15 Best Hikes in Central America Revealed by Travel Experts

If you are wondering what are the Best Hikes in Central America and is not sure where to start, you are at the right place!

Central America offers a large array of hiking options, from mountainous terrain to incredible volcanoes and vistas like no other place on the Planet. Now you are about to find out the top 15 Best Hikes in Central America, carefully crafted from easy to difficult trekking trails, where you will find the perfect fit for you!

Central America is a Dream Destination and it is considered the world’s adventure heaven. With hundreds of mountains, more than 70 volcanoes in extensive national parks, lush tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and valleys. Central America is a very diverse landscape to explore.

Central America comprises six countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, offering an array of the finest trekking paths and day hikes, with something for all levels. Here you can find some of the best hikes in the world, with their diversity and uncrowded trails, and some real gems that you need to add to your bucket list!

I have invited some of the top travel experts to help to put together this incredible list of Best Hikes in Central America, and here you can find the most complete collection. Plus, this guide is packed with very helpful pro-tips on how to go on these hikes in Central America safe and sound.

You may also want to check:

Best Hikes in Central America | 10 Essential Safe Tips

Before we get started on this amazing list of these Best Hikes in Central America, let’s remember to always travel safe :

  1. No Cell Phone Service: Cell phones do not work in most places in the backcountry and GPS is sometimes unreliable – Consider carrying a Satellite Phone with Maps and GPS Navigation.
  2. Do not hike at night: If you are camping, plan to get to your campsite before dark.
  3. Hire a local guide: To make sure you be safe and sound, especially because some hiking trails require special permits, or some are at very difficult access. Make sure you hike with a reliable guide to help you to get to your destination.
  4. Difficult Hiking Trails: “Difficult Hiking Trails” are characterized by steep elevations, increasingly difficult terrain, and longer distances. Only experienced hikers should attempt these trails
  5. Be physically prepared:  Many of these hikes are easy and can be done by anyone. A couple of the hikes are epic and I recommend following a Plan for Hiking Fitness preparation prior to attempting any long or challenging hike.
  6. Consider the high altitude: Many of the places listed here, are at a high altitude. Make sure you acclimate before you start your hiking, and pack an Altitude Sickness Relief.
  7. Bring plenty of water: Remember you will be outdoors in the sun you will need to drink a lot of water. My LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle has been my lifesaver for all my trips. I can refill this bottle anywhere and it comes with a carabiner to connect it to my daypack.
  8. Check the Weather: Check the current weather forecast and be prepared for quickly changing conditions.
  9. Travel safe: Don’t forget to buy Travel Insurance. Considering that anything can go wrong with any trip, we don’t want to risk the fun, right?
  10. Leave no Trace: Be a responsible traveler, it is all about enjoying nature and ensuring you help to preserve the environment.
Best Hikes in Central America

Best Hikes in Central America | COSTA RICA

1. Rio Celeste

  • Location: 40 minutes east of Bijagua de Upala, Costa Rica
  • Length: 5.4 km | 3.4 miles
  • Duration: 1.5- 2 hours
  • Best time to visit: December through April – Dry Season, so the trail isn’t quite as muddy
  • Hike Expert: Jess and Justin from Uprooted Traveler
Best hikes in Central America

Let’s start this amazing list of Best Hikes in Central America with this stunning hike!

Among some of the best hikes in Costa Rica, the Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park may be the most famous waterfall in the country. With electric blue water spilling over a cliffside into a pool 90 meters (295 ft) below.

In fact, there’s a local legend here that God painted the sky blue and afterward, cleaned his paintbrush in the river that feeds Rio Celeste, leaving behind the extraordinary color.

Add in the impossibly lush rainforest surrounding the waterfall and Rio Celeste is quite the sight! To reach this gorgeous cascade, you’ll hike through a dense jungle, with tropical birds flitting overhead.

Once you hike approximately 2.7 km (1.8 miles) in, you’ll reach the winding sets of stairs (250, to be exact!) that lead down to the base of the waterfall.

You can continue on the hike to see other amazing sights along the trail- a lagoon of turquoise water, a boiling hot spring, and even the exact point where the river’s water turns from a murky brown to its dazzling blue!

PRO-TIP: The best way to on this hike is by hiring a local guide. You will go on 5 miles (approximately 3 hours) into the Tenorio Volcano National Park to arrive at Rio Celeste Waterfall and enjoy one of the best sceneries in the country. This includes National Park fees, lunch, pick-up transportation, and a local guide.


2. 1968 Trail in La Fortuna

  • Location: Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
  • Distance: The 1968 trail is divided into two trails: The first one is the Lava Flow Trail which is 1,5 miles long. The second part of the hike is the forest trail which is about 2,8 miles long and is considered moderate. It takes an average of 1,5 hours.
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours (always plan more to take in scenic views)
  • Best time to visit: Early morning 
  • Hike Expert: Daria from The Discovery Nut
Best Hikes in Central America

If you want to see some of the most spectacular views around La Fortuna, Costa Rica, hike the 1968 trail just outside of town. It is definitely one of the Best Things to do in Costa Rica and one of the best hikes in Central America, to catch stunning views.

The trail is named after the year when the Arenal Volcano erupted spilling the hot lava all over the surrounding areas. But don’t worry, hiking this trail is completely safe and you can walk along with the huge chunks of frozen lava, that sit in the middle of the stunning greenery. 

Spending time here is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica if you are looking for a combination of superb views of Arenal Volcano and a relatively easy hike that snakes through the jungle and doesn’t require a ton of preparation, just make sure you check on what to pack for Costa Rica before your trip!

It takes about 25 minutes to reach the trail by car from La Fortuna, however, since it’s a popular hike, it’s better to plan your outing for the early morning. Keep in mind that during the high season in Costa Rica, which lasts from December through March, this is a busy trail, so plan your trip accordingly. 

PRO-TIP: Private parking and restrooms are available on site. The trail is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $15 per person. The hike is about 2 miles long and takes about 2 hours if you want to hike and enjoy the views. If you don’t have a car rental, you can also book a guided tour ahead of time. 


Best Hikes in Central America | GUATEMALA

3. Semuc Champey Guatemala

  • Where: Near Lanqúin, Guatemala
  • Distance: 1 km | 0.6 miles
  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Best Time to Visit: From November through April (dry season) when water is the clearest and swimming is the safest
  • Hike Expert: Jillian Michelle from Adventure Dragon
One of the best hikes in Central America

One of the best hikes in Central America can be found in a remote oasis paradise in the middle of the Guatemalan jungle. Semuc Champey Guatemala consists of a series of turquoise pools that formed over a natural limestone bridge where the Cahabón River flows hidden underground.

Natural springs feed the pools, and small waterfalls flow into them from the surrounding mountains. You can swim in the pools or hike to an overlook to view them from above.

The hike itself can be completed in just 45 minutes, but it is a fully uphill trek up a mountain. For this reason, it is rated as difficult, and you should be prepared to climb hundreds of muddy stairs. The view from the top is fully worth it though!

Despite its remote location, however, Semuc Champey has become one of the most popular and iconic hiking locations in Guatemala. After completing the Mirador Hike, you can spend the rest of your day trip exploring other jungle paths or relaxing in the pretty pools below. 

PRO-TIP: Getting to Semuc Champey is the most difficult part because of its remote location. The closest town is 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) away. From Lanqúin, you can hire a local guide which typically consists of transportation on a 4×4 truck along bumpy, unpaved roads for approximately 40 minutes. It also includes lunch and all the park fees.


4. Santiaguito Volcano

  • Location: Quetzaltenango, Guatamala
  • Duration: 2 hours (one way)
  • Best time to visit: November to April
  • Hike Expert: Maartje and Sebastiaan from The Orange Backpack
santiaguito volcano is one of the bet hikes in Central America

Central America, and Guatemala in particular, is known for its beautiful volcanoes – and here you can find some of the best hikes in Central America. Guatemala has three active volcanoes and one of them is the Santiaguito near the town of Quetzaltenango. 

Hiking to the Santiaguito Volcano to see it from up close is one of the best things to do in Guatemala. And it only takes you a good 2-hour hike to get there!

The Santiaguito is part of the Santa Maria volcano and was created by eruptions of the Santa Maria centuries ago. It is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Central America and visitors are not allowed to come too close to the craters anymore. The Santiaguito hike, therefore, brings you to one of the viewpoints on Santa Maria from where you can see the Santiaguito erupting.

The hike takes about 2 hours, so you’ll reach the viewpoint at 9 AM. You’ll get to enjoy the view and you’ll probably see the volcano erupting a couple of times, which is an impressive thing to see.

The early morning is the best time of the day, as the sun comes from behind Santa Maria around 9 AM to warm you up. A guide won’t bring you any later – which would be nice, as 6 AM is very early to be picked up –because as soon as the clouds roll in at the end of the morning, you wouldn’t be able to see the volcano.

PRO-TIP: The hike can only be done with a guide, as you’ll cross some private land and the guides have an agreement with the owners. Your guide will pick you up early in the morning to start the tour at the base of the volcano around 7 AM.


5. Acatenango Volcano

  • Location: Guatemala
  • Distance: 18 Km | 11 miles
  • Duration: 2 days
  • Best time to visit: November to April
  • Hike Expert: Zoe from Zoe Go Places
hiking volcanos is one of the best hikes in Central America

While 18 km over 2 days might not sound like much, this hike to the top of the Acatenango volcano also involves 1800 meters of ascent in the first 24 hours. But, once you’re at the top you’ll be treated to one of the most special sights in the world: an actively erupting volcano just 3 km away. 

On Day 1 of the hike, you’ll ascend from 2200 to around 3700 meters at basecamp. Here, you’ll experience the first of the lava eruptions from Volcano Fuego. You won’t forget the first rumble you hear (and feel) from Fuego with bright orange lava thrown high in the sky.

Day 2 sees you ascend the final 300 meters to watch the sunrise from the summit. Plus, you can keep watching the eruptions until you start hiking down after breakfast.

It’s not mandatory to hike with a guide on this trek. But, most of the agencies with guides on the volcano have tents, sleeping gear, and cooking facilities permanently set up at basecamp. Therefore, if you trek with them, you won’t need to carry any of this equipment. But, do make sure to bring lots of layers. Temperatures are around 0 Celsius overnight at basecamp and the summit.

PRO-TIP: The most popular activity to do in Acatenango is to hike the volcano, therefore, you can find many options for tour companies. I recommend booking this tour, which includes a bilingual guide, that will lead you on a roughly 8-hour climb, passing through cornfields and a cloud forest before reaching the ashy volcanic landscape. It includes transportation, lunch, and a professional guide.


6. Atitlán Volcano

  • Where: Lake Atitlán, Guatamala
  • Distance: 12.5 km | 8 miles
  • Duration: 5-6 hrs
  • Best time to visit: Dry Season (December-March)
  • Hike Expert: Dean and Laynni from Routinely Nomadic
Atitlan Volcano is one of the best hikes in central America

Gorgeous Lake Atitlán is one of the top attractions and also offers one of the best hikes in Central America. This stunning crater lake is flanked by three volcanoes and surrounded by steep, scenic hills. Not surprisingly, there are many outstanding Lake Atitlán hikes worth checking out on your visit.

However, the ultimate achievement is reaching the top of Volcán Atitlán itself, where you can enjoy the most phenomenal viewpoint in the area. From the summit you can see Volcán San Pedro off to one side, the two humps of Volcán Toliman lingering slightly below and the lake glittering in the sun.

But it doesn’t end there – on a clear day the amazing volcanoes around Xela to the northwest and Antigua to the southeast are also clearly visible.

As is to be expected when climbing a volcano, this isn’t an easy hike – 1,600 meters of elevation gain and the last hour to the top on loose gravel.

PRO-TIP: Get an early start, the reason is that the skies are much clearer in the morning. It is best to hire a local guide as occasional robberies have been reported. You can also want to add another popular activity, you can also go kayaking on Lake Atitlan, across the pristine lake to Las Cristalinas, then relax at the white-sand beach with the incredible volcano landscape.


7. Indian Nose Trail

  • Where: Lake Atitlán, Guatamala
  • Distance: 4.3 kilometers | 2.7 miles
  • Duration: 2 hrs
  • Best time to visit: Dry Season (December-March)
  • Hike Expert: Shannon of Adventuring With Shannon
Best Hikes in Central America

One of the best hikes in Central America is the Indian Nose trail at Lake Atitlan. This trail is famous for the incredible views of the lake and the surrounding volcanoes. The Indian Nose Trail is located near Lake Atitlan in Guatemala.

This hike is usually done just before sunrise so that you can sit on the peak of the mountain and overlook the lake as the sun rises over it. This timing gives you the perfect opportunity to photograph the lake at sunrise and sit and enjoy the beauty of the area. 

Once you reach the summit, you will be blown away by the view. Definitely bring water and snacks so that you can relax for a long time at the top and watch the entire sunrise.

PRO-TIP: The hike itself is short but steep. It is around 4km and it is recommended to go with a guide. To get to the trailhead you have to go through private property and it can be a little bit difficult to find, and sometimes safety is an issue which is why it is highly recommended that you go with a guide since they have permission to be there. 


8. Cerro Quemado

  • Where: Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatamala
  • Distance: 6 km (depending on the path you choose) /9000 ft | 4 miles
  • Duration: 3-4 hours (return)
  • Best time to visit: November-April (dry season)
  • Hike Expert: Isabela from Boundless Roads
Best Hikes in Central America

The hike to the Cerro Quemado is a beautiful and relatively easy hike that you can do from the pretty city of Quetzaltenango in Guatemala. From Xela, you will need to reach the village of Canton Chicua and there you can ask where is the trail, although it’s always recommendable to go with a guide.

There are different trails and they are not marked and easy to see. It’s more like a hike through boulders. The 9000 ft active volcano has spectacular rock formations and is fun to hike. It’s also very popular among rock climbers as it offers great steep walls. 

It really takes little time to get to the top from where you can enjoy incredible views over the valley. But the best part of this hike is to see groups of locals getting to the top, while loaded with candles flowers, and drinks to make their offerings, sing pray, and chant. 

For them, it’s conder a sacred mountain, and people of all ages get there to prey. Another reason to get there with a guide is to learn about their culture and history besides, showing you the right path. 

PRO-TIP: It is recommended to go on this hike with a guide. In fact, you would climb down from a different route which is not easy to find.  


9. Tajumulco Volcano

  • Where: About 31 miles (50 km) from Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatamala
  • Distance: 12.3 km | 7.7 miles
  • Duration: 8 hours (return)
  • Best time to visit: November-April (least amount of rainfall)
  • Hike Expert: Lara from The Best Travel Gifts
Best Hikes in Central America

One of the best hikes in Central America is the one to the top of Volcano Tajumulco in Guatemala. With its 13845 ft (4220 m) it’s the highest point in Central America. The view from the top is simply breathtaking. You get to admire at least 10 (if not more) different volcanos.

If you leave early in the morning, it is possible to hike Tajumulco in one day. However, if you want to get the best views from the top, it is recommended to take two days, so you get to see the sunset and sunrise. There is no fee to hike Tajumulco or to camp near the top. All you have to do is bring camping gear.

PRO TIP: If you are an experienced hiker, it is possible to make your way to the top without a guide. However, for less experienced hikers, taking a guide is highly recommended. 


Best Hikes in Central America | PANAMA

10. Celestine Waterfall Hike

  • Location: Chiriqui, Panama 
  • Distance: I mile through creek beds and rock scrambling 
  • Best time to visit: January through March 
  • Hike Expert: Monica from This Rare Earth 
Best Hikes in Central America

Chiriqui, Panama is a popular stop for both local Panamanians and travelers alike. The landscapes are incredibly diverse for a relatively small area, providing everything from pristine beaches to lush jungles to sugarcane fields. There is a lot to explore here! 

The Celestine Waterfall Hike, located in the lush jungle region of Chiriquí, deserves a spot on any adventurer’s Panama itinerary.  Though the country has an endless supply of waterfalls and jungles, this is one of the best. 

The trail is short and sweet – it is only about one mile in total. But the hike is such an adventure and the waterfall is impressive enough that hikers will likely spend quite a bit of time in this hidden gorge. 

Twenty minutes north of Hornito, on Route 10, visitors will see a small bus stop labeled “Celestine”. It is this unassuming spot that leads visitors down a small incline and straight to a small creek bed. Continue hiking away from the road. As the path narrows, the water gets deeper.c Hikers will have to walk or wade through the water depending on how much rain Chiriqui has recently received. 

PRO TIP: If you are an experienced hiker, it is possible to make your way to the top without a guide. However, for less experienced hikers, taking a guide is highly recommended. 


11. Cerro Gaital Hike

  • Location: El Valle Del Anton (Anton Valley), Panama
  • Distance: 3 Km with a 160 m elevation gain | 2 miles
  • Duration: 3-4 hours
  • Best Time to Visit: Between December and April (Dry Season)
  • Hike Expert: Dan & George from Latin America Backpacking
Anton Valey is one of the Best hikes in Central America

When looking for the best hikes in Central America you may want to add Anton Valley in Panama to your list. With various hikes to take part in, you’ll hear that the Cerro Gaital Hike is the most challenging and the hike that you would probably love to do.

Depending on the time of year you decide to visit, you can expect a wet, muddy, dense forest setting with some tough challenging hikes and slippery slopes to hike up. The hike can take anything from 3 to 4 hours so you will need a moderate level of physical fitness.

Also, if you are backpacking Central America alone, you will want to find a hiking partner or do this hike as part of a tour. You can arrive at Cerro Gaital walking from El Valle de Anton or you can take the bus to the trailhead to make the hike less difficult.

PRO-TIP: If you are planning to explore the amazing El Valley Del Anton, and are traveling on a budget, I recommend staying at the Bodhi Hostel right in the center of the valley. The other excellent options for accommodations that I recommend are The Golden Frog Inn and Caracoral Boutique Hotel & Spa 


12. La India Dormida Hike

  • Location: El Valle de Anton (Anton Valley), Panama
  • Distance: 3.5 k | 2.2 miles
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Best time to visit: December- April, dry season
  • Hike Expert: Sanne from Spend Life Traveling
La India Dormida is one of the Bet hikes in Central America

One of the best hikes in Central America is the hike to the top of La India Dormida, in Panama.

La India Dormida translates to ‘the sleeping Indian woman’. Before going on this hike you’ll most likely spend some time in town, in El Valle de Anton, from where you can get a good look at this impressive mountain. And you will immediately understand its name.

If you look closely, the mountain looks exactly like a sleeping woman. The hike is a loop that starts and finishes just a short walk outside of El Valle de Anton (Anton’s Valley in English). It’s a moderately easy hike.

When starting the ascent you’ll first pass Piedra Pintada, a large historical rock with petroglyphs from indigenous cultures. The hike then takes you through the beautiful tropical rainforest, past waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing dip, and eventually to the incredible view at the top.

From the top of La India Dormida, you look out over the town, the crater of the volcano, and the surrounding hills. If you love impressive sunrises, then starting this hike before sunrise is well worth it!

This is definitely one of the best things to do in El Valle de Anton, and with an almost perfect year-round spring climate, any time of year is a good time to visit!

PRO-TIP: Although the hike can easily be done independently, on most days you’ll run into a few kids at the beginning of the trail who’ll offer to be your guide if you’d want one. Or you can hire a professional guide including all the entrance fees and transportation.


13. Cerro Cara Iguana

  • Location: El Valle de Anton (Anton Valley), Panama
  • Distance: 4 km | 2.5 miles
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Best time to visit: December – April, dry season
  • Hike Expert: Melissa from My Beautiful Passport
cerro cara iguana is one of the best hikes in Central America

By now you already know that the El Valle de Anton offers some of the best hikes in Central America. Despite it being a small town located inside a volcanic crater, this is a perfect place for a scenic hike. Hiking to the top of Cerro Cara Iguana gives the best views of the valley, providing amazing photo opportunities.

From the summit, you can see clear across to the other side of the volcanic crater while enjoying a spectacular view of the whole town of El Valle. 

The total hike is around 4 km (2.5 miles) and takes approximately 3 hours roundtrip. One of the best things about Cerro Cara Iguana is that the hike isn’t overly difficult, and the lookout is worth the effort. It can get windy at the top, so don’t walk the narrow ledge, as shown in the photo, if it’s windy for safety reasons. 

Only 130 km away from Panama City, you can hike Cerro Cara Iguana on a day trip or stay overnight in El Valle de Anton. You will not want to miss adding this hike to your Panama itinerary.

PRO-TIP: You do not need a guide to hike Cerro Cara Iguana, the trail is well-worn and marked. As far as accommodations, I recommend staying at the Bodhi Hostel right in the center of the valley. The other excellent options for accommodations that I recommend are The Golden Frog Inn and Caracoral Boutique Hotel & Spa 


Best Hikes in Central America | BELIZE

14. Actun Tunichil Muknal

  • Location: San Ignacio, Belize
  • Distance: 1.5 miles or 2.5 km through jungle to cave opening, then 1.2 miles or 2 km round trip into the cave
  • Duration: 1 ½ hour return trip to the mouth of the cave and then approximately 3 hours inside the cave
  • Best time to visit: It is a good destination all year round. However, you have to cross two rivers to reach the mouth of the cave and you are swimming inside the cave. Accordingly, check to see whether there has been any heavy rain.
  • Hike Expert: Nicole from Go Far Grow Close
Best Hikes in Central America

Actun Tunichil Muknal or “ACM” is a 5.3 km cave system outside San Ignacio in Belize. It contains some of the best-preserved pre-classical Maya artifacts (around 700 – 900 AD) in the world, including skeletal remains of human sacrifices.

It is considered a “living museum” and one of the most exhilarating hikes and experiences you can ever have. There are only a limited number of people allowed in the caves each day and you must have a special licensed guide.

You are not allowed anything inside the caves, except water, including cameras or phones. The hike to the cave is easy, on a gentle slope, with beautiful views of the jungle. However, you do have to cross two rivers, one of which has a fast current. A rope is strewn across for balance and safety. Your heart is definitely pumping when you cross it.

As for the caves, you walk, climb, scamper, and crawl your way through a dozen chambers. Sometimes you are in huge caverns and you feel very small. Other times, you are squeezing through tight holes with water up to your chin. It is totally dark except for the headlamp on your helmet.

You feel scared but excited by it all. Eventually, you reach the Maya artifacts in the upper chambers. They are absolutely mind-blowing to see, especially the human skeletons that are likely children that were sacrificed. This is an exhausting day. You are in and out of cold water, in cold caves, and you are not allowed to bring any food. However, if you are an adventurer, it is one of the best things that you will ever do.

PRO-TIP: If you wish to hike independently, you do not need a guide to hike Cerro Cara Iguana, the trail is well-worn and marked. If you are looking to explore the cave with a licensed guide, I recommend booking this tour in advance. You will join a small group with a professional guide, including lunch and transportation for a very reasonable price.


15. Tiger Fern Trail

  • Location: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize
  • Distance: 4.3 km | 3.4 Miles
  • Duration: 2-hours
  • Best time to visit: The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Best hikes in Central America are in Belize

Last, but not least, the number #15 Best Hikes in Central America is the underrated Tiger Fern Trail, located in the dense jungle of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

This trail meanders through the jungle, leading up to a wonderful view of the Basin and Victoria Peak a few miles away. The hike to the peach starts easy, then you get hit with lots of elevation gain. It can be tough hiking, especially with the heat and humidity. You go from the lower jungle layer all the way up the mountain to where the terrain completely changes and you are above the canopy with a fabulous view.

The hiking continues down the other side to a beautiful and secluded double waterfall swimming hole. This is an amazing and a nice cool treat. During this hiking expect to see a lot of wildlife, and this sanctuary is also a jaguar preserve and a vast array of the local flora. Here you will see magnificent trees, flowers, and waterfalls, making it one of the most beautiful hikes in Central America.

PRO-TIP: Take bug spray with you! Also, make sure you wear sturdy shoes for this hike as the terrain is very slippery you need some good traction. It is recommended to hire a professional guide for this hike. It includes transportation, lunch, park entry fees, and the guide will help to point out the wildlife and at the end end of the hike, you get to ride inner tubes down the river.

Best Hikes in Central America | MUST PACK ITEMS

  • Portable water bottle: Remember to bring and drink a lot of water and if you need to refill, have a LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle is the best option.
  • First-aid kit: Always remember to pack a first-aid kit for your hikes.
  • Day-Backpack: I love my day-backpack and it is very handy for any hiking.
  • Headlamps:  Carry a flashlight or headlamp even on a day hike. If you have trouble on the trail, darkness may fall before you can finish your hike.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for hiking: The most important thing is to protect your feet and avoid twisting your ankle and getting injured. I recommend investing in a good hiking boots brand such as Teva, Salomon, or even Keens.
  • Moisture-wicking clothing: These clothes help to pull the sweat away from your body and stay cool and dry during your hiking such as light hiking pants & long sleeves shirts.
  • Warm-Layers: Early morning or late night can get cold so it is important to bring layers, a lightweight puffy jacket is a must!
  • Packing for winter hiking: During winter make sure to have a good quality hiking jacket and pack a warm pair of pants for your hike.
  • Wear a hat and sunglasses: It is always important to protect yourself against the sun. Bring a hat with a good face cover like this one and don’t forget to pack a pair of polarized sunglasses
  • Bring along some food or snacks: It’s a good idea to pack trail mix or cereal bars to munch on during your hikes.
  • Bring your Camera: You will see some incredible views during your hiking, so don’t forget your camera, or check some great value options here

PACK SMART ALERT!

If you are planning to carry a backpack during your hike, I have compiled a very detailed review of the Best Backpacks for Travel in the market today –

Also, it doesn’t matter if it is summer or winter, you will need a good jacket to go hiking, so check my complete review guide on the Top Jackets for Travel

Another great item for your hikes is to invest in a good pair of leggings for hiking – Pack Smart!

Best Hikes in Central America

Best Hikes in Central America Conclusion

When we choose the best hikes in Central America, you cannot go wrong. You can choose from easy day hikes to trek to the top of a volcano. Find a trek in the mountains, along the Caribbean coast, or hidden trails in the majestic rainforest. There is hiking waiting for you in Central America, doesn’t matter what your preferences are.

The best season for hiking in Central America is in the dry season, from December to April. Some of the hikes require you to hire a guide, while others you can go independently – but consider hiring a local guide for your safety, and also, to support the locals by giving them the opportunity to work with tourism.

Keep safe and active everyone!

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