For those who’re contemplating a tropical trip, chances are you’ll be attempting to resolve between these two areas, every situated comparatively near the U.S. We’re right here that will help you resolve with our comparability of the Caribbean vs. Central America.
Caribbean vs. Central America Fast Take
Whereas there are some variations between the Caribbean and Central America, there are additionally a lot of similarities—together with the truth that most Central American international locations have a Caribbean shoreline. Each areas are wonderful tropical trip or honeymoon destinations, however Central America gives extra numerous landscapes and tends to be cheaper.
Caribbean vs. Central America Overview
The Caribbean options quite a lot of islands, whereas Central America is a subregion of North America made up of seven international locations. These are Costa Rica, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Panama. The entire international locations in Central America aside from El Salvador even have a Caribbean shoreline, so you may get the perfect of each worlds!
There are additionally some Central American islands within the Caribbean, similar to Roatan.
There are a variety of similarities between the Caribbean and Central America as a consequence of their proximity, similar to tropical climate with heat year-round temperatures, stunning seashores, and plush foliage. Nonetheless, Central America gives far more numerous landscapes, and the international locations are a lot bigger than Caribbean islands (with the attainable exception of Belize).
You possibly can take pleasure in related actions in each locations together with scuba diving, snorkeling, mountaineering, and journey sports activities (however these will likely be extra thrilling in Central America). Some Central American international locations additionally supply a Pacific shoreline.
Central America tends to be cheaper than the Caribbean. And whereas the tradition and meals in Central America are related and are available from a Spanish heritage, you will discover quite a lot of different influences all through the Caribbean.
You may additionally marvel what the distinction is between the Caribbean vs. Latin America. Latin America refers to international locations within the American area the place Romance languages (languages derived from Latin) are the first ones. The time period generally covers international locations that have been dominated by the Spanish, French, and Portuguese sooner or later, so this area contains Mexico and international locations in Central America and South America in addition to the Caribbean.
Caribbean vs. Central America Environment
The Caribbean is mostly laidback and has a wealthy tradition that varies from island to island, relying on which European nation colonized it. Influences embrace the indigenous inhabitants, African slaves, and European settlers from Britain, France, Spain, and Portugal. A number of islands have U.S. affect as properly, similar to Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Some Caribbean islands have a European really feel, similar to St. Martin or St. Barts, whereas others like Jamaica have their very own slant on the Caribbean vibe. You will see that a variety of flavors, music, cultural traditions, festivals, languages, and structure all through the Caribbean. Nonetheless, English is broadly spoken.
Central American international locations are primarily influenced by the indigenous peoples and Spanish colonizers, giving it a extra cohesive really feel. Whereas life right here can be relaxed, a lot of Central America tends to have a extra energetic and vibrant really feel. Spanish is the first language aside from in Belize, which was a British territory.
Caribbean vs. Central America Issues to Do
Each the Caribbean and Central America supply tons of issues to do and are particularly well-liked for outside actions.
The Caribbean is a high vacation spot for watersports, together with crusing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Relying on the place you go in Central America (shoreline vs. inside), you too can discover wonderful watersports right here. Many international locations have coasts on each the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.
It’s also possible to go surfing at some Caribbean islands, however if you happen to’re an skilled surfer you’ll most likely need to contemplate locations alongside the Pacific shoreline of Central America.
The Caribbean gives white, golden, pink, and black sand seashores, however is finest identified for sugar-white sand and dazzling turquoise water. These kind of seashores may be discovered on most Caribbean islands. (If that is what you’re in search of, try our article on the 15 best Caribbean beaches.)
Seashores in Central America vary from delicate white or golden sand alongside the Caribbean to rocky cliffs or golden, grey, and white sand alongside the Pacific. Because the Pacific is way rougher, some seashores on that facet should not good for swimming. Nonetheless, as we talked about earlier than, the browsing is best. It’s also possible to see whales at sure instances of the 12 months. Additionally, you will be capable to discover a lot wilder, less-developed seashores in Central America.
Whereas you too can hike in a few of the Caribbean islands—particularly these with volcanic peaks like St. Lucia—you will discover far more mountaineering alternatives and difficult landscapes in Central America (similar to cloud forests in Costa Rica). The identical goes for adventure sports activities. Islands like Jamaica supply ziplining, ATV excursions, and river rafting, however these actions in Central American international locations will likely be far more thrilling. There’s additionally a wider vary of wildlife in Central America.
Each the Caribbean and Central America characteristic historic and cultural websites you possibly can discover, however the websites in Central America are extra quite a few and older (similar to Mayan ruins).
And whereas there are cities to go to in each the Caribbean and Central America, most of those on Caribbean islands are fairly small, whereas there are each small cities and bigger cities in Central America.
When evaluating a Caribbean and Central America cruise, you’ll discover there isn’t an excessive amount of distinction until you’re evaluating a Caribbean island cruise vs a cruise by means of the Panama Canal. Many Caribbean and Central America cruise itineraries overlap, and a few cruises mix locations within the Caribbean and Central American. There are even cruises that mix Caribbean islands and passage by means of the Panama Canal.
Caribbean vs. Central America Lodging
The Caribbean gives an enormous vary of lodging sorts, from cheap to super-swanky. There are hostels, resorts, condos, resorts, and AirBnBs, so it may be good for a funds getaway, a mid-range trip, or a once-in-a-lifetime splurge like a honeymoon. Within the Caribbean you could find affordable resorts, family resorts, adults-only resorts, all-inclusive resorts, luxury resorts, and even nude resorts.
Central America additionally gives a various array of locations to remain, together with all the kinds you could find within the Caribbean. There are a variety of eco-friendly choices. And though there are upscale and costly resorts, Central America tends to be far more inexpensive than the Caribbean. You possibly can keep within the jungle, within the metropolis, or on the seashore—or mix two or extra of those locations in a single journey.
There are resorts in each the Caribbean and Central America that characteristic overwater bungalows.
Caribbean vs. Central America Meals
There are similarities and variations between meals within the Caribbean vs. Central America.
Totally different Caribbean islands have several types of dishes relying on their historical past and whether or not they had Spanish, British, French, Portuguese, or Dutch settlers. Every island has its personal particular tackle “Caribbean cuisine,” and contains recent vegatables and fruits which are grown on that island in addition to the forms of seafood which are generally present in surrounding waters. For instance, the Bahamas is legendary for conch and lobster, whereas Jamaica is thought for its jerk chicken and ackee and salt fish.
Central American delicacies displays the area’s cultural heritage of explorers from Spain and Portugal in addition to the indigenous populations. There’s loads of recent seafood in addition to tropical fruit and native greens. Latin American dishes like spicy salsa, pupusas, and gallo pinto are widespread, however dishes differ relying on the particular nation you’re in.
Caribbean vs. Central America Climate
Whereas each the Caribbean and Central America are tropical locations with related climate, there are some variations to concentrate on.
The Caribbean is heat all 12 months spherical, however there are wet and dry seasons. Temperatures are typically milder throughout the dry season. Whereas particular dates differ relying on the Caribbean island you select, usually the moist season is throughout the summer time.
Hurricane season runs from June to November, and this impacts most Caribbean islands aside from Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, and Trinidad & Tobago. Barbados, whereas nonetheless technically within the hurricane zone, hardly ever sees storms,
The best time to visit the Caribbean for good climate is throughout the winter months of December, January, and February. For pretty good climate and decrease costs, have a look at the spring.
The coastal areas of Central America are heat all 12 months, and it may be fairly scorching and humid in the summertime—usually extra so than Caribbean islands, which get commerce winds. Nonetheless, circumstances differ by area and there may be cooler climate within the larger altitude areas. Typically, Central America’s dry season is December to April, and the wet season is Might to November.
Central American locations on the Caribbean coast may be in danger for hurricanes. Panama, nevertheless, doesn’t get hurricanes.
Caribbean vs. Central America Value
The price of a Caribbean vs Central American trip will differ relying on a number of issues, together with the place you’re touring from, the time of 12 months you go, and what kinds of actions and lodging you ebook.
A Caribbean trip may be cheap or super-pricey, relying on the island you select, the place you keep, what you do, and if you go. Nonetheless, some islands are cheaper than others, and on most islands there are many extra inexpensive choices. It’s also possible to usually discover great deals and discounts—particularly if you happen to go within the offseason.
Central America tends to be extra inexpensive than the Caribbean, providing wonderful worth for the cash. Yow will discover cheaper lodging, eating, exercise, and transportation choices, which makes this space well-liked with backpackers. Nonetheless, there are additionally luxurious resorts and upscale choices as properly.
Now that you simply’ve learn our comparability of the Caribbean vs. Central America, the place do you need to go subsequent? Tell us within the feedback! And if you happen to’d like assist planning your journey, be at liberty to succeed in out to considered one of our expert travel agents!
