The oldest cities in Central America and the Dominican Republic

Founded along the royal road that interconnected the native towns, these bucolic and stately cities are a reflection of the cultural diversity of the region and invite you to be discovered by strolling through its narrow streets, flanked by beautiful squares, mansions, mansions and churches.

Melting pot of cultures in Belize City   Beyond being the  heart of the Mayan civilization  and being populated by different ethnic groups, Belize City has a great colonial heritage. Therefore, you have to go both to Hopkins Village and Punta Gorda to learn about the Garífuna culture, to San Miguel to discover the Mayan culture and to  the National Museum  to discover colonial history. Then, get lost in its narrow streets in search of buildings with reddish-colored roofs converted into picturesque bars and restaurants.

Carthage, the Old Metropolis   Nestled between mountains and the old capital of Costa Rica, Cartago is the country's most important region in terms of  colonial art.  The Ruins of Cartago, dating from the 16th century and corresponding to a church built three times and collapsed by three earthquakes, are one of its greatest attractions, with the nearby Irazú volcano as a backdrop. But if you want to discover the  Spanish colonial footprint,  you have to go through Orosi and see its church, one of the oldest in the country.

Santa Ana, the city of fortune tellers   The second most important city in El Salvador, founded by the Mayans as Cihuatehuacán —which in Nahuatl means 'the city of fortune-tellers or sorceresses'—, has a large historic center preceded by the  Cathedral of Santa Ana,  Cultural Heritage of El Salvador and with a 90 meter long structure in  Gothic and Byzantine style . In addition, we find the City Hall Palace and the  National Theater,  one of the most beautiful and with the best acoustics and decoration in the country, considered a true architectural gem.

Pure colonialism in La Antigua   Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the beauty of this city  nestled between volcanic peaks  is in its cobblestone streets, its colorful buildings dating from the 16th century or its ancient temples and monasteries that seem frozen in time; a beautiful and magical colonial city that keeps almost five hundred years of history. Don't miss the Santa Catalina Arch, the old Guatemala Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor or the Jade Museum.

Choluteca, the sultana of the south Founded in 1825 and the birthplace of the wise José Cecilio del Valle, drafter of the Central American independence act in 1821, this city — capital of the department with the same name — has  the best preserved historic center in the country  and a Spanish heritage that is still visible. Ideal for walking in the morning or at nightfall, its narrow alleys are guarded by buildings, declared National Historic Monuments, dating back 300 years.

Granada, Colonial and Charming   The  colonial and neoclassical architecture  of its old center —which dates back to 1524— combines perfectly with museums, galleries, hotels and restaurants wrapped in a more cosmopolitan atmosphere. Another of its great attractions is the  Great Lake of Nicaragua,  Lake Cocibolca or Mar Dulce; In its more than 8,000 square kilometers of extension there are 400 islets, three islands and two volcanoes. On a small island called El Castillo, is the San Pablo fortress, built between 1670 and 1685 to defend the city from pirates.

Panama City, modernity and history The most cosmopolitan capital of Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is actually  three cities in one:  a historic district, a reconstructed one and a very modern one. Its Casco Viejo is home to some of the best hotels, bars, and restaurants in the city, as well as colonial churches, busy plazas, and picturesque alleys dating back to 1673.  Panama La Vieja is not to be missed,  with historic structures from the first Spanish city founded in the country.

Santo Domingo, the first European settlement in the Americas   Here, the old and the new converge seamlessly; the architecture and the most emblematic historical places with the great shopping centers, art galleries, an active and interesting nightlife and an irresistible gastronomic scene. One of its must-sees is to explore its  Colonial City,  declared a World Heritage Site, a labyrinth of narrow streets flanked by  architectural wonders  that range from the 16th to the early 20th century.

Air connections from Europe There are currently flights from Spain to Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala or the Dominican Republic, on Iberia. For its part, KLM connects Amsterdam with Costa Rica, Air France flies from Paris to Costa Rica and Panama and, finally, Air Europa connects the Spanish capital with San Pedro de Sula in Honduras.