Ready to travel in Central America and check elusive quetzals and howler monkeys off your wildlife bucket list? Your adventure through this biodiversity hotspot promises unforgettable encounters with creatures you’ve only seen in documentaries—all while exploring ancient ruins and pristine beaches between wildlife spotting sessions.

My first international adventures as a teen took me through Central America, where the vibrant culture, mouthwatering food, and welcoming people make it my automatic “yes” destination whenever the opportunity arises. I’ve bungee jumped off bridges, helped build sea turtle sanctuaries, trekked up active volcanoes, and even survived an unexpected cashew allergy emergency—all within this remarkable region. Discover my tried-and-tested recommendations for Central America travel below.