A backpacking paradise
Central America, the connection between the North and the South that is home to some extraordinary places and experiences. A growing backpacking area thanks to its wonders of the Mayan history, colonial towns, tropical rainforest and beautiful beaches. The perfect place for an adventure!
This travel guide to Central America will give you all the tips you need to plan a safe trip and save money while backpacking this beautiful region of the world.
What is the Gringo Trail?
Anyone who ventures into the world of Latin America is bound to hear about the so called “Gringo Trail“. Based on the word commonly used for foreigners in the region, it describes the most popular route for backpackers travelling through Central- and South America. If you are ever lost or don’t know where to go, following this trail will ensure you hit the most important places and landmarks. With plenty of cheap accommodation and fellow backpackers to meet, it is a guaranteed backpacking success. For a more in depth look, click here.
The trail mostly follows the main road through Central America, and contrary to its big brother in the South, it is very easy to hit several countries in a short period of time. This makes it ideal for those with less time as well, which leads us to…
How much time do you need?
The ideal amount of time to travel through Central America is about 2 months. The absolute minimum I would say for backpacking this region, is 1.5 months to ensure you don’t rush through or have to skip certain parts. If you add Mexico (which technically is part of North America), you’ll be better off adding at least another month.
Most backpackers start this route in Mexico going down to Panama, but you can absolutely go the other way as well. One thing you will get quite familiar with travelling in Central America is meeting up with people who are going in the opposite direction. This can be one of the sad parts of travelling for anyone who loves socialising and making friends.
Routes
Depending on how much time you have there are plenty of possibilities for everyone. Short on time? We’ve all been there, and sometimes it’s just not possible to go away for a full three months. In that case you can easily divide the famous Gringo Trail into smaller pieces that meets your needs.
Only have a few weeks? Combine the southern part of Mexico with Guatemala for a deep dive into Mayan history and culture. There will be plenty of beaches and blue water to add into the mix as well, as well as incredible street food!
Another option is combining Nicaragua (a backpackers dream) with Costa Rica for a couple of week of surfing and some volcanos if you’re active. The options are endless, and combining pieces of the Gringo Trail and adjusting it to your needs is the perfect way of optimise your travel.
Top Activities
Central America might look small, but it is absolutely jam-packed with things to see and has something for anyone. If you are a beach bum, history nerd, surfer dude or hiking addict, this is a backpacking paradise!
Mayan Ruins
Central America is the place to deep dive into the Mayan history with many important Mayan ruins along the way. The biggest one is Tikal found in the jungle in northern Guatemala. It is massive and a must see travelling through Central America. A personal favourite of mine is Palenque in Mexico, that can easily be combined with some stunning waterfalls nearby. As far east as the Mayan empire went, you’ll find Copan in Honduras which are much smaller ruins, but also with a lot less tourists.
If you want to see one of the seven wonders of the world, head to Chitzen Itzá on the Yucatan Peninsula. Accessible from famous spots like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun, it’s an impressive site, but do prepare for busloads of tourists making it feel more like an amusement park than some of the other ruins.
Volcanos
Volcanos are plentiful in Central America. One that I think everyone HAS to do is Acatenango. An overnight hike up to basecamp with a view of Volcan Fuego, an active volcano that spits lava out daily, is a guaranteed experience you’ll never forget so bring your camera!
In Central America you will find volcanos everywhere, and lots of opportunity to climb one. This gives you freedom when planning, and makes it easier squeezing one in your already packed itinerary. In Leon, Nicaragua for example, you find the famous volcano boarding that lets you slide down Cerro Negro! It’s a fairly easy hike up (about an hour), although you have to carry your own board up. Then prepare to slide down for about 40-50 seconds in whatever speed your hearts desire. I highly recommend giving it a go!
Rainforests
Rainforests are found mostly in Costa Rica, and visiting Monteverde and La Fortuna is an absolute must in my opinion. Beautiful hikes that leads to serene waterfalls or more volcano climbing (I told you!). Here you will also find the instagram friendly hanging bridges of Costa Rica.
Monteverde is a so called cloud forest and has loads of animals you can see during the day but also at night. For those wanting more adrenaline, Monteverde is also famous for its zip-line parks. A super fun activity that’s fairly cheap for Costa Rican standards.
Islands
For more laidback time with crystal clear water and rum-spiked punch there are several islands along the Gringo Trail to visit. I highly recommend spending some time on Caye Caulker in Belize. A place where time (and cars) don’t exist and life goes by their slogan “go slow”. Yes, unlike its neighbours they speak English! Also if you make it down to Panama you can’t miss out on Bocas del Toro, especially if you like to party. Their pub crawl (on different islands) called Filthy Friday is legendary!
San Blas islands are also a must visit. More than 365 islands protected by the indigenous people called Guna, is as close to paradise as you can get. Go island hopping visiting inhabited islands, snorkelling and eating seafood fresh from the locals. This is also ideal for anyone wanting to continue to Colombia afterwards as sailboats take you to the islands before sailing to Cartagena, Colombia. A once in a lifetime opportunity!
Beaches
Central America also is packed with beaches, and especially for those surfing. Either as a professional or if you are dying to learn, small towns on the pacific side offer a surfers paradise. Mexico has Puerto Escondido, El Salvador has El Tunco, Costa Rica has Tamarindo and in Panama you have Santa Catalina to name a few. These are all small and charming surf towns with a lot of backpackers and digital nomads living life by the ocean. That means whether you surf or not, you’ll find a good time!
Accommodation
Accommodation is fairly cheap in Central America. For a bed in a dorm it will mostly range between $10-$15. This gives you a bed in a decent hostel, although it is definitely possible to find even cheaper. From my own experience a cheap hostel in Central America is more than enough for the regular backpacker. It won’t be luxurious but good quality.
No matter where you go along the Gringo Trail there will be lots of opportunities for party. Each town will have a party hostel which often serves as a go to place for backpackers staying in other hostels as well. I found most hostels very social in Central America and a great place to meet other solo travellers. You will often find very good deals on transportation and tours through your hostels in Central America, but always do your research.
Transportation
Transportation in Central America differ from country to country. For example in Mexico, it’s super affordable and safe to travel between cities with buses. ADO is the most famous company and their buses are super comfortable even for long rides. However after Mexico travelling can get a little more complicated and uncomfortable..
Buses
Chicken Buses as they are called, are old American school buses that have been given a new life as local transportation in Central America. These are slower options and mostly full of local people, but it will get you where you are going super cheap! It is also a great way to talk to locals, and see how life really is in the countries you visit.
Though you might need to catch several to get to where you are going, which means it usually takes you longer than a shuttle. Be careful with the price though. It is fairly common for them to try and make foreigners pay more. Good idea to ask your hostels before heading to a new place, or ask the guy behind you in line as you get on the bus. That way you won’t overpay, at least not by too much!
Shuttles
With the increase of backpackers over the years, a very popular transportation option is shuttle buses. Most hostels on the Gringo Trail offer a shuttle option to the next place on the trail, and it usually includes pick up and drop off at your hostel. This option is usually quite a bit more expensive than the chicken buses, but a super common, safe and comfortable way of getting to your next destination. I’ve even booked these and ended up alone or just sharing with a couple of more people, making it almost luxury travel for a backpacker!
Flying
Flying is another option if you can afford it. However for most backpackers this is way too expensive and not really worth it. Keep in mind that the distances in Central America rarely are that long, and a shuttle would be a much better option.
Is Central America cheap?
A budget for Central America can be a little tricky. That is because it various a lot. Common for all of them is that in the most popular places, the price will be higher than normal. In general, Costa Rica, Panama and Belize are the most expensive countries here. Nicaragua is by far the cheapest country for me, although El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala are all fairly cheap. Mexico I would put somewhere in the middle. Again it all depends on your preferences. Personally, I like a nice social hostel, but don’t need it to be fancy. I eat cheap local food and don’t mind long bus rides.
So how much do you need? For an average backpacker about $50 a day should be enough. If you’re a more frugal backpacker, less is definitely possible. You might spend more in Belize and Costa Rica, but you’ll spend a lot less in Nicaragua. For more details, check out our travel guides for each country and make sure you really know yourself and what’s important to you. Some like more comfort in the places they sleep, others in transportation.
When to go
The best time to visit the region is during the dry season which runs from November to around May. This will ensure a better trip and without the rain ruining all the amazing activities you have planned. That being said, I myself have travelled through the region in May and June (beginning of rainy season) and experienced mostly sunny days.
During the dry season, expect prices to be higher and more people everywhere. It is the best time for solo travellers to meet others and for parties. If you prefer having less people around as you go see the pyramids, walk the streets and hang at the beach, aim for the shoulder seasons right before or after the dry season.
Is Central America safe?
In regard to safety I would say it feels rather safe. That being said, it is always important to be cautious. If you follow the Gringo Trail you’ll visit mostly tourist towns that are packed with backpackers and where the local community is doing its best to not let anything happen to visitors. Also the most dangerous places in each country are the capitals (excluding Mexico and Panama), which luckily enough is not where the magic of Central America lies.
It is vital that you have travel insurance in case of any misfortune on the road. In addition I have a small list of tips to make sure you stay safe:
Safety Tips:
- Always have some cash at hand in case someone wants to rob you. Better to hand over a few notes than to be caught with nothing or lose your credit card.
- In large crowds be careful with your belongings. Things in your pocket can easily be taken, but also smaller backpacks, bum bags etc. Make sure you secure them to avoid pickpockets in these situations.
- Do not wander around alone at night in places you are not familiar with. If you have to, stick to well lit streets as much as possible. Preferable where there are more people. If you need to use your phone for maps, do it discreetly and never wave your phone or wealth around.
- Don’t wear flashy things and leave your expensive jewellery at home.
- Bring a padlock and use the lockers in hostels for all your valuables.
- Be careful with how much you drink, accepting drinks from others or the use of drugs. There are many stories out there, so try not to overdo anything unless you have people with you to take care of you.
By taking some precautions you will be fine in Central America, and come back with wonderful memories of this beautiful region.
Resources
So, are you ready for an adventure to Central America? Here are some of the resources I personally use when I travel. Great value and support, in addition to the best deals out there!
BOOKING – The best place to book accommodation. In my experience the site with the best prices, deals and selection. Perfect for a budget traveller.
HOSTELWORLD – The best place to find hostels, and also has group chats for all your bookings and places you’re going to make it easier to meet people. Perfect for solo travellers!
SKYSCANNER – When I need to find the cheapest days and ways to fly somewhere, Skyscanner is always the first place I go.
GET YOUR GUIDE – A massive marketplace for inspiration and booking of tours and activities for each place you visit.
AIRALO – What I use to stay connected on the road. A slightly more expensive option than buying local sim cards, but nothing beats having e-sim installed and ready to go as soon as you cross the border.
Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn commission from products or services I recommend. For more, see disclosure.
