From the towering skyscrapers of Panama City to ancient Mayan ruins in Guatemala, from climbing volcanoes in El Salvador to zip-lining and white-water rafting in Costa Rica, and from the culture in Leon, Nicaragua, to the remote, pristine beaches in Belize, the diversity served up by holidays in Central America is staggering.

And, even better news, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy cheap holidays in Central America too, so you can experience this spectacular beauty on a shoestring.

For outdoors adventurers and those looking for truly jaw-dropping scenery, there are few areas across the globe which have more to offer than Central America.

Climb the Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador or hike through the cloudforests in western Panama to reach the Lost Waterfalls – that’s if you’ve not chosen to head to Costa Rica and cross the hanging bridges in the Arenal Volcano National Park, or explore the lava fields.

Chichen Itza and Tulum in Mexico might be two of the better known Mayan ruins, but Tikal offers a completely different experience, thanks to its location in the heart of the Guatemalan rainforest.

For more of a city vibe, Leon in Nicaragua is a great destination. With buzzing nightlife, fascinating galleries and cute cafes, it’s perfect for culture vultures.

If you find yourself in Antigua, Guatemala, the Chocolate Museum is an absolute must and a perfect way to learn more about the country where the chocolate bar is said to have been born. It’s almost a pilgrimage!

Central America holidays are also a treasure trove of spectacular beaches. Keen surfers will find great waves at Tamarindo Beach in Costa Rica, while the island of Caye Caulker, just off the Belize coast, is snorkelling heaven, as are Honduras’ Bay Islands.

More beautiful beaches can be enjoyed on Belize’s Placencia Peninsula, but for pure paradise, Bocas Del Toro in Panama is the dreamiest spot imaginable. But with Central America beach holidays, you really can’t go wrong.