5 Cool Adventure Sports To Do In Central America

If you’re an adventure junkie then a visit to Central America has to be on your bucket list. The rugged landscapes, soaring mountains and stunning coastlines form the perfect playground for thrill seekers. We’ve put together a list of 5 cool adventure sports that are guaranteed to give you your adrenaline fix.

 

Mountain Bike Bolivia’s Death Road

Calling this mountain pass “Death Road” isn’t overstating it. Mountain biking the 43 miles of switchbacks along mountainous terrain is as extreme as it gets. With 2,000 foot sheer drops around every corner you’ll definitely need your wits about you. The road rarely gets wider than 10 feet and there’s no barrier between you and the abyss. Just to make things a little more interesting the pass is often covered in impenetrable fog. When the fog clears your bravery is rewarded with stunning views of valleys, waterfalls and mountains. There are some steep climbs but it’s the downhill stretches where gravity really kicks in to propel you just short (hopefully) of certain death.

 

White Water Rafting In Honduras

If you like your water filled with boulders and class V rapids then you’ll love what Honduras has to offer. It’s near the north coast of this seldom traveled country that you’ll find some of the best white water rafting in Central America. Here three rivers converge to churn up the Cangrejal river into a beautiful white mess. There are some really technical sections that will test your skills as well as your courage interspersed with a few more benign spots where you’ll have just enough time to catch your breath. The scenery is stunning and the warm water means there’s no need to wear any more than your shorts, t-shirt and a helmet.

 

Surf Costa Rica’s Epic Coastline

Costa Rica has some of the best beaches in South America. Year round you’ll find surfers all along its 800 mile coast line riding some of the most epic breaks. You’ll experience some traffic at the more popular beaches but there are some lesser known breaks where you’ll have the waves pretty much to yourself. Make the effort to travel off the beaten track to beaches like El Higo and you’ll be rewarded with uncrowded long left breaks. Some beaches are better suited to intermediate or experienced surfers but there are plenty of beginner friendly breaks too. Check out this great Costa Rica surf camp guide before grabbing your board.

 

Sandboarding in Cerro Negro

Sandboarding is always great fun but when you’re careening down a volcano it takes on a special edge. The Cerro Negro volcano in Nicaragua is just over 2,300 feet high with steep, volcanic soil slopes ideal for sandboarding. Of course, you’ve got to get up to get down, so you’re in for a bit of a hike before the fun begins. Hiking up the steep slopes in temperatures that can get up to 118 degrees is pretty tough going. Once you get to the top you can take in the 360 degree view of the Pacific ring of fire while you get your breath back. Then it’s time to strap yourself to your board, go over the edge and hang on tight. The volcanic rock and ash offers little resistance so you pick up some good speed on the way down. The volcano is still active but it last erupted way back in 1999 so there’s probably no need to worry about that. Maybe.

 

Climb Ecuador’s Highest Peaks

The Andes mountains wind through seven South American countries, including Ecuador which has ten peaks higher than 15,000 feet. These mountains are the stuff of legends and climbers who scale these peaks earn some serious bragging rights. Mountaineering in Ecuador often involves expedition scale preparation and commitment but there are some easier climbs too. A few of these peaks are quite close to Quito, the capital, and are easy to reach and climb with minimal gear and experience. Wayna Picchu is a great climb to take on if you’re a less experienced climber. It’s mainly steps and handrails all the way up and once you reach the summit you get to take in the awesome views of the Machu Picchu ruins.

It’s true, getting around in Central America can be a challenge. But if you’re looking for adventure, it’s a challenge that is rewarded over and over. These beautiful countries are packed to the brim with experiences like the ones above that will get your heart pumping a little faster or satisfy your need for speed.