Central America is a backpacker's paradise. The region not only offers everything from Mayan ruins to stunning beaches, volcanoes and jungle adventures but it's also very cheap to travel here. The following are some ideas that will help you have the best backpacking trips in the region.
While booking your accommodation ahead can restrict you, there are times when it's better to know that there's a room waiting for you at your destination. Usually it's quite easy to find cheap accommodation, especially during the rainy season. However, you may want to book ahead for that first night after a long flight or bus trip. It's also wise to book ahead for Holy Week, especially in places that are famous for their celebrations, such as Antigua in Guatemala.
Use your guide book for the maps and bus times but don't make it your bible. There are many places and experiences to be had that aren't mentioned in the guide books. To find out about them, talk to other travelers along the way and veer off the gringo trail every now and then.
The quintessential Central American travel experience is the 'chicken bus'. These buses are cheap and often safer than shuttles that scream 'tourists with money and iPods'. For longer journeys, however, they can be very uncomfortable and you may prefer a tourist shuttle or a first-class bus.
Many people will tell you that Central America is extremely dangerous. While it's true that there is a high crime rate and gang violence, it's not quite as lawless as you may think. Most people are very helpful and protective towards tourists and if you're sensible, you'll be perfectly safe. Leave the flashy jewelry at home, keep valuables out of sight and don't leave your possessions unattended. If the locals tell you not to go into a certain area, listen to them.
Be responsible and respectful. This not only means that you should be environmentally and socially responsible. It also means that you should stay away from drugs. Drugs are very easy to find throughout the region but when you support the drug trade, you also support and perpetuate the gang violence and corruption that come with it. It's also good to remember that most Central American communities are quite conservative and you will show respect by dressing modestly.
Enrich your travel experience by making some time for volunteering. It's a great way to mix with the local people and to give back to the world. The region has many opportunities for volunteering, from working with orphans to conservation projects such as working with sea turtles in Costa Rica.
Except for Belize and the Caribbean communities, most people in Central America speak Spanish. You'll get by much more easily if you know at least basic Spanish. A great way to learn is to start your trip with a week or two of Spanish school, which is very affordable here, especially in Guatemala. In this way you also get to experience the local culture and have one of the best backpacking trips imaginable.
While booking your accommodation ahead can restrict you, there are times when it's better to know that there's a room waiting for you at your destination. Usually it's quite easy to find cheap accommodation, especially during the rainy season. However, you may want to book ahead for that first night after a long flight or bus trip. It's also wise to book ahead for Holy Week, especially in places that are famous for their celebrations, such as Antigua in Guatemala.
Use your guide book for the maps and bus times but don't make it your bible. There are many places and experiences to be had that aren't mentioned in the guide books. To find out about them, talk to other travelers along the way and veer off the gringo trail every now and then.
The quintessential Central American travel experience is the 'chicken bus'. These buses are cheap and often safer than shuttles that scream 'tourists with money and iPods'. For longer journeys, however, they can be very uncomfortable and you may prefer a tourist shuttle or a first-class bus.
Many people will tell you that Central America is extremely dangerous. While it's true that there is a high crime rate and gang violence, it's not quite as lawless as you may think. Most people are very helpful and protective towards tourists and if you're sensible, you'll be perfectly safe. Leave the flashy jewelry at home, keep valuables out of sight and don't leave your possessions unattended. If the locals tell you not to go into a certain area, listen to them.
Be responsible and respectful. This not only means that you should be environmentally and socially responsible. It also means that you should stay away from drugs. Drugs are very easy to find throughout the region but when you support the drug trade, you also support and perpetuate the gang violence and corruption that come with it. It's also good to remember that most Central American communities are quite conservative and you will show respect by dressing modestly.
Enrich your travel experience by making some time for volunteering. It's a great way to mix with the local people and to give back to the world. The region has many opportunities for volunteering, from working with orphans to conservation projects such as working with sea turtles in Costa Rica.
Except for Belize and the Caribbean communities, most people in Central America speak Spanish. You'll get by much more easily if you know at least basic Spanish. A great way to learn is to start your trip with a week or two of Spanish school, which is very affordable here, especially in Guatemala. In this way you also get to experience the local culture and have one of the best backpacking trips imaginable.
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