From sloth sightings in Costa Rica to volcano eruptions in Guatemala, there are all kinds of untapped experiences waiting for you in Central America. This region of the globe is famous for its incredible natural life, making this a wonderful destination for hikers of all levels. If you’re planning a trip to Central America, we’ve chosen the perfect trails in multiple countries for outdoor beginners and experts alike.

 

For an easy hike, visit Manuel Antonio National Park, named one of the best parks in the world for its stunning views and easy accessibility. There are several different trails to choose from, but Main Trail offers a simple and sandy route through the Costa Rican wilderness. Park guides are available along the way as you stop by various beaches to watch the waves roll. The highlight here? Taking a dip in the water after your hike!

 

 

More serious hikers might opt for Cerro Chirripó, where hiking for two or three days will lead you to Costa Rica’s highest peak. It’s no small feat to even just get to the trailhead, but imagine the payoff when you reach one of the most scenic summits in Central America. Keep in mind that hiking at an elevation like this means freezing temperatures at night, but it’s also your chance to experience ancient trails and Costa Rica’s unique cloud forest.

 

Take a quick drive from Managua to visit Chocoyero-El Brujo Nature Reserve. This wonderful stretch of nature reserve is the perfect spot for travelers who want a low-impact hike through Nicaraguan beauty, and possibly camp overnight. Keep an eye out for the chocoya, a bright green parakeet who calls Nicaragua home. You’ll definitely hear them, but catching a glimpse is lucky. You’re also likely to see howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, and many other birds and mammals on your easy strolls through this forest.

 

 

Even the most expert hikers admit that the trek up the Concepción Volcano is one of the toughest in the world. Find a local guide, load up on food and electrolytes and watch as the terrain changes from farmland to jungle to steep volcano climb. Don’t be afraid to turn around at any point of the hike, but reaching the top will give you the hard-earned satisfaction that true hikers understand.

 

Panama’s Pipeline Trail will take you on about a 4-mile round trip hike. Follow the signs to stay on the path towards stunning waterfalls and elusive wildlife. Travelers love this hike because it’s pretty much flat from start to finish. Don’t forget to look up while you walk—the ancient trees you’ll see have been in this jungle for over 1,000 years. This trail is right by the city of Boquete, so you can easily take a cab to the trailhead and be back in town before dinner.

 

 

Baru Volcano is the only place in the world with a view of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It’s also Panama’s highest peak, so you can be sure it’s no quick climb to the top. There are a few hiking trails in Volcan Baru National Park, but serious hikers will want to go all the way. Expect this to take about eight hours, but each step is worth it when you get above the clouds.

 

One of the most well-known hikes in Guatemala is Volcán Pacaya. While there are a few steep inclines, you’ll mostly spend two or three hours admiring farmland and roasting marshmallows on the still-hot lava fields. This is a great hike for families because there are so many opportunities to stop, rest, and have a snack. If you make it to the top of Pacaya, you’ll also get a glimpse of three volcanoes nearby.

 

 

Some hikers argue that the Acatenango Volcano might be the hardest hike in Central America. While you can get to the top and back in about eight hours, we recommend hiking with a guide and staying overnight. This requires traveling with a light pack, but it’s also your chance for a once-in-a-lifetime view: a real volcano eruption. Overnight hikers on Acatenango have a front-row seat to Fuego Volcano, one of the most consistently active volcanoes in the world.

 

 

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Reserve is the only jaguar preserve in the world. This is also the trailhead for Victoria Peak, the hardest hike in Belize, but the park offers many trails for hikers of all levels, including beginners. These 128,000 acres are filled with beautiful plants, towering waterfalls, deer, monkeys, and more than 300 species of birds. The trails are unpaved but not strenuous, and hiking with a guide will make your experience even more seamless and interesting.

 

 

The wildlife preserve is also the trailhead for Victoria Peak, Belize’s famous mountain hike. If you’ve got 3 or 4 days, this 34-mile trek is definitely one to add to your bucket list. Keep in mind, this is less of a hike and more of a mountain climb once you’ve walked through the 17 miles of forest to the base of the peak. You can see the peak for miles, and reaching the top means you’ll join a small group of expert climbers who can say they’ve beat the “Victoria Peak Challenge.”