone
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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.

Roma Norte
Polanco showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a garden

Polanco

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Visit the most diverse section of Mexico City for sophisticated shopping, dining, accommodations and sightseeing.

Polanco
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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.

Manuel Antonio
La Condesa showing café scenes

La Condesa

Enjoy 20th-century history in these two sections of Mexico City, with interesting art and architecture reflecting European influences.

La Condesa

 

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