Central America is a lot greater than “that skinny bit” connecting two nice continents – this isthmus (sure, there’s a phrase for that) packs a mighty punch by itself.
With seven nations underneath its slender belt, it’s a shocking kaleidoscope of jungles, volcanoes, temples, seashores, scrumptious meals and extra spider monkeys than you’ll be able to shake a stick at – and with a gentle stream of fellow backpackers heading north to south or vice versa, it’s a tremendous place to journey solo.
Whereas I usually backpack alone, after a well being scare, I opted to leap on a 47-day Intrepid journey referred to as Central American Explorer – and made a great deal of buddies I’m nonetheless in contact with! However whether or not you’re going it alone or flying solo on a bunch journey, listed here are my high picks in Central America for solo travellers.
Belize
Picture captured by Nathan Landers
You higher Belize it. Belize is the one English-speaking nation in Central America, and with the pleasant locals, relaxed vibe and ease of communication, it’s a breeze for solo journey. First up: off the coast is a tiny island paradise, Caye Caulker. The motto right here is “Go sluggish” – it’s a car-free place the place the roads are sandy, palm timber sway, rum punch flows and life strikes at a chilled-out tempo.
VISIT CAYE CAULKER ON THIS 8-DAY EXPLORATION OF BELIZE
Belize is residence to the second-largest barrier reef on this planet, so a good way to spend a day is to get out on the water. Head out on a catamaran journey to satisfy new buddies, take in the solar and reggae tunes, and cease at snorkel spots teeming with vibrant fish and docile nurse sharks. Should you’re fortunate, you could even spot a manatee – I had one mild big whoosh by proper under me within the open ocean.
Picture captured by Vanessa Stofer
From afternoon onwards, the Cut up is the social place to be. Again in 1961, Hurricane Hattie ripped Caye Caulker in two – and now, the Cut up is the place locals and guests hang around, go for a dip and seize a drink from the seashore bars. For dinner, gobble up shrimp off the grill or deal with your self to lobster for less expensive than at residence. And wash all of it down with rum punch, in fact.
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Again on the mainland, San Ignacio is a base for out of doors adventures. Spelunking, anybody? For a difficult Indiana Jones expertise, be a part of a guided tour to the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal). You’ll hike, swim, discover limitless chambers and marvel at archaeological wonders like historic Mayan pottery and glowing calcified skeletons. Or, for one thing lazier, go for a cave tubing expedition – simply don a fashion-forward headlamp, float and revel in.
Guatemala
Picture captured by Nathan Landers
Guatemala is without doubt one of the hottest nations within the area for backpackers, so it’s nice to go to solo. There’s good journey infrastructure and loads of fellow travellers, so if you happen to’re seeking to make buddies, you received’t be alone for lengthy!
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF GUATEMALA ON THIS 9-DAY ADVENTURE
In northern Guatemala, don’t miss Tikal, a heavy-hitter on any traveller’s checklist. This historic, mysterious Mayan kingdom, well-known for its photogenic pyramid, begs to be explored on foot. Wander via the ruined advanced with spider and howler monkeys swinging overhead. Not distant is Flores, a fairly island city with vibrant buildings, crimson corrugated roofs and flowers spilling down the slopes.
Picture captured by Damien Raggatt
Antigua, stuffed with pastel colonial buildings and watched over by looming, cloud-ringed volcanic peaks, is a strong base to your explorations. From the town, you’ll be able to trek a close-by volcano, go to native espresso plantations or keep on the town to browse the markets, attempt conventional Mayan ingesting chocolate at ChocoMuseo and dance the night time away at a salsa bar.
RELATED: 5 REASONS ANTIGUA IS A HIGHLIGHT OF ANY TRIP TO GUATEMALA
Chichicastenango is one among Central America’s largest open-air markets, exploding right into a riot of exercise Thursday and Sunday. Convey your finest haggling expertise or simply benefit from the environment! Not far south is crystal-blue Lake Atitlan, a crater lake within the highlands ringed by volcanoes. Greater than a dozen villages encompass it, every with their very own distinct flavour. San Pedro is a hub for backpackers, whereas San Marcos is called a hippie hangout.
El Salvador
Picture captured by Vanessa Stofer
Tiny El Salvador is the smallest nation in Central America, nevertheless it has an enormous coronary heart – and it would simply steal yours. Whereas it generally will get a foul rap within the media, El Salvador is basically secure for travellers and effectively price a go to. After all, you must all the time observe regular journey security floor guidelines, however the locals listed here are extremely welcoming, costs are low cost and the water’s heat – surf’s up!
DISCOVER THE REAL EL SALVADOR ON THIS 8-DAY EXPLORATION
Fairly actually – surfers (and backpackers) from everywhere in the world flock to El Salvador’s Pacific coast for among the finest waves anyplace. For a seashore break, don’t miss El Cuco or El Tunco. Seize an affordable morning surf lesson to catch your very first wave with different newbies, or you’ll be able to lounge in a hammock, learn a ebook or lounge on the seashore to observe the professionals.
Picture captured by Vanessa Stofer
The quaint colonial city of Suchitoto, the cultural capital of El Salvador, is a magnificence. From right here, you’ll be able to go to Cerron Grande Reservoir to see tons of migrating birds, take a guided stroll via Cinquera Forest (the place guerrilla fighters hid in the course of the civil warfare) or catch a experience to Los Tercios waterfall, a cool rock formation of hexagonal columns like a mini Large’s Causeway.
RELATED: HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT DAY IN SUCHITOTO
And don’t go away the nation with out feasting on papusas – cornmeal flatbreads filled with cheese, refried beans or fried pork. One for a snack, two if you happen to’re hungry and, effectively, three or 4 if you happen to’re me. Yum!
There’s a lot to see in Central America, we couldn’t presumably cowl all of it! However hopefully, this provides you a taster of this various continent – and lights the embers of inspiration to your subsequent solo journey.
Able to tackle Central America solo? Intrepid Journey has 75 sustainable small group adventures so that you can select from.