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How To Travel on a Budget in Central America: A Guide for Backpackers

• by CA Staff
• June 28, 2024

Discover how to travel on a budget around Central America with these practical tips and money-saving strategies. In this guide for backpackers and budget travelers, we’ll explore affordable accommodations, cheap eats, local transportation options, and more.

Central America, long part of the old backpacker’s “Gringo Trail”, is still a destination for adventurous budget travelers. While parts of the region – and certain countries – have become more gentrified in recent years, that hasn’t stopped backpackers from coming down to explore and experience all Central America has to offer. The region’s diverse cultures, stunning natural beauty, and (still) relatively low costs continue to draw those seeking maximum experience on minimal budgets. Savvy planning and cost considerations can mean the difference between a short trip and an extended adventure.

Before we dive into the details of how to travel on a budget around Central America, let’s look at some money-saving tips to help you stay on track:

Top Tips on How To Travel on a Budget in Central America

• Set a daily spending limit : Determine a realistic daily budget based on your travel style and destination. There are apps that can help you track expenses on the go, ensuring you stay within your limits.
• Embrace slow travel : Spending more time in fewer places not only reduces transportation costs but also allows for a deeper cultural experience and often leads to finding better local deals.
• Use a mix of cash and cards : Use local currency when you can. US dollars are accepted everywhere, but you’ll always get your change back in local currency. Better to just use it in the first place. Carry some US dollars for emergencies, though, and border crossings. Don’t be afraid to use your cards, either. It used to be a lot more expensive to use cards in Central America, but those days are gone.
• ATMs for better rates : Use ATMs to withdraw local currency as needed. They often offer better exchange rates than currency exchange offices or hotels.
• Get an eSIM : This affordable alternative to traditional roaming allows you to use local data networks without excessive charges. Research the best eSIM providers for good Central American coverage before your trip.
• Book tours locally : Avoid booking tours online or through your hostel. Instead, shop around with local operators for the best prices. Often, you can negotiate better deals in person.
• Eat like a local : Street food and small local restaurants offer authentic cuisine at a fraction of the cost of tourist-oriented establishments (more below). Be wary of restaurants with menus in multiple languages. These are often overpriced and less authentic.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to stretch your budget and make the most of your Central American adventure.

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Best Time to Travel to Central America on a Budget

Timing your trip to Central America can significantly impact your budget. The region generally experiences two seasons: dry (December to April) and rainy (May to November). While the dry season offers perfect weather, it also brings higher prices and more crowds, especially during the peak months of December and January.

For budget travelers, the sweet spot lies in the shoulder seasons: May and November. These months offer a balance between good weather and lower prices. You’ll find cheaper accommodations, less crowded attractions, and still enjoy plenty of sunshine with only occasional showers.

The rainy season, particularly June to October, offers the lowest prices. While you’ll encounter daily rainfall, it usually comes in short afternoon bursts, leaving plenty of time for exploration. This period is ideal for lush landscapes and wildlife spotting, though some outdoor activities may be limited.

Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your specific destinations and priorities. If you’re flexible, consider traveling during the shoulder or rainy seasons for the best deals. Just pack a light rain jacket and embrace the occasional shower as part of your Central American adventure.

Getting to Central America on a Budget

Securing affordable flights to Central America is crucial for budget-conscious travelers. Major hubs like Panama City, San José, and San Salvador often offer the best deals. Use online flight comparison tools like Skyscanner to find the lowest fares by comparing prices across different airlines and dates. Setting up price alerts on these platforms can help monitor fare fluctuations, allowing you to book tickets when prices drop.

Flexibility with travel dates—consider flying mid-week or during off-peak seasons (between May and November)—can significantly reduce costs. It’s generally advisable to book flights well in advance, as last-minute deals in this region can be less predictable.

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Getting Around Central America on a Budget

Navigating Central America affordably requires strategic use of transportation options. International bus services like TicaBus are popular among backpackers for their affordability, crossing borders and connecting major cities throughout the region. That said, it’s always almost cheaper when crossing international frontiers to get a local bus to the border, walk across, and get another local bus on the other side. A service like TicaBus, while inexpensive compared to flying, is still more expensive than local buses. You’re paying a little more for convenience, if not so much comfort.

Within individual countries, local buses are really the only way to get around on a budget, though they can be crowded. Put it this way; in Costa Rica, Central America’s most expensive country, the longest and most expensive bus journey is less than $20. For more comfort and convenience, rideshare apps like Uber and local equivalents operate in cities, offering a safer (and often cheaper) alternative to traditional taxis.

Budget Accommodations in Central America

When backpacking through Central America, savvy travelers can find a range of affordable accommodations that fit various budgets. Hostels are a popular choice, offering dormitory beds typically priced between $8 and $25 per night, depending on the country and location within it. Private rooms in hostels generally range from $15 to $60 USD per night, providing more privacy while still keeping costs reasonable.

For budget-conscious travelers seeking more privacy, Airbnb is an option across Central America, where private rooms start at approximately $30 USD per night. Entire homes or apartments can typically start at $70 USD per night, offering more space and amenities, though prices can vary widely based on location and season.

Free Accommodation Options

Couchsurfing , another alternative, allows travelers to stay with locals for free, often on a couch or spare bed, in exchange for cultural exchange and company. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, get insider tips, and make new friends along the way. Safety and mutual respect are key aspects of Couchsurfing, with users building profiles and reviews to establish trust within the community. Sites like Workaway and Worldpackers connect you with hostels and eco-projects in exchange for a few hours of work each day. It’s a win-win – you get free accommodation and food, while helping out a local business or community project.

Guesthouses and home-stays are also affordable choices, offering private rooms with shared or ensuite bathrooms, often including breakfast and the chance to interact closely with local families or hosts. Prices for these accommodations vary by country: in Guatemala, for example, guesthouses may range from $20 to $40 USD per night, while in Costa Rica or Panama, prices might be on the higher end due to more touristy areas.

For those interested in camping, some hostels and national parks in Central America provide affordable options. Many hostels also allow guests to pitch tents or hang hammocks for under $10 USD per night. National parks may have camping fees that vary by country, so it’s advisable to check local guidelines and fees before planning a camping trip. Wild camping – just pitching your tent anywhere – is not recommended in Central America. Factors like crime, weather, and even animal encounters make this a bad idea.

When booking budget stays, it’s wise to plan ahead, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure better deals. Exploring beyond major cities can also lead to finding more affordable options in smaller towns and rural areas. Prioritizing safety is crucial; researching accommodations, choosing safe neighborhoods, and securing valuables are essential practices to ensure a pleasant and secure stay in Central America.

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Cheap Eats in Central America: Food and Drink

Central America offers a wealth of affordable dining options, particularly through street food, local markets, and basic restaurants. In Honduras and Guatemala, look for “ comedores ” or “ fondas ,” small eateries serving up traditional dishes at wallet-friendly prices. You’ll find BBQ shacks or local vendors with drum barbecues on streets all over Belize, offering tasty, affordable, and authentic grilled dishes.

In Costa Rica, “ sodas ” are casual eateries where you can enjoy gallo pinto (rice and beans) , casados (a typical dish with rice, beans, salad, and a choice of meat), and ceviche (citrus-marinated seafood) . Nicaragua’s “ fritangas ” are renowned for their grilled meats, plantains, and traditional dishes like vigorón (a dish of boiled yuca, chicharrón, and cabbage salad) . El Salvador’s “pupuserías” specialize in pupusas, thick corn tortillas filled with cheese, beans, or meat, served with curtido (pickled cabbage).

Cooking for Yourself

You’ll find a basic meal in a soda , fritanga , or comedor for less than $10 pretty much anywhere in Central America (and a lot less than that in some places). But cooking your own meals can be a cost-effective option if you’re traveling on a budget. Many hostels and guesthouses in Central America provide communal kitchens where you can prepare meals using fresh local ingredients from nearby markets. This not only saves money but also allows you to experience local produce and flavors firsthand.

When it comes to drinking and going out, sticking to local beers and spirits is a smart way to keep costs down. Central American countries have their own iconic brews , like Gallo in Guatemala, Imperial in Costa Rica, and Toña in Nicaragua. These local beers are usually much cheaper than imported options and offer a taste of the region’s brewing culture. Similarly, local rums from Guatemala and Nicaragua count as among the best in the world , and are more affordable than imported liquors. Local spirits like guaro in Costa Rica are dirt cheap, and chiliguaros are a party staple in that country .

Heading to local bars rather than more touristy spots can also save money while providing a more authentic experience. Local establishments tend to have lower prices and a more genuine atmosphere.

Average Daily Costs Across Central America: Budget Insights for Travelers

When planning a budget-friendly trip through Central America, it’s important to know the average daily costs for each country. This information helps in managing expenses and making the most out of your travel experience without overspending. The following travel cost rankings, from budgetyourtrip.com , are based on the travel budgets of real travelers, giving you an idea of what to expect in terms of daily expenses per person.

Average Daily Travel Price: $49 per day . Guatemala is the least expensive country in Central America. From indigenous markets , Mayan ruins, and colonial towns to Pacific beaches and the natural beauty of Lake Atitlán , you can enjoy a memorable trip without spending a lot.

Average Daily Travel Price: $54 per day . Known for its colonial cities, expansive beaches, and friendly locals, Nicaragua is one of the cheapest countries in Central America, making it ideal for budget travelers.

Average Daily Travel Price: $58 per day . Honduras offers affordable travel options, especially for those staying on the mainland and avoiding the more expensive Bay Islands.

El Salvador:

Average Daily Travel Price: $61 per day . El Salvador, known for its surfing and volcanoes , provides budget-friendly travel experiences, especially in beach communities like El Zonte .

Average Daily Travel Price: $79 per day . Panama offers a mix of modern cities and beautiful landscapes. Costs are higher in Panama City but more reasonable in other parts of the country.

Average Daily Travel Price: $105 per day . Belize offers a blend of beaches, scuba diving, and eco-adventure. These attractions come with a higher price tag than other countries around the region, though. That said, it’s still possible to get by on a budget in Belize by staying in hostels and eating locally.

Costa Rica:

Average Daily Travel Price: $115 per day . Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America, and many backpackers try to avoid it nowadays. Costs can add up quickly in Costa Rica, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo . That said, budget travelers can still find affordable hostels and local eateries to keep costs down.

For budget-conscious travelers, the cheapest countries in Central America are Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador , with daily costs averaging between $49 and $61. In contrast, the most expensive countries are Costa Rica, Belize, and Panama , with daily costs ranging from $79 to $115.

These costs are averages across all types of travelers, from budget to luxury, so it’s certainly possible to spend less. Use these figures as a general guide to help plan your trip according to your budget.

Budget Activities and Attractions

One of Central America’s biggest draws for budget travelers is its wealth of stunning, free-access beaches. From the Caribbean coast to the Pacific, you’ll find miles of pristine shoreline where you can swim, sunbathe, and surf without spending a dime. This alone makes the region a paradise for budget-conscious beach lovers. Whether it’s the surf spots of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua or the laid-back vibes of Cahuita, Costa Rica, free beach access is a cornerstone of budget travel in Central America.

But the region offers more than just beaches. Free walking tours in cities are a great way to explore urban areas. Local guides share insider knowledge, helping you discover hidden gems. Many tours operate on a tip-based system, so you can pay what you can afford.

Nature and history lovers will find plenty of affordable options too. Central America is a hiker’s paradise, with trails ranging from volcano treks in Guatemala to cloud forest walks in Costa Rica. Belize is full of Mayan archeological sites where you can get up close and personal with the ruins for cheap or even free. Many national parks offer reasonable entry fees. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, toucans, or even the elusive quetzal. Please note, though, that many hikes recommend guides for safety reasons, and sometimes – in the case of Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica, for example, a guide is mandatory. Safety is never worth skimping on.

Local festivals provide free entertainment and a chance to experience Central American culture. From Day of the Dead celebrations in Guatemala to street parties in Nicaragua, these events offer music, food, and opportunities to mingle with locals. Keep an eye out for community events too – you might stumble upon a local market or street performance that becomes a highlight of your trip.

Wrapping Up

Traveling Central America on a budget isn’t just possible – it’s an adventure in itself, and the region offers countless experiences that won’t drain your bank account. Remember, the key to budget travel is flexibility. Be open to changing your plans, trying new things, and stepping out of your comfort zone.

As you plan your trip, keep these tips in mind: mix up your accommodation options, use local transportation, eat where the locals eat, and take advantage of free activities. But most importantly, remember that the best experiences often don’t cost a thing. A sunset viewed from a beach, a conversation with a local in broken Spanish, or the thrill of spotting a tapir or jaguar in a national park – these are the moments that make travel in Central America truly priceless.

So pack your bags, but travel light. Now you know how to travel on a budget through even the most expensive parts of Central America, you’re good to go. Your adventure awaits, and you’re all set to make the most of every dollar, colón, quetzal, or córdoba. Happy travels!

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Home » Central America » Backpacking Travel Guide

Backpacking Central America • TOP TIPS, Itineraries + Costs 2024

Backpacking in Central America was the best decision of my life . My experiences here moulded me into the man I have become today, and I’m now OBSESSED with inspiring others to visit this magnificent region.

Central America is an enchanting amalgamation of jungles, surf beaches, (tequila), and volcanoes. This part of the world attracts a certain kind of vagrant and broke backpacker – so you’re sure to fit right in. 😉

After exploring for months on end here, I now kinda consider this part of the world to be my second home. You won’t have to spend long here to feel the same, trust me.

There’s something so magical about these lands and the endless array of surprises and opportunities they possess…

Part of it is the unrivalled beauty of the jungles, mountains, volcanos, desert islands and beaches. Part of it is all the relaxing and inward soul searching. But truly, it’s the kindness and open-heartedness of the people that make you fall in love.

If you travel slowly while backpacking Central America  (and trust me, you should) you’ll find yourself on all sorts of weird and wild side quests. You know, the kind with people that very quickly become your new friends for life. One minute you’ve stopped for tacos and the next you’re chasing down Rodrigo’s pet chicken or singing karaoke with a Mayan grandmother.

A part of me is desperate to keep this place a secret before it turns into Southeast Asia 2.0, but I just can’t. I gotta spread the love ( pura vida style).

So, I’m here spilling the beans: insider tips, ups and downs, and essential information that I wish I had before I went backpacking in Central America.

Listo ? – Vamos!

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Why Go Backpacking in Central America?

Backpacking Central America is a wild romp through both chaos and a long chill-out session. It lends itself to some incredible overland journeys and rounding out your own manifesto through travel. Because if you really get into learning Spanish here, you’ll suddenly find a whole new world of locals and fellow artisan backpackers opens up to you!

There are markets full of amber, beaches to sell your jewellery at (Central America is actually a good place to have a backpacker hustle), and of course, there is so much delicious food. I’m talking fried platanos, tacos, and ceviche whenever you’re on the coast. Plus, a party is never too far away. 😉

Then there’s the fact that Central America is a pretty cheap place to travel in. Backpacking Central America is ideal for those on a grown-up gap year or another type of time-constrained trip. But for the long-term vagabond who knows how to stretch every last dollar and doesn’t mind camping on beaches – man… Central America is a dreamy place for you!

And when you do want to splurge on some once-in-a-lifetime experiences, well the region delivers them in spades! Learning to free dive or SCUBA dive are two of the more popular ones. Take epic trekking trips, sky diving, and paragliding!

Now, not everyone is ready to throw themselves off a cliff in the name of a bucket list experience … and that’s ok! Central America hears you and instead offers up peaceful yoga retreats in the mountains or lazy beach days in the sunshine. Plus, because the countries that comprise this region are small (with the exception of Mexico) you can spend less time physically travelling and more time actually exploring – or chilling!

Honestly, backpacking in Central America is the whole package: the people, the parties, the paradisiacal landscapes. Now let’s take a look at some of your options for exploring this fantastic part of the world.

Best Itineraries for Backpacking Central America

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Depending on your time frame, there is a wide range of places to begin and end your backpacking trip. Choosing a general Central America backpacking route and itinerary that works for you will help in some of the basic planning on your journey.

One of the reasons I love backpacking in Central America is the ability to be spontaneous. The region thrives on a certain degree of chaos! Best of all, the distances in Central America are not as daunting as in other parts of the world, so it’s a good choice for backpackers short on time.

Besides, I don’t see much point in rushing around the countries. You might as well slow down your travels and enjoy the ride!

Whether you are looking for a 2-week Central America itinerary or a 2+ month travel odyssey, I’ve got you covered amigos! Let’s dive in a explore some of the tried and true Central America backpacking routes I have enjoyed.

2-week Travel Itinerary for Central America: Mexico to Guatemala

This 2-week Central America backpacking itinerary starts on the opposite end of the region. The cheapest flights into Central America usually fly into Cancún, Mexico.

Find somewhere to stay in Cancun and leave the next day – it’s no secret I STRONGLY dislike Cancun! But do spend some time exploring those insane white sand beaches and cenotes in Quintana Roo to make memories you’ll never forget.

Now onwards to Chiapas ! Chiapas is one of Mexico’s most fascinating regions. The food alone makes it worth the visit, although the mix of cultures and the drop-dead gorgeous landscapes will compete for your attention, too. Explore San Crístobal de las Casas before you head to Guatemala.

Guatemala is a whole other fascinating country. Backpacking Guatemala is truly a special experience. It’s here that I accidentally spent six months falling in love with the country.

Some of the best trekking in Central America can be found in Guatemala. It also boasts steamy lush jungles with the most impressive Mayan ruins in the region. Lake Atitlan has, dare I say, spiritual energy that hasn’t been quashed by the many tourists that call it home.

And rounding out your taste for Central America you can stop in at one of the many awesome places to stay in Antigua – one of the most beautiful cities filled with the most delicious food in the world. Honestly, after two weeks in Central America, you’ll be hungry for more!

4-week Travel Itinerary for Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica

Have a month to visit Central America? Perfect.

This route has you starting off in Guatemala. Of course, you could start in Costa Rica as well. In my opinion, it is better to save it for the end!

I recommend spending at least ten days in Guatemala before heading south. Definitely go to the ruins in Tikal – and make sure to stay in Flores , the town I fell in love with!

Check out the incredible pools at Semuc Champey . Now if you bus back across to find things to do in Lake Atitlan , you can get in your yoga fix while learning deeply from the Mayan culture still strongly felt here.

Next up, walk to the cobblestone streets of the beautiful colonial city, Antigua . This is all before you get out of Guatemala – there is truly so much to do in Guate !

El Salvador is a country that is often skipped over entirely – and what a mistake that is! While backpacking El Salvador certainly is a bit lighter on the typical tourist things, the surfing and epic street food make it a worthy stop on your Central American itinerary. You won’t run into the safety problems you might think you would – especially if you stick to the beautiful beaches.

The killer beaches do not stop when you enter Nicaragua via a Honduras detour. But if you’re somewhat limited by time – my dudes, you’ve got to hit those surf beaches in Nicaragua. Playa Popoyo has some of the most consistent surf but less popular beaches on the way down!

Then there is Costa Rica : the cherry on top of your Central American pie. A big beautiful world of adventure backpacking awaits you when you arrive in the land of Pura Vida.

The surfers will want to stick to the Pacific Coast. Mal Pais  and  Montezuma  are classic Costa Rican surf towns that suck you in!

And the Caribbean beaches of Costa Rica are the perfect end to your Central America backpacking trip – nothing but good vibes out here.

6-week Travel Itinerary for Central America: Mexico to Panama

If you have 6 weeks or more then you can see the whole damn region. A trip to Honduras for some SCUBA diving is totally worth the effort.

The Bay Islands are one of the cheapest places in the world to get your PADI certification. Annddd, you could also learn to freedive aka underwater meditation!

Look, if you do a bunch of diving on top of exploring the Yucatan and the best beaches in Mexico and even doing some sightseeing in Belize and Guatemala , you’ll quickly run out of time!

This 6-week itinerary is the whole enchilada as they say – it’d ideally be better off done with a lot more time up your sleeve. Still, if you head from Utila and the Bay of Islands through the jungle of Honduras you can have an awesome time trekking and exploring Mayan ruins such as the trails through Parque Nacional Montaña de Comayagua.

From there, you can cross to the Pacific side of Nicaragua and surf your way down the coast into Costa Rica and beyond. You have options in terms of the order of everything to see in this route, but it would work well to duck into Panama and hike in Bouquet, before returning to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica .

Settling into the Caribbean vibe, you can carry on back up the Nicaraguan coast and fit in some more snorkelling and diving!

I found a good balance between trekking, diving, visiting ruins, chilling out, and learning a travel language – Spanish. If you do too much of either of those things you can lose appreciation for how special they are. I found it best to settle into a place for at least a few days before heading out on chicken buses.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

There are eight countries that make up the region of Central America; each one is worthy of exploration! Backpacking Central America offers up the opportunity to experience a vast array of landscapes, cultures, food, and activities.

Belize, Costa Rica, and parts of Mexico are more expensive than the other countries. El Salvador and Honduras are probably the least visited countries on the list – and yet have some of the best surfing and hiking in the region respectively!

If you are looking to get off the beaten track and away from the gringo trail, it’s easy in all of the Central American countries. This is especially true in Honduras and the Caribbean side of Nicaragua, where few backpackers go. Depending on the time you have, and more importantly your interests , your options of where to go backpacking in Central America are limitless.

Backpacking Mexico

Mexico is Northern America geographically . No, North America is not just the USA and Canada…

But culturally? Central American all the way! Of course I’m including it in backpacking in Central America.

It is a huge country with incredible diversity: ice-capped mountains, steamy jungles, bustling metropolises, great beaches…

The majority of people on a Central American backpacking route tend to stick to the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas regions. That said, there is much, much more to Mexico than those two places.

One could spend a lifetime backpacking Mexico and not see all of it. If you’re short on time, these two regions are some of the richest in landscapes and things to do. If you have longer, you should explore Mexico more deeply!

I highly recommend staying in Oaxaca as long as you can and I’ve got some epic recommendations on where to stay.

Tulum makes a good base to explore natural and historical treasures of the Yucatan. Seriously, get yourself to the mind-boggling cenotes for a swim and learn to snorkel in epic cave systems. There is some excellent SCUBA diving in Mexico too, but it’s more expensive than Honduras.

Chiapas is one of my favourite parts of Mexico. There is plenty of history, incredible people, and natural wonders to keep you busy for as long as you want. Once you’ve had your fill of epic street food, you can ply through the local markets for colourful trinkets, and top it all off hiking through the highlands. Chiapas really has it all!

An alternative to flying into Cancun is to fly to Mexico City . From there, you can easily catch long-distance buses to other parts of the country or Guatemala. Take the opportunity to explore Mexico city a bit while you’re there though.

The longer you have to spend in Mexico, the longer you should spend in Mexico. She’s a special one!

What to Know Before Visiting Mexico

• Don’t miss out on… The Caribbean side . It’s touristy, but that’s for good reason. Go in search of hidden beaches and the best snorkelling spots.
• You know what’s overrated… all of those beach resort towns. Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas…these aren’t the real Mexico. You should sta y in Bacalar instead, it’s much nicer.
• The coolest hostel is… Casa Angel Hostel (Oaxaca City) – This place is pretty dope. Clean, friendly, and great atmosphere. Ticks every box when it comes to hostel life!
• The best food is found in… Oaxaca. Oaxaca is very well-known for its delicious moles and for being the birthplace of mezcal aka the original tequila.

Backpacking Belize

The paradise of Belize is a country I think of as the black sheep of Central America. For one, English is the official language.

Spanish is increasingly spoken as you get closer to the Guatemala border. Belizean Creole is commonly spoken on the coast.

In truth, a well-planned Belize itinerary is a great addition to any Central American backpacking trip. Belize is home to some of the best SCUBA diving opportunities anywhere in the North or South American continents.

The outlying reefs off of the coast are a part of the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world! Yeah eat your heart our Great Barrier Reef – these ones aren’t bleached either!

There are also some terrific Mayan sites inland from the coast. The ruins at Caracol are some of the finest in Central America.

Whilst backpacking Belize, if you are not a vegetarian – and fuck it even if you are – you absolutely must eat lobster on one of the islands. This beautiful, fresh seafood delight will have a little party on your taste buds for less than half the price of the States. Mmmmmm, you delicious little langouste – I miss you!

What to Know Before Visiting Belize

• Don’t miss out on… exploring some of the offbeat Mayan Ruin sites. For some reason, Belize is often overlooked when it comes to Mayan culture.
• You know what’s overrated… going snorkelling at The Great Blue Hole. It is costly to get out there but to really see the marine life, you need to dive . Don’t fall for the snorkelling package.
• The coolest hostel is… Yellow Belly Backpackers (San Ignacio) – A true paradise, this yellow house is the perfect base for travellers to explore natural treasures. It has a darts board, free biked and is 700m from the beach!
• The best food is found in… Caye Caulker has some of the best lobster in the world – with decent prices too! If you’re thinking of staying here, have a look at hostels in Caye Caulker .

Backpacking Guatemala

Guatemala is hands down one of the most dynamic and exciting countries I have ever backpacked. In fact, I loved it so much that I ended up living in Flores (near Tikal) for six months!

The country is so rich in amazing things to experience. You can try artisanal coffee, chow down on the world’s best tamales ( shh don’t tell Mexico!), and experience some of the best hikes in the world in their national parks of volcanoes and jungles.

Mayan cultures are still very strong here. The ruins aren’t so much a relic of a culture lost, but reminders of a culture that remains. I remember walking down my street only to find pieces of obsidian embedded in the dirt road.

The land is very much a life with the people that have occupied here for the last 10 000 years. Tikal is particularly impressive at sunrise, but there are many other Mayan sites to check out, too – like El Mirador .

There are a number of great Spanish language schools in Guatemala if you are keen to learn some Spanish and stay with a host family . Spending a few weeks at a Spanish language school was a game-changing experience for me.

The schools in Antigua or Quetzaltenango are the best. Not only do you embed yourself with a local family and get the privilege of experiencing the town, but your Spanish skills improve at light speed! Speaking Spanish opens up a whole new world for you on your travels in Latin America.

Check out Semuc Champey and Lake Atitlan while you’re in Guate. They might be touristy but they’re still beautiful!

For a true change of pace, you could even try out the boat life by volunteering on a sailboat in the Rio Dulce . Oooh boy, the sailors are a funny bunch down there!

You will fall in love with Guatemala, it’s unavoidable. I’m most certainly counting the days until I return…

What to Know Before Visiting Guatemala

• Don’t miss out on… a 3-day trek around Lake Atitlan, ending in Xela. This one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala .
• Keep an eye out for… safety in Guatemala City. This is probably one of the most hectic places in Guatemala. Base yourself in Antigua instead.
• The coolest hostel is… Earth Lodge (Antigua) – Yoga studio? Organic kitchen? Avocado farm? I can hear the Californians stampede here already.
• The best food is found in… Antigua for western food, Xela for Guatemalan food. Avoid all of the American fast-food restaurants.

Backpacking El Salvador

Straight off the bat, El Salvador has some of Central America’s best and least frequented surf beaches. The Town of El Tunco is a fantastic backpacker hub. La Libertad is another great beach town with excellent surf.

The Montecristo Cloud Forest is a beautiful place to hike. Since El Salvador is not as popular with backpackers, there is ample opportunity to venture off the beaten path.

So bring your bloody surfboard, ok? When you need to leave it behind to go hiking for a few days, the local hostels are more than happy for you to do so.

El Salvador is a country with a troubled history (even by Central American standards) and many problems in the present day. While it is true that El Salvador experiences one of the highest rates of violent crime anywhere on earth, foreigners are rarely targeted .

Basically, if you go looking for trouble, you’ll definitely find it in El Salvador. That being said, the locals look forward to the day when tourism can take off a little better because life is calmer here. They’ll go out of their way to make sure you’re safe and comfortable and enjoying this epic little country.

That said, I wouldn’t venture out into San Salvador at night. However, during the day, San Salvador is pretty dope to explore.

What to Know Before Visiting El Salvador

• Don’t miss out on… Visiting the surf town El Tunco. There is a fun expat vibe, plus the seafood and waves are plentiful.
• Keep an eye out for… Pickpockets and being out late at night in San Salvador. San Salvador is probably not going to be the greatest experience anyway. Get out and head to the beaches, mate!
• The coolest hostel is… Tunco Lodge – a great place to relax in between surf sessions.
• The best food is found in… small local eateries, markets, and food stalls. Generally, I found the best food in the small coastal towns in El Salvador. I mean, fresh ceviche all day, every day? Yes, please!

Backpacking Honduras

Do you want to get PADI SCUBA certified on your backpacking Central America adventure? Head to the Bay Islands , amigos! This is one of the cheapest places in the world to get certified for SCUBA diving.

The legendary island of Utila is a backpacker’s paradise. There are more than a dozen dive centres to choose from. Roatan is a bigger island that caters more to cruise ships and older tourists. It is more expensive than Utila, but the SCUBA diving is arguably better.

The ruins at Cóban are the most significant in Honduras. Pico Bonito National Park is another major highlight of the country. There is an abundance of wild camping and hiking potential in the park.

Honduras often gets skipped over by backpackers – except for Coban and Utila. No, the rest of Honduras seems to remain off the beaten path!

This is a bit of a shame considering there are some epic jungle hikes, and even a sneaky surf beach or two. It’ll definitely be less touristy so your Spanish better be up to scratch. 😉

In all seriousness, as this whole Central America backpacking thingy is very serious, if connecting with locals and seeing a more local side to a region is up your alley – Honduras is the place for you to explore.

What to Know Before Visiting Honduras

• Don’t miss out on… SCUBA diving in the Bay Islands and going to Utila in particular.
• Keep an eye out for… your general well-being in big cities. Also avoid being ripped off by taxi and shuttle drivers. Try to learn what the fair price should be before setting off.
• The coolest hostel is…. Roatan Bed and Breakfast – This super chill hostel in Roatan has been popular with travellers and lived up to expectations since it opened. A great place to make new friends.
• The best food is found in… Johnny Cake bakeries! Honestly, anything from the street stalls!

Backpacking Nicaragua

I love Nicaragua because you can get beautiful beaches similar to those in neighbouring Costa Rica, but without the steep prices. Nicaragua is becoming the backpacker capital of Central America, and fast too.

The Pacific Coast is brimming with surf beaches, funky yoga retreat centres, and ex-pats in addition to friendly locals. The colonial cities of Granada and Leon have beautiful architecture, grand plazas, and strong ties to the Sandinista movement that gripped Nicaragua in the 1980s.

Ometepe Island is surprisingly underdeveloped in many areas. You can rent motorbikes and really explore what the island has to offer. If you like waterfalls, motorbikes, swimming, and rum, head to Ometepe for a few days.

The river and jungle areas of Nicaragua’s interior are wild and full of adventure potential. The Corn Islands off of Nicaragua’s Caribbean beaches are the most far-flung destinations in Central America.

It is no easy effort to arrive there (without flying). Once you do, you will be rewarded by the lack of backpacker hordes.

Nicaragua is the cheapest Central American country! So have a blast without breaking the bank, aye!

What to Know Before Visiting Nicaragua

• Don’t miss out on… Laguna De Apoyo – A gorgeous freshwater lake where one can swim and chill. Also renting motorbikes on Ometepe Island.
• Keep an eye out for… Other backpackers to share the cost of pricy tours with.
• The coolest hostel is… Surfing Turtle Lodge – I personally stayed at this place and kept extending! This is one of the coolest and most unique hostels in the world. If you don’t believe me, Lonely Planet says so too. It’s remote though – cos it’s ON the beach.
• The best food is found in… Leon and Granada for authentic local food. Like with anywhere in Central America: eat from the streets! The world’s best street food is always worth the diahorrea risk. 😉

Backpacking Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the long-standing adventure capital of Central America. Backpackers have been flocking here in search of that pura vida for decades. Costa Rica offers pretty much everything you could ask for: endless wildlife, cloud forests, amazing beaches , huge parties, and an overall easygoing vibe.

The thing is, Costa Rica lives up to the hype. From the capital of San Jose to the Pacific Coast and then back through the jungle to the Caribbean Coast – Costa Rica is really a slice of paradise. Camp out on the beaches as much as possible – trust me, it’s incredible!

Explore the Costa Rican national parks . Learn how to surf. Drink coconut water every damn day.

Make new friends and have the time of your life exploring this special place! I can guarantee that you will come back to Costa Rica for more someday. I sure did.

With so much natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Costa Rica is full of great hikes . The Arenal Volcano area is particularly packed with excellent trails.

Costa Rica has the reputation for being one of Central America’s most expensive countries. Unfortunately, that reputation is true.

That said, exploring this magical country is bound to be a highlight of your backpacking trip. Budget travel in Costa Rica is entirely possible. It just takes a little more effort than backpacking in one of the neighbouring countries.

What to Know Before Visiting Costa Rica

• Don’t miss out on… trekking through the cloud forests around Monteverde, taking a surf class, and staying in a jungle treehouse.
• Keep an eye out for… Staying in San Jose too long. Just a night is enough in San Jose. Keep moving on to the next place.
• The coolest hostel is… Luminosa Montezuma Hostel – Great staff and unbeatable location atop a small cliff overlooking the ocean! Natural springs nearby.
• The best food is found… along the Caribbean coast (e.g Puerto Viejo ). Food in Costa Rica is quite similar from region to region, so I really appreciated the Afro/Garifuna influence found here.

Backpacking Panama

Ok, straight off the bat: Panama is much more than just a tax haven for rich guys . There are some pretty epic volcanoes and jungles to go romping through and the Caribbean Coast is full of some pretty epic slices of paradise!

In fact, the journey from Bocas Del Toro in Panama takes only a few hours to get to from Costa Rica. If you are there in the right season (dry) there is great scuba diving and fishing.

Like Costa Rica, Panama has some fantastic wild jungles and forests once you escape the numerous banana and palm oil plantations.  Baru Volcano National Park is a good place to start exploring.

The San Blas Islands are stunningly beautiful as well. Going through the San Blas Islands is a popular way that backpackers end up getting to Colombia and beginning their backpacking South America journey. Really, if you want to be exploring these low-lying islands by boat – you could try volunteering on a sailboat in the area!

Panama City is a huge sprawling metropolis where one can find some civilization and the associated annoyances. The international airport in Panama City is the main hub for transportation for the region – including flights south to Colombia.

I found it deeply interesting to catch a bus from the outskirts of Panama city and watch as the rural landscape dotted with shanty houses slowly transformed into a city more shiny and full of skyscrapers than anything I’d known back home (bearing in mind I came from a wee Australian town!).

Still, Panama City has some great hostels and interesting sights. I’d recommend climbing the hill to get some epic views of the place.

What to Know Before Visiting Panama

• Don’t miss out on… spending a night on Red Frog Island. If you’re a bit sick of the party hostels in Bocas del Toro , Red Frog is a great place to escape to.
• You know what’s overrated… Any organised “coffee” tour. Honestly, I’m partial to instant coffee so maybe I’m not the best judge! Apparently some of the best coffee in the world is here in Panama – but I’d just sample it yourself from local cafes!
• The coolest hostel is… Lost and Found Hostel – A legend among Panamanian hostels! Fun, interesting, eco-friendly, and amazing views.
• The best food is found …when sailing in the San Blas. Nothing beats fresh fish caught that day by the skipper.

Off the Beaten Path Adventures in Central America

The so-called gringo trail is definitely a thing here in Central America. There are certain hotspots where backpackers congregate. If you ask me, Costa Rica is the country most heavily populated by people travelling in Central America.

While there are plenty of spots on the gringo trail worth visiting, there are ample opportunities to get out and really explore. Indigenous villages, far-flung jungles, isolated beaches, remote mountains, winding rivers, and plenty of national parks provide an eternity of off-the-beaten path adventure potential.

Honduras and El Salvador are two countries that get almost entirely overlooked! This to me is crazy, as I had some of my best memories surfing in El Salvador and tramping through the Honduran jungle.

Even within relatively popular countries like Nicaragua, far fewer backpackers check out the Caribbean Coast. And what a mistake! Some of the best diving, beaches, and food is here.

I think it’s about travelling slowly, authentically, and mindfully. Sure, some tourist spots will be worth your time – but many won’t. And the rewards of getting out there to explore are just so juicy!

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

It’s not finding something to do that’s tricky in Central America – it’s picking what to do first! There are some truly spectacular adventures to be had: above, below, and on the water. Whether you end up a boat bum, sailing the Caribbean Coast of Central America or whether you simply dive from time to time, the water will reward you here!

But the jungles, the Mayan culture, the street food, and the markets are also incredible. The more friends you make with artisans, the more likely you are to suddenly know how to make macrame. This is a bit of an obscure thing to do, but it is a handy backpacker job in a pinch!

Anyway, whatever you end up doing in Central America, you know it’s going to be a good time.

1. Get your open-water diving certification

You can SCUBA dive in pretty much every country in Central America and getting your certification will open up a whole new world of travel possibilities. The reef off Cozumel is pretty epic; as are the reefs off Belize. The cheapest place to get your actual certification is in Utila, Honduras.

Diving life is freaking dope! Not only do you get to make friends with the fish, but you also get to indulge in the diving lifestyle. Yeah, there’s a bit of drinking and partying involved let me tell you. 😉

2. Study Spanish

I did two stints of study on two different trips at the Mountain School outside of Xela. The experiences involved a few homestays and truly elevated my Spanish skills to the next level.

You can study Spanish almost anywhere in Central America. The more you sink into a community, the better your language skills get. The better your language skills get, the easier it is to get a richer experience in the country.

3. Stay in a treehouse in Costa Rica

One of the coolest places I have stayed EVER in 10 years of travel was atop a 35-meter treehouse in the middle of the jungle just south of Manzanillo (south Caribbean coast). Tell the owner I said hi if you stay there! The place is called the Nature Observatorio , check it out.

There are so many eco-lodges in Central America. Ok, they might not be quite as cool as a treehouse, but they are pretty damn beautiful – and doing just a little good for the planet.

• Ultimate Eco Lodges Costa Rica
• The Best Eco Lodges in Nicaragua

4. Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua

This activity speaks for itself: charge at top speed down the side of a volcano! Ok, so it’s little more than for novelty’s sake but you know what? Sometimes you’ve just got to do things and be a bit childish!

It’s a hell of a lot of fun and the scenery is really not too bad either.

5. Eat Lobster in Belize

One of the best (and cheapest) places to eat lobster anywhere in the world. No, but for reals, there is nothing better than fresh seafood.

It needs little other ingredients and is so damn good for you. As long as you check in with local regulations, you could even try your hand at spearfishing and get yourself some dinner!

Lemme suggest right now that fresh langouste goes very well seared in a lemon butter sauce. Simply, but delicious!

6. Take a Boat Down the Rio Dulce in Guatemala

It is actually possible to leave Guatemala by boat, bound for Honduras Bay Island through this jungly river system. I actually delivered sailboats from the Rio Dulce to Honduras a couple of times, but many backpackers can simply volunteer on a sailboat heading in that direction.

If you don’t end up on a sailboat, I’d definitely still recommend a boat ride up the Rio Dulce. Basically, you realise how puny your sailboat is as you come in surrounded by walls of the green jungle… Yeah it’s pretty freaking epic.

7. Visit the San Blas Islands in Panama

Whether you are a party animal or beach lover (or both) – a trip around the San Blas islands is one you’ll never forget (or will never remember, depending on rum consumption).

If you are sailing at your own pace, you’ll be able to get into the swing of island life and see some of the cultures there. Most people simply pass through – which is all well and good and you’ll definitely still have a dope party time! But to really understand how incredibly stunning – but also unique – San Blas is, then you’ll need to slow down and spend some time there.

8. Ride the waves!

Nicaragua and Costa Rica in particular are world-class surf destinations and great places to learn, but the entire Pacific Coast of Central America is full of epic surf spots. El Salvador is a surfing hotspot that is overlooked – and that’s a shame!

So all you surf bums need to pack your boards and get on down to Central America. A goddamn delightful trip awaits you! Plus, we all know the rules of surfing life. Dawn surf, beers for lunch, party all night.

9. Visit the Cenotes in Mexico

Cenotes are a little slice of magic. They’re these clear, blue swimming holes sunken into limestone earth. The best swimming holes on earth are found in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The Maya used to use them for water sources… or dropping dead people…

Today, there is almost something mystical to these locations. And even the popular ones are bloody awesome.

It’s really out of this world to be able to see up to 50 metres deep! Plus, the cold water is such a welcome relief when you’re sweltering through the Yucatan’s humidity.

10. Change your plans

Here’s a warning. Central America travel goes something like this: you arrive, you fall in love, you don’t want to leave. While it’s good to have a rough idea of which direction you want to go, the worst thing you could do is plan every part of your backpacking trip to a T. 

Get chatting with locals and other backpackers about their favourite places. Leave some wiggle room in your itinerary so you can extend your stay in those places that make you feel at home. 

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Central America has plenty of budget accommodation options for backpackers. When you are not passing the night from the comfort of your tent or Couchsurfing, you’ll need to book a hostel.

Whether you just need a place to lay your head or a spot to meet fellow travellers, hostels are clearly where it’s at… Once you come around to hostel life , you’ll forever look back on the fond memories you made there!

But you know what? Nothing beats a night camping under the stars or deep within in the jungle. I think one of my favourite nights in all my travels was camping at the Yaxha ruins in Guatemala. Of course, I had a good hiking tent , so my sleep was perfect.

The evening was spent chatting with the custodians of the park and playing cards. I fell asleep to the sounds of howler monkeys and woke to see the sunrise over the lake. So yes, staying in a hostel is an awesome way to connect with other travellers – but sometimes you’ve just got to go bush.

• Where to Stay Mexico
• Where to Stay Belize
• Where to Stay in Antigua Guatemala
• Where to Stay in Leon Nicaragua
• Where to Stay Costa Rica
• Where to Stay in Panama City

Each country in Central America will affect your budget in a different way. I found Nicaragua to be the cheapest country in Central America, followed closely by El Salvador, and Guatemala.

Honduras can be very cheap as well, though not super cheap in the Bay Islands. Costa Rica and Belize are far more expensive for certain things like transport and accommodation.

Travelling in Central America certainly does not need to be expensive! If you are worried about spending too much money, I recommend allotting more time for yourself to explore the cheaper countries. But honestly, if you stick to the tried and true methods of budget backpacking , your wallet will be quite alright.

A Daily Budget For Backpacking Central America

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay on a daily basis whilst backpacking Central America…

Central America Budget Travel Hacks

• Camp: With plenty of gorgeous places to camp, Central America is a great place to pitch if you have a good-quality tent . Camping saves you money and can help you get off the beaten path.
• Pack a hammock: If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a  backpacking hammock . Central America has plenty of palm trees and hammock-ready beaches. If you want to bring something with you on your trip that you will use all the time, this beauty is your best bet.
• Cook your own food:  Travel with a  portable backpacking stove  and cook your own food to save some serious cash whilst backpacking across Central America. If you plan to do some overnight hiking trips or to spend time at a surf camp, having a backpacking stove will be a great asset.
• Couchsurf:  Central American locals are awesome. Get to know some by learning to couchsurf ! Check out Couchsurfing to make some real friendships and see a country from the perspective of locals. When using Couchsurfing, be sure to send personalized messages to your potential host. A generic copy-and-paste message is much more likely to get turned down. Make yourself stand out.

Why Should You Travel to Central America with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful!

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

When to go to Central America varies with the weather as each country in Central America has its own unique climate. The dry season is generally December, January, February, and March : this is certainly the time when most people visit. You can have some great weather in November and April as well.

The rainy season can be a beautiful time to visit. The rain only complicates things if you want to do heaps of outdoor activities. During Christmas and the New Year, Costa Rican beaches are flat-out slammed with foreigners and locals alike.

Scuba diving is best in the winter or early spring months ( Nov-Feb ). The water has better visibility and the islands are generally more pleasant when it’s not pissing down rain. Basically, if you’re willing to put up with some rainy days and slightly less crowded beaches then do so: the jungle is certainly beautiful.

Also, the higher in altitude that you get, the more the weather changes. I can’t give a super accurate country breakdown because it truly depends where in the country you are as to what kind of weather you’ll get. Anything by the ocean is going to be more chill and have a less pronounced rainy season.

What to Pack for Central America

For such a variety of climates and range of activities to be done while backpacking Central America, you will need the  ultimate packing list .

There is no need to be that person who carts around 50 kilos of luggage. But you don’t want to be without the essentials either!

So what do you really need? Here are some essentials that accompany me on every single backpacking trip.

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Well, when people realise I’ve spent six months living in Central America and more travelling, they immediately ask: Well is Central America safe ? Whilst it is true that Central America suffered through decades of brutal war, gang violence, and a horrific narcotics trade, modern-day Central America is a different story (though many of these problems still exist, big time).

Don’t get me wrong, Central America still has a huge problem with gang violence and the narco trade, but it is concentrated in specific areas tourists don’t usually wander into. 99% of the trouble I ever hear about from backpackers started with them trying to buy drugs/buying drugs.

So yes, the standard safe backpacking rules apply but no, you’ll rarely be running for your life here. However, I’d still think it was dishonest if I didn’t say that Central America has a higher crime rate than other parts of the world and foreigners are more likely to get caught up in something. Certain areas (mainly cities) in Central America have the highest rates of homicide anywhere in the world (not in a war zone).

That said, foreigners are very rarely involved or targeted by violence. And the one mugging I did accidentally witness was very quickly shut down by the neighbours because of how loud the girl screamed. In fact, the would-be robber was taken aside and dealt with by the community…

Basically, should you on the off chance find yourself being robbed, be loud but don’t be a hero. Aaaand, it’s probably not going to happen to you as long as you keep your wits about you.

• Is Mexico Safe to Visit?
• Is Guatemala Safe to Visit?
• Is Belize Safe to Visit?
• Is Nicaragua Safe to Visit?
• Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit?
• Is Honduras Safe to Visit?

Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll in Central America

What can I say? The first time I backpacked across Central America – I felt like the months I spent there were almost a continuous party. The backpacker circuit is well established and – in pretty much every hostel you stay at – there are other people game for putting a few beers back.

Drugs like cocaine and weed are VERY abundant along the backpacker trail. My advice: dabbling a few times is a normal part of the backpacker experience – but be careful – 1. the drug trade is one of the most destructive forces in Central America and 2. hard drugs like coke are very addictive and overdoses do happen.

Prostitution is rampant across every country in Central America. I found that in some parts of Costa Rica, I was approached by sex workers nearly every single night. Remember that sex trafficking is also a big problem in Central America and the people working in the trade may not be doing so by choice.

In general, party and have a good time when you feel like it – but remember to take it easy too. Climbing a volcano or doing a big trek is WAY more fun when you are not hungover – take it from me. 😉

Getting Insured BEFORE Travelling to Central America

No matter what you do, travelling always involves some level of risk. So I HIGHLY recommend getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you

Before you go travelling,  please consider a  good travel insurance provider .  Shit happens on the road (and open ocean) all the time, and when it does, it’s nice to know  somebody  has got your back. And what’s the one travel insurance provider The Broke Backpacker trusts for all its insurance needs…?

World Nomads!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

I started my two Central America backpacking trips from Cancun and Guatemala City respectively. If you are coming from North America or Europe, you can score some pretty sweet deals on airlines flying into Cancun.

I personally hate Cancun, but its airport gets the job done. It’s much cheaper than Belize City, for example, which really isn’t too far away. To maximize your budget, it is all about finding cheap flights to Central America!

It is also possible to find cheap flights to the other Central American capital cities. Panama City is probably the cheapest, followed by Managua, and San Jose. Check out our post on how to score cheap flights to find a bargain on flights to Central America.

Depending on your time frame and schedule, you can make an informed decision about where to start your trip. If you’re keen on backpacking Central America in its entirety, I recommend starting in Mexico and working your way south. You might be lucky to find a cheap flight to Panama City, but really, that would be very lucky,

Conveniently, most Central American countries don’t require any sort of visa to enter either. Most Western nations, including the US, UK, EU, and Australia, can visit each country visa-free for a period of 90 days. Be aware though that some countries like to charge a small entry fee.

The easiest and cheapest option is to travel to Central America by bus. The region is famous for the chicken bus .

The Guatemalan chicken bus is a sight to behold. These old American school buses are often painted with psychedelic colours and filled to the brim with humans (and sometimes chickens).

A majority of the buses have been bought in the USA at auction and then driven down to Central America to live out a second (exhausting) life in public transportation. Instead of carrying American school children, they are flying down steep mountain roads with various local populations packed inside. I can almost smell the sweet aroma of burning breaks and delicious roadside snacks.

In Costa Rica and the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula, the buses are of better quality, but much more expensive than elsewhere in the region. In major cities, public transit systems are complicated but relatively easy to get around. Some of the larger cities – like Mexico City – have easy-to-use metros.

To get to the various Caribbean islands, you can catch a ferry. The ferries are more expensive than I anticipated, so budget accordingly.

You will hear the words “taxi taxi taxi” just about everywhere you go. Taxis are always more expensive than taking the bus but can be useful in certain situations. But turn your haggle game and ALWAYS set the price with the driver before getting into the cab.

Hitchhiking in Central America

Learning to hitchhike is definitely an option, buttttt it’s definitely easier when you know how to speak Spanish. If you dress the part and look like every other Latina vagabond, drivers will typically know what you’re doing. However, I always think it’s a good idea to offer to shout lunch or explain the journey that you’ve been on.

Hitchhiking edict changes from person to person, as some people picking you up, might want talkative company, and some people prefer quiet. This is where it’s much easier to speak Spanish so you can gauge the situation. Depending on the country, you’ll have differing wait times/success while hitchhiking.

I hitchhiked in Mexico with the most luck. My chicken and I met van lifers, musicians, farmers, and other solo travellers in Central America . I feel like hitchhiking really does open up the world of travel in a much more raw way.

Onwards Travel from Central America

Looking to continue travelling south after backpacking Central America? You have a few options. You can always fly from Panama City, Mexico City, or Cancun (depending on which direction you travel the region) onto South America or Europe.

A far more rewarding alternative is to take a boat. Multiple boat companies now offer passage from Panama to Colombia via the San Blas Islands with trips ranging from three to five days. If you are keen to go on an island-hopping sailing adventure, this option is for you.

From here you can go on to backpack South America! Fuck yeah!

The third option, if you can call it that, is crossing the Darien Gap overland. Rumour has it that you can hire a guide (for quite a bit of money) and cross the Darien Gap on foot. In the past, this was impossible due to narco-terrorist/guerrilla activity and is still considered a very dangerous place to cross . May the backpacker gods be with you if you attempt the journey on your own without a guide.

Taking a boat from Panama to Colombia sounds like the most fun for sure. You’ll have a chance to sleep on totally isolated islands and swim in crystal clear waters whilst drinking some ice-cold beers on your boat… It’s an epic trip.

• Backpacking Colombia
• Backpacking Ecuador
• Backpacking Peru
• Backpacking Brazil

Central America has been an ex-pat destination for decades. The whole spectrum of humanity comes down here for various reasons: retirement, to escape the desk, for the digital nomad lifestyle , to surf endlessly, to party forever, or to simply enjoy a cheaper cost of living away from the rat race.

Central America is one of the leading candidates for backpackers and digital nomads looking for a place to settle long-term (according to recent digital nomad trends ). Certainly, some countries cost more to live in than others, but generally speaking, life just costs less in Central America and one can enjoy a very pleasant lifestyle with about half the cost of living in Europe or the USA.

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Volunteering in Central America

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst giving something back. There are loads of different volunteer projects in Central America ranging from teaching to animal care to agriculture to pretty much everything! 

Programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers and Workaway are generally well-managed and highly reputable. However, they aren’t without their flaws too. whenever you are volunteering, stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

Central America is home to dozens of distinct ethnic groups – each with its own set of traditions, food styles, dress, and in some cases, language. The ethnically Mayan peoples of the Guatemalan highlands I found to have the richest and most distinct cultural practices and traditions that have largely survived the modernization (and bloody civil war) of Guatemala.

One really feels the vibe of ancient traditions when you spend a few nights in a Mayan village. Similarly, I found the Garifuna communities in Belize and Honduras to be full of life – especially when it came to music and food.

A major thread that connects all of the Central American countries is religion. This is a very Catholic region almost without exception with local saints and patrons to be found in every village it seemed.

In general, I found the people in every country I visited in Central America to be kind, generous, and welcoming – and just as often very keen on sharing a strong drink and a chat with you, time permitting.

What to Eat in Central America

The food in Central America can be as diverse as its human inhabitants…

Though, I’ll start by saying that I have been much more wowed by the food in Asia and the Middle East than by the backpacker staples of rice and beans in Central America. That said, you can find some really tasty stuff to try!

Must-Try Dishes in Central America

• Tamales (Everywhere) – A kinda of staple puree with a filling, cooked and served in a leaf. Every town and every person has their own style. They’re cheap and delicious – so always take at least one wherever you see them.
• Pupusas (El Salvador) – Originating in El Salvador, Pupusas are all over Guatemala. Thick corn tortillas stuffed with fillings – usually refried beans, cheese and/or pork – Nothing like that crunchy fried texture with the squishy inside.
• Ceviche (Everywhere) – Fresh fish doesn’t come any fresher than ceviche. Not cooked, but marinaned in lime. Feels weird, tastes incredible.
• Tacos (Mexico and Guatemala) – If you’re hungry, tacos. If you’re not, tacos. If you don’t eat meat, often no tacos: we have to go hungry in some places.
• Mole (Mexico) – This soul sauce is made up of the ingredients directly from the heart of the women who spend hours on end concocting it. It dates prehispanic and Puebla and Oaxaca have the best ones.
• Gallo Pinto (Costa Rica): The national dish of Costa Rica! Rice and beans (yes, again) stir-fried together to create a speckled appearance. It is usually served for breakfast along with eggs and sour cream or cheese. There is no avoiding it.
• Olla de Carne (Costa Rica): A hearty stew of beef, cassava (a starchy tuber used in  Tico cooking), and whatever else gets thrown into the pot.
• Johnny Cakes and Fry Jacks (Belize) :  Both the jacks and Johnny cakes are made from flour: the jacks are flattened and fried, the Johnny cakes are round fluffy savory biscuits. Like everything, it’s best with butter or cheese.
• Lobster (Belize):  Self-explanatory and f***** delicious.

While you’re out here travelling, vagabonding, and being a broke backpacker, I’d encourage you to have a little pot of funds to try some unique experiences. Because there are some truly special activities to try out when you’re in Central America.

Yes, you can go paragliding or bungee jumping. You can volcano board, or trek through jungles.

But there are two activities that Central America can really claim as its own: SCUBA diving and surfing . The fun in the sun never stops along this coastline!

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

SCUBA Diving in Central America

You should know by now that Central America has some excellent scuba diving venues. It is possible to go diving in all of the countries as they all have access to the coast. Mexico, Belize, and Honduras are the clear winners.

Diving in Belize is more expensive than in Honduras, although undoubtedly still epic. The great blue hole is an awesome diving experience but so are the multitude of shallow reefs around the place too.

Mexico might have the most famous areas – like Cozumel and the cenotes – but I’d argue they more than live up to the hype. You can swim with manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and innumerable tropical fish!

If you’re going a little further afield, backpacking Cuba can offer up some truly mind-blowing dive sites. Plus, although the Cayman Islands are technically British, they’re just south of Cuba and are basically one whole island full of dive sites.

However, The Bay Islands in Honduras are the go-to spot for getting your PADI certification. The backpacker scene on Utila makes up part of the draw as well.

During my time in Utila, I met many people in the Bay Islands who had moved there for the majority of the year to work in the diving industry. I must admit I was pretty envious of them. If you are looking to live somewhere beautiful long-term, becoming a diving instructor is one sweet way to make that happen.

Surfing in Central America

Surfing reigns supreme on much of Central America’s southern Pacific coast starting in El Salvador and winding down all the way to Costa Rica and Panama. Some of the best surf beaches in the Northern Hemisphere are found here.

New to surfing? There are plenty of surf schools to help you get the start you need in order to catch a few waves.

A stint at a Nicaragua or Costa Rica surf camp is a good way to fully immerse yourself in the world of surfing. Meeting people who have a higher level than you always helps one to improve.

A surf camp is basically a surfing hostel with (dorms) or without rooms (camping) where communities of surfers base themselves. Life at a surf camp is rough. Surfing, eating, making friends, and partying make up the main activities. Sound like fun? Time to get packing my friends.

Is Central America safe for backpackers?

Yes, most of Central America is perfectly safe to visit – including Honduras and El Salvador. But there are some parts of all the big cities in the region that you should avoid walking in at night, as well as always following your standard safety procedure.

How long do you need to backpack Central America?

I’d recommend a minimum of 6 weeks in Central America but even that will feel rushed. If you travel slowly and volunteer along the way, you could easily spend 3 – 6 months backpacking in Central America.

Where can I go backpacking in Central America?

All the countries in Central America offer something a little different, so it depends on what you’re after! You could go surfing, hiking, diving, or on a food tour. Guatemala might be your best bet for hiking, whereas El Salvador or Nicaragua would be better for surfing.

Is Central America safe for solo female travellers?

Generally, yes. I don’t think Central America is less safe for women than other travellers. You still need to keep your wits about you, listen to your gut, and then you will likely have a very safe experience.

Why did the chicken cross Central America?

Because Indigo needed a friend. No, it’s not a joke: that really is Indigo’s friend.

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Be good to Central America.

Central America is a region that has not had it easy over the years, and yet they’ve bounced back. It’s a beautiful region full of people that are genuinely excited to show off their home to you. So with that, my last bit of advice would just be to travel in a way that leaves the place better – not worse.

The surfing, the diving, the hiking, the partying… It’s all supremely good here.

You get the best of the backpacker world and the local’s world once you pick up a little Spanish and leave the gringo trail. You’ll meet friends for life and get swept up in adventures that sound unreal when you retell them back home.

But that’s just Latin America for you! It’s kind to the vagrants and the artisans with the next free camping spot just up the road. The markets are full of colour and the streets are full of delectable food.

So off you go, book that ticket, and get to exploring! I found a second home here and I’m almost certain that you will too! Hopefully, I’ll see you on the road sometime.

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Updated February 2023 by Laura Hall .

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Joe Middlehurst

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26 Comments

We are hoping to do Central America from Mid April to Mid May… we thought we’d start in Panama or Costa Rica and head north to try and catch the best of the weather, but every suggested itinerary I’ve seen online suggests travelling in the opposite direction. Can anyone offer any guidance on what the best option is and why? Especially travelling at the end of the dry season/beginning of the rainy season? Any guidance much appreciated.

Very good guide, it helped me a lot during my trip through Central America. I look forward to a post-pandemic update.

Awesome to hear, Isla!

Amazing blog Keep posting such content

Hi Chris, My friends and I are really keen to #3 Backpacking Central America Itinerary 4 weeks: Guatemala to Costa Rica, but there’s not a lot of detail listed. How many days would you recommend at each stop? Best wishes,

travelling is love

I meant Chris, not Will. I’m so sorry!

Thank you so much for the amazing information, Will! I plan on backpacking Central America starting this December through every in Central America. I know some countries require a negative Covid test 72 hours prior to entering. How would this be achieved when crossing borders from country to country throughout my trip? Would I need to get a Covid test in each country? If so, how would I go about doing that? I am currently vaccinated for Covid, could I just show them my vaccination card? Thank you so much for your time, I just want to make sure I’ll be able to complete my journey!

Hi Jonathan, Its great you have been vaccinated. Make sure you have proof of your vaccination with you, make sure you have a digital back up copy too. Regarding the Covid tests for travel, you will need to follow the exact instructions given by each country prior to border crossing. I imagine most countries will have this listed on their website, including how, when and where to get the test done. Unfortunately, even if you have the vaccine you may still need to follow the testing protocol. Have a great time.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful article. It’s really helpful and valuable tips.It’s really good and thanks for sharing this good article.

Glad you enjoyed it! Safe travels.

Your blog is by far the best backpacking one out there. I spent 6 weeks travelling Central America this past summer using many suggestions from your site, and am planning my SE Asia trip in May again using your blog as a guide and starting point. Thank you!!

Thanks Brianna, have a great time in SEA!

Your photos are awesome! They really add a lot to your article. Do you use a high end camera or a smartphone to get such great shots?

My boyfriend and I are currently planning a trip to CA and this blog post SERIOUSLY had EVERYTHING we were looking for! Thank you!!

Hi! Did you need a proof of the onward journey (pr return ticket) when entering countries of CA?

Oh my god, it’s a gamble. As of 2 years ago, most times you’re not asked. When you are, you can usually get by if you tell them something really specific, like “I’m going to take a bus to Costa Rica next month for a jungle trek.” Make sure that whatever it is you say, it’s actually far enough out, because in some countries they’ll limit your visa only for as long as you need it. Hope this helps!

Honestly man. I never really leave any comments on blogs but this is one of the most helpful, detailed and honest blogs I have ever stumbled upon. Thank you for being realistic about safety concerns in central America, talk about realistic prices and your detailed itineraries are incredible. Keep it going!!

Thanks for the love Lars! We hope you make it to Central America and love it!

Hey, I totally get wanting to eliminate plastic waste but in Mexico & Central/South America, we are unable to drink water that comes out of taps or fountains. So where to refill the reusable bottles??? I hope I’m not missing an article about this, I clicked on your links and didn’t see any explanation….. GREAT GUIDES, MIL GRACIAS!

I carry a Grayl Geopress 🙂

when did you visit central America? is it safe for a male and female to take buses from cancun to Honduras and maybe further at this time? Even with all the travel warnings? I loved the blog post, I will certainly use it to plan more of my trip.

I wouldn’t take public transport in Honduras but private buses with decent bus lines should be OK

Amazing guide, thank you! I’m planning to solo-backpack through Central America this spring. Can you tell me, where will I meet other backpackers and make friends? Where is a good and safe place to start my backpacking-journey? Thank you! 🙂

I recommend starting in Guetamala – Antigua is chill 🙂 You’ll meet people in hostels – just choose some sociable ones 🙂

Thumbs up for the security belt with a hidden pocket you suggested. I make my husband wear it anytime we’re traveling 🙂

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Central America Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 8, 2024

Surrounded by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the slender land bridge of Central America runs from Mexico to South America and is made up of seven countries: Guatemala , Belize , El Salvador , Honduras , Nicaragua , Costa Rica , and Panama .

Political and civil unrest in the 1980s kept most tourists away for decades (people never forget bad news), but now the area is becoming hotspot for travelers, surfers, luxury travelers, and even retirees.

Because Central America is beautiful, filled with history, affordable, and much safer than it used to be.

While there are still regions where you need to be vigilant, people have realized that it’s not the place the media makes it out to be. The region’s rainforests are filled with unexplored Mayan ruins and wildlife, its beaches are great for surfing, its reefs offer world-class diving, there’s a huge variety of flora and fauna here, and the cheap accommodation, food, and transport throughout the region make it a budget traveler’s dream.

I’m glad the collective consciousness is shifting and people are finally recognizing how amazing this area. I began my nomadic life traveling around Central America and whenever I return, I fall in love even more with the friendliness of the people, the tasty food, the weather, the history, and the beauty.

This travel guide to Central America will give you all the tips to help you plan your trip, stay safe, and save money in this underrated region of the world.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Central America

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in central america.

1. Explore the volcanoes

This region is rich in volcanoes — both active and inactive. You can hike, take a horse up, and even roast marshmallows at Pacaya (Guatemala), known for frequently erupting in ash clouds. Poás (Costa Rica) is famous for its green volcano crater lake, Arenal has hiking trails, geothermal springs, a gorgeous rainforest area with waterfalls, ziplining tours and a plethora of wildlife. Masaya in Nicaragua is well known for its spectacular crater lava lake that you can visit at night to truly see the bubbling lava (coined ‘La Boca de Infierno’ (or ‘Mouth of Hell’). For adventure seekers, don’t miss trying some adrenaline-inducing sandboarding down Cerro Negro volcano in Nicaragua.

2. See Mayan ruins

Central America has many ruin sites. Tikal, in Guatemala, is an enormous national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries of Mayan history and archeology covered in lush vegetation and rare tropical wildlife. Copán in Honduras dates back to the 5th century and boasts intricate stelae, tunnels, a hieroglyphic stairway, and lush tropical vegetation filled with monkeys, sloths, parrots, and macaws. Meanwhile, Xunantunich is one of Belize’s most impressive and easily accessible Maya sites known for its scenic location in the middle of the jungle. Last but not least, San Andrés archeological site in El Salvador is the largest pre-hispanic ruins site in the country and includes pyramids and ancient plazas. The intricate wall carvings, imposing pyramids, and crumbling columns should not be missed. Prices vary but expect to spend around $20 USD for admission.

3. Relax on Caye Caulker, Belize

This little island is incredibly popular with backpackers. It’s less expensive than some of the larger islands in the country and has a relaxed atmosphere to it. There is something here for everyone and there is way more to do here than just lay out on the exquisite beaches (although this is definitely a place you could chill for a few days). However, it’s also a spectacular place to see the delicate ecosystems of Caye Caulker Forest Reserve, which is filled with rare tropical plants and marine life. Caye Caulker is also a great place to snorkel with nurse sharks, dive the Belize Barrier Reef or the Great Blue Hole, swim with gentle manatees, or just kayak around “The Split” in paradise. July is a great time to go because of their famous lobster festival, offering tasty lobster as well as lively beach parties.

4. See the Panama Canal

First opened in 1914, the Panama Canal is an 80-kilometer (50-mile) marvel of human labor and engineering. 13,000-14,000 ships cross between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean every single year thanks to the canal (nearly a million boats have crossed since its construction). The canal raises ships an impressive 27 meters (85 feet) using a complex lock system, so it takes 8-10 hours for each boat to cross. The Canal relies on three sets of locks: Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks on the Pacific side and Gatun Locks on the Caribbean side. The most common place to see the canal is at Miraflores Locks in Panama. Admission is $20 USD.

5. Trek through the rainforests

Much of Central America is covered in lush and humid rainforests. A popular way to see these is to take a canopy tour, where you’ll be suspended on a zip-line and glide over the tops of the trees. The rainforests are filled with howler monkeys, jaguars, lizards, tropical birds, and so much more. Check out Costa Rica’s Volcán Arenal or La Fortuna Zip lines for breathtaking scenic views. Or Guatemala’s Atitlán canopy tours, where you can zip right over the stunning blue lake below. Honduras’s remote paradise Roatán Island offers incredible zip line views of its perfect crystal coast before sunning on the beach too. Expect to pay $40-65 USD.

Other Things to See and Do in Central America

1. head to antigua.

Considered one of the best-preserved colonial cities, Antigua (in Guatemala ) is a major travel hotspot for backpackers. Wander around the Spanish-style cobbled streets and visit the ruins of San Francisco Church. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike up to the 3,976-meter-high (13,000-foot) summit of one of the most active volcanoes in the world, “Volcan Fuego” (which is nearby). You can also head to Acatenango (another nearby volcano) if you’d rather see a volcano spit smoke and fire. Plus, there are tons of pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, hostels, and even Spanish language schools here if you want a reason to stay longer!

2. Go diving

The shores around Central America are home to many coral reefs. As such, diving is hugely popular. The colors and variety of fish will amaze you, as will the clear visibility. Diving here is cheaper than in the Caribbean and most parts of Mexico . Popular dive countries include Panama, Honduras, and Belize. Expect to pay $50-100 USD for a two-tank dive, or a few hundred dollars for your certification course.

3. Tour coffee plantations

This entire region is known for its coffee, particularly Costa Rica and Panama. Tour the plantations and see how the beans are grown, picked, and ground. You can also buy fresh coffee at heavily discounted prices (it’s a great souvenir). I found the best coffee to be from Monteverde, Costa Rica — and I don’t even like coffee! But I drank it and loved it (it tasted like chocolate!).

4. Visit Chichicastenango

Most people who come to Guatemala visit Chichicastenango , the largest indigenous market in Central America. Stalls sell handicrafts, blankets, pottery, souvenirs, and more. It’s the best place to find local food for cheap and take in the hustle and bustle of local life.

5. Tour the museums

Most cities in Central America are filled with museums, particularly those paying homage to the Mayan civilization. The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum in San José, Costa Rica is fascinating, with over 1,000 different gold objects such as animal figures, and jewelry, as well as a scale model of a Pre-Columbian village. For Mayan artifacts, head to the Copán Archaeology Museum in Honduras ($3 USD).

6. Sail the San Blas Islands

This archipelago in Panama consists of 378 islands and cays to explore. Taking a day, or even a week-long sailing trip throughout them is super fun. There are incredible seascapes to behold, as well as fascinating people to meet and colorful reefs to see up close. There is an abundance of wildlife to check out and the boats make frequent snorkeling and scuba diving stops. These trips are popular with budget travelers and can be organized anywhere in the country. You can do a day trip to three of the islands for $90 USD but expect to spend upwards of $600 USD for a 4-5-day cruise. It’s not super cheap, but it’s worth it!

7. Surf down a volcano in Nicaragua

If you like adrenaline activities, try volcano boarding. Cerro Negro, a young and active volcano in Nicaragua, offers tourists a chance to ride a surfboard down its graveled slopes. You have to hike up to the top yourself (which takes around an hour) so be prepared for a climb and to get dirty! A full-day excursion costs $45-50 USD, with transportation, gear, and drinks included.

8. Dive the Great Blue Hole

This natural wonder in Belize is part of the Lighthouse Reef system. It’s a near-perfect circular hole that stretches 146 meters (480 feet) below the surface. The water here is almost completely motionless, so visibility is clear to about 60 meters (200 feet). The Great Blue Hole is an amazing place to dive or snorkel and is considered one of the best natural dive spots in the world! Tour prices vary, but snorkeling tours cost around $220 USD, and diving tours start at $240 USD. A half-day tour with two dives starts from $130 USD. The trips to the Blue Hole are full-day, 3-tank tours and start from $300 USD.

9. Walk through the Treetops

The Rainmaker Aerial Walkway in Costa Rica was the first aerial walkway to be built in Central America and it’s still considered one of the top aerial walkways in the region. At the highest point on the walkway, you’ll find yourself 20 stories above the ground. Tours start at $75 USD and include two light meals. There is also a night tour that lasts three hours and costs $60 USD.

10. Visit the Macaw Mountain Bird Reserve & Park

Located in Copán Ruinas, Honduras, this enclosure is in a tropical rainforest brimming with an amazing range of birds. You’ll see everything from brilliant Buffon Macaws to vibrant Blue and Gold Macaws to colorful Keel-Billed Toucans. Included in the ticket price is a three-day access pass to the park, a one-hour guided tour, and a 20-minute walk through an adjacent coffee plantation. Admission is $10 USD.

11. Admire the Belize Barrier Reef

This is the second-longest barrier reef in the world. It’s home to a vibrant coral reef and magnificent marine life (including sea turtles, rays, and sharks) and is the country’s most popular tourist attraction. In 1996, the reef was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s now a popular spot for diving, snorkeling, and boat tours. A three-tank dive costs around $115-125 USD.

12. Go to Ometepe Island, Nicaragua

Located on Nicaragua Lake, this is the largest volcanic island in the world that resides inside a freshwater lake. It’s easy to get to and is close to Managua. There are a plethora of restaurants and hotels on the island. Be sure to check out Cascada San Ramon, a waterfall you can access via a beautiful four-hour hike. Also, don’t miss El Pital where you can learn how chocolate is made (tours are $15 USD).

13. Take in the Nicoya Coast, Costa Rica

This is a beautiful peninsula in Costa Rica peppered with quaint little towns and plenty of beaches. It is constantly sunny here, and there’s a lot to see and do. Some of the main attractions include Barra Honda National Park, Isla Tortuga, scuba diving, and driving along the coast. My favorite town in this area is Santa Teresa.

14. Visit La Libertad, El Salvador

For those of you who are big on surfing, this is considered the best place to catch a wave in Central America. While there is the risk of bumping into a swarm of beach-bum types, it doesn’t take away from the amazing waves, the endless seafood barbecue, and cool accommodation. Surfboard rentals start at $15-25 USD.

15. Enjoy Carnival

The biggest carnival in the region is La Ceiba in Honduras. Held every May, the streets fill with bright costumes and dancing, while bars and clubs burst with locals and tourists alike, all vying to soak up the party atmosphere. Different neighborhoods host “Carnavalitos” (little carnivals), competing on who can throw the best party.

16. Visit the Montecristo Cloud Forest

This cloud forest has a diverse swath of flora and fauna including ferns, orchids, mosses, spider monkeys, and anteaters. Hike to the highest point, El Trifinio, where the borders of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala converge. It’s a steep 7-kilometer (4-mile) climb, so bring lots of water. There’s a limit to how many people can visit the park each day so it’s best to arrive bright and early and finish before the park closes at 3pm.

17. Dive the Bay Islands in Honduras

The Bay Islands are one of the best diving spots in Central America. The Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja archipelagos all offer stunning dive sites. Get up close to colorful coral formations or deep dive 600 meters (2,000) feet into the abyss for bluntnose sixgill shark sightings. It’s also super affordable; prices start at $35-40 USD.

For more information on specific cities in Central America, check out these guides:

Belize Travel Guide

Costa rica travel guide.

• El Salvador Travel Guide
• Guatemala Travel Guide
• Honduras Travel Guide
• Nicaragua Travel Guide
• Panama Travel Guide

How to Stay Safe in Central America

While Central America is generally safe for traveling and backpacking, there’s no denying that certain precautions should be taken. There are certain parts of Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala that are currently best to avoid completely and theft and pick-pocketing is common in most cities around the region.

Additionally, there are lots of places you don’t want to go out at night (especially in big cities).

You can find the current situation for each country in their destination guide but here are some general rules for staying safe in Central America:

• Avoid isolated areas, especially at night and in big cities.
• Avoid night buses, where robberies are common, unless your hotel/hostel staff say otherwise.
• Avoid taking drugs here. Penalties are stiff.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Keep your personal belongings on you while using public transit (especially chicken buses).
• Take taxis at night in foreign cities (ideally with other travelers).
• Don’t wear flashy items or start flashing your phone around (especially at night).

Overall, violent attacks against tourists are rare. Petty theft is common here and you must be extremely vigilant to make sure you don’t get robbed — especially when on public transportation or in large crowds.

Don’t carry lots of cash on you and avoid flashing expensive gear. When you go out, only take as much money as you need.

Keep an eye out for common scams against tourists , such as fake ATMs, taxis that don’t use a meter, and questionable tour operators.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Central America, check out this post we wrote that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Where to Stay in Central America

Each country guide has lots of suggested places to stay but here are some of my top top places to stay in the region:

• The Red Hut Inn (Belize City)
• Sophie’s Guest Rooms (Caye Caulker)
• Dirty McNasty (Caye Caulker)
• D’s Hostel (San Ignacio)
• Maya Papaya (Antigua)
• La Iguana Perdida (Santa Cruz, Lake Atitlan)
• Casa de Grethel (Flores)
• Hostal Los Lagos (Guatemala City)

El Salvador

• Hostal Cumbres del Volcan Flor Blanca (San Salvador)
• Hostel Casa Verde (Santa Ana)
• Roatan Backpackers Hostel (Roatan)
• Palmira Hostel (Tegucigalpa)
• Iguana Azul (Copan Ruinas)
• De Boca en Boca (Granada)
• Bigfoot Hostel & Volcano Boarding (Leon)
• Managua Backpackers Inn (Managua)
• Hostel Life is Good (Ometepe Island)
• Rocking J’s (Puerto Viejo)
• Costa Rica Backpackers (San Jose)
• Pura Natura Lodge Manuel Antonio (Manuel Antonio)
• Camino Verde B&B (Monteverde)
• Hostal Casa Areka (Panama City)
• Magnolia Inn Casco Viejo (Panama City)
• El Machio (Panama City)
• Bambuda Castle (Boquete)
• Bambuda Lodge (Bocas del Toro)

Central America Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel Dorms – $10-25 USD
• Hostel private rooms – $30-45 USD
• Budget hotels – $25-35 USD
• Airbnb private rooms – $20-40 USD
• Airbnb apartments – $55-65 USD
• Campsite – $5 USD
• Street stalls – $1-5 USD
• Comidas – $6-8 USD
• Casual restaurant – $6-10 USD
• Western food (burger, pizza) – $15 USD
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – $10 USD
• Beer – $3 USD
• Cappuccino/latte- $3-4 USD
• Bottled water – $1 USD
• Groceries for a week – $30 USD

Central America Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – $50 usd per day.

This gets you hostel dorms, eating at markets and street stalls, bus travel, a few activities, and limited drinking. In other words, the typical “backpacker budget.”

Note: Costa Rica, Belize, and Panama are more expensive and require around $70 USD per day.

Midrange – $100 USD Per Day

This midrange budget gets you private rooms instead of dorms, more meals out, more alcohol, and more tours and activities, such as zip-lining or food tours. You’ll be comfortable on this budget.

Upscale – $225 USD Per Day

Once you get over $200 per day, you’re in luxury territory. Nice hotels, fancy meals out, a rental car or hired driver. You’re money goes far here!

Central America Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While our country guides have more specific ways to save (every country in the region is very different), here are five general rules for saving money in Central America:

• Visit the markets – Although eating out is cheap in Central America, it makes sense to shop at the markets for your food to take on day trips or to prepare at your hostel. Fruit is super cheap!
• Hitchhike – Hitchhiking is one of the most popular ways to get around the region and used extensively by locals. You’ll find people regularly willing to pick up people and give them a lift. Just be sure to use common sense as some regions should not be traveled by hitchhiking.
• Eat on the side of the road – The local eateries at the side of the road will be the cheapest food you can eat, costing just a couple of dollars per meal.
• Avoid flying – Bus rides are longer, but if you are trying to see this region on a budget you shouldn’t fly. Flights are 5-10 times more expensive than the bus! An hour-long flight can cost hundreds of dollars. Avoid flying as much as possible!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water can be hit or miss here, so bring a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe. You’ll be able to avoid buying plastic bottles, which will save you money and save the environment. Lifestraw is my go-to bottle.

How to Get Around in Central America

Public transportation – Public buses are the most common (and cheapest) way to get around, with fares costing less than a dollar. These buses are often referred to as “chicken buses” because of the number of chickens and rice that is transported on them. They stop just about everywhere to let people hop on and off, and you’ll be crammed in tight with locals. They’re slow, but cheap.

Taxi – Taxis are common and affordable, but not all of them have meters. Be sure to check before you get into the taxi and if there’s no meter, negotiate a fare upfront.

On the higher end, taxi fares start at about $2 USD in Panama City and then they charge $2 USD per kilometer. In San Jose, Costa Rica, rates start at around $1 USD and then are $1.11 USD per kilometer.

Always ask your hotel/hostel staff how much your ride should be so you know in advance. When in doubt, have them call a taxi for you as well so you know you won’t get ripped off.

Bus – Longer bus rides and overnight buses between countries usually cost between $10-30 USD. They’re not always overly comfortable, but they usually have air-conditioning and some night buses have reclining seats.

Shuttle buses are a popular way to get travelers around the backpacking trail. All you need to do is show up at a travel agency (they’re everywhere) and negotiate a price and route. Make sure you’re clear about where the bus is picking you up — it’s not always a bus station. In some cases, you can just show up and pay the driver onboard.

Larger international buses also run between the larger cities and tend to have their own bus terminals. Some services include Tica Bus, Central Line, and Expreso Panama.

On Tica Bus, for example, you can get from Panama all the way to Guatemala. From Panama to Costa Rica is about $55 USD, and the price increases the further you go. These buses are more comfortable, but the smaller minibusses arranged through an agency tend to be cheaper.

Train – Trains are non-existent in this region. Stick to buses.

Flying – Flying between cities and countries is expensive and routes are limited. A flight from Guatemala City to Belize City can cost upwards of $240 USD while a one-way flight from Belize to Panama is over $375 USD! I would avoid this method of travel unless you are very pressed for time and have lots of money to burn.

Car rental – Roads and driving conditions vary widely here. Overall, you’ll want to be an experienced driver here if you are going to rent a car. Rentals cost around $20-40 USD per day for a multi-day rental. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking is possible in many places around Central America. For tips and safety information, refer to Hitchwiki .

When to Go to Central America

The weather in Central America varies drastically depending on where you are thanks to its many distinct microclimates from coast to coast (and with the altitude in the mountainous areas). The dry season is from December to April, which is generally considered the best time to visit. This is also when most people visit so you can expect more crowds and inflated prices.

The rainy season is from April to December, with hurricane season being at its peak in September and October (especially on the Caribbean side). Having said that, the rainy season isn’t a bad time to visit. Mostly you’ll find periods of heavy rainfall, but plenty of nice weather otherwise. Humidity can be high, and mosquitos and tropical storms can be a nuisance.

In the mountains, temperatures can drop as low as 10°C (50°F). In the hottest places, it’ll soar into the high 30s°C (80s°F). Refer to our country-specific guides to get a better breakdown of temperatures and climates!

Central America Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Central America Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Central America travel and continue planning your trip:

How to Get Around Central America on a Budget

Is Central America Safe to Visit?

The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Costa Rica

Panama City Travel Guide

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Efficient Central America Itinerary (8 Countries, 1-3 Months)

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We compiled a comprehensive backpacking Central America route – 8 countries, 1-3 months, 28 stops, no flying (just public transport).

In 2022, we spent 6 months backpacking in Central America. Here is our ultimate Central America backpacking itinerary.

Backpacking Route Central America

Itinerary for central america, 12 days backpacking in mexico, 11 days backpacking in belize, 15 days backpacking in guatemala, 7 days backpacking in el salvador, 8 days backpacking in honduras, 13 days backpacking in nicaragua, 12 days backpacking in costa rica, 12 days backpacking in panama, number of countries.

We visit 8 countries in our itinerary:

• El Salvador

Best Time for Backpacking in Central America

The dry season is from December to April. We travelled from January to June and must say that the months of the wet season are quite humid and rainy and definitely not our favourite weather-wise.

How Much Does it Cost to Backpack Central America?

We paid 40$ to 70$ per person and day.

Travelling Around Central America

You don’t have to take a single flight. You can easily travel around by bus, tuk-tuk, or minivan. Tourist transfers are mostly a convenient option. Islands are connected by boats.

How Long do you Need in Central America?

If you want to see everything (or at least most of it), we recommend at least 3 Months or 90 days. This means around 28 stops and 3 days per stop on average.

We have also created a 1 and 2 months itinerary in case you have a shorter time limit.

Best Places to Slow the Itinerary Down

• Tulum (Mexico)
• Hopkins (Belize)
• Lake Atitlan (Guatemala)
• El Tunco (El Salvador)
• Utila (Honduras)
• Ometepe (Nicaragua)
• Bocas del Toro (Panama)

Central America Itineraries (1,2, and 3 months)

Our suggested Central America travel route for 1, 2, or 3 months.

For time reasons, we concentrate on the Yucatan peninsular of Mexico. If you have more time, you can (and should) start in Mexico City and also visit Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido, and Palenque.

Mexico Overview

Mexico public transport.

We love public transport in Mexico. The offer ranges from super comfortable ADO buses which you can book online and are safe and comfortable enough to take overnight to super cheap and local colectivos (shared taxis).

You can go literally everywhere in Mexico by public transport – be it from one town to another or from your hotel to your next sight. All of the destinations on our suggested Mexico itinerary are connected by ADO bus. You can easily reach sights like Chichen Itza or the cenotes by colectivo.

Mexico Average Coast

We paid 40$ per person per day on average.

Mexico Highlights

The highlights of your time in Mexico will be:

• Chichen Itza Mayan ruins.
• Beautiful Caribbean beaches.
• Cenotes, water-filled caves you can swim in.

Mexico itinerary

More Mexico resources:

Come for Caye Caulker, stay for the rest.

Belize Overview

Belize public transport.

Travelling Belize by public bus is easy and reliable. Normally, you can just jump on the bus and buy your ticket. It should cost you around 4 and 6 BZD. There are well-established north-south and east-west routes connecting the country which are connected in the capital Belmopan. If you don’t want to get off at the major bus stations, you can just tell the conductor where to stop.

Belize Average Coast

We paid 55$ per person per day on average.

Belize Highlights

The highlights of your time in Belize will be:

• Caribbean island vibes.
• Off-the-beaten-track Mayan ruins.

Mexico - Belize Border

The easiest way is to take an ADO bus across the border.

Belize Itinerary

More Belize resources:

Belize Backpacking – Belize 2 Week Itinerary (2024)

Our itinerary for Belize features Orange Walk Town, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, Dangriga, Tobacco Caye, and San Ignacio. This Backpacking in Belize guide includes the highlights and hidden gems: from the beaches of the atolls in Belize to the waterfalls and caves of the mainland.

Backpacking Guatemala and Belize – 14 Day Itinerary with Map (2023)

2 countries, 1 trip. Spend 10 days backpacking Guatemala and 4 days backpacking Belize on this roundtrip. See the highlights of both countries like the Acatenango volcano, Tikal, and Lake Atitlan in Guatemala as well as the ATM Cave and the Caribbean beaches of Belize.

Travel Guides

Where to Stay in Belize on a Budget PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS ONLY!

Best places to stay in Belize on a budget in Hopkins, San Ignacio, Caye Caulker, Orange Walk Town, and Dangriga. All the cheap Belize places we personally stayed at!

Guatemala Overview

Guatemala public transport.

To be honest, we did not hear good things about public transport in Guatemala. Other travellers told us they got robbed. Others mentioned that they had to change buses a lot – and without any English information.

That’s why we opted for tourist shuttles all the time. It raised our costs quite a bit but they were always punctual, safe, and reliable. You can buy tickets from every travel agency – and you will find plenty of them in tourist destinations.

Guatemala Average Coast

We paid 50$ per person per day on average.

Guatemala Highlights

The highlights of your time in Guatemala will be:

• Hiking Acatenango Volcano.
• Tikal Mayan ruins.
• Semuc Champey waterfall.
• Lake Atitlan.

Belize - Guatemala Border

You can take a quick and easy taxi to the Guatemala border. After you crossed, take a shared direct minivan to Santa Elena. Here, you change into a tuk-tuk to Flores.

Guatemala Itinerary

Don’t skip El Salvador! It’s super easy to incorporate into your itinerary!

El Salvador Overview

El salvador public transport.

To be honest, we were shocked at first when we realised that we could not book any tourist shuttles in El Salvador. Here’s the reason why:

The public transport in El Salvador is amazing. In fact, it was our favourite public transport in the whole of Central America. Buses come super often and you can just flag them down on the side of the road – no bus stop needed. The prices are super low – we never paid more than 1$ – and they are signposted in the driver's cabin to prevent scams. You can do the entire Ruta de las Flores with public transport – no tour needed.

El Salvador Average Coast

We paid 40$ per person per day on average. Mostly because of the cheap public transport.

El Salvador Highlights

The highlights of your time in El Salvador will be:

• Surfing in El Tunco.
• Santa Ana Volcano.
• Salto Malacatiupan hot waterfall.

Guatemala - El Salvador Border

Shuttle buses from Antigua to various destinations in El Salvador leave regularly.

El Salvador Itinerary

More El Salvador resources:

EASY 1 week El Salvador itinerary - Why you should not skip it!

There are a lot of beautiful places in El Salvador so you should definitely include it in your Central America itinerary. Backpacking El Salvador rewards you with lovely people and good infrastructure. From the beaches of El Tunco to the volcano in Santa Ana and the mountain villages of the Ruta de las Flores - we show you the best places to visit in El Salvador.

Although Honduras was our least favourite country in Central America, we have still compiled three must-see places for you.

Honduras Overview

Honduras public transport.

Honestly, both public transport and tourist shuttles are horrible in this country. If you want to go to Utila and want to avoid spending a night in La Ceiba (which is not really recommended), you cannot avoid taking a shuttle.

Because of a rather mediocre experience, we opted for public transport afterwards which was also less than optimal. Buses do not run very frequently, it’s hard to find information (either online or from locals), and they are pretty pricey compared to what you get. On the plus side, they always brought us where we needed to go and we never felt unsafe. Except maybe for when we changed buses in Tegucigalpa and everybody told us that we should not be walking because it’s not safe.

Honduras Average Coast

We paid 65$ per person per day on average. Involving some overpaying for accommodation (when you go scuba diving, your basic accommodation will be included in the dive prize) and being scammed. In general, not the best value for money so don’t plan to stay too long.

Honduras Highlights

The highlights of your time in Honduras will be:

• Scuba diving in the Bay Islands
• Copan Mayan Ruins.
• Lago de Yojoa.

El Salvador - Honduras Border

We took a shuttle from Santa Ana to Copan which drove through Guatemala for a while. Currently, the shuttles don’t leave every day so plan in advance.

Honduras Itinerary

More Honduras resources:

Honduras Backpacking Guide and Itinerary with Map

Wondering if you should go backpacking in Honduras? We say yes, don’t skip it! We have got you covered for your backpacking trip to Honduras: This blog post will inform you how to get around Honduras, what to do in Honduras, and showcase the best Honduras backpacking routes.

Most people stick to the Pacific side of Nicaragua which is amazing. If you have more time, check out the Caribbean side as well!

Nicaragua Overview

Nicaragua public transport.

Public transport in Nicaragua was frequent and cheap enough that we never opted for a tourist shuttle although they exist. All of our suggested destinations are well connected by buses and vans. A ferry connects Ometepe to the mainland.

Nicaragua Average Coast

Nicaragua highlights.

• Cerro Negro volcano boarding.
• Ometepe island.
• Somoto Canyon.

Honduras - Nicaragua Border

In case you stick to our advice and start your Nicaragua itinerary in Somoto, you can take a bus from Tegucigalpa to Choluteca where you change into a bus to San Marcos de Colon. From here, a shared van will take you to the El Espino border. Make sure not to arrive too late because buses and taxis stop running on the Nicaraguan side.

More Nicaragua resources:

How to Travel the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua on a Budget (2023)

If you’re backpacking Nicaragua, the Caribbean coast belongs to the best places in Nicaragua you can visit. Our complete travel guide to the Nicaragua Caribbean coast gives you travel tips for the best beaches, the best places, and the best Caribbean islands in Nicaragua - all on a budget and mostly with public transport.

The wildlife here is out of this world!

Costa Rica Overview

Costa rica public transport.

We took buses around Costa Rica because the shuttles were crazy expensive compared to other Central American countries. We have met travellers who experienced theft on the buses so always keep an eye on your belongings.

Costa Rica Average Coast

We paid 50$ per person per day on average. Although everybody always says that Costa Rica is expensive, it was by no means our most expensive country on this trip.

Costa Rica Highlights

The highlights of your time in Costa Rica will be:

• The wildlife (sloths, dolphins, tapirs, toucans,…)!

Nicaragua - Costa Rica Border

Bus companies like Trans Nice or Nica Bus conveniently cross the border.

Costa Rica Itinerary

More Costa Rica resources:

Travel Planing

11 Best Hostels in Costa Rica (real travellers recommend)

Backpacking Costa Rica and looking for a hostel? Real travellers share the best hostel Costa Rica has to offer in their opinion.

Travel Ideas

Costa Rica, Drake Bay – Travel the Osa Peninsula Without a 4x4 Car (2023)

Drake Bay in Costa Rica is a great addition to your Costa Rica road trip. Its situation on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica makes it the perfect starting point to visit the Corcovado National Park and Cano Island - two natural paradises above and below water. And the best? As of 2022, you can reach it with a regular car!

Nightlife and beaches? Yes, please!

Panama Overview

Panama public transport.

We took a combination of public transport and tourist shuttles depending on the length of the trip. They both worked fine. San Blas is easiest visited on a guided tour.

Panama Average Coast

We paid 70$ per person per day on average. Our highest daily cost in Central America.

Panama Highlights

The highlights of your time in Panama will be:

• San Blas islands.
• Boas del Toro.
• Panama City.

Costa Rica - Panama Border

We booked a transfer from Limon to Bocas del Toro which was super convenient and did not even cost more than public transport.

Panama Itinerary

More Panama resources:

San Blas vs Bocas del Toro – Which Panama Islands Should You Visit?

Should you visit the Bocas del Toro or San Blas Islands in Panama? Including a complete travel guide for Bocas del Toro and San Blas.

Complete Panama itinerary - 14 - 21 days, 5 - 8 stops

Most Panama itineraries that you find online will only include the Panama highlights like Bocas del Toro, San Blas, Panama City, or Boquete. In our Panama itinerary, we feature some off-the-beaten path destinations like Boca Chica, Santa Catalina or Valle de Anton to include in your Panama backpacking trip.

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How much does it cost to travel in Central America?

Categories Belize , Central America , Central America , Costa Rica , El Salvador , Guatemala , Honduras , Nicaragua , Panama , Travel Tips

Last Updated on February 3, 2024

Long-term travel is all about the benjamins. Your budget becomes your bible, how much (or little) you spend determines how long you will be able to keep up the lifestyle of constant travel. We have already posted our six-month budget and our 1-year budget , but both of these include time spent either in the U.S. or Europe, which are much more expensive and so don’t adequately reflect the cost of traveling in Central America. So how much does it cost to travel in Central America?

In this article, we are breaking down the costs of traveling through all of Central America: Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama – in order for those planning a trip to have a rough idea of how much traveling through Central America costs.

Table of Contents

Overall Central America Budget Breakdown

We spent exactly six months traveling through all Central American countries – Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama – spending a total of $10,685.65 for both of us.

That is about $890.47 per person per month , or $30.36 per person per day (for the exact amount of days we were in Central America).

Central America travel budget breakdown per country

Belize: $54 per person per day.

Belize was by far the most expensive country in Central America, but we enjoyed our time there immensely. We could have spent less here, but couldn’t pass up the adventure ops available like snorkeling and caving , which would have been much more expensive in Europe or North America. Minus the adventure, Belize would have cost around $40 per person per day. If you want to keep your Central America travel budget low, we’d suggest skipping Belize.

Accommodation: $7.50 – $12.50 per person in a double room average. A double room cost $25 on Caye Caulker, but only $15 in San Ignacio. Transport: A long-distance bus from Belize City to San Ignacio near the Guatemalan border was $3.50, boats between Belize City and Caye Caulker were $10. Food: $10 per person including beer. Beer $1.50 – $2.50. Activities: Full day snorkeling tour $40, cave tours between $45 and $70 per person.

Guatemala : $23.12 per person per day

We splurged constantly in Guatemala. We took advantage of the high quality international cuisine in Antigua and around Lake Atitlan , putting away pots of fondue and bottles of wine, and discovering the wonders of Israeli food. Still, we managed to spend less than $25 per person per day by staying away from overpriced tourist shuttles and keeping our booze easy and local, plus we chose budget accommodation under $10 per person in a private room.

Honduras : $28.68 per person per day

Honduras can be done on the super cheap, but as we spent the Christmas holidays here, we treated ourselves to nicer hotels (maximum $25 for both of us together) and special holiday meals. Only for that reason did we end up spending more per day than Guatemala or El Salvador.

Note: We avoided the famous islands of Utila and Roatan, however, and visitors to the islands would most likely also average higher costs, as the mainland is considerably cheaper than these popular diving isles.

Accommodation: between $7.50 and $12 per person in a double room Transport: Buses are between $2 and $4, the most expensive bus ride was $7 Food: $5 – $7 per person including drink. Beer $0.60 – $1.50. Activities: The most expensive activity was visiting the Copan ruins at $15 per person

El Salvador : $24.05 per person per day

Accommodation was the most expensive aspect of traveling in El Salvador – we found everything else (transport, food, drinks) super affordable. We did fall hard for pupusas ; eating them every meal (almost) kept our food costs way down. In general El Salvador doesn’t have much in the way of expensive tourist sites, museums are free on certain days, and even surfing can be done for $10 to $20 per lesson.

Accommodation: $10 per person in a double room with shared bathroom, $12.50 per person in a double room with private bathroom and hot shower Transport: Buses are seriously cheap here, between $1 – $2, with the most expensive bus ride costing $4. Food: A meal was around $4 per person, including drinks (beer). Again, pupusas cost 40 cents each, and beer is usually $1. Activities: The most expensive activity was a guided hike in Alegria for $7.50 per person.

Nicaragua : $31.81 (including the Corn Islands)/ $20.76 (excluding the Corn Islands)

In Nicaragua , we treated ourselves to a well-earned splurge, and made the pricey trip out to the Corn Islands. This raised our daily average significantly, but not everyone is going to make the trip to the Corn Islands . Without the Corn Islands trip, Nicaragua would have been the cheapest country in Central America for us. Even with eating out twice a day almost every day, we barely spent more than $20 per person per day.

Accommodation: $7.50 per person in a double room average Transport: Buses were usually less than $1; the most expensive ride was $1.80 Food: Breakfast was between $2 and $3.50; dinner was $4 and max. $7 with beer between 50 cents and $1.20. Activities: Movie theater tickets cost $1.90 (snacks around $1.80), daily bike rental $3.90

Costa Rica : $26.62 per person per day

Rumor has it that Costa Rica is more expensive than the rest of Central America, but we had a great time and easily kept costs down. Sure, it was quite a shock to see the prices in Costa Rica after coming from super cheap Nicaragua, but they didn’t vary much from prices in Honduras or El Salvador.

Spend your money wisely , and those extras such as zip-lining, guided hikes and National Park visits won’t break the bank, or put you above budget, but if you’re not careful (and you like to drink beer), it’s easy to burn through Colones in a snap. There is cheap accommodation in Costa Rica, but the quality you get for $20 here is certainly far less than in the rest of Central America.

Accommodation: $10 per person in a double room Transport: $1.20 for short distance bus rides, $2.50 for medium-distance rides, $8.00 for long distance bus rides Food: A meal in a restaurant or in a soda runs at around $5 to $9. Beer $2 – $3. Culture: The National Parks in Costa Rica are exceptionally beautiful and well worth the entrance fees, which range from $10 to $20. Ziplining is around $50 from the cheapest provider in Monteverde.

Panama : $35.71 per person per day

Like El Salvador, Panama also uses the U.S. Dollar, but here the inflation caused costs in Panama to be significantly higher than anywhere else in Central America. Goods and services here are often priced equally to the US thanks to a seriously large ex-pat population (especially in Panama City), but with beer still average 75 cents a bottle… who’s complaining! The islands of Bocas del Toro were above average in price, while the mountain town of Boquete was easily affordable. As a global city, Panama City is home to the finest luxury accommodation as well as 25 cent bus rides and street food for $1.

Accommodation: $10 per person per night – the cheapest accommodation was $6.50 per person in a triple room, the most expensive was $12 per person (also in a triple). Transport: $1.50 for short-distance bus rides, $7 for medium distances, 12.50 for long distances. Inner city buses in Panama City cost between $0.25 and $0.50. Food: A meal is between $3 and $8, depending on the location. Culture: The Panama Canal visitor center at the Miraflores Lock is $15, a ferry ride to Taboga Island is $20 for a return ticket, and movie theater tickets are $3.

How much does it cost to travel in Central America: Practical information

• We were able to stick to our budget mainly because we used Lonely Planet’s Central America on a shoestring guidebook, which has super useful budget information for each individual country. It’s not a light book and it takes up quite a lot of space, but carrying it was well worth it for us (not only for budget tips, but also hostel recommendations, maps, and up-to-date information on how to get from A to B.)
• We chose almost exclusively very cheap local transportation (chicken buses) instead of the more expensive tourist shuttles.
• We ate at cheap local restaurants but also opted for pricier tourist restaurants and fancy coffee shops more often than other travelers. If you eat where the locals eat and sleep in dorm rooms, you can travel Central America on less money than we did.
• Note that we didn’t party a lot while we were there – we know lots of backpackers who party much more in Central America than we did – so if you’re planning on going out a lot, make sure to add that to your Central America travel budget.
• Wondering what to pack for your trip to Central America? Check out our packing list for the things we can’t travel without and the gear we’ve ditched over time.

Have you traveled through Central America? If you have, what countries did you find budget-friendly? Where did you splurge? Was your Central America travel budget similar to ours?

Related posts:

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Wednesday 31st of January 2024

Hi, very helpful thank you! I’ve noticed the comments below are from 2015 however. It says this page was updated Jan 23, what was updated? :) Do the costs you’ve detailed relate to prices 9 years ago? Thanks

Tuesday 14th of February 2023

is it in u.s dollars?

Thursday 16th of February 2023

Hi Timmy, yes, all prices in US Dollars. I should clarify that!

Tuesday 20th of December 2022

If you dont mind, can you please suggest me 10 to 14 days plan to visit all central american countries? I have 10 to 14 days only and planning to visit all the central american countires.

Tuesday 27th of December 2022

I don't think that's possible. I'd use that time to focus on one country. I recommend

1 week Belize 3 weeks Guatemala 1 week Honduras 3 weeks Costa Rica 2 weeks Nicaragua 1 week Panama 1 week El Salvador

If you want to see more than one country I'd recommend combining Honduras (Copan is amazing if you're interested in history & Mayan culture, Roatan is a must for diving) and Belize (you can combine adventure travel with some beach time) because they're close together. Alternatively, start in Panama City (2 nights - one day to explore the city and one day to visit the Panama Canal), head up to Boquete (2 nights) then Bocas del Toro (2 nights) and add Costa Rica as a second country although a week is not enough to see all the highlights. (A week in Panama would also be very rushed, imo).

Samuel Daniels

Sunday 8th of April 2018

Great! Thanks so much for your reply Dani. We have four months in total. What is your email address?

Tuesday 27th of March 2018

Hey Dani, My partner and I are travelling from Mexico all through central America, to every country, then sailing from Panama to Cartegegna Colombia. Do you have a good itinerary or idea of how much time to spend in each place for us?

Wednesday 28th of March 2018

Hi Sam, how much time do you have in total? Feel free to email me, that'll be easier to respond to :)

Central America Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Central America travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Central America may be a small region, but it is home to seven of the most beautiful countries in the world.

From tropical rainforests to golden sand beaches to active volcanos, the region’s biodiversity makes it a top spot for ecotourism and outdoor adventures. The area also has a rich history and culture that you can see first-hand today in well-preserved Indigenous villages and colonial cities.

There’s so much to explore in Central America that it’s often hard to know where to start!

Many travelers visit Central America to experience the country’s natural beauty. The region’s coastline is home to some of the most stunning — and in some cases least-trafficked — beaches in the world.

Central America is also home to many scuba diving hot spots thanks to its colorful marine life and underwater sights. The Bay Islands in Honduras (including the main islands of Roatan , Utila, and Guanaja) are particularly popular among divers with tons of diving sights to explore.

Each country also has its own system of national parks that preserve the local flora and fauna.

For instance, Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica ‘s Pacific Coast is one not to miss if you’re an animal lover. The park is home to 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds, including white-faced monkeys, sloths, and more.

Central America’s cities are teeming with life and definitely worth a few spots on your itinerary.

In Panama , you can visit Panama City to explore a modern metropolis full of shimmering skyscrapers alongside old colonial buildings and cobblestone streets in the Casco Viejo neighborhood.

Leon, the artistic and intellectual hub of Nicaragua , is full of historic sights and public murals that you’ll definitely want to capture for Instagram.

And you’ll definitely want to make a stop in Antigua, Guatemala to experience one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial cities in Latin America.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Central America.

Note: This ultimate guide to Central America travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Central America Map

Use this Central America travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible region!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Costa Rica Travel Guide

No Central America trip itinerary would be complete without a few active travel adventures in Costa Rica, like…

La Fortuna Tours: Rafting & Visiting An Organic Farm In Costa Rica

Costa Rica Adventure: Coffee & Cloud Forests In Magnificent Monteverde

From Solo To Sidekicks: Notes On My Central America Group Travel Adventure

Ultimate 5 Day Costa Rica Itinerary

Guatemala Travel Guide

These Guatemala experiences showcase some of the best things to do in Central America !

Hiking Indian’s Nose At Sunrise In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Food, Culture & Traveling Beyond The Guidebook In Guatemala

The Truth About Hiking Guatemala’s Pacaya Volcano

San Pedro La Laguna: Where Time Stands Still & The Party Never Stops In Guatemala

Earth Lodge: A Soul-Finding Farmstay In The Mountains Of Guatemala

6 Essential Guatemala Travel Tips

Why Guatemala Should Be Your Next Trip

Honduras Travel Guide

Looking for the best places to go in Central America ? Here is why Honduras should be on your list!

Exploring The Caribbean Side Of Honduras On Roatan Island

Copan, Honduras: An Amazing Day Exploring Mayan Ruins In The World’s Most Dangerous Country

Nicaragua Travel Guide

Looking for the best vacation spots in Central America ? Check out these Nicaragua experiences:

Nicaragua Adventures: Hiking The Active La Concepcion Volcano On Ometepe Island

Volcanic Adventures Outside Of Granada, Nicaragua

How To Volunteer While Learning Spanish In Nicaragua

Panama Travel Guide

If you’re wondering where to go in Central America , here is why Panama should be on your list:

Hiking In Panama: The Best Trails In Boquete

How To Plan An Unforgettable Panama Itinerary (Experiences Included!)

Here Is What It’s Like To Live With An Indigenous Tribe In Panama

Best Places To Stay In Bocas del Toro For Sustainable Travelers

Top Central America Tours

Explore Central American tourism & culture with a local through these recommended excursions:

• Monkey Island tour from Panama City (Panama)
• San Blas Island-Hopping and Snorkel Tour Visit 3 Islands (Panama)
• Lake Atitlán Sightseeing Cruise with Transport from Guatemala City (Guatemala)
• Sunrise Hike to the Indian Nose from San Pedro La Laguna (Guatemala)
• Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure from Belize City (Belize)
• Saint Herman’s Cave Hiking and Blue Hole Tour from Belize City (Belize)
• Day Trip to the Mayan Ruins of Copan from San Pedro Sula (Honduras)
• Bay Islands Exploration: Roatan Caribbean Coast Jungle & Beach ATV Adventure from West Bay (Honduras)
• Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose (Costa Rica)
• Cerro Negro and Volcano Sand Boarding from León (Nicaragua)
• Santa Ana Volcano Hiking Tour + Coatepeque Lake Sightseeing (El Salvador)

Click here for a full list of Central America travel tours !

Renting A Car In Central America

Need a rental car for your Central America trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Central America Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in Central America!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays. The map is set to San Jose, but you can easily change it to your specific destination:

Central America Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Central America tour. When visiting Central America — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Central America itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Central America Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Central America .

Q: Which countries make up Central America?

Here is a full list of Central American countries:

• El Salvador

Q: Where is Central America located?

Central America is located between Mexico and South America and is the southernmost region of North America.

Q: Is Central America safe for travel?

In general, Central America is pretty safe for travelers. Some countries and areas have higher rates of crime and violence than others and, as with any other destination, there are certain safety tips you should follow wherever you go.

The Northern Triangle — consisting of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador — sees more crime than other countries in the region, particularly in big cities, so you’ll want to stay particularly vigilant if any of those countries are on your itinerary.

While traveling in Central America, you’ll want to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid wearing anything flashy or displaying any obvious signs of wealth, avoid going out alone at night, and be particularly careful on public transportation.

For specific safety tips for each country in Central America, check out our individual destination pages linked above.

You can also check our our guide to avoiding pickpockets .

Q: How long do you need to travel Central America?

The length of your trip to Central America certainly depends on which countries you want to explore and your preferred style of travel. If you’re looking to do a full tour of the region, making your way down from Southern Mexico to Panama (or vice versa), you’ll need at least a month or two to see everything.

Though the region is comparatively small, it can take several hours to travel between destinations by car or bus thanks to winding roads and inconsistent infrastructure.

Flights within the region are available but can be expensive and limited in certain areas.

You’ll also want to spend a few days in each destination to take in everything it has to offer.

If you don’t have a month or more to commit to a full Central American tour, you can easily travel between one or two countries in the region over a week or two. Group tours also offer multi-country itineraries over shorter periods of time that take some of the guess work out of traveling through the region.

Q: Is Central America expensive to travel?

It’s generally quite inexpensive to travel in Central America. Again, this depends on your itinerary and destinations of choice; things in Costa Rica and Panama tend to be a bit more expensive than in other Central American countries.

The average traveler to Central America should budget about $60 to $70 per day for things like accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and other daily expenses.

Q: What is the safest Central American country to visit?

Costa Rica and Panama are considered the safest countries to visit in Central America. Costa Rica is ranked as the 33rd most peaceful country in the world according to the Global Peace Index and experiences lower rates of crime and violence than other countries in the region.

While there are several areas of Panama that do experience more violence (specifically the Mosquito Coast and Darien region along the Colombian border), the country is quite safe overall.

Regardless of your itinerary, though, you should keep the general safety tips mentioned above in mind.

Q: What is the best time to visit Central America?

The best time to visit Central America is during the dry season between December and April.

Temperatures throughout the region are generally warm and comfortable, although this will vary depending on elevation.

Rain is less frequent in these months and you are less likely to have your trip washed out by a hurricane.

Q: What are some top things to do in Central America?

Central America is one of the best places on Earth for outdoor exploration. With a gorgeous environment that includes rainforests, beaches, volcanos, mountains, and more you’ll want to spend plenty of time outside during your Central American adventure.

Divers should visit countries like Honduras, Panama, and Belize for their clear waters and abundance of tropical fish. Belize is also home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, with tons of colorful coral and marine life to explore.

Almost every country in Central America has its own national parks full of flora and fauna you won’t want to pass up. You can also hike (and even surf!) active volcanos in countries like Costa Rica and Nicaragua, where you can hike Volcan Concepcion .

Each country in Central America also has a rich history and culture of its own that is absolutely worth exploring.

Antigua in Guatemala is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America; the city truly looks like its frozen in time with its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Here you’ll find churches that date back to the 1500s, shops full of artisan goods, and a whole museum dedicated to chocolate.

Central America also has many Mayan ruins where you can pay your respects to the area’s Indigenous history. Copan is home to one of the best-known sites in Honduras while the Tikal Temple in Guatemala is an absolutely incredible sight.

Q: What is some important Central America travel advice to keep in mind?

Aside from the safety tips listed above, there are a few pieces of travel advice to keep in mind when it comes to Central America.

Wherever you go in the region, you’ll want to pack high-test bug spray, ideally formulated with DEET. Aside from being annoying, mosquitoes in Central America have been known to carry dangerous diseases like malaria and the Zika virus and in a tropical environment, they’re pretty hard to avoid. A good quality insect repellent is your best defense against disease, even if you don’t think you’ll need it.

Sunscreen is also absolutely key, particularly if you’re planning on spending time at the beach. Remember, you’re probably closer to the equator than usual.

Even if you’re incredibly careful about what you’re eating and drinking in Central America, stomach issues happen to the best of us. Be sure to pack any medications you might need along the way like Pepto Bismol and Immodium. Don’t rely on local stores having what you need in stock, particularly if you’re traveling to a more remote location.

While most countries in Central America do not require any vaccinations to enter the country, you may want to get certain vaccinations or preventative medicines depending on your itinerary. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor or local travel medicine professional before your trip.

Q: What tips would you give someone backpacking Central America?

There are a few tips to keep in mind when backpacking Central America.

While restaurants are generally pretty inexpensive throughout the region, you’ll save a lot of money by shopping at local markets and preparing your own food at your hostel or on the road. This will help you stretch your food budget over a longer trip. Street food is also quite cheap and a great option for snacks and meals during the day.

Buses are also the most cost-effective way to travel between destinations, though it may take you longer to get from Point A to Point B.

You’ll absolutely want to pack a lock and a small medical kit with bandages, hand sanitizer, antibacterial creams, and any necessary medications in your pack.

A travel water purifier or purifying water bottle is also necessary for areas where the water is unsafe to drink. This is crucial for times when you may not be able to find bottled or otherwise purified water.

Laundromats and laundry services can also be hard to come by throughout the region so you may want to pack some small packets of detergent in case you need to wash some garments in the sink of your hostel or AirBnB.

On a similar note, pack more underwear than you think you’ll need. You don’t want to be caught without a fresh pair!

What would you add to this Central America travel guide?

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Tips for Travelling Central America on a Budget

• Travelling Tips
• about 13 min

With its magnificent volcanoes, stunning beaches and vibrant culture, Central America has to be one of the most exciting destinations for students on gap years, backpackers and long-term travellers alike.  Due to its sheer size, tropical climate and growing popularity among tourists however, some Central American countries, such as Belize, Costa Rica and Panama, do tend to get more expensive than us budget travellers can happily afford. But don't fret just yet! As someone who has managed to explore this incredible part of the world while travelling cheaply, I'm here to share the best tips to get around the area on a shoestring, as well as our top FOUR countries in Central America to visit, and how to find unique rewarding experiences there, all while spending $35 or less a day...

Top Tips on Travelling Cheap in Central America

Avoid high season, use the chicken bus.

Cash is King

Eat on the street.

Affordable Accommodation

Use workaway.

Cheapest Countries in Central America

Volunteer opportunities in guatemala.

• Budget Hostel: Dorm bed $8-10
• Local beer: $2
• Budget Restaurant: $5 main meal

Volunteer opportunities in Nicaragua

• Budget Hostel: Dorm bed $7-12 USD. Private room around $25
• Local beer: $1-$2 BUT Nicaragua has some of the best (and cheapest) rum in the world so skip the beer for the famous ‘Flor de Caña’ instead!
• Budget Restaurant: Street food $3-$4. Meal for 2 people (3 courses) in restaurant $30

Volunteer opportunities in Honduras

• Budget Hostel: $10-$15
• Budget Restaurant: 3 courses for 2 People $25 - $30

El Salvador

Volunteer opportunities in el salvador.

• Budget Hostel: Dorm bed $10-15. $25 for a private room
• Local beer: $1.50
• Budget Restaurant: $3-5 (rice and beans) $8-10 USD (fried fish/pizza etc)

About Lauren

Growing up in a small coastal village in Scotland inspired Lauren to seek adventure and challenge the norm. Armed with just her backpack and trusty travel companion Darren, she quit her day job to liv ... show more... e her daydream and travel the world! ​​​​​After their first Workaway in 2017, they had officially caught the travel bug and decided to share behind the scenes from life on the road through their travel blog Faramagan. Their blog shares the tales (and fails) of two clueless millennials avoiding adulthood one adventure at a time with Darren the technical wizard and Lauren the content creator. When the backpack is off, Lauren can usually be found cooking, writing or attempting yoga while saving for her next plane ticket.

View all posts by Lauren

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Ultimate CENTRAL AMERICA Travel Guide

Central America  is a fascinating place to visit offering lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, hidden beaches, massive preserves and national parks, rich history and indigenous heritage. This Central America travel guide is designed to uncover some of our favorite places and things about this region and help you plan your own trip to this unique part of the world.

Defining Central America can be referred to as the region that resides between  North America  and  South America . It is made up of seven countries including Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama. Mexico, while not officially included in this region, is often included too.

These countries are bordered by Mexico to the North,  Colombia  to the South, the Atlantic Ocean to the West, and the Caribbean Sea to the East.

Destinations

Central america travel: quick tips, don’t visit central america without:.

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

CENTRAL AMERICA BUCKET LIST

Bird watching in costa rica.

Boasting more than 850 bird species, twice as many species as the USA and Canada combined, Costa Rica, is a bird watcher and photography mecca. Keep your eye out for the Resplendent Quetzal, as well as toucans, parrots, trogons, hummingbirds, and macaws.

SNORKEL THE BLUE HOLE

Located off the coast of Belize, and part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Great Mayan Reef is the famous Blue Hole. This giant marine sinkhole is 318 meters across, 124 meters deep, and lined with incredible coral reef systems to snorkel and dive. 

VISIT THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS

The San Blas Islands are a series of islands that belong to the Guna Yala people off the Caribbean coast of  Panama . They offer an idyllic island escape with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. It’s the perfect place to snorkel, kayak, and SUP.

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN CENTRAL AMERICA

There is no shortage of great  places to visit in Central America  during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each country has its own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our country guides once you decide where you’re itinerary will take you.

ADVENTURE IN ROATAN:   Soaring above the lush jungles of Honduras is a definite highlight of any Honduras itinerary. The course in  Roatan  is built with several segments, meaning this adventure lasts much longer than any single zip line. You’ll get to be above the tree canopy with incredible views of the ocean.

SLOW DOWN IN CAYE CAULKER:  It’s all about island time when you visit  Caye Caulker, Belize . There are some yummy local restaurants, white sand beaches and some fantastic snorkeling to be had here. It is also a great place to access the Hol Chan Marine Park from.

HIKE THE RING OF FIRE IN GUATEMALA:  Embark on a trek that conquers the 7 major volcano summits in Guatemala dubbed the ring of Fire that make up the Western Backbone of the country. This is one of the world’s  Top 100 Travel Adventures , so it’s not for the light of heart.

RAFT THE PACUARE RIVER IN COSTA RICA:  Some of the best white water rafting in the world takes place on the Pacuare River in Costa Rica. The best part of the river is rafted on a minimum 2 day/1 night trip that puts you up in a rustic jungle lodge for the night. It is also possible to extend the stay in the jungle for any number of nights too. The river is best rafted when it is producing class III rapids.

SOAK UP THE SUN ON BALLENA BEACH:  One of Costa Rica’s hidden gems, Ballena Beach is a place that the locals love to go. The beautiful stretch of beach sits right up against the lush rainforest, offering hiking opportunities. In the water, you’ll enjoy snorkeling with a diverse array of marine life. If you just want to relax, bring your beach towel and sit under the swaying palm trees for an afternoon of Pura Vida.

WATCH DOLPHINS IN GOLFO DULCE:  You’ll have to put in some work and planning to reach Golfo Dulce, as it’s quite off the beaten path, but you won’t regret it. Not only is there spectacular bird watching here but you’ll also enjoy the company of dolphins when you’re on the water.

TRANSIT THE PANAMA CANAL:  One of the most iconic sites in the world is the Panama Canal, a dredged stretch of water that allows transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The construction of the canal is brilliant and booking a cruise that includes a transit of it will give you an up-close and personal look at how it works.

VISIT COIBA NATIONAL PARK:  Located in Panama, Coiba National Park offers so much beauty that even the Costa Ricans are jealous of it (true story!). This part is the definition of pristine, featuring both mainland and island preserves to enjoy. For a day of sun and snorkeling, you’ll want to head to Granito de Oro.

JOURNEY INTO THE DARIEN GAP:  Easily one of the most notorious stretches of land on the planet, the Darien Gap is not a place for the faint of heart. It serves as the most northern tip of the Amazon Rainforest and has played host to some of the most dangerous drug cartels in the world. That aside, its pristine primary rainforest that is begging to be explored. One of the highlights from our visit was meeting the Embera Tribe and learning about their culture.

TOUR THE FORTS IN PORTOBELO:  As with most of Central and South America, Panama has a strong Spanish colonial history. This means you can find ruins and remnants dotted throughout the country. Portobelo is no exception, offering one of the best preserved forts in Central America. You can expect to see walls and buildings constructed from coral and plenty of canons.

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

Central American food revolves around a few staple ingredients, but you’ll be surprised at how creative local chefs can get. During your travels, you’ll be eating lots of  rice, beans, and plantains , usually with  vegetables  and  grilled meat or fish .

Central Americans have lots of local dishes too. In El Salvador, the local specialty is  Pupusas  – maize tortillas stuffed with delicious fillings. In Costa Rica, you’ll be eating  Gallo Pinto , and in Guatemala, you’ll be gorging on spicy,  Mayan inspired stews .

CENTRAL AMERICA FESTIVALS

Central America is packed with exciting cultural and religious festivals throughout the year. The most important week of the year for most locals is  Semana Santa  – or Holy Week – which is the lead up to Easter.

Each town, village, and city has its own  Carnival , where you’ll get to party and dance the night away with locals (Panama City has a particularly famous carnival in February).

CONSIDERING A CENTRAL AMERICA CRUISE?

Central america travel budget.

Setting a budget for travel to Central America is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxurious as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel within Central America. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION:  When you travel to Central America, accommodation can be found for as low as USD 10 per night in  hostels , while  private rooms  or  guest houses  shouldn’t cost more than USD 30 per night.  Luxury hotels  or  eco-lodges  can be found for upwards of USD 50 per night.

FOOD:  Food is inexpensive across Central America travel routes. You can often find good  restaurant meals  for between USD 5 and USD 10 per person (with a few beers thrown in, too). You can eat  street food  for less than this (a few dollars), or splurge and enjoy  high-end restaurants  in the cities and tourist spots.

TRANSPORT:  Local transport, such as the infamous  Chicken Bus , is incredibly cheap. You can cross the entirety of El Salvador for less than 5 USD, for instance.  Tourist shuttles  or overnight,  first-class buses  are much more expensive, however. A bus ride from San Salvador to Guatemala City will cost around 50 USD. The  ferry  from La Ceiba to Roatan costs around USD 30 each way.  Flights  in the region are more expensive, however, and can cost hundreds of dollars for international hops.

ACTIVITIES:  Activities are a fantastic value when you travel to Central America.  Scuba diving  can cost as little as USD 30 per dive (Roatan is one of the cheapest places in the world to dive),  hiking  day trips will cost 20-30 USD, and  guided tours  the same.

50 USD PER DAY

USD 30 to USD 50 per day will get backpackers dorm rooms, the odd private room, local transport on chicken buses, street food, and plenty of activities.

100 USD PER DAY

USD 50 to 100 will give midrange travelers private or tourist transport for much of the trip, restaurant food, and private rooms in nicer hotels.

150 USD + PER DAY

Luxury travelers spending above USD 150 per day will be able to enjoy some of the best hotels, as well as private tours, first-class transport, and restaurant meals.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN CENTRAL AMERICA

There are a few ways to get around Central America during a visit, including cruises, ferries and flights. Despite most of the countries being small, there is a surprising number of ways to get around. Plan ahead and be flexible.

CRUISES:  It is possible to visit many of the popular areas of Central America by cruise ship. This is primarily done on the Caribbean side and you cruise from Mexico to South America stopping off in multiple Central America ports along the way. It is also possible to visit the Pacific side of Costa Rica and Panama with smaller expedition ships too.

BUS:  Major cities are all connected by regular first-class bus services, which are safe to travel overnight on. You can travel by bus all the way from Guatemala City to Panama City if you desire. Some major tourist destinations are only connected by tourist shuttle services or local chicken buses. Lake Atitlan to El Salvador, for instance, requires three changes of the chicken bus. Or you just jump on the dedicated tourist shuttle (it’s less authentic, but it’s quicker). If you’re getting off the beaten track, then you’ll have to use local transport and have plenty of patience.

FLIGHTS:  The quickest way to get around during your Central America travel trip is to fly (at least from one country to the next); however, flights only often connect major cities and can be infrequent and expensive. If you’re short on time, however, and want to see more than one country this will be your best, and in many cases, only option.

FERRIES:  Major islands such as Roatan, the Corn Islands, or Bocas del Toro, all have regular ferry services in the dry season. To access more exclusive or off the beaten track places like Coiba National Park and the San Blas Islands, you’ll need to hire a private boat transfer or book a day tour.

CAR RENTAL:  It’s not unheard of to rent a car in Costa Rica or Belize to do some exploration on your own. Some travelers also do it in Panama. Outside of those three countries, it isn’t advised. Check out  Discover Rental Cars  for great deals.

TOP CENTRAL AMERICA TOURS

Best of panama.

8 Days from Panama City Visits: Panama City, Boca del Toro, Boquete & David

CLASSIC BELIZE & TIKAL

9 Days Belize City to Caye Caulker Visits: Belize City, San Ignacio, Tikal, Flores & Caye Caulker

EXPLORE COSTA RICA

14 Days from San Jose Visits: Manuel Antonio NP, Monteverde, Arenal & Tortuguero

GRAND MAYAN ADVENTURE

22 Days from Playa del Carmen Visits: Belize, Guatemala & Mexico – following the Mayan highway

WHEN TO VISIT CENTRAL AMERICA

Central America has a  diverse range of microclimates , and the weather on the Pacific Coast can often be very different from the weather on the Caribbean Coast. The highlands are cooler than the lowlands, but it’s going to be hot and humid in general. When you plan your Central America travel itinerary, you should factor in the  wet and dry season .

The  dry season  runs from November through to April, and the wet season from May to October. Strangely, in Costa Rica, this is often reversed: the country has many mini-wet and mini-dry spells throughout the year.

As with anywhere tropical, the dry season is the most popular time to travel to Central America. In many destinations, though, you’ll find it’s never that busy, especially if you avoid the Christmas, New Year, and Easter holidays.

The  wet season  can be ferocious at times, but generally, you’ll see lots of rainfall in a short period, in the morning or afternoon, leaving you lots of time to still explore. If you’re planning your Central America travel itinerary around scuba diving or snorkeling, you should aim to be in the region towards the end of the dry season when underwater visibility is best.

PACK LIKE A PRO ON YOUR NEXT CENTRAL AMERICA TRIP!

Safety in central america.

Central America has a notorious reputation when it comes to crime. Countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, often have the highest homicide rates in the world.

It’s rare for travelers to be involved in dangerous gang violence, especially if you stick to the tourist trails. Be safe, don’t wander around the cities at night, and try to arrive at a new destination in daylight.

Central America travel can be more dangerous than other regions, but be careful, and you’ll be fine. If you do get into trouble, hand over any belongings and don’t put up a fight. Ask locals and other travelers for advice, and if someone says you need a police escort to go hiking, then you probably do.

Don’t let these warnings scare you from this part of the world. Instead, be prepared and you’ll have a fantastic time. We have some tried and trusted advice to keep you safe, so be sure to read our  25 Essential Safety Tips for Travel .

CENTRAL AMERICA TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Central america travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Central America and start planning your dream trip.

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Central America Backpacking Route

Welcome to our Central America backpacking route!

Although the smallest region in the Western Hemisphere, Central America is a really fun area to explore. Not only is it full of Mayan ruins, towering volcanoes and beautiful beaches, it’s also relatively easy to travel through .

From southern Mexico down to Panama, you need much less time here compared with South America, which is ideal for first-timers or those with less time on their hands.

What's in this guide?

In this guide, we’ll explore our 1 month backpacking through Central America itinerary , as well as the highlights you’ll be visiting in each nation.

As well as covering how to get around, we’ll also be answering your most crucial questions on how to manoeuvre this unique subregion in our FAQ section.

🏁 Here are the main stops on this Central America travel route:

• Lake Atitlan
• Ometepe Island
• Puerto Viejo
• Bocas del Toro
• Panama City

Getting around Central America

Thankfully, the easiest ways into Central America are also the furthest extreme points north and south, which are ideal for this itinerary.

These are the cities of Cancún and Panama City , which have well-connected international airports (that then connect well with other cities such as Guatemala City, San Salvador and San José).

The best way to get around Central America is by bus. Whilst you could fly, costs will rack up quickly and may mean you’ll need to cut your trip short. Buses are very cheap , and also don’t tend to take that long either (most are usually between 2-8 hours each leg).

There are some instances where you can consider a flight. These are if you’re heading to islands such as the Corn Islands or Bocas del Toro, or if in an urgent rush.

Of course if you have the extra cash and want to upgrade every now and then, then by all means go for it. You can even start your backpacking South America trip by crossing over from Panama (via San Blas to Capurganá) if you really want to push the boat out.

Things to know before traveling to Central America

Between the two of us, we’ve spent plenty of time in Central America on various trips. This means we’ve got insider experience and can give our best tips to help your trip go more smoothly. See our Central America packing list for the full list of things to carry.

Use Padlocks on Bags when Traveling

Unfortunately petty theft and pickpocketing are still rife in Central America, so you’ll want to plan in advance. We recommend keeping bags on you with a secure padlock when on buses, which will help to deter any potential issues.

Pack a Range of a Clothes

Many travelers are surprised when they reach Central America. Whilst most areas are going to be warm climates, there’s also areas where you’ll be begging for warm layers (such as the Guatemalan highlands or when hiking in higher altitudes). This also means carrying a Poncho since there’s a good chance of rain!

Budget for $20-25 a Day

This is a great ballpark average to aim for, and you may find yourself spending even less in some areas. This budget assumes you’ll be sleeping in dorm rooms, using public buses, and also eating in local restaurants (or preparing your own food). See our Central America travel budget guide for more tips on how to save and spend money here.

Invest in High Quality Items

We’ll be the first to admit it – we love saving wherever possible when traveling. However the biggest mistake is bringing cheap equipment that breaks or wears out too quickly.

One of the biggest items we recommend travelers to invest in is a quality pair of hiking boots, especially given the amount of mountain and jungle hikes and experiences there are throughout Central America. We recommend these for the guys , and these for the ladies .

Got travel insurance for Central America?

1 Month Central America Backpacking Route

Now let’s dive into our 1 month backpacking Central America travel route. Here we’ll take a look at each country, the best things to do in each as well as our recommended accommodation options.

Guatemala (6 Days)

First we’ll kick off this itinerary by heading to Guatemala. To get here you can head overland through Mexico, or fly directly into Guatemala City airport.

From here we’ll take a bus straight to Panajachel, which is the gateway to the stunning Lake Atitlan . We recommend basing yourself in the town of San Juan de la Laguna (which is the main backpacker hub), and Don Pascual is our top stay here. This lakeside town also has many great nightlife options too.

Lake Atitlan is arguably the most scenic lake in Central America, and is surrounded by various prehistoric volcanoes . One of the best things to do here is to enjoy a boat ride around this majestic lake, where you’ll be able to visit many of the more authentic towns. such as San Marcos de la Laguna.

Next we’ll take the four hour bus south to Antigua . This historic city is laden with cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture, such as the Arco de Santa Catalina as well as the Convento Capuchinas. Antigua is also the perfect place to hike the nearby volcanoes, and we recommend this tour up Acatenango for some unreal early-morning views.

🏁 Route Stops:

Stop #1: Lake Atitlan Stop #2: Antigua

Key Guatemala Info:

• 🌎 Currency: Quetzal
• 🥘 Food: Pepián, Jocón
• 🍹 Drink: Naranjada
• 💵 Daily Budget: $15-20
• 🔥 Special Mentions: Semuc Champey, Chichicastenango, Tikal Ruins.

El Salvador (3 Days)

From Antigua we’ll now take a bus south of the border to the city of Santa Ana .

This city is actually George’s favourite in all of Central America, and for good reason too! The stunning Santa Ana Volcano is a must-see, and instead of those fiery red lava flows in Guatemala we’ll instead find a bright green crater at the top. We recommend heading on this day tour , where you’ll also get to visit Lake Coatepeque along the way.

Santa Ana’s centre is also really nice to walk around, and will feel much less touristy compared to Antigua. The Catedral de Nuestra Señora Santa Ana is by far one of the most impressive in this region (as well as other buildings around the Parque Libertad), and you’ll also want to visit the nearby Mayan Ruins of Tazumal . You can base yourself in the Hostal Brunette , which is just a couple of blocks from the main plaza.

Our next stop is to the capital of San Salvador, and whilst you could spend the night here, we’d actually recommend seeing it as a day trip from Santa Ana (given it’s just an hour away).

The Capilla del Rosario is the best highlights by far, with this unassuming-from-the-outside chapel featuring some breathtaking stained-glass windows that shine all kinds of colours. Other things to see here include the National Palace as well as the Monument to the Divine Savior of the World.

Stop #3: Santa Ana Stop #4: San Salvador (optional stay)

Key El Salvador Info:

• 🌎 Currency: US Dollar, Bitcoin
• 🥘 Food: Pupusa
• 🍹 Drink: Atol de Marañon
• 💵 Daily Budget: $20-25
• 🔥 Special Mentions: El Tunco, Atiquizaya.

Honduras (5 Days)

From Santa Ana we’ll leave really early to catch the shuttle over to Copán . You can also do it independently on buses (like George did), however you’ll need to head back through Guatemala first, which will take around 7 hours in total.

Copán is a really charming mountainous town, which is best known for the Copán Ruins. Once an important Mayan city, it was home to over 20,000 people and also has many unique sculptures and pyramids.

In town you’ll also want to visit the Macaw Mountain Bird Park, which is home to an array of tropical birds including Scarlet Macaws and Keel-billed Toucans. We staying at the Berakah B&B which is just off the main plaza.

A day (or two maximum) is enough here, where we’ll then make our way over to the Caribbean island of Utila . Another backpacking haven, here you can spend your days relaxing on white-sand beaches and drinking cocktails into the early morning hours.

Whilst we’ve allocated 3 days for your time here, beware since it tends to keep travelers here much longer than expected!

If you’re into diving (or ever wanted to learn), then this is the place to go for it. Utila is located along the Mesoamerican Reef, and has some of the best visibility conditions in Central America.

You can spot everything from Dolphins and Manta Rays to Sharks , and even Whale Sharks (from February to April). We highly recommend going with this diving tour , where you’ll explore the waters just off nearby Roatán.

Stop #5: Copán Stop #6: Utila

Key Honduras Info:

• 🌎 Currency: Lempira
• 🥘 Food: Baleada
• 🍹 Drink: Horchata
• 💵 Daily Budget: $15-25
• 🔥 Special Mentions: La Ceiba, Tegucigalpa, Roatán.

Nicaragua (5 Days)

From Utila we recommend flying to Tegucigalpa (from La Ceiba), and then taking the bus to León . This is because you’ll otherwise lose most of the day heading along the Honduran highway.

León is our first stop in Nicaragua, and has quickly become one of the most popular backpacking spots in Central America. Volcanoboarding is the must-do activity , and when here you‘ll want to stay at the legendary BigFoot Hostel who do the best tour up and down the Cerro Negro. Those who want everything organised in advance can instead join this half-day tour .

As well as seeing other colonial buildings such as the La Iglesia de la Recolección, we also recommend heading to the Museum of the Revolution to better understand Nicaragua’s turbulent history , and what makes the country unique to other Latin American nations.

We’ll then take a bus to Rivas, followed by a boat over to Ometepe Island . Situated in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, it’s a great place to get lost in nature with many jungled paths and volcanoes to explore such as Maderas as well as the natural swimming pool of La Ojo de Agua.

Stop #7: León Stop #8: Ometepe Island

Key Nicaragua Info:

• 🌎 Currency: Córdoba
• 🥘 Food: Nacatamal
• 🍹 Drink: Macuá
• 🔥 Special Mentions: Granada, Corn Islands, San Juan del Sur.

Costa Rica (7 Days)

Now we enter perhaps the most exciting country on our itinerary, and the one you’ve been waiting for! We’ll be taking the bus from Nicaragua into the town of Monteverde .

Known for its vibrant rainforest that has some of the highest endemic levels on earth, this is the place to come to spot wildlife. This night tour is the very best, where a wildlife expert will show you rare snakes, sloths, tarantulas and even ocelots if you’re lucky. In rarer cases you may even see a Jaguar . A couple of days here is enough, and those who love adrenaline will want to head on the various zip-lines and rides at Skyadventures.

From here we’ll then spend a couple of days in the capital of San José , which is often skipped (although it’s not the most striking capital there’s definitely worthy things to see and do). These include heading to the Gold and Jade Museums, as well as the National Museum of Costa Rica. In San José we recommend staying at the Costa Rica Backpackers Hostel .

Last but not least we’ll continue south to the chilled-out coastal town of Puerto Viejo . A classic backpacker town, this is definitely the place for hitting the beaches and putting your feet up. You can also rent a bike and explore the winding roads just outside of town, where you’ll find many deserted beaches and raw wildlife doing its thing.

If you still want to see more animals then consider this day trip to the Cahuita National Park , where you can see monkeys and raccoons as well as tropical underwater species.

Stop #9: Monteverde Stop #10: San José Stop #11: Puerto Viejo

Key Costa Rica Info:

• 🌎 Currency: Colón
• 🥘 Food: Gallo Pinto
• 🍹 Drink: Guaro, Agua de Sapo
• 💵 Daily Budget: $25-35
• 🔥 Special Mentions: La Fortuna, Punta Uva, Santa Teresa.

Panama (5 Days)

Finally on our Central America itinerary we’ll be hitting Panama, which is the most southern nation in this region. We’ll take the bus and boat from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro .

This stunning archipelago is a real highlight when in Panama, and is known for its variety of beautiful beaches. Wizard and Bluff beaches are the most scenic, whilst Playa de las Estrellas is great for seeing many starfish chilling along the coast (just remember not to touch them). It’s also a great place to head on this full-day speedboat tour , where you’ll get to explore the more wild areas of this otherwise popular backpacking hotspot.

From Bocas del Toro we’ll now take a short flight over to Panama City , given the bus will be too long for our given itinerary. Here we recommend allocating 3 days for the capital, as there’s a lot to see. You’ll want to stay at the Magnolia Inn in Casco Viejo, which is the nicest neighbourhood of the city.

Close-by you can visit many important sites such as the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria, the Calzada de Amador as well as the infamous Panama Canal .

We also recommend spending an overnight stay on the San Blas Islands , which are one of the best highlights of a trip to Central America. Here you can get to know the local Kuna Yala tribe , as well as visit islands like Perro Chico and Soledad Miria.

Stop #12: Bocas del Toro Stop #13: Panama City

Key Panama Info:

• 🌎 Currency: Balboa, US Dollar
• 🥘 Food: Sancocho de Gallina
• 🍹 Drink: Seco Herrerano
• 💵 Daily Budget: $25-30
• 🔥 Special Mentions: Valle de Antón, Santa Catalina, The Darien Gap.

Central America Travel Route FAQs

How much money do you need for backpacking in central america.

As we’ve already explored in the itinerary above, different countries will require different daily budgets. A solid budget to plan for is $25 a day, which will be plenty for staying at a nice Central American hostel and eating a few hearty meals a day. You’ll also need to factor in money for extras depending on what you want to do, such as volcano hikes or learning to dive.

Is Costa Rica cheaper than Panama?

In our experience, we’ve found Costa Rica to be cheaper than Panama. Whilst both are amongst the most expensive in Central America, Panama is easier to find cheaper foods and accommodation. Tours in Costa Rica can also be really expensive too given how touristy it is nowadays.

What are the cheapest countries in Central America?

Guatemala is by far the cheapest you can visit, where you could spend as little as $15-20 a day! This makes it a great option for budget travelers, who will want to spend more time here. Others that are on the cheaper side of things include Honduras and Nicaragua.

Which Central American country is the safest?

That’s all for our 1 month in Central America backpacking route.

This diverse region is full of thrills and culture, and even those on a shorter time-frame will be able to enjoy their time in Central America.

From lounging on picturesque Caribbean beaches to hiking fiery volcanoes , you’ll for sure be coming back for seconds soon!

Be sure to revisit this guide before, during and after your travels to Central America as a nice refresher. Also, see our backpacking Central America travel guide for more pro tips.

👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.

“ Dear traveler! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you . Your support means a lot and helps us to carry on traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”

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Central America Itinerary

Travel Blog Last Updated · Dec 5th, 2022 [post_author_posts_link] · [post_comments before=""] -->

Central America attracts tourists of all kinds, especially those who are passionate about culture, history, and outdoor adventures.

If you want this to be your destination, this Central America travel itinerary is exactly what you’re looking for.

Table of Contents

You will find cerulean seas, the greenest of forests, breathtaking Mayan ruins, over 300 volcanoes, and so much more.

Whether you want to spend 1 week in Central America or 2 weeks in Central America, this itinerary will help you get organized!

Is Central America Itinerary Safe?

Central America is not a dangerous place to visit overall. Granted, there are a few risks, but you can avoid them by taking precautions and following basic travel safety tips.

It’s important to note that Central America is a transit zone for cocaine markets, so certain countries have a higher crime rate and gang activity.

The risk of natural disasters is also something to consider because there are so many volcanoes and coastlines in the region, which means flooding and hurricanes are a possibility.

To avoid this, visit outside the hurricane season so you can enjoy your Central America backpacking itinerary to the fullest.

Planning a trip to Central America

So you’ve decided you want to go to Central America? Now comes the important part of properly planning for your trip.

The first top tip is to have all of your necessary vaccinations taken care of. There are a lot of diseases in the area, and it’s more than worth getting a few jabs before to prevent any serious conditions down the line.

Another important piece of advice is to pack properly. When we think of Latin America we tend to think of the hot climates and beautiful beaches, and yes of course these are in great abundance here.

However, there are some areas that can get quite cool such as the Guatemalan highlands.

So if planning on visiting everything, then it will be wise to bring a mix of light clothes as well as some layers for when things get chilly.

Also make sure to bring quality, sturdy pair of hiking boots as many of the trails are not properly developed, and you’ll also keep your grip better if heading during the rainy seasons.

How long do you need in Central America?

The general opinion is that Central America can be backpacked very quickly.

And to be fair when looking at a map, of course, it’s pretty small when compared with South America and other regions of the World.

However there’s still a lot to see, so the minimum time needed from Belize (or The Riviera Maya in Mexico as a popular jumping-off point) to Panama would be 3 months.

This will be enough to cover all countries and see all of the top sights.

Alternatively, for those with more time or desire to really sink their teeth into the region – 4/5 months would be much better.

How much does it cost to backpack Central America?

Costs in Central America really do vary between countries.

For example, backpacking Costa Rica and Panama fall on the more expensive side, with a daily budget of between $30-35 needed.

Belize is more moderate, with between $25-30 needed daily.

Then we have Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua making up the rest, which are all very cheap to backpack.

You can travel these countries on a daily budget of $20-25.

Of course these are rough estimates, and take into account only the daily costs of a dorm bed, food and some extras.

What you’ll end up spending really depends on your style and comfort, as we’re all different at the end of the day.

Central America Travel Itinerary

With so many places to visit in Central America, this article looks at each country’s best spots so you get to see the places you simply can’t miss.

You can start your Central America travel itinerary in Guatemala City, where you can visit museums, breweries, and many different attractions to get a feel of the country.

Then, you can go to colonial Antigua and spend a few days exploring the town. It’s known for its cobblestoned streets, handicraft markets, and surrounding mountains.

The Pacaya and Acatenango volcanoes are worth visiting, Lake Atitlan is gorgeous, and you can visit surrounding towns such as San Pedro, San Marcos, and Santa Cruz.

Once you’re done in Guatemala, you can head to Belize to continue your Central American backpacking itinerary.

We recommend you spend most of your time in San Ignacio, which is the heart of inland Belize.

Here, you’ll find Mayan Ruins such as Cahal Pech and Xunantunich, vibrant local markets, and a cave system you’ll be able to explore.

Then, you can head to Caye Caulker, a lovely island that’s perfect for relaxation.

El Salvador

El Salvador could be the next stop on your Central America backpacking trip. At this point of the trip, you may want a relaxing beach retreat.

If so, head to El Tunco, a small beach town known for its surfing. There is plenty of local eats, surfing, and exciting nightlife waiting for you.

Then, you can go to El Cuco to relax and refuel by a hammock on the beach or enjoy some swimming or paddleboarding.

Honduras is another great place to visit for your Central America travel itinerary.

You can go to La Ceiba, a lovely seaside town where you can enjoy your time, and then take a ferry to Utila, a nice island where you can enjoy a PADI Open Water 4-day diving course.

If you’re already a certified diver, you should consider the Advanced Open Water course or simply sign up for dives that interest you. There are also jungles and freshwater caves to explore!

Next, you can go to Nicaragua where you can visit Leon, which is the best introduction you can have to this country.

Leon is a colonial town where you’ll be able to enjoy amazing food and visit places such as the Leon Cathedral at the heart of the town and go black sandboarding at Cerro Negro.

How about visiting Lake Apoyo? Or, even look into an active volcano by visiting Masaya, the only open volcano you can drive to instead of hiking.

To continue your Central America travel itinerary, you can go to Costa Rica and visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

It’s paradise on earth and you will enjoy exploring coffee plantations, hiking trails, and even have zip-lining adventures.

There are also butterfly, hummingbird, and frog sanctuaries, and you can walk on hanging bridges and spot wildlife.

You can end your stay in Tortuguero, a jungle known for being a nesting area for native turtle species.

You can wrap up your Central America travel itinerary in Panama and head to Cerro Punta where you can take a 1-day hiking tour on the Quetzal Trail.

You can send your luggage ahead of you and it will land in Boquete, a lovely town where you can rest in bungalows before you head to Bocas del Toro, a party town.

There, you can explore Cayos Zapatillas and other wonderful places.

Central America Travel + Safety Tips

Generally, Central America is not too dangerous to visit, but you still need to take precautions. Follow these travel safety tips:

• Don’t travel at night, but if you do, take a taxi instead of walking or taking a bus.
• Avoid doing drugs.
• Avoid tap water, especially in rural areas.
• Remember to get your FREE travel insurance quote before you travel for peace of mind while on the road.
• Crime rates are high in capital cities so limit your time there and be vigilant.
• Learn basic Spanish phrases or have a translation app on your phone for emergencies.
• Always pay attention to your surroundings.
• Avoid bad neighborhoods and isolated areas, stick to the crowd.
• Don’t dress in expensive clothes or wear flashy items, blend in.
• Don’t flaunt your valuables or leave them unattended.
• Only bring the cash you need for the day with you, store the rest in a secure location.

If you follow these precautions, you won’t have a bad experience while traveling in Central America.

Traveling Around Central America

Traveling around Central America by bus can be a good option because it’s cheap and easy.

Short-distance buses are known as chicken buses. They are inexpensive but not 100% safe, so be careful and keep an eye on your belongings.

For long-distance travel, use luxury liners like Ticabus, King Quality, or Transnica, which are reliable and safe but will cost a little more.

Buses in Central America

By far the best and most inexpensive way to get around Central America is by the good ol’ buses. Whilst the cost-benefit makes sense, you’ll even find that some areas of this region can only be accessed by bus anyway.

In Costa Rica and Panama, they are the best developed, and the rides will be pretty smooth with most roads in good condition.

In the more northern parts (especially Guatemala and Honduras) you’re gonna be in for a ride!

Within cities and towns, be sure to take a chicken bus at least once for the experience, as it really is one of a kind and also a rite of passage for travelers heading to Central America.

Best time to visit Central America

Thankfully due to its small size, Central America is much easier to plan for when it comes to the weather, especially in comparison with its giant neighbor of South America.

Most of the region follows the same dry and wet season patterns, so you’ll know what you’ll most likely be in for. The dry season runs from December until April, and is often considered the best time to visit.

Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica, for example, has average temperatures of 75-79°F, with highs of 84°F and lows of 68°F.

Rainfall ranges from 180-310mm for each of these months. The wet season, which runs from May until November, is of course much wetter.

Whilst it can make challenges for getting around, it’s also a really beautiful time to visit as the jungle comes alive with its bright and luscious greens.

It’s also cheaper, as you’ll be there during off-peak season. An example of a location during the wet season is Flores, in northern Guatemala.

Average temperatures range from 75-83°F, with highs of 94°F and lows of 68°F. Rainfall ranges anywhere from 4-7.5 inches each month, which is a big increase from the 1-3 inches expected in the dry season months.

Central America Itinerary: Final Words

Central America is quite a magical place to visit and this Central America travel itinerary can serve as a guide.

Use it to plan your trip and have fun backpacking through incredible countries with a lot to offer!

If you are thinking about heading further South you can see our South America itinerary to get some ideas on where to go.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning, if you click through and make a purchase or sign up for a program, we may earn a commission. This is at no additional cost to you.

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Central America Backpacking Budget – How much money do you need?

Central America is one of the most affordable parts of the world to travel in. Almost every country offers good value but there are subtle differences in prices as you cross borders. Below, we’ll take a look at the estimated cost of travel in Central America. There are suggested daily budgets for each country and an overall Central America backpacking budget which should help you plan your trip.

Cost of Travel in Central America

Central america backpacking budget.

It typically costs between $25 and $40 per day to travel in Central America. You can potentially get by on $20/day in Nicaragua aside from the more expensive Corn Islands where you may need more like $30. Guatemala and El Salvador also offer great value while Belize is the most expensive Central American country to visit.

These figures are based on costs at the time of writing (January 2023). They are suitable for anyone travelling on the cheap by staying in hostel dorms or very basic private rooms where it’s affordable to do so. It will require you to use the local chicken buses which are a fun and budget-friendly if somewhat slow way to get around the region.

These budgets allow for the odd activity each day but nothing like expensive diving courses or multi-day guided treks which can significantly add to the cost of your trip. The budget allows for a bit of partying but you will struggle to stick to this if you are looking to drink alcohol and go out most nights.

Central America mostly compares favourably to the cost of travel in other countries in the region. Your total daily budget here may not even get you a bed to sleep in over in the US with our USA backpacking budget significantly higher.

The cost of travel in Mexico is more like $35/day so you’ll still find prices drop if you cross from there into Guatemala. $35 may also be a suitable Cuba backpacking budget while overall Central America is a bit cheaper when compared to a typical South America backpacking budget .

Monthly budget to backpack Central America

You will need around $900 per month to backpack Central America. That’s based on spending $30/day on average and again assumes you will stay in budget accommodation and use local transport whilst either preparing your own food or eating in affordable, local restaurants.

Note that this does not include the cost of flights to/from the region, any visas/vaccinations or travel insurance . These things are impossible to factor in as they are dependent on your nationality and where you are coming from but can quite easily double your total budget for the trip.

Obviously your actual spend will depend on your style of travel and which countries you visit. Shoestring travellers in Central America may be wise to focus on Guatemala, Nicaragua and perhaps El Salvador. You may be able to get by on a bit less than the figures above if the majority of your time is spent in those countries.

However, spend longer in somewhere like Costa Rica or Belize, or a pricier destination such as the Bay Islands in Honduras , and you will most likely go over $1000/month.

How much money do you need to backpack Central America on a more comfortable budget?

If you are pushed for time and want to see as much as possible, or just have a bit more money saved up for the trip, you may be wise to increase your Central America backpacking budget. The figures above are designed for shoestring travellers but by adding an extra $10/day in Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador, or perhaps $15 more in Panama, Costa Rica or Belize, will significantly increase your options.

By increasing your budget, you can take the faster tourist buses when getting from A to B. This will save you time and quite a bit of hassle given the local bus networks can be very complicated to navigate for the uninitiated and those with limited Spanish.

Increasing your budget will also allow you to do more trips and activities. There are a lot of natural wonders in Central America but many of them do require you to go with a guide or on some kind of organised trip. That’s either for safety reasons or because they are hard to reach by regular public transport. This can push your costs well above the previous shoestring budgets if you’re doing things like that most days.

How to save money as a budget traveller in Central America

Travel by chicken bus.

These are the names given to the buses that most people use to get around in Central America. They are good for short or long distance trips (you may need to change buses with the latter). They are essentially old US school buses that have usually had a colourful paint job and you can use them to get from A to B by just flagging them down from the side of the road. Somebody will come to collect the price of the ticket once you’re onboard. In most cases, they’ll be used to confused backpackers hopping on and should tell you when it’s time to get off or change to another bus.

Carry the local currency

Central America still has a cash-based culture with debit/credit card payments only accepted in certain situations. US Dollars are widely accepted (El Salvador and Panama have the Dollar as their official currency) however you can still end up paying a premium, so getting your hands on some local cash is advisable early in your stay in a new country. ATM’s are not always the most reliable either so it’s always useful to carry cash.

Work exchanges

Central America is a poor part of the world and there are a lot of community projects that need volunteers to come in and make a difference. You may strike it lucky and find something on your travels but it’s probably better to line something up beforehand. 

Worldpackers is a good platform that enables travellers to find placements across Central America and you will also benefit from free accommodation and food from any work exchange. It usually costs $49/year to join and access the placements, but you can use the promo code ‘ MYFUNKYTRAVELWP’ to get a $10 discount.

You may also find basing yourself in one place and living in Central America for a few months to be a worthwhile experience, particularly if you have a way of working remotely online. The cost of living in Central America is among the lowest on the North American continent and you’ll find it easier to keep costs down than if you’re constantly moving from A to B.

 This look at a possible Central America backpacking budget was last updated in January 2023.

11 thoughts on “ Central America Backpacking Budget – How much money do you need? ”

Hi Im doing maybe 2-3 months in central america, starting from Mexico going down to colombia (where i will do around 4-6 months in South america), I fly from NY to Mexico so just wondering is the 750 usd for a month includes the inland travel within each countries? Do you think I need more than 750 usd per month roaming around central america?

The $750/month is a shoestring budget and does include inland travel within each country. If you’re willing to use the local buses all the way and stay in the cheapest hostels, then it should be possible to get by on that kind of budget.

Everyone travels and spends differently though so it’s probably wise to allow for a bit more. It also obviously depends on how much time you spend in each country. It will be hard/impossible to get by on that if you’re spending more time Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica as opposed to the cheaper countries.

Thank you for keeping this updated! Everything else i’ve seen has been years old (although it doesnt seem like the price has raised much)

Thanks Mikaela! It’s quite hard to keep figures like this up to date but hopefully they give you an idea of how much shoestring travelling in Central America tends to cost.

Hello! I’m travelling to Mexico in Novembre and i’m planning to go to guatemala, nicaragua, costa rica e panama. I’ve bought the tickets to mexico and now i’m wondering if i need to do a visa to enter in those country. I’m european (pprtuguese) can anyone help me?

Hey, I’m also planning to fly to Mexico at the end of November from the UK. You don’t need a visa as long as you are staying less than 90 days and not working!

thank you! 🙂

Hi Marianna, I found this website https://www.visahq.co.uk/ super helpful to look up visa requirements for each country. Enjoy your travels!x

Hey Mariana I’m planning to do this same route this November 2018!! How did it go? X

It was really nice! The visas aren’t a problem. If you are travelling by bus you always have to pass the borders and stamp your passport on your way in and out. So two stamps for each country. Otherwise you might pay a fine. If you have any other doubt ler me know. Maybe i can help!

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Traveling to Costa Rica on a low budget is not an easy thing to do, but if you follow these little tips it will be much cheaper

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Costa Rica is one of the most expensive countries in Central America, but it also has a lot to offer tourists from around the world. In this travel guide, we will learn some tips for traveling to Costa Rica on a budget. Traveling to Costa Rica is not exactly cheap, in fact, it is the most expensive place in all of Central America. This is not surprising considering everything that Costa Rica has to offer. It has become a particularly attractive place for tourists from all over the world. But that shouldn’t discourage you.

With a few tips, you can make the most of your Costa Rica vacation and have a great time on a budget. Even if your budget is tight, there are many all-around strategies you can use to save money on your trip. You can have the best of both worlds by simply keeping a few tips in mind when traveling to Costa Rica. So what are some tips for traveling to Costa Rica on a budget?

Travel out of season

The first thing you can do to make sure you don’t spend too much money on your trip to Costa Rica is to travel during the off-season. There aren’t many tourists out of season, so prices won’t be as high as they usually are. The low season is also known as the rainy season, so you may encounter bad weather. However, this is a huge time frame and lasts from May to November. If you travel within this time period, you are sure to find things cheaper than usual. Additionally, the first few months of the rainy season tend to be the best because the weather is a little milder, not to mention that all the vegetation is green from the rain.

You should definitely avoid big restaurants if you plan to eat in Costa Rica, try visiting Sodas (local restaurants serving traditional Costa Rican dishes) instead. These small local restaurants are much cheaper and you can usually get a good meal for $3–6 and believe me, in Costa Rica those prices are really low and affordable.

Transportation

Costa Rica is a little different when it comes to public transportation than Central America. Try to take public buses when you want to travel from one part of the city to another. Its bus system is extremely reliable and relatively cheap. They usually cost around $5.

To save money, you should drink tap water instead of going out and buying bottled water. In most of the country, tap water is completely safe and even better than in other parts of Central America. Simply fill your own bottle to stay hydrated and go. You’ll be surprised how much money you can save on water alone, especially during the summer when it’s hot and you drink a lot of it. It sounds funny, but it is one of the most important tips for traveling to Costa Rica on a budget.

When traveling in Costa Rica, guides are not exactly cheap. It’s not that they aren’t good at showing you things you wouldn’t otherwise see, but that’s not exactly necessary and you could end up wasting money that could be better used on something else. Instead of hiring a professional guide, make friends with some locals. Costa Ricans are eager to help and will guide you in the right direction whenever you need to get you on the right path.

Cheap hotels

There are not many cheap hotels and hostels in Costa Rica. You can try searching for a cheap alternative on websites like Airbnb, or just try to find local rooms on the internet. Much more expensive, but probably the best way to spend your time, may be a villa in Costa Rica. But if you’re trying to get a cheap Costa Rica vacation on a budget, don’t even look it up.

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The 14 best places to visit in Central America: ruins, reefs and romantic beaches

Jul 30, 2024 • 8 min read

Tikal is a thrilling Maya site in the middle of the Guatemalan jungle. Justin Foulkes/Lonely Planet

If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking a volcano, exploring ancient ruins and snorkeling across a coral reef all in one trip, then  Central America is the place for you.

Its seven countries offer some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. History buffs will have a hard time choosing between Maya ruins and colonial cities.

Nature lovers can stalk monkeys and sloths on treks through the jungle or watch newly hatched turtles scramble for the sea. Surfers and beach bums will be satisfied, too – there are endless seaside dream destinations.

Whatever you choose to do, the results won’t disappoint. (You could even do the lot.) Short regional flights and an extensive bus network make it easy to visit several countries in one trip.

To narrow it down, here are the 14 best places to visit in Central America. Be warned, though: wherever it is you go, you run the risk of never wishing to leave.

1. Splash about on Ambergris Caye in Belize

Dubbed La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island), Belize ’s most popular vacation island offers sun-drenched days, ritzy resorts and an imaginative culinary scene.

The bustling city center, San Pedro, boasts some can’t-miss nightlife, too. But travelers mainly flock here to enjoy the island’s bathtub-warm waters and flourishing undersea environment.

Whether you aim to dive off an island dock and backstroke in the surf, kayak through a mangrove lagoon or snorkel over brightly colored reefs alongside nurse sharks and small stingrays, Ambergris Caye has you covered.

2. Marvel at Guatemala’s spectacular Lago de Atitlán 

Ringed by lush hillsides and towering volcanoes, Central America’s deepest lake is an unmissable scenic escape ; the aquamarine waters of this endorheic crater basin lure travelers from all over the globe.

It’s also home to several diverse communities that proudly display their traditional Guatemalan ways of living.

Most travelers come here for long-distance kayaking and volcano climbing . Lively San Pedro La Laguna is great for throwing it down, too.

But Lago de Atitlán also attracts those wanting to learn Spanish, practice yoga or stay with a local family. Whatever you do, take some time to relax and reflect as the gentle waters of this glorious lake lap against the shore. 

3. Get a taste of island life at Bocas del Toro in Panama

Dotted with Caribbean-style clapboard houses and awash with dockside restaurants and hotels, this stunning archipelago is Panama's hottest ticket.

Its swaying coco palms and translucent blue water attract throngs of international travelers – some who’ve stayed forever.

During the day, you can pedal a beach cruiser around, snorkel among giant sea stars, surf reef breaks, tour chocolate farms and feast on delicious Caribbean fare. In the evenings, Latin rhythms and clinking glasses fill the air on Islas Colón .

4. Wander the forest-covered Maya city of Tikal in Guatemala

If you strolled this ground 1200 years ago, you’d be walking through a thriving Maya metropolis. Today, Guatemala ’s most significant archaeological site is all haunting ruins and twisting jungle – interrupted only by the occasional cacophony of bird squawks and howling monkeys. 

Tikal once rivaled Rome for size, population and political clout, but a millennium of dense overgrowth has since reclaimed the remains of this once-mighty empire.

The sprawling park merits multi-day explorations: base yourself in laid-back, lakeside Flores  or stay on the site to see the sun rise over these majestic, ancient temples.

5. Get under the skin of Panama City

The glistening steel-and-glass skyline of Central America’s most hustling, bustling capital city is only its tiara. The heart and soul of the city lie in its older districts like  Casco Viejo . This area brims with restored colonial buildings, many of which are now boutique hotels, swanky restaurants and countless rooftop bars. 

Seek out the crumbling 16th-century ruins of Panamá Viejo – part of the original city – as well as the rollicking nightlife of Calle Uruguay. The city's casinos also add another level of excitement.

Visitors can drive west to see the ingenious lock system of the world-famous Panama Canal . The rainforest and beach are only a coconut toss away too.

6. Drive Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador’s best road trip

For a glimpse into the soul of El Salvador, cruise the 20 miles between Sonsonate and Ahuachapan in a car. The local villages, artisanal shops, fragrant coffee plantations and colorful wildflower meadows are essentially the entire (admittedly small) country writ small. 

Stop at any of the five main settlements over a weekend, and you’ll find them abuzz with food extravaganzas and merrymaking.

Leave ample opportunity to shop for crafts and gulp the coffee, regardless of when you go. Don’t be afraid to veer off the main route either: at Los Chorros de Calera, you can hike among the cliffs and dive into waterfall-fed swimming holes.

7. Fall in love at romantic Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio  is for lovers – the area’s romantic dining establishments, picturesque beaches and invigorating spa treatments define this welcoming destination. 

Dozens of exquisite hotels perch on cliffs overlooking the cerulean Pacific on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica . And as a bonus, wildlife encounters are all but guaranteed. Squirrel monkeys swing by at breakfast while iguanas bask with guests by the pool, and true nature lovers can also spy on sloths at the nearby Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio .

Thrill-seeking honeymooners will also be satisfied, as all the requisite Costa Rica adventures – zip-lining, white-water rafting, kayaking and more – are just beyond your doorstep.

8. Wander in awe around Granada, Nicaragua’s oldest city

Granada is one of the oldest colonial cities in the region, and no trip across Central America is complete without exploring its well-preserved architecture. 

In Parque Central, the saffron-yellow Catedral de Granada  presides over the square, where food vendors and handicraft artisans hawk their goods.

Over by the lake, get into a boat or kayak for a tour of Las Isletas – a bunch of volcanic islands just off the city’s shore – where you’ll find fancy vacation homes and an old Spanish fortress.

9. Chill on the beaches of Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean Coast

The pace on Costa Rica’s Caribbean shoreline is decidedly sloth-like, and that’s exactly why travelers can’t get enough of it. They come here to slow down, sip on fresh coconuts, lounge on graham-cracker-colored beaches and bathe in the warm blue-green water. 

For those who prefer more active experiences, there are plenty of jungle hikes, cacao farm tours and snorkeling excursions to sign up for.

Wild, all-night parties are always an option, too. Just remember to fuel up first on the spectacular local cuisine: think whole fried snapper with a side of coconut rice and fried plantains, washed down with agua de sapo (unrefined sugar, limes and ginger known as “toad juice”).

10. Party the night away at Playa El Tunco in El Salvador

Named for a distinctive pig-shaped rock ( tunco means pig), this black-sand paradise is famous for its beach breaks and even more famous for its hard-partying surfer crowd.

Weekend mayhem tops the agendas of locals and tourists alike, with everybody nursing their hangovers the next day with thin-crust pizza from Tunco Veloz . 

Those seeking a more laid-back experience need only travel a few minutes in either direction to arrive at tranquil, secluded beaches. In the windswept wilderness of Barrio Santiago, turtles hatch along the shore.

11. Joining the backpacking crowd on Utila in Honduras

If you’ve got big travel dreams but a little budget, Utila is just the spot, particularly if you’re looking to don some flippers. The dreamy turquoise waters off this palm-dotted Caribbean island in Honduras are replete with surreal coral formations and curious fish, and diver certification courses here are some of the world’s most budget-friendly. 

All year round, snorkelers and divers can shimmy around near whale sharks on the island's northern tip. Then, when the adventures are over, some tasty seafood and a lively bar scene await. 

12. Chow down on Caribbean food on Nicaragua’s Corn Islands

If you like it spicy, head for Central America’s Caribbean – in particular,  these two remote islands off the eastern coast of Nicaragua. This is the region’s epicenter of spiny lobster, and plenty of locals make a living off ensnaring it.

After you’ve had your fill of the coveted crustacean, bite down on whole fried snapper, a heaping plate of rice and beans,and the famous rondon , a local soup with fish, shellfish, tubers, heart of palm, plantains, peppers and piles of spices.

On Great Corn – the larger and busier of the two islands – restaurants serve this stew year-round. The ingredients must simmer all day in a spicy coconut broth, though, so you’ll need to give 24 hours' notice for your order. 

13. Admire the ancient Mayan sculptures of Copán in Honduras

Of all the ruins scattered around Central America, Copán has the most impressive chiseled stone sculptures. Human-sized carvings punctuate this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is tucked into a scenic river valley that as many as 20,000 people once called home. 

A day spent peering around these temples and the surrounding sites offers a deep dive into the region’s past. Don’t miss the revered hieroglyphic stairway, which describes the history of the ancient city’s rulers in the longest inscription of Maya text known to man.

The neighboring town of Copán Ruinas has boutique hotels; you can also stay in the nearby pine-forested hills at Hacienda San Lucas.

14. Dive Blue Hole Natural Monument in Belize

Just as climbers have Mt Everest, scuba divers have Belize’s Blue Hole National Monument. They dive more than 100ft into this massive submarine sinkhole, cruising past oversized stalactites and sometimes encountering large, powerful reef sharks as they stare down into the 430ft abyss. 

On the nearby islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker , you’ll find environmentally friendly and highly experienced tour operators.

But travelers seeking a more adventurous experience should consider a stay on Long Caye, a small and secluded island just minutes from the country’s most coveted underwater attractions.

This article was first published May 3, 2022 and updated Jul 30, 2024.

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Budget Tours & Trips to Central America

• Choose from 50+ Central America tours
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10 best cheap Central America tour packages

Compiled by

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Volcano Trail: Waves & Local Ways

Central american journey: rainforests & ruins, essential costa rica - package with manuel antonio national park, self-drive, essential costa rica - package with guanacaste, self-drive, the lure of central america (guatemala, honduras, el salvador, nicaragua), central america experience, around el salvador 6 days, san jose to cancun travel pass, cancun to san jose travel pass, volcanoes adventure in costa rica.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year
• Visit the unique Mayan ruins of Copán
• Relax with stunning sunsets on La Libertad beaches
• Discover the UNESCO-listed city of Antigua

“It was well organized and you got first insights into the different countries.”

• Enjoy a homestay experience on Lake Atitlán
• Snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks
• Tour the ancient ruins of Tikal with a guide

“I had an unforgettable journey, met lovely people and had really professional/funny tourleaders.”

• Local Living
• Relax on Manuel Antonio's tropical beaches
• Walk Monteverde's cloud forest bridges
• Explore Tortuguero's rivers by boat

• Walk through Tortuguero village
• Relax on Tamarindo's sunny beaches

“Great guides and we especially loved the boat ride out to Tortuguero.”

• Explore Antigua's Spanish Colonial architecture
• Witness lava at Masaya Volcano
• Visit the cultural town of Suchitoto

“Central America is a third world location with incredible scenery and great people.”

• Sandboard down Cerro Negro Volcano
• Relax in La Fortuna's natural springs
• Discover San Juan del Sur's best waves

“What started as a bad experience turned out to be brilliant! Thanks Marvelus Travel!”

• Sightseeing
• Relax in thermal waters near Ataco
• Tour Joya de Ceren, a preserved Maya village
• Climb the ancient Tazumal pyramid

“The tour was very organized, combined with both activities and enough personal time to explore the highlights of El Salvador.”

• Zip through Monteverde's lush canopy
• Navigate the serene waters of Lake Atitlan
• Snorkel with sharks and rays in Belize

• Zip-line through Monteverde's canopy
• Explore ancient Chichen Itza early morning
• Discover Tikal at sunrise among the jungle

• Explore Irazu Volcano and historical Cartago
• Tour Rincon de la Vieja's volcanic wonders
• Discover Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall

“Green World was awesome!”

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Why El Salvador is Central America’s best-kept secret

El Carmen Church in Santa Ana, El Salvador. Photo / Getty Images

Breathtaking volcanoes, world-class surf beaches, and the warmest locals you’ll ever meet are why El Salvador is one of Central America’s best-kept travel secrets, writes Ash Jurberg

Four years ago, if you’d told me I’d be recommending a trip to the former “Murder Capital of the World” I’d have thought you were joking. But here I am, fresh from an adventure that shattered every preconception I held about this misunderstood country.

During the long, isolated months of Covid-19, I first connected with Joe, a writer living worlds away in El Salvador. Little did I know that this virtual connection would eventually lead me to a place I had only read about in alarming headlines over the years.

After four years of using WhatsApp and Facebook messaging, Joe emailed me, suggesting we meet in person in his home country. “El Salvador has been radically transformed,” he wrote. “It’s now the safest country in Central America.” My finger paused over the reply button. With a deep breath, I began typing. “I’m in. Let’s do this … ” And just like that, I committed to an adventure .

READ MORE: 5 of the best countries to visit before the year ends

First impressions: A warm welcome

Arriving in a country is usually a mix of excitement, jetlag, and frustration. Many countries seem to revel in the latter – I should know; I’ve been to 109 of them. Weary travellers are often met with long immigration queues, customs agents who put the terror in interrogation, and lots of red tape. However, the arrival process into El Salvador was the smoothest I’ve ever experienced. There were no queues, and the customs agents smiled as I approached.

The agent processing my entry into the country said, “Welcome to El Salvador,” with such friendliness I almost expected her to hug me. Instead of asking me hundreds of questions, she seemed excited that I was visiting and wished me a pleasant trip. This warmth and optimism were palpable throughout my time in the country. Every local I met was not just welcoming but genuinely glad that I wanted to explore their country. There was a sense of hope and excitement about the recent transformation and the potential for increased tourism.

Easy to explore the diverse sights

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America , making it easy to visit many top sights from its centrally located capital, San Salvador. I had a busy schedule and began exploring the historic centre, home to beautifully restored buildings such as the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which capture the spirit of the capital’s colonial architecture.

Even the Starbucks, nestled within the National Theatre, is a place of beauty, more reminiscent of a museum than a chain cafe. But to truly experience the city’s renaissance, the trendy Zona Rosa district is the place to be. It’s home to hip cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops that showcase the creative energy of El Salvador’s youth.

Pupusas, a taste of Salvadoran culture

One of the highlights of my trip was trying pupusas, El Salvador’s national dish. “Nothing that fancy, and at the same time, the indisputable pinnacle of Salvadoran cuisine,” Joe explained as we devoured these delicious stuffed rice tortillas at a local pupuseria.

These simple yet satisfying corn or rice dough discs are filled with various ingredients, cooked on a griddle, and served with cabbage slaw and tomato sauce. My favourite was the revuelta, stuffed with beans, cheese, and chicharron (pork). The crispy exterior gives way to a gooey, flavourful centre. A hearty meal of three pupusas will set you back less than NZ$10 and fuel you up for exploration. The unique combination of ingredients and the skilful preparation make pupusas a must-try dish in El Salvador.

Natural wonders and breathtaking views

El Salvador offers diverse highlights bound to satisfy any nature enthusiast. I took a short walk up San Salvador volcano, just 20 minutes from the capital. Here, I saw my first example of the country preparing to welcome tourists, with new paths being developed, an expanded visitors’ centre, and plans for a bird sanctuary and adrenaline activities.

At the peak, I breathed in the crisp air on the volcano’s rim as I listened to my guide, Omar, serenade me with El Carbonero , a folk song about a coal merchant considered El Salvador’s second national anthem. His soft voice provided the perfect soundtrack to the magnificent views. Omar used the song to illustrate the nation’s proud history and resilience.

For an even more spectacular experience, I recommend hiking the Santa Ana Volcano. The 90-minute trek to the top is rewarded with breathtaking views over a bright green crater lake. In any other location, the peak would be swarming with influencers attempting to catch the perfect Instagram shot. Yet, once again, we had the place to ourselves. And no filters were needed to enhance our view.

Santa Ana is less than 40km from Lake Coatepeque. This stunning body of water can change from deep blue to glowing turquoise, a phenomenon that had it in the running to be selected as the eighth natural wonder of the world. The surrounding landscape, with its lush greenery and the majestic San Vicente volcano in the distance, adds to the beauty of the lake. I spent the night in a villa overlooking the lake, and the following day, I had to pinch myself as I drank fresh Salvadoran coffee while watching the sunrise.

To end my week, I headed to the postcard-worthy surf beaches of El Tunco on the Pacific Coast. This laid-back town, known as Surf City, has the vibes and feel of beach towns in Southeast Asia, again without the crowds I always encountered. El Tunco is a surfer’s paradise, with consistent waves suitable for beginners and experts alike.

Even if you’re not into surfing, the beach’s black sand and stunning sunsets make it the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your Salvadoran adventure. For the more active, there are nearby waterfalls and sea caves to explore.

Sitting at a beachside bar as the sun goes down and drinking a cold cerveza was a reward for my hikes earlier in the week.

A nation reborn

Over the week, every misconception I had about El Salvador was shattered. I found a nation brimming with natural splendour, a rich cultural tapestry, and an indomitable spirit. Interacting with friendly locals further reinforced how misleading the country’s reputation was. I never felt unsafe and would be hard-pressed to name a friendlier country of the many I have visited.

El Salvador is on the cusp of a tourism boom. Now is the time to visit – before the crowds discover this Central American gem. You’ll experience its raw beauty and rich culture and be part of its inspiring journey of transformation.

And who knows? You might even share a pupusa with Joe or be serenaded by Omar. I’m sure they will be happy to indulge you.

Top 5 tips for visiting El Salvador:

• Learn basic Spanish phrases – while some locals speak English, a few words will go a long way.
• Always eat pupusas with your hands. It is frowned upon to use a knife and fork.
• Visit during the dry season (November to April) for the best weather.
• The official currency of El Salvador is US dollars, which can be obtained from any ATM. Fun fact, El Salvador was also the first country to use Bitcoin as legal tender.
• Engage with locals – their warmth and hospitality will make your trip unforgettable.

EL SALVADOR

GETTING THERE

Fly from Auckland to El Salvador International Airport (SAL) with one stopover in the US with Air NZ and United. The airport is about 50km from San Salvador.

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8 off-the-beaten-path destinations great for family travel on a budget

Incredible family-friendly destinations with affordable on-the-ground offerings..

In the shadows of popular bucket list destinations like Paris, Tuscany and Santorini are some lesser-known places that make family travel on a budget easy—and are equally dream-worthy.

Freshen up your travel wish list with my eight top picks for off-the-beaten-path family-friendly countries, regions, and islands you might never have heard of (or considered), that will keep your wallet happy and might even leave you with a little room to splurge.

1. Cappadocia

Turkiye (formerly spelled Turkey) is far from a “secret” travel destination, thanks to its ancient history, eclectic culture and geographical location covering both Europe and Asia. Regions like Cappadocia, however, remain little known to many Americans — and yet it is arguably one of the most magical and unique family vacation destinations in the world.

Search for photos of Cappadocia, and you’ll be immediately awestruck by its otherworldly landscape and sky dotted with colorful hot air balloons. Hot air balloon rides, a staple Cappadocia activity, offer the best views of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Round out the experience by staying in one of the region’s famed cave hotels.

AEGEAN DREAM: Three perfect days in Alacati, Turkiye’s Aegean Coast gem

Since Cappadocia is more off the beaten path, I recommend working with a local operator such as Ada Vegas Travel , whose services include tours, vacation packages, hotel reservations and transfers in Cappadocia and throughout Turkey. They offer a great value for your money in a country that is already relatively affordable to visit.

2. Sao Miguel Island

Some say the places that are hardest to reach offer the greatest rewards. That’s partly true for Sao Miguel Island, a slice of volcanic paradise in Portugal’s small Azores archipelago. It’s actually more accessible—and affordable—than a lot of families might presume. Frequent flight deals to Lisbon coupled with cheap domestic flights to the island’s capital city of Ponta Delgada make this one of the most value-packed routes out there. 

Your rewards are “Jurassic Park” landscapes like Sete Cidades; geological marvels such as that of Furnas; whimsical architecture, including the island’s famous “Upside Down House” kids will love; hot springs and natural pools; and more. The roads that connect them all are sites within themselves, lined with hydrangeas and shade trees and enveloped by bucolic hills.

AFFORDABLE EUROPE: Portugal, a European destination for the whole family

It takes only a couple hours (give or take) to circumnavigate Sao Miguel without stopping, but you’ll want to give yourselves at least five days to experience the island in all its glory. Affordable accommodations and other travel costs can make this easy to accomplish.

3. Kyrgyzstan

Most are familiar with the Silk Road, but one of the ancient trade route’s key countries in western Asia is seemingly unknown to many U.S. travelers. Despite its mystique, Kyrgyzstan is among the best destinations for families seeking a unique family vacation where culture and nature comingle effortlessly.

Rife nomadic herding can make Kyrgyzstan feel like one big petting zoo, while jaw-dropping mountain landscapes abound. Horseback riding, hiking and whitewater rafting are among the adventurous activities available. Other family-friendly experiences include learning how to build a yurt and make traditional handicrafts, as well as spa treatments that utilize natural springs and materials believed to have healing powers.

A SLOWER PACE: 12 best scenic train rides in North America

The cost of travel in Kyrgyzstan is pretty cheap; getting there is the challenge. Airfare is generally on the high end, but flight deals do pop up from time to time, so we recommend waiting until you can snag one at a lower price.

4. Pantanal region of South America

Safari tours are unlike any other type of family vacation, bringing travelers closer than ever to wildlife while serving as an outdoor classroom for children to gain a deeper appreciation of the world around them. While safari tours (especially those in Africa) are known to be quite expensive, you can cut costs in South America’s Pantanal region.

In the shadows of the Amazon, the world’s largest freshwater wetlands area makes for some of the best wildlife spotting, where jaguars, maned wolves, South American tapirs, giant anteaters and more call home. Most safari tour operators are based out of Brazil, and several of them cater to families with the perfect balance of fun, educational opportunities, adventure and down time in their programming.

Families can choose from land or boat tours, and many include complementary activities such as a visit to the famous Iguazu Falls, piranha fishing, horseback riding and a day trip to Brazil’s cosmopolitan city of Sao Paulo.

Picture Southeast Asia, but without the hustle and bustle of more populated destinations like Thailand or Vietnam. Laos is one of the region’s slowest paced countries, and it’s not as congested as many of its neighbors, so families can more freely soak up its unspoiled scenery, historic landmarks and vibrant culture.

Getting around Laos is incredibly affordable; even with flights, it’s still possible to stay within a budget. The value for your money in the form of experiences is unbeatable, too.

Families can revel in natural attractions such as some of the country’s many breathtaking waterfalls, caves and caverns. Must-see spiritual sites include the Pha That Luang and Vat Phou temples, Buddha Park and Luang Prabang during the alms-giving ceremony (recommended only for older kids who are able to respect this sacred ceremony).

If you’re dreaming of a luxury hotel stay with your family, affordable vacations are not out of your realm in Tunisia. This melting pot of culture nestled on Africa’s northern coast offers a chance to truly pamper yourselves at a fraction of what you typically see in the U.S. and other tourist hot spots.

That includes big-name hotels like The Four Seasons, which is an excellent option for families with littles thanks to its extensive kids’ programming. If you’d rather be in the heart of all the action, consider a traditional bed and breakfast in the capital city of Tunis or a boutique hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in the nearby, postcard-picture towns of Sidi Bou Said or La Marsa.

Wandering the medina, visiting a traditional Berber village, walking through the ancient archeological site of Carthage and splashing around the Carthage Land water park are just a few of the many things to do in Tunisia for families who want to stay close to the city. Those willing to venture further should consider a desert tour (some of which include overnight campouts), as well as a “Star Wars” filming location excursion.  

7. Dominica

Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, this small island tucked away in the Lesser Antilles is a melding of pristine beaches and rugged, mountainous terrain—with far from your typical Caribbean feel.

You won’t see any Senor Frogs-type chains, sprawling resorts or beaches packed liked sardines. Instead, family-run restaurants, cafes and guest houses serve up genuinely laidback vibes paired with Dominica’s best Creole cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Families who immerse themselves in its natural beauty also will quickly see why the island was used as one of the filming locations for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.

While Dominica is small and easy for families to wander on their own, some might find it worth linking up with a tour guide—at least for one day. Only the locals can lead you down “secret” hiking trails to Narnia-like swimming holes, or the best waterfalls for rappelling. Traveling around Dominica is cheap, and you can often snag low-cost flights from major airports along the U.S. east coast.

Yes, Albania is the country whose mafia is portrayed in the movie “Taken.” Though not based on any specific true events, the thriller and its notorious characters like Marko from Tropoja still gave the country a bad rap, especially since many Americans hadn’t heard of it until then.

This Blockbuster “blunder” was enough to propel Albania’s tourism board to release a hilarious spinoff campaign entitled “Taken by Albania,” which even includes a cameo by the actor who played Marko.

Families certainly will be taken by Albania’s world-renowned beaches, charming towns and dramatic landscapes such as those found in the Osumi canyon and throughout Theth National Park. Greater affordability and fewer crowds compared to neighboring countries like Greece and Croatia also make this hidden Mediterranean gem a desirable destination for family travel on a budget.

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What Is Oropouche Virus? CDC Warns of Cases Linked to South America Travel

Key Takeaways

An insect-borne Oropouche virus outbreak in South America and the Caribbean has been linked to birth defects and deaths

Two deaths and five cases of fetal death or birth defects have occurred in Brazil

Eleven U.S. travelers have returned home with Oropouche, but there’s no evidence the virus is circulating in America

TUESDAY, Aug. 20, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- An insect-borne virus that can cause birth defects and deaths has prompted warnings from the United States for travelers headed to locales in South America and the Caribbean.

Oropouche virus has caused two deaths and five cases of fetal death or birth defects among more than 8,000 cases this year, in an outbreak stretching from the Amazon basin to Cuba, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a recent health advisory .

The CDC is warning pregnant women to reconsider travel to any countries in which Oropouche is circulating.

“If travel is unavoidable, pregnant travelers should strictly follow Oropouche virus prevention recommendations, to prevent insect bites during travel,” the CDC said.

The U.S. has had 11 travel-related cases of Oropouche this year, the CDC said. However, there’s no evidence the virus has started to circulate in North America.

Oropouche is spread by biting midges and some mosquitos, the CDC says.

About 60% of people infected with Oropouche develop symptoms, the CDC says. Common symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle aches, chills and joint pain.

The illness typically subsides after a few days, but about 7 in 10 people experience recurrent symptoms days or weeks after their initial infection, the CDC says -- essentially, long Oropouche.

Fewer than 5% of patients infected with Oropouche will develop more serious conditions like meningitis or bleeding.

Brazil also has reported five cases in which infected pregnant women lost their babies or had children born with birth defects. The defects included microcephaly, in which a baby is born with a small, underdeveloped head.

There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent or treat Oropouche, the CDC says. Avoiding bug bites is the best way to protect against infection.

Countries reporting cases of Oropouche include Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba, the CDC said. U.S. and European cases of Oropouche occurred in travelers returning from Cuba and Brazil.

Oropouche was first detected in 1955 in Trinidad and Tobago, and is endemic in the Amazon basin, the CDC said. Previous outbreaks have occurred in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama and Peru.

The CDC is recommending that travelers to nations affected by Oropouche avoid biting midges and mosquitos both during travel and up to three weeks after returning home, to prevent the spread of the virus into the United States.

“All travelers can protect themselves from Oropouche, dengue, Zika and other viruses transmitted by insects by preventing insect bites, including using an Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]-registered insect repellent; wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants; and staying in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens,” the CDC said in its advisory.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about Oropouche virus .

SOURCE: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, news release, Aug. 16, 2024

What This Means For You

Pregnant women should reconsider travel to South American nations with Oropouche virus, and all travelers should be on the lookout for symptoms and protect themselves from insect bites.

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