Connected geographically to North America and culturally to Mexico and South America, this isthmus of seven countries is a literal bridge between the two. In this subcontinent that floats between worlds, everything here is, in a word, diverse: the rain-forested volcanic landscape; the mestizo heritage of European and Native American roots; the variety of foods that springs from fertile ground.

So, will your lasting impression be of minnows that flit between round river rocks and your toes through freshwater streams in Belize? Or the rush of adrenaline you’ll awaken in Costa Rica as you soar across a zipline, raft fast-moving currents, and hurtle into forest depths on a bungee? Perhaps the European charm of Nicaragua’s Granada—nearly as Moorish and Andalusian as its namesake in Spain—is what you’ll remember most vividly. With so many fresh destinations here, there’s no telling.

Travel by Beth plans vacations in Costa Rica, Belize and Panama.