A Complete Backpacker's Guide to Central America.

A Complete Backpacker's Guide to Central America.

Sarah Elizabeth
My guide to backpacking Central America is finally here! This guide is based on hundreds of hours of research, my own 4 month long trip, and some extras that I wasn't able to get to but would still highly recommend based on reviews from trusted friends! This guide serves as an essential list of the best attractions in each country and what not to miss! The route in the guide is laid out North to South, starting in Belize and ending in Panama, but it can also be used in reverse. The guide includes information for how to get between locations; however not in great detail as the schedules and prices change frequently and let's be honest, the busses are never on time in Central America! The best way to get between places depends on your timeline and budget of your trip: if you have months to explore, take the local "chicken busses" for a more affordable and immersive experience; if you only have weeks, take the more direct shuttles; and if you're tight on time, take the more direct and upscale coaches. Whichever option you choose, the locals are always willing to help with chicken busses, and shuttle busses and coaches are very easy to book throughout Central America at your hostel, any tour operator, or online. Where possible, I included accommodation recommendations for places that I personally stayed at and can vouch for, or know someone who did. In addition, there are links for booking hostels in each region! I hope this guide provides some help and inspiration to backpack Central America, it's one of my absolute favourite places on Earth! Need a custom trip planned for Central America? Reach out, I can help you!
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Belize

Belize is a small country located in Central America, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. With its Caribbean coastline, Belize offers pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant coral reef system, making it a paradise for snorkelling and diving.

The country is also home to lush jungles, ancient Maya ruins like Caracol and Xunantunich, and diverse wildlife, including jaguars and howler monkeys. Belize's unique blend of Caribbean and Central American influences can be seen in its food, music, and festivals.

To get around, you can take the local chicken busses or the more direct shuttles. The local busses take longer, but they offer a more immersive experience of what daily life is like in the region and you can often chat with locals and practice your Spanish.

Belize City

Belize City is a great place to fly into to kick off a trip to Central America. You can also easily get shuttles and coach busses here from over the border in Mexico. It isn't the cheapest place to stay so I would recommend trying to go straight to the ferry terminal to go to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker.  

Belize City
@sarahelizabeth
Belize City is a great place to fly into to kick off a trip to Central America. You can also easily get shuttles and coach busses here from over the border in Mexico. It isn't the cheapest place to stay so I would recommend trying to go straight to the ferry terminal to go to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Elizabeth
🍁Canadian 🪸PADI Divemaster 🥂Passionate about food and wine 📍Spain Some fun facts: I hold a bachelor of arts double major degree in cultural anthropology and environmental studies with a minor in Hispanic studies. I'm a certified PADI Divemaster and a certified archaeological field technician! Those interests have definitely shaped the way I travel!
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Digital Map
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137 places
137 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
44 links
44 links from the creator to go even deeper with more info
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatemala
Belize
Honduras
Central America
Nicaragua
Panama
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