Are the capitals of Central America worth the detour?

The first images that come to mind when we think of Central America are certainly those of Mayan pyramids hidden in the heart of lush jungles, and those of smoking volcanoes, heavenly beaches and splendid lakes. In short, above all we imagine a rich and untouched nature, full of multicolored animals, strangely shaped plants and breathtaking landscapes. Well, we would be absolutely right, because it is the beauty of its natural reserves and its archaeological sites cut off from the world that make all the success and charm of the countries of Central America.

Most travelers generally only spend a single day in the capitals, in transit, often only seeing the airports. But are they right to ignore these little-known cities, whose names we don’t even know before stopping there? The answer is not as simple as a yes or no, so here is the detail of the capitals of the Central American countries and which ones are worth the detour or not.

Panama

We will begin our study from the south, working our way up to the north. The first of these capitals is therefore that of Panama, simply called Panama City. Between its business district with skyscrapers, each more impressive than the last, its esplanade filled with palm trees and benches along the Pacific, and its old district, classified as UNESCO world heritage, Panama City is perhaps the Central American city with the most activities to do. It is a clever mix of modernity and history.

So, in just one walk, you can go from the most luxurious buildings to the typical fish markets, which attract both tourists and traders. And of course, the Panama Canal, the star of the country, is a modest bus ride away and remains a must-see to visit: it is the opportunity to learn more about the incredible construction of this architectural feat , notably thanks to the museum dedicated to it. The huge cargo ships passing under your nose through the canal are always an interesting experience to discover.

Costa Rica

Going north, we arrive in Costa Rica, and its capital, San José. Costa Rica is the most touristy country on the continent, but more for its national parks dotted throughout the country than its capital where Costa Ricans work. For this reason, there is less to do in San José, apart from a quick stroll through the pedestrian streets of the center and a few churches and squares to visit, the city is mainly used to plan your trip through the rest of the country. But if you’re not against a little partying, San José is famous for its boozy weekends where you can join the mass of festive souls and, although the guaro, the local aperitif, flows freely, the The atmosphere is always good and safe.

Nicaragua

Just as beautiful as Costa Rica, but less famous, Nicaragua also has a capital whose reputation is sometimes shaky: Managua. It is difficult this time to prove wrong those who insist on telling you that you should not waste your time in Managua, because there is actually very little to do or see, because the city was almost completely destroyed by a earthquake in the 1970s, and the reconstruction never really took place. This tragedy will have cut off the development of the country, but even more so that of the capital which is today only a gigantic village, with outdated infrastructure. To see a pretty town in Nicaragua or to party, prefer Leon or Granada.

Honduras

THE Honduras is a country that few people know about and that we generally fly over as part of an air transfer. However, even in the capital, Tegucigalpa, you will only see friendly and happy people, provided of course that you avoid the outskirts. With mountains all around making the landscape around it splendid, Tegucigalpa is a pleasant city to spend a few days. It’s an opportunity to take a tour through the parks and cathedrals, and above all to mingle with the Hondurans and lose your preconceptions about them. Tegucigalpa is also known for being the most party city on the continent, so don’t hesitate to go out on weekends to dance to reggaeton in the city’s many bars and clubs, but always travel by taxi.

El Salvador

San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, is the perfect mix of all other capitals. Both a business center and filled with spidery suburbs, but also pleasant for a few walks through the city center and outings on Friday and Saturday evenings, it is perhaps the most discreet and normal of all. Which is both a compliment but also means that a couple of days in San Salvador is enough.

Guatemala

Finally, in Guatemala, the capital, Guatemala City, is not an unmissable spectacle. Everything is concentrated in the former capital of the country, an hour away, Antigua Guatemala. Ruins, spectacular views of the city and surrounding volcanoes, crafts and traditions, clubs and bars, squares and monuments, it’s all in Antigua and even people from Guatemala City go there frequently, whenever they get the chance , to abandon the capital which only has an economic interest but not a tourist one.

And according to you, which South American capitals are worth a detour?

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