Central America has always been the scrappy underdog of the travel world. For years, travelers would skip over the “middle bits” to get straight to Mexico or Costa Rica.
Big mistake.
Right now, this is arguably the most exciting region on the map. It’s having a massive “glow up”—moving away from just cheap backpacker hostels to something sharper, cooler, and more sophisticated. You can still find that raw, Jurassic Park energy—smoking volcanoes, black sand beaches, and deafening howler monkeys—but now you can do it with high-speed Wi-Fi and a mezcal cocktail in hand.
It’s the sweet spot: wild enough to feel like an adventure, but comfortable enough to actually enjoy it. Every time I visit I feel like I’ve unlocked a secret code to travel. Off Path enough that I feel true to my nature, but mainstream enough that I can still sit back and turn my brain off when needed.
Here are 5 spots that are defining this new era:
(PLUS I have created a quiz at the end of this article to find your perfect match so stick around!)
1. San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
The Comeback Kid
San Juan del Sur (SJDS) used to have a reputation. It was the place for backpackers to lose their minds at “Sunday Funday” pool crawls. And sure, you can still do that if you want.
But the town has grown up in a really cool way. Now, it feels less like a frat party and more like a scruffy, colorful surf town where everyone knows everyone. The Victorian houses are painted neon pink and turquoise, the sunsets are legendary, and the energy is just… contagious.
We loved our time here, and it was my first ever attempt at surfing. It went better than I expected! We also rode horses through the jungle and could even see nearby Costa Rica from the shoreline. It was adventure, relaxation, and culture all packed into one town. I am looking forward to heading back!
@traveloffpath An incredible day out from @lsmresort with @tribusurfnicaragua. One of our first times out and we got up! . #surfing #lsmresort #lasantamaria #sanjuandelsur #visitnicaragua ♬ Lets Go Surfing – The Drums
The Strategy:
- Escape the Town: The town is fun for a drink, but the magic is in the “satellite” beaches. Take the $5 shuttles out to Playa Maderas (for the cool, artsy crowd) or Playa Hermosa (where they filmed Survivor because it looks so untouched).
- The Sunset Hike: You can see the massive Christ of the Mercy statue from anywhere in town. The hike up is steep and sweaty, but standing at the base watching the sun drop into the Pacific? It beats any rooftop bar view, hands down.
2. Mizata, El Salvador
The Coolest Place You Haven’t Been Yet
El Salvador is having a major moment right now. The safety situation has totally turned around, and travelers are flooding back in. But while everyone else crowds into El Tunco, the “in the know” crowd heads to Mizata.
It feels sophisticated. We’re talking high-design treehouses, infinity pools overlooking the break, and a vibe that feels more “Tulúm” than “backpacking trip.” Plus, paying for your pupusas with Bitcoin is a surreal futuristic twist.
We loved our stay here, and our favorite part was hiking the nearby Tamanique Waterfalls. Your legs will be shaking like crazy by the time you make it all the way down but it is worth it!
@traveloffpath The perfect adventure during our stay at MIZATA 🤩 . #visitmizata #mizata #travel #waterfall #hiking #adventure #elsalvador ♬ I Don’t Like It, I Love It (feat. Robin Thicke & Verdine White) – Flo Rida
The Strategy:
- Respect the Sand: This is serious—the beach here is jet-black volcanic sand. It absorbs heat like a cast-iron skillet. If you try to walk barefoot at noon, you will regret it. Plan your beach time for early morning or late afternoon.
- The Temazcal: If you want to balance out the modern vibes with something ancient, look for a Temazcal ceremony. It’s an indigenous sweat lodge ritual that is intense, sweaty, and honestly, kind of life-changing.
A Note on Safety
El Salvador has cleaned up crime in a MAJOR way in the past few years. Now they have a Level 1 distinction from the US State department, which is quite a feat as only a few years ago it was at a Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
We felt totally safe while we were there, and locals talked about how much things have changed. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back in a heartbeat.
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3. El Paredon, Guatemala
The “Lazy Days” Capital
If you want to do absolutely nothing and feel great about it, go to El Paredon.
This place used to be a pain to get to, but a new road opened it up, and now it’s the surf capital of Guatemala. The rhythm here is dictated by the sun. It’s dusty, barefoot, and incredibly relaxed. Because the midday heat is no joke, the whole town basically takes a mandatory siesta from noon to 4 PM. It forces you to slow down.
The Strategy:
- Mangrove Magic: The ocean here is powerful surf territory, but right behind the beach is a massive, silent mangrove reserve. Taking a Stand Up Paddleboard tour at sunrise is peaceful in a way that’s hard to describe.
- Turtle Season: If you’re there between June and December, ask about the baby turtle release. Watching hundreds of tiny hatchlings scuttle across that massive black beach toward the ocean is one of those core memories you keep forever.
4. Santa Catalina, Panama
The End of the Road
Santa Catalina is special because you have to earn it. It’s a solid 5-6 hour drive from Panama City, which naturally filters out the weekend warriors and the cruise ship crowds.
What’s left is a place that feels like a frontier outpost. There are no high-rises, just surf camps, wandering cows, and some of the best divers in the world. It feels raw and unfiltered.
The Strategy:
- The Underwater Safari: You come here for Coiba National Park. It used to be a prison island (think “Tropical Alcatraz”), which accidentally preserved the reef because nobody went near it for 100 years. The diving and snorkeling here is mind-blowing—sharks, rays, turtles, everything.
- Whale Watching: If you can time your trip between July and October, do it. Humpback whales migrate here to have their calves. Seeing a 40-ton whale breach next to a jungle island is something you just can’t put into words.
5. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
The Caribbean Vibe Check
Most people hit the Pacific side of Costa Rica (Tamarindo, Santa Teresa). And that’s fine, but it can feel very Americanized.
Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side is a totally different world. The vibe is Afro-Caribbean, the soundtrack is Reggae, and the food is spicy and coconutty. The jungle grows right up to the water’s edge—you can be swimming and look up to see a sloth or a toucan in the trees.
The Strategy:
- The Animal Rescue: You have to visit the Jaguar Rescue Center. It’s not a zoo; it’s a rehab center for injured wildlife. Seeing baby sloths and monkeys up close—and knowing they are being helped back to the wild—is genuinely heartwarming.
- The “Secret Summer”: Here is a pro tip: Costa Rica is usually rainy in September and October… except on the Caribbean side. It’s their dry season. The water gets flat and crystal clear. If you want to hack the weather, this is the move.
- The Chocolate: You are right next to indigenous BriBri territory. Don’t just buy a chocolate bar; go do a tour where you grind the beans on a stone metate. It gives you a whole new appreciation for your dessert.
Now the fun part: pick the one that matches your vibe right now… and start building the list for the next four.
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