How far south did Mexican cultural influence extend in pre-Columbian Central America?

In pre-Columbian Central America, Mexican cultural influence extended as far south as Nicaragua and Costa Rica.1

While the Mayan civilization occupied much of the northwestern isthmus, other Mexican influences—such as those from the Olmec culture—began affecting the region as early as 1500 BCE. Later, central Mexican Nahuatl influence also spread along the Pacific coast, notably among the Pipil of El Salvador and the Chorotega and Nicarao peoples of Nicaragua.1

By contrast, the regions of Panama and Costa Rica were more heavily influenced by South American Chibcha traditions, making Central America a significant meeting ground for diverse cultural patterns.1