When is the best time to visit the Caribbean and Central America?

The best time to visit the Caribbean and Central America is during the dry season, typically from December to April, when the weather is more pleasant and there are fewer rain disruptions. However, this time period also coincides with peak tourist season, so you should expect higher prices and larger crowds. For better value and fewer tourists, consider the shoulder seasons—late spring or early fall—while avoiding the hurricane season (June to November).

What countries make up the Caribbean and Central America?

Together, the Caribbean and Central America comprise 20 sovereign countries—13 in the Caribbean and 7 in Central America. The most popular countries in the Caribbean include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Jamaica and the Bahamas. Some of the best destinations in Central America include Costa Rica, Panama, Belize and Honduras. These regions are known for their mix of stunning beaches, tropical climates, lush rainforests, ancient ruins and rich cultures.

What are the must-see attractions and activities in the Caribbean and Central America?

The Caribbean and Central America offer a wealth of must-see attractions and activities that combine natural beauty and cultural heritage—especially for guests arriving by sea. In the Caribbean, visitors can explore colonial cities like San Juan and Cartagena, relax on white-sand beaches in Jamaica and the Bahamas or snorkel in the vibrant reefs of Cozumel and Roatán. Jamaica offers a rich musical heritage and dramatic natural scenery, while Saint Lucia is known for its iconic Piton mountains—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cultural experiences such as Caribbean cooking classes, local artisan workshops and guided historical tours provide deeper insight into the region’s heritage. Many destinations also offer nature-based excursions, including catamaran rides, submarine dives and wildlife encounters in tropical settings.\u0026nbsp; \n \nIn Central America, highlights include a transit through the Panama Canal and a visit to the impressive Miraflores Locks. Travelers can enjoy jungle boat rides across Gatun Lake or explore Costa Rica’s lush Monteverde Cloud Forest. Coffee plantation tours, eco-bike rides, zip-lining experiences and crocodile safaris are also popular. Belize offers access to the Great Blue Hole and ancient Mayan ruins like Xunantunich, while Honduras’ beaches are ideal for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling.

What are important local customs and etiquette I should be aware of when visiting the Caribbean and Central America?

When visiting the Caribbean and Central America, it is important to be mindful of local customs to ensure respectful and enriching interactions. Across both regions, hospitality and respect for elders are deeply valued. A warm greeting—often with a smile and polite conversation—is customary and appreciated. In many communities, especially rural or traditional ones, modest dress is expected when visiting churches or public spaces. While beachwear is fine at resorts, it is best to cover up when away from the shore. Tipping is generally customary in restaurants and for services like taxis and tours, and learning a few basic phrases in the local language (Spanish, English, French or Dutch) is seen as a sign of respect.\u0026nbsp; \n \nIn the Caribbean, social interactions often reflect a blend of African, Indigenous and European influences. Norms around personal space and physical touch can vary—some islands are more expressive and welcoming of hugs or pats on the back, while others may prefer more reserved greetings. Food sharing is a symbol of friendship, and being invited to a meal is a gesture of trust and hospitality. In Central America, it is respectful to greet people with a handshake or a nod and to use formal titles like “Señor” or “Señora” when addressing others. In Indigenous communities, it is especially important to ask permission before taking photos and to be mindful of traditional customs and attire.

What should I pack for a trip to the Caribbean and Central America?

When packing for a trip to the Caribbean and Central America, start with lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm, tropical climates. Include items like cotton shirts, shorts, sundresses and swimwear, along with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen for sun protection. A light rain jacket or travel umbrella is also useful, especially if you plan to explore rainforests or visit during the rainy season. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are recommended for city strolls or nature hikes, while water shoes can be helpful for beach or river activities. If your plans include outdoor excursions like hiking or zip-lining, consider packing quick-dry clothing, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, a small backpack and binoculars for wildlife viewing. \n \nFor cultural outings or visits to religious sites, pack modest clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. This is especially important in rural communities where traditional values are observed. Men should consider wearing long pants and avoid sleeveless shirts. Women should cover their arms and legs, and are advised to refrain from wearing short or sleeveless apparel or anything too revealing.

Set sail for the Caribbean & Central America

Experience the incomparable beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean and Central America. Read on to learn more about the diverse countries that comprise this breathtaking region and explore the enriching experiences that await you in Panama, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and beyond. Enhance your knowledge of Central American cuisine, discover why nature is a crucial part of Caribbean identity and uncover the remarkable flora and fauna native to this part of the world.

Caribbean & Central America

Central America is the southernmost region of North America, situated between Mexico and South America. Comprised of Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Belize, this tapering landmass separates the Pacific Ocean, to the west, from the Caribbean Sea. Humid swamps and lowlands lie along the east and west coasts, but 80 percent of Central America consists of hilly or mountainous terrain.

With its tropical climate, diverse vegetation, remarkable wildlife, vibrant traditions and historic landmarks, Central America offers visitors a wide array of natural and cultural treasures, including:

Altun Ha in Belize, where several Mesoamerican temple-pyramids stand as testament to an advanced civilization that dates back as far as 900 BC
The lush rainforests and striking mangrove forests of Honduras
Costa Rica’s abundant coffee, banana, and chocolate plantations
The Panama Canal, an engineering wonder that took 33 years to complete

Spanning more than 1 million sq mi. (2,589,988 sq km) and reaching depths of more than 25,000 ft. (7,620 m) in the Cayman Trench, the Caribbean Sea is one of the largest and deepest seas in the world. These brilliant turquoise waters earned their name from the Carib, the Indigenous people of the Lesser Antilles. The sea is framed by Venezuela, Colombia and Panama to the south and Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and Puerto Rico to the north. In the southern tropics of the Caribbean, the average water temperature is an inviting 81° F (27° C).

There are more than 7,000 islands and cays across the Caribbean that represent 28 different nations. These islands are divided into the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles and the Bahamas. Though the exact geologic age of the Caribbean is not known, it is believed that it was once connected with the Mediterranean Sea during the Paleozoic era (540 to 250 million years ago). An impressive array of wildlife calls the Caribbean home—90 species of mammals, including whales, dolphins and seals; 500 species of reptiles, such as iguanas and crocodiles; and 1,000 species of fish, including sharks, rays, parrotfish, grouper, eels and many more.

Cuisine—5 Central American favorites
Cuisine in Central America consists of a delightful fusion of flavors and ingredients from a variety of cultures, including native Mesoamerican traditions, Caribbean and Afro-Caribbean dishes and even Mediterranean influences, due to the region’s colonial past. The prevalence of coastline means that there is a strong reliance on seafood, as well as local vegetables and tropical fruits. Central American food is generally well-balanced and fresh, with a compelling balance of sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami components. Here are five popular Central American dishes that visitors may wish to try:
- Hojaldres (Panama)
  This traditional breakfast bread consists of a fried dough made from flour, sugar, salt and oil. Flat and round, hojaldres have the texture of a doughnut but are usually topped with cheese and served with salchichas guisados, a sausage stew perfect for dipping.
- Rice & beans with stewed chicken (Belize)
  This simple meal, which can be purchased from street-side vendors, is the national dish of Belize. Fragrant rice and red kidney beans are cooked with coconut milk to create a filling, flavorful base for tender chicken spiced with recado, a paste made from achiote peppers.
- Picadillo de papa (Costa Rica)
  Traditionally served with tortillas and rice, picadillo de papa is a savory dish comprised of finely chopped bell peppers, onions, ground meat and potatoes.
- Yuca al mojo (Panama)
  Usually served as a side dish, yuca al mojo is a flavorful Panamanian favorite that consists of boiled cassava marinated in a zesty sauce made with garlic, cilantro and lemon juice.
- Tres leches cake (Nicaragua)
  Many believe that the original recipe for “three milks cake” originated in Nicaragua, where it was printed on milk cans to promote sales. Today, this delectable sponge cake—covered in evaporated, condensed and whole milk—is popular throughout Central America.
Culture—The importance of nature to Caribbean identity

The Caribbean's lush rainforests and national parks are not only natural wonders; they are integral to the region's identity and culture. While these tropical areas now draw travelers from all over the world, local residents have a strong connection with the unique ecosystems that have defined life on the islands for millennia.

For example, El Yunque National Rainforest, located in northeastern Puerto Rico, is the sole tropical rainforest within the national forest system of the United States. Its name is derived from the Indigenous Taíno word Yuke, or “white fields,” in reference to the thick fog that encircles the top of El Yunque Peak. The Taíno believed that the deity Yúcahu resided on the mountain, protecting his people from Guabancex, the goddess of chaos and disorder.

The natural environment has long provided Caribbean peoples with medicinal plants, herbs and fruits—many of which have had a significant impact on the region’s economy, cuisine and culture. Visitors may learn about some of these traditional plants during visits to facilities like the Lokono medicinal garden at PEG Farm in Barbados or Claremont Farms in Antigua, a private agricultural estate that cultivates the rare, exceptionally sweet Antiguan black pineapple.

Today, conservation is a critical part of Caribbean culture, and efforts to protect wildlife through education and outreach programs highlight the region's commitment to preserving its unique natural heritage. Such efforts can be seen in the case of the St. Lucia parrot (Amazona versicolor), which was designated as St. Lucia’s national bird in 1979. This intelligent, amusing and beautiful creature is only found in St. Lucia’s interior rainforests, where it is known to locals by its French name, Jacquot. With its green body, blue head and striking red chest and belly, it would be hard to miss this colorful avian.

As these examples show, the Caribbean's wildlife is a cornerstone of its identity and culture, reflecting the region's natural beauty, ecological diversity and cultural heritage.
Nature—The stunning flora & fauna of Central America & the Caribbean

There is no doubt about it—Central America and the Caribbean islands are home to a special kind of magic. With its tropical vegetation, glorious sunsets and abundance of marine wildlife, this sun-kissed area of the world offers countless pleasures for curious travelers. Read on to learn more about some of the most wondrous plants and animals this lush region has to offer:

Caribbean orchids
With a warm climate year-round, a phenomenal amount of radiant flora sprout from the wet, tropical soils of the Caribbean, including many beautiful orchids (Orchidaceae). An astonishing 25,000 species of orchid grow throughout the Caribbean, making them one of the most abundant flowering plants here.

Typically, orchids grow on trees or cling to rocks in the lush rainforests and river areas. These colorful, exotic flowers are famously known for their pretty petals, sepals (the protective cover of a flower bud) and an eye-catching lip (also called a labellum), which blossoms at its vibrant center and is used to attract pollinators. Another stand-out feature of the orchid is its column, which uniquely combines the stamen and pistil—male and female reproductive organs—into a single structure.

Puerto Rico’s unique coquí tree frog
The coquí tree frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui) is a common frog found in Puerto Rico, measuring about 1 in. (2.5 cm) in length and weighing about 4 oz. (113 g). They have a light-brown body, a yellowish-brown marking on their back and a whitish-colored belly. Unlike most frogs, these species do not have webbed feet; instead, the toe pads enable them to climb trees vertically and hang from leaves. Another unique fact about these frogs is that they do not undergo the tadpole stage but rather emerge as tiny frogs with short tails. They are nocturnal animals and spend most of their time resting when not hunting for food.

These creatures are carnivores and feed on crickets, spiders, lizards, snails and other arthropods. To catch their prey, they stay perfectly still, allowing them to get close before striking. During the mating season, the male produces a unique sound at night known as a “coquí”—where it also gets its name from—to attract females and repel their male counterparts. They tend to exhibit territorial behavior during this period, as they attack and chase intruders when they feel threatened.

Caribbean & Central America Highlights

A journey through this region of the world showcases the idyllic beauty of the Caribbean, captivating Mayan ruins in Central America and rich cultural diversity. You may also choose to traverse the Panama Canal, an engineering feat. Here is a preview of some of the remarkable sights and activities you may experience in the Caribbean and Central America: