If you love adventure, Central America is the destination for you. From trekking through the jungle to climbing a volcano, you'll find it here. In addition there are mysterious Mayan ruins to explore. Best of all, it's cheap. By following a few tips, you can have one of the best backpacking trips of your life in this region.
Many backpackers refuse to book their accommodation ahead of time. However, you may want to have book ahead for your first night in the region so that you don't have to walk around looking for a place to sleep in a strange place when you're tired after a long journey. Most of the time you'll find room in a hostel of a budget hotel without too much trouble but especially the time around Easter can be very busy and pre-booking is a good idea.
Talk to other travelers. Many backpackers only go to the destinations and hostels recommended by their guide books. However, other travelers are great sources of information about experiences that aren't on the gringo trail.
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.
Be sensible and safe but don't be too afraid. Countries like Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala have some of the highest murder rates in the world. Don't let this prevent you from visiting them, though. The violence is usually restricted to areas with lots of gang activity and if you take the same precautions as you would at home, you don't have too much to worry about. Keep an eye on your possessions, don't flash your relative wealth and don't walk alone in deserted areas and you'll be quite safe. Also listen to what the locals say. If they tell you to avoid a certain area, it's probably because you really should avoid that area.
You may find that illegal drugs are very easy to find throughout the region. Remember though that the drug trade is responsible for most of the crime and gang violence. A responsible traveler wouldn't encourage the trade by buying drugs, no matter how tempting. Be respectful towards the local communities too. For instance, most people in the region dress conservatively and modestly and so should you as a guest in their country.
Central America abounds with opportunities for volunteering. This is one of the most enriching things you can do, not only for the community that benefits but also for yourself. Take the time, even if it's only a week, to get involved and to give back to the region.
Learn at least some Spanish. You'll find English speakers in the most surprising places but with the exception of Belize and all along the Caribbean coast, most people in Central America speak Spanish. Learn at least the basics to make your travel experience easier and to show respect towards the region's people. In fact, you may want to consider going to a local Spanish school for a week or two to help you prepare for one of the best backpacking trips of your life.
Many backpackers refuse to book their accommodation ahead of time. However, you may want to have book ahead for your first night in the region so that you don't have to walk around looking for a place to sleep in a strange place when you're tired after a long journey. Most of the time you'll find room in a hostel of a budget hotel without too much trouble but especially the time around Easter can be very busy and pre-booking is a good idea.
Talk to other travelers. Many backpackers only go to the destinations and hostels recommended by their guide books. However, other travelers are great sources of information about experiences that aren't on the gringo trail.
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.
Be sensible and safe but don't be too afraid. Countries like Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala have some of the highest murder rates in the world. Don't let this prevent you from visiting them, though. The violence is usually restricted to areas with lots of gang activity and if you take the same precautions as you would at home, you don't have too much to worry about. Keep an eye on your possessions, don't flash your relative wealth and don't walk alone in deserted areas and you'll be quite safe. Also listen to what the locals say. If they tell you to avoid a certain area, it's probably because you really should avoid that area.
You may find that illegal drugs are very easy to find throughout the region. Remember though that the drug trade is responsible for most of the crime and gang violence. A responsible traveler wouldn't encourage the trade by buying drugs, no matter how tempting. Be respectful towards the local communities too. For instance, most people in the region dress conservatively and modestly and so should you as a guest in their country.
Central America abounds with opportunities for volunteering. This is one of the most enriching things you can do, not only for the community that benefits but also for yourself. Take the time, even if it's only a week, to get involved and to give back to the region.
Learn at least some Spanish. You'll find English speakers in the most surprising places but with the exception of Belize and all along the Caribbean coast, most people in Central America speak Spanish. Learn at least the basics to make your travel experience easier and to show respect towards the region's people. In fact, you may want to consider going to a local Spanish school for a week or two to help you prepare for one of the best backpacking trips of your life.
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