Central America’s Geography
Central America encompasses a diverse range of geography and climates, featuring a variety of physical landmarks and natural features.
This area is a subregion that connects North America and South America. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea on the east.
Directly north of Central America is Mexico, which stretched north to the southern border of the United States. Mexico’s climate varies from arid deserts in the north to tropical rainforests in the south.Â
The central plateau has a temperate climate, while the coastal areas experience a more tropical climate.
Central America differs from Mexico in that it has a predominantly tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
The Caribbean side tends to be more rainy and humid, while the Pacific side tends to be drier. Both coastal areas, however, feature lowlands and coastal plains.
There are several tropical rainforests found in Central America. The Darien Gap is located in southeastern Panama and extends into northwestern Columbia. This forms a dense, continuous rainforest that separates the two countries and serves as a natural border between North and South America.
The Maya Forest, located in northern Guatemala, is historically significant for its connection to the ancient Mayan civilization that made a home there for centuries.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve in Costa Rica is not a traditional rainforest but is known for its low-level cloud cover that surrounds the trees in a constant fog. This mist provides moisture for the trees and vegetation.
Central America is also home to the Mesoamerican reef. It is the largest reef system in North America, and second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The Mesoamerican reef spans nearly 700 miles from the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, along the Caribbean coasts of Belize and Guatemala, to the Bay Islands off northern Honduras.
Central America also boast mountains and volcanoes. The tallest are in Guatemala and include Volcán Tajumulco, Volcán Tacaná, and Volcán Acatenango. None of those have been active for a long time. However, Santiaguito is a very active volcano and has erupted almost every hour for 100 years.Â
One of Central America's most famous features is actually man-made: the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal is situated on the isthmus of Panama and connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean by effectively linking the Caribbean Sea to the Gulf of Panama. The Panama Canal officially opened in August 1914, and has had a profound impact on global trade and transportation.
Central America offers a wide range of geographical features and climates, which have made the area a diverse and captivating region for travelers since the Age of Exploration until today.