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$21, 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 2 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.

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
Reforma which includes a monument, a park and a city

3. 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
This is the heart of Mexico City with wide-ranging architecture, cultural events and a lively arts scene.

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

5. Rosarito Beach

Rosarito Beach is one of the city’s main draws. This broad sweep of sand fronts the city center and is a hive of activity day and night. Spend the day exploring the sandy shoreline and enjoying the range of fun-filled adventures on offer. Relax under the shade of a beach umbrella while sipping the juice from a freshly cracked coconut.
Learn more
Rosarito showing a sandy beach

6. Angel of Independence Monument

Mexico City’s Angel of Independence Monument stands as a tribute to the heroes of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. From 1521when Hernán Cortés defeated the Aztec nation, until the early 1800s, the vast country of Mexico was a colony of Spain, separated by the wide Atlantic Ocean. Learn about the decade-long battle that started in 1810 and finally led to Mexico’s status as an independent monarchy and then a republic.
Learn more
The Angel of Independence Monument which includes heritage elements, a monument and cbd

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

4.5/5(3 reviews)

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

4.5/5(3 reviews)

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
Zócalo

Zócalo

5/5(14 reviews)

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

Zócalo
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

4/5(5 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.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Rosarito showing a sandy beach

Rosarito Beach

4/5(1 review)

Experience the buzzing atmosphere of the resort city’s main beach and spend the day playing on the sandy shores, swimming or relaxing with an icy-cold drink.

Rosarito Beach
The Angel of Independence Monument which includes heritage elements, a monument and cbd

Angel of Independence Monument

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Gaze upon this tall and majestic structure that symbolizes for the whole nation’s citizens the country’s long struggle for independence.

Angel of Independence Monument
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
Fundidora Park which includes modern architecture and a park

Fundidora Park

Discover the history of Monterrey, explore picturesque gardens, enjoy recreational activities and attend cultural events at this multi-purpose park.

Fundidora Park
Maroma Beach

Maroma Beach

4/5(7 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.

Maroma Beach

Explore areas of Central America

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

Zona Hotelera

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Zona Hotelera. Make a stop by La Isla Shopping Mall or Forum Beach while you're exploring the area.

Zona Hotelera
Polanco which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a park

Polanco

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Polanco, you might enjoy attractions like Paseo de la Reforma and Avenida Presidente Masaryk. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Polanco Station to see more of the city.

Polanco
Default Image

Roma Norte

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Roma Norte. Check out top attractions like Centro Cultural El Punto and Plaza Insurgentes Shopping Center, and jump on the metro at Insurgentes Station or Sevilla Station to see more of the city.

Roma Norte
Default Image

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 Los Muertos Pier and Playa de los Muertos.

Romantic Zone
Default Image

Playa Mujeres

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Playa Mujeres. Make a stop by Mujeres Beach or Playa Mujeres Golf Club while you're exploring the area.

Playa Mujeres
La Condesa featuring café scenes

La Condesa

Spend some time visiting places like Blackberry Auditorium while getting to know La Condesa, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Patriotism Station or Chilpancingo Station to see more of the area.

La Condesa

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.