12 Best Hikes in Central America You Didn’t Know About
Hiking in Central America is all about volcano summits, thick jungles, beautiful beaches, and unique wildlife, including sloths.
The best hikes in Central America offer a range of unreal experiences, from cloud forests to bubbling lava fields and everything in between.
Whether after a multi-day trek through jungle trails or want a short but rewarding hike up a volcano, you can do it all over Central America.
While many trails are on offer, here are our top picks for the best hikes in Central America.
1. Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike
Country: Guatemala
Distance: 16 km
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 2 days
If you’re looking for the best hikes in Central America, you must face many volcano trails.
Volcano hiking is an incredible experience, and climbing to the top of Acatenango Volcano is unforgettable.
Acatenango Volcano is the best volcano hike in Guatemala, offering a fun overnight trek.
It’s famous for its views of neighbouring Volcán de Fuego, an active volcano that often erupts, allowing trekkers to witness molten lava and glowing eruptions.
The hike starts with a steep ascent through farmlands and cloud forests before transitioning to barren volcanic terrain.
Most people camp near the summit to experience the sunrise over the volcanic landscape. Warm clothing is essential, as it gets freezing at night.
The reward is watching the sun rise over Guatemala’s volcanic belt, with Volcán de Fuego dramatically erupting in the distance.
It’s a challenging hike, but the combination of stunning views and an active volcano makes it a bucket-list adventure.
This hike is part of our epic 8-day adventure in Guatemala - one of the best ways to experience the country in a fun group trip.
2. Sendero el Perezoso
Country: Costa Rica
Distance: 1.3 km
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 30 minutes
Set within the lush Manuel Antonio National Park, the Sendero el Perezoso (Sloth Trail) is a short, easy hike perfect for spotting wildlife - especially sloths.
The raised boardwalk leads through a dense jungle home to two- and three-toed sloths.
While the sloths move slowly and blend into the treetops, patience often rewards hikers with sightings of these gentle creatures lounging in the trees.
The trail is a great way to experience Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity in a short amount of time. It connects to other trails in the park, giving you access to beaches and stunning coastal views.
It may not be the longest trail, but it’s undoubtedly one of Central America’s best hikes if you’re interested in Costa Rica’s unique natural environment.
3. Pacaya Volcano Hike
Country: Guatemala
Distance: 8 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3-4 hours
Pacaya Volcano is one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes, and hiking offers a unique chance to walk near lava flows and volcanic rock fields.
The trail begins with a steady incline through green pastures before transitioning into a stark volcanic landscape of ash and rock. As you climb, you’ll see distant smoke clouds rising from Pacaya’s summit.
The most exciting part is reaching the lava fields, where you can roast marshmallows over heat vents.
Though it’s not as strenuous as other volcano hikes in the region, the experience of being so close to volcanic activity makes this hike unforgettable.
It’s also the perfect length for a day hike, where you get introduced to Guatemala’s incredible volcanos.
This hike is also part of our 8-day adventure showcasing the best of Guatemala.
4. Volcán Concepción
Country: Nicaragua
Distance: 16 km
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 10-11 hours
Volcán Concepción is one of Nicaragua’s most daunting hikes, towering over Lake Nicaragua on Ometepe Island.
The ascent is long and demanding, with a significant altitude gain as you climb from nearly sea level to over 1,600 meters (5,250 feet). The trail winds through dense forest, gradually becoming steeper and rockier.
The final section involves scrambling over loose scree and volcanic rock, and the view from the summit rewards your effort with breathtaking panoramas of the lake, the neighbouring Mombacho Volcano, and the surrounding countryside.
This is a challenging full-day hike for experienced hikers. Although it’s demanding, it’s one of the best hikes in Central America if you’re after a seriously rewarding volcano summit.
5. Lost Waterfalls Trail
Country: Panama
Distance: 3.3 km
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2-3 hours
The Lost Waterfalls Trail near Boquete is a beautiful out-and-back hike through a lush cloud forest.
As the name suggests, you’ll come across three waterfalls, each more beautiful than the last.
The first waterfall is the largest, and the second offers a perfect swimming spot in its refreshing pool.
The trail is wet and muddy year-round, so waterproof footwear is necessary. This short hike is ideal for nature lovers and photographers, as the waterfalls and jungle surroundings create a magical atmosphere.
It’s a well-maintained trail, but still feels wild and remote. We’d recommend it as one of the best hikes in Central America for beginners.
Get the genuine experience
6. Semuc Champey
Country: Guatemala
Distance: 2 km
Difficulty: Short but difficult
Duration: 45 minutes
Semuc Champey is a hidden gem in the Guatemalan highlands, famous for its natural limestone bridge and turquoise pools.
The hike is short but challenging due to steep, slippery sections and muddy conditions after rain. The highlight is the viewpoint overlooking the stunning pools below, a sight well worth the effort.
After the hike, many visitors cool off by swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Semuc Champey, making it a rewarding adventure for those who journey to this remote location.
We’d recommend packing a picnic and soaking up the surroundings here!
7. Santa Ana Volcano
Country: El Salvador
Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 hours
The Santa Ana Volcano is one of the most famous hikes in El Salvador, mainly because of the striking turquoise lake at its crater.
The sight of this lake alone makes it one of the best hikes in Central America.
The trail begins in a national park and ascends through a mix of forested and exposed volcanic terrain. The final ascent offers panoramic views of Lake Coatepeque and other nearby volcanoes.
The real highlight is peering into the crater and seeing the bubbling green sulfur lake below - a unique sight.
It’s a popular hike, so we’d recommend going early in the day to avoid crowds. If possible, hike the trail on a weekday, as weekends get very busy.
8. Poás Volcano
Country: Costa Rica
Distance: 4.6 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2.5 hours
Poás Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most accessible volcanic hikes. Located in a national park, the trail takes you through lush cloud forests before reaching the edge of the active crater.
The crater’s lake, Laguna Caliente, is one of the most acidic in the world, constantly steaming with sulfur.
Hikers can explore other parts of the park, including Laguna Botos, a second crater lake. So, if you still feel like adventure after the trail, you can continue hiking.
This hike offers a relatively easy way to experience an active volcano with spectacular views. There’s also plenty of wildlife along the trail, including hummingbirds and quetzals.
9. Mombacho Volcano
Country: Nicaragua
Distance: 1.9 km
Difficulty: Easy (without the total ascent)
Duration: 1 hour
Mombacho is a unique volcano due to the thick cloud forest covering its crater. This is an interesting sight and well worth the short hike to reach.
The hike around the crater is relatively easy and peaceful, letting you experience diverse flora and fauna. You might also spot sloths, howler monkeys, and various bird species as you walk through the misty forest.
You can ascend the volcano on foot for a more challenging hike, but many visitors opt for a jeep ride to the top, followed by a hike around the crater for stunning views of Lake Nicaragua and the surrounding countryside.
10. Cerro Chirripó
Country: Costa Rica
Distance: 20 km
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 2-3 days
Cerro Chirripó is the highest peak in Costa Rica. It is a trek that requires plenty of endurance and preparation. It’s tough going but extremely rewarding.
Most hikers spend two to three days tackling the rugged trails, starting in the small town of San Gerardo de Rivas. The first day is a long, steep hike to the base camp.
The second day brings the challenge of high-altitude hiking through a unique alpine environment known as the paramo.
At the summit, you’re rewarded with unbeatable views of glacial valleys and surrounding peaks, making it a must-do for serious trekkers.
11. Tiger Fern Trail, Belize
Country: Belize
Distance: 5.5 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3-5 hours
The Tiger Fern Trail is a nature lover’s dream in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. If you want to experience some of Belize’s best nature, this is the hike to do it.
The hike winds through dense jungle, known for its diverse wildlife, including the elusive jaguar. The path leads to two beautiful waterfalls, where hikers can cool off in natural pools.
The trail is moderately challenging, with some steep sections, but the pristine environment and chance to spot wildlife make it worthwhile.
We recommend you hike in the dry season for easier trail conditions.
12. Pipeline Trail
Country: Panama
Distance: 6.1 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
The Pipeline Trail, located near Boquete, is an immersive jungle experience. This is the kind of jungle trail you’d imagine when you think about hiking in Central America.
The path follows an old pipeline through dense cloud forest, teeming with wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and even the occasional sloth. The trail’s highlight is a towering waterfall that marks the end of the route.
The hike is relatively easy but offers stunning scenery. It’s an excellent option for those looking to experience Panama’s rich biodiversity without a strenuous climb.
Summary
If you’re planning a trip anywhere in Central America, then you should pack your hiking boots.
Looking for a truly unforgettable adventure trip in Guatemala - one of Central America’s absolute highlights? Then consider joining our 8-day Guatemala adventure for amazing hikes, cycling, kayaking, and more.
