Three weeks, three countries, and one idea that started during the pandemic.
I remember sitting at home, listening to a podcast where a girl described hiking up a mountain and watching a volcano erupt right in front of her eyes, safely, but close enough to feel the power of it. At the time, the world felt so small, but that story made everything feel wide open again. I instantly started dreaming about where I’d go and what I’d do once life went back to normal… and that’s how Central America made it onto my list.
First stop: Guatemala 
Guatemala completely stole my heart. Lake Atitlán is every bit as magical as people say surrounded by volcanoes, colourful towns, and a calmness that’s hard to describe unless you’ve been there. Days were spent wandering through vibrant streets, finding little cafés, and balancing adventure with slow, peaceful moments (and yes… a few yoga classes thrown in too). Check out Eagles Nest Atitlan on Instagram.
But the highlight and the reason this whole trip even happened was hiking Acatenango. It’s not an easy climb, but every step is worth it. That night, we sat across from Volcán Fuego, watching it erupt every 15–20 minutes. Lava bursting into the sky, the deep rumble echoing through the mountains it didn’t even feel real.
After dreaming about that moment for so long during the pandemic, actually sitting there and witnessing it was something I’ll never forget.
We also hiked Volcán Pacaya, where we roasted marshmallows on hot volcanic rock as the sun set. Such a simple moment, but so surreal something you definitely don’t get to do every day.
Next: Nicaragua 
If Guatemala was soulful, Nicaragua was pure adrenaline. Volcano boarding down Cerro Negro was one of the wildest things I’ve ever done — flying down a volcano covered in ash, trying to control your speed while laughing the whole way. It’s chaotic, messy, and honestly just so much fun.
And then there’s the treehouse rave… dancing in the middle of the jungle, music echoing through the trees, surrounded by people from all over the world. And somehow, because of course this would happen, I ended up bumping into a friend’s friend’s cousin from Limerick. In the middle of Nicaragua. At a jungle rave. You honestly couldn’t make it up. It made the whole “small world” thing feel very, very real.
Feeling the power of the thunder and lighting staying in a yurt in El Pital Chocolate on Ometepe island was an unreal experience.
Finally: Costa Rica 
Costa Rica felt like stepping into a nature documentary. The wildlife is unreal monkeys swinging overhead, sloths hanging out in trees, and colourful birds everywhere you look.
The adventure here is on another level too. Zip lining through the rainforest canopy was such a highlight, flying over endless greenery, feeling completely free. It’s one of those experiences that makes you stop and think, how is this even real?
But Costa Rica also has a slower, more peaceful side. After all the adrenaline, it was the perfect place to unwind beach days, nature, and just taking it all in.
Why Central America?
This trip was everything I had imagined during those long pandemic days and more. It was adventure, culture, nature, and moments that genuinely took my breath away… and a reminder that no matter where you go in the world, you’re never too far from an Irish connection.
It started with a podcast and a bit of daydreaming… and turned into one of the most unforgettable trips I’ve ever taken.
We had originally hoped to squeeze in Panama, Mexico and Belize as well, but after mapping everything out, we quickly realised they deserved more than just a rushed few days. With only three weeks, we didn’t want to spend the whole trip in transit or feel like we were ticking places off just for the sake of it. So we made the call to slow it down and really enjoy each destination properly which was 100% the right decision. It just means Panama, Mexico and Belize are firmly on the list for next time (and give me another excuse to come back to this part of the world). We did, however, make a little stop in El Salvador along the way, where we spent a couple of days by the beach the perfect reset in between all the adventure.
If you’re thinking about Central America, take this as your sign
