{"id":67840,"date":"2023-12-26T02:40:09","date_gmt":"2023-12-25T15:40:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=67840"},"modified":"2024-09-20T23:56:56","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T13:56:56","slug":"central-vs-south-america","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/central-vs-south-america\/","title":{"rendered":"Central vs South America: how to plan your next trip"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hola, ol\u00e1 and welcome to the enchanting land of Latin America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Struggling to choose where to plan your next trip? We don’t blame you. Both Central America<\/a> and South America<\/a> boast dreamy Caribbean beaches, ancient relics, jaw-dropping geography and a couple of cuddly (and not-so-cuddly) critters. Not to mention that between sightseeing, you\u2019ll be treated to a host of flavour-filled delicacies, a few zesty beverages and the festive rhythms of Latin America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, for those trying to make the ever-difficult destination decision, keep reading for our guide to picking between the top sites and tasty eats of Central and South America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

First, what actually is Central America?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While South America is categorised as a continent, Central America is a relatively small sub-region of North America that houses seven countries: Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Belize. Since it\u2019s so different from its Anglo-American counterparts \u2013 the United States and Canada \u2013 this part of the continent gets its own \u2018mini-continent\u2019, if you will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Caribbean region<\/a>, made up of several island nations, including the largest, Cuba and Jamaica, can sometimes be included in the Central American region as it also lies within North America; however, most of the time, it\u2019s regarded as its own separate region. The same can be said of Mexico, as it\u2019s more culturally similar to Latin America than Anglo-America. For the sake of a clear Central vs South debate, we’ll stick to comparing the seven countries mentioned above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to see and do in Central America<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re tossing up between the two regions, then yes, South America does have some impressive sites like Machu Picchu<\/a>, Rio de Janeiro and Patagonia<\/a>, but did you know that in Central America, you\u2019re never more than 200km (125 miles) from a beach? And those beaches are just what you\u2019d imagine for a region flanked by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west \u2013 a paradise made of sun, sea and sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don\u2019t be blinded by the beaches because there\u2019s so much more to see and do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be at one with nature in Costa Rica<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A kaleidoscope of greenery awaits in the suitably nicknamed lush Costa Rica. This country is a must for nature lovers. Look for sloths hanging out of trees at Manuel Antonio National Park, swim by waterfalls at Sarapiqui or take a dip into volcano-heated waters at La Fortuna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adventure (and sick waves) await in El Salvador<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Look out over the vast Pacific Ocean or ride its waves with top-notch surfing in El Salvador. When out of the wavy water, wander through picturesque towns, circle volcanic craters or swim in clear water caves like those of Cuevas de Moncagua.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk in the footsteps of the Mayans in Guatemala, Honduras and Belize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gaze upon ancient buildings dating as far back as the 1st<\/sup> century AD at sites like the Tikal National Park in Guatemala, the Copan ruins in Honduras and Cahal Pech in Belize. <\/p>\n\n\n

Galapagos Discovery<\/a><\/div>
9 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Peru Encompassed<\/a><\/div>
20 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Best of Peru, Argentina & Brazil<\/a><\/div>
21 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Snorkel the day away in the clear Caribbean waters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although there\u2019s so much to do and see around Central America, we\u2019d be remiss if we didn\u2019t mention its grade-A snorkelling. Panama especially has the type of beaches that look so idyllic it can be hard to believe they\u2019re real. Enjoy swimming, snorkelling, surfing and more at several spots around the country, including the Bocas del Toro archipelago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volcano board in Nicaragua<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"An<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sandboarding down the black sand of a volcano may not be everyone’s cup of pi\u00f1ol (a traditional Ecuadorian spiced milk drink), but Cerro Negro is one of the only places in the world to do it. Found outside the city of Leon in Nicaragua, this hair-raising activity is well worth a climb up the volcano.<\/p>\n\n\n

Top trips in Central America<\/h2>
Real Central America<\/a><\/div>
16 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Central American Journey<\/a><\/div>
16 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Central American Adventure<\/a><\/div>
34 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Two<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So, South America?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Did we mention before that South America was big? It\u2019s actually the fourth largest continent in the world, covering approximately 17.8 million square kilometres and home to 12 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela. It also boasts the largest rainforest and river in the world, the Amazon Rainforest and Amazon River, one of the world\u2019s biggest cities, Sao Paolo, and the highest mountains in the world found outside Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to see and do in South America<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the list of things to do in South America is probably as big as the continent itself, we\u2019ve collected a few activities that really stand out on any itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stand at the end of the world in Chile and Argentina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Making up the southern end of the continent, Chile and Argentina share the glacial stretches, towering snowy peaks and top-tier hiking paths of Patagonia. Awe-inspiring sights you\u2019ll want to point your camera at can be found in Perito Moreno Glacier, the Laguna de los Tres nature reserve and the Torres del Paine National Park. You could also board an Antarctica cruise in Ushuaia, Argentina, to tick off the icy seventh continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean beaches, World Heritage towns and the freshest of fresh coffee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first cab off the rank when arriving in South America is Colombia and this country is sure to put a smile on any traveller\u2019s face. Enjoy Caribbean and Pacific waters on the coast before venturing inland, where sprawling highlands give way to coffee farms. Stop by charming cities and villages for a taste of the country\u2019s world-renowned nightlife and Colombian hospitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See rare wildlife in Ecuador<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Giant tortoises, sea lions, sea turtles, flamingos, iguanas and many more species call the Galapagos Islands home. One of the best ways to see these fascinating critters is to island-hop around this volcanic archipelago. But if you\u2019re keen to stay on the continent, the lush highlands, teeming Amazon jungle and vast Cotopaxi National Park have their own share of exotic Ecuadorian native wildlife to see.<\/p>\n\n\n

Best of Galapagos <\/a><\/div>
10 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Galapagos Island Hopping<\/a><\/div>
8 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Ecuador Family Holiday<\/a><\/div>
7 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Perfect days out in Peru<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the image of a llama standing in front of a hilltop of ancient ruins comes to mind when someone says South America, then you may be thinking of Peru. With its iconic Inca Trail, Sacred Valley and nearby Cusco City, the journey to see one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, is well worth its fame. Of course, this remote part of Peru isn\u2019t all that attracts visitors \u2013 there\u2019s also the Amazon Jungle, the buzzing capital of Lima and the floating Urus Islands in Lake Titicaca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be part of the party in Brazil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Women<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s not the only country in South America known for a lively party scene, Brazil sure means business when it brings out the beats. There\u2019s no better display of its frenetic spirit than Carnival, a festival so fun it\u2019s known all across the world. But a visit to Brazil can take any shape or form, from animal spotting along the Amazon and exploring tropical islands like Ilha Grande to paragliding over the famous Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. It\u2019s difficult not to have a good time in Brazil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore the unique charm to Bolivia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With fascinating sites like the mystical Witches Market in La Paz, the world’s largest salt pan, Salar de Uyuni, and beautiful UNESCO historical cities like Potosi and Sucre, Bolivia is sure to captivate its visitors. Explore this extraordinary country on its own or make time to pop over if you\u2019re visiting its high-profile neighbours.<\/p>\n\n\n

Top trips in South America<\/h2>
Sacred Land of the Incas<\/a><\/div>
15 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Classic Hikes of Patagonia<\/a><\/div>
15 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Best of Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil<\/a><\/div>
10 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Food for thought<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After all that reading, you\u2019re probably just as torn about where to go; that\u2019s where food comes into the decision. Nowadays, you can generally find each country\u2019s delicacies everywhere you go. But here are some of the most authentic dishes to try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Central American foods to try:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n