The Central American isthmus is made up of the seven countries of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, complemented by the Dominican Republic.
While Central America occupies 2% of the planet's surface, it is home to 12% of biodiversity globally, with more than 550 nature reserves and the largest coral reef system in the northern hemisphere.
Over 25% of the territory is officially declared as protected area and there are18 World Heritage Sites.
Central America integrates a fusion of cultures, ethnic groups, languages and traditions, with more than 25 indigenous people.
Volcanoes
The Central American Volcanic Arc chain of volcanoes extends along the Pacific coast, from Guatemala, passing through El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, to the border region of Costa Rica and Panama.
It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and includes hundreds of volcanic, lava and ash formations.
El Salvador
The Volcanoes National Park is a protected natural area in El Salvador that includes :
- three of the 14 geologically young volcanoes (between 2 million and 250 years old, according to geologists), of the Apaneca-Ilamatepec mountain range, and
- the Santa Ana volcano, Izalco and Green Hill.
The Izalco volcano stands out, which used to be called the Pacific Lighthouse, since it was a guide and refuge for sailors and merchants.
www.visitcentroamerica.com/en/visitar/los-volcanes-national-park
From the base camp, it takes five hours to go up and two hours to go down.
Trekking experience to see the sunrise or sunset from one of the two peaks are available.
Costa Rica
There are 190 volcanic enclaves in Costa Rica.
Five volcanoes remain active, and most are located in the Central Valley region and in northern Guanacaste.
The Irazú volcano is the highest, while the Poás is the most visited, since it produces up to 40 eruptions a day.
The Rincón de la Vieja volcano has nine eruptive centers and two craters) where visitors can take a hot bath in its thermal waters at 40 degrees.
www.govisitcostarica.com/travelInfo/volcanoes.asp
Nicaragua
Nicaragua has 58 volcanoes, among which the Cerro Negro volcano takes on special prominence for being the youngest (dating from 1850).
It looks more like a hill, with 450 meters of altitude, presents lunar landscapes and expels sulfur vapors.
It is possible to take a sleigh ride on the slopes of the volcano.
In the south of the country, the Masaya Volcano National Park.
It has six volcanoes and in whose extensions you can see lava caves and groups of parrots living in a crater.
www.vianica.com/attraction/2/masaya-volcano-national-park
www.welcometonicaragua.net/nicaragua-one-day-tours/masaya-volcano-at-night-tour
Guatemala
The Tajumulco volcano, in Guatemala, is the highest point in the Central American region, with a peak that reaches 4,220 meters of altitude.