Central America Travel

A Complete Travel Guide to Central America

In this Central America travel guide, you’ll find an overview of each country in Central America as well as tips about border crossings, travel between countries, and exchanging currency as you go. You can click the links to find out more about each country, or scroll down for more general information about travelling in Central America.

Sections in this Central America Travel Guide

📍 Countries in Central America
🌎 Borders & Border Crossings in Central America
💰 Money & Currency in Central America
🙋🏻‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions About Central America Travel

Lake Atitlan, a volcano and the reflection of it in the lake water
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala


📍 Countries in Central America

There are a total of seven countries in Central America: Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Whilst they are relatively small countries, there is a lot to see in each one, and each has its own unique culture, cuisine and so much more. Here’s a quick rundown of each country in Central America:

Belize

Belize is famous for its Caribbean beaches, coral reefs, and jungle adventures. The laid-back island of Caye Caulker provides perfect conditions for snorkeling and diving at the famous Blue Hole, while nearby San Pedro offers more amenities and beach activities for tourists. Along the mainland coast, Placencia gives you access to both reef and jungle adventures. San Ignacio serves as an adventure hub for cave exploration and Maya ruins, and the coastal town of Hopkins showcases rich Garifuna culture alongside beautiful beaches. the most impressive ancient Mayan ruins in Central America. The natural wonder of Semuc Champey showcases a natural limestone bridge with stunning turquoise pools, while the charming island town of Flores serves as an ideal gateway to explore Tikal and the surrounding region.

Guatemala

A lot of people start their Central American journey in Guatemala, and for good reason. The city of Antigua serves as a popular starting point, with beautiful colonial architecture and nearby volcanoes perfect for hiking adventures. I was actually surprised at how small it was, though, and how little there was to do. Many people are just passing through, so we didn’t have as many chances to meet people in hostels as we had hoped.

Lake Atitlán is quite a unique place, surrounded by small towns and villages that have only really become the subject of tourism interest over the last few years. Each one has developed a different kind of “vibe”. The main town is Panajachel (yep, it took us a few tries to learn how to say it), but you don’t have to stay there by any means. Panajachel is the easiest place to get to and from by land, but once you’re there you can get a boat to any of the other towns in 10 or 20 minutes for just a dollar or two.

In the northern jungle lies Tikal, which is one of the most impressive ancient Mayan ruins in Central America. The natural wonder of Semuc Champey showcases a limestone bridge with stunning turquoise pools, while the charming island town of Flores serves as an ideal gateway to explore Tikal and the surrounding region.

🇬🇹 Click here for my full travel guide to Guatemala!

El Salvador

El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, but don’t let that fool you – there’s plenty to see here. Over the past few years, El Salvador has become much safer for tourists thanks to some interesting policy changes, and the tourism infrastructure is developing quickly.

The surf town of El Tunco has gained quite a reputation for its black sand beaches and consistently good waves. If you’re into hiking and cooler temperatures, the Ruta de las Flores is a collection of beautiful mountain towns that are worth exploring. Santa Ana makes a great base for hiking the nearby volcano, while the UNESCO World Heritage site of Joya de Cerén (often called the “Pompeii of the Americas”) offers fascinating insights into pre-Hispanic life. The modern capital of San Salvador has some interesting museums and great food, but stick to the safer areas and ask your accommodation for advice.

Honduras

Most travelers visit Honduras for its beautiful Bay Islands. Roatán is the most popular, known for its incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities. The water is crystal clear, and the diving is some of the most affordable in the Caribbean. That being said, the mainland has some gems too – the Copán Ruins are some of the best-preserved Mayan archaeological sites in Central America, and they’re actually quite easy to reach if you’re coming from Guatemala.

If you’re looking for a more backpacker-friendly island experience, head to Utila. It’s become really popular with backpackers thanks to its affordable diving courses and laid-back atmosphere. La Ceiba serves as the gateway to Pico Bonito National Park, which offers some great hiking opportunities, while the colonial city of Comayagua preserves beautiful historic architecture.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua has had its ups and downs with tourism, but things have really improved in recent years. The colonial city of Granada sits right on Lake Nicaragua and makes a perfect base for exploring the region. The architecture is beautiful, and you can take day trips to nearby volcanoes and islands. León, another historic city, offers something unique – volcano boarding! Yes, you can actually slide down the side of a volcano on a wooden board.

San Juan del Sur has developed into quite the surf town, with a great beach scene and plenty of restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for something really special, take a boat to Ometepe – it’s an island formed by two volcanoes rising out of Lake Nicaragua. For a complete escape, head to Little Corn Island in the Caribbean. There are no cars here, just beautiful beaches and a really chilled atmosphere.

🇬🇹 Click here for my full travel guide to Nicaragua!

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is probably the most tourist-friendly country in Central America, with well-developed infrastructure and lots of English speakers. Manuel Antonio National Park combines gorgeous beaches with abundant wildlife – you’ll likely see monkeys and sloths just hanging out in the town! La Fortuna is where you’ll want to go for the Arenal Volcano and its surrounding hot springs. I’d really recommend spending at least one night here because the hot springs are magical after dark.

Monteverde’s cloud forest is a must-visit for nature lovers, offering canopy walkways and plenty of opportunities to spot unique wildlife. Tamarindo on the Pacific coast has become really popular with surfers and beach lovers, while Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side offers a completely different vibe with its Afro-Caribbean culture and beautiful beaches.

🇬🇹 Click here for my full travel guide to Costa Rica!

Panama

Panama might surprise you – it’s got this perfect mix of modern city life and tropical paradise. Panama City itself is impressive, with its modern skyline right next to the historic Casco Viejo district. The city is actually really walkable, and there are some great rooftop bars where you can watch the sunset over the Panama Canal.

🇬🇹 Click here for my full travel guide to Panama!

Acatenango Volcano erupting at sunset in Guatemala, Central America


🌎 Borders & Border Crossings in Central America

General Border Crossing Tips

Crossing borders in Central America sometimes requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Always ensure you receive both exit and entry stamps in your passport, as missing stamps can cause serious problems later in your journey. It’s essential to carry small bills in both USD and local currency, as you’ll often encounter various fees and expenses at border crossings, and sometimes they want to be paid in the local currency, sometimes they want to be paid in USD. Before travelling, make copies of all your important documents and store them separately from the originals – this can be a lifesaver if anything gets lost or stolen. Sometimes you will also need to provide copies of documents at the border!

Whenever possible, plan to arrive at border crossings early in the day when staff are fresh and queues are shorter. Be cautious with unofficial “helpers” at borders, as many may attempt to overcharge for services or facilitate illegal crossings.

Never ever ever attempt to cross borders with drugs or other illegal items – some travellers have gone to prison for a long time for trying to enter a country with even a small amount of party drugs.

Remember that border crossing requirements can change frequently in Central America. Always check official government websites and recent traveler reports before attempting any crossing. This preparation will help ensure a smoother border crossing experience and help you avoid any unexpected complications.

Mexico-Guatemala Border

The Mexico-Guatemala border is one of the busiest in Central America, with Tapachula being the most frequently used crossing point. Additional crossings exist at El Ceibo and La Mesilla. Due to current immigration policies, it’s generally easier to cross from Mexico into Guatemala than vice versa. For the smoothest experience, consider booking transfers through reliable companies or your accommodation. All crossings involve thorough baggage checks, so ensure all your documentation is in order before attempting to cross.

Guatemala-Belize Border

The only land border crossing between Guatemala and Belize is between Benque Viejo del Carmen (Belize) and Melchor de Mencos (Guatemala). This crossing is notably informal compared to others in the region – sometimes you’ll need to actively seek out immigration officials to get your passport stamped. Missing stamps at this border can cause serious problems later in your journey, so take extra care to ensure all documentation is properly processed.

Guatemala-El Salvador Border

The border crossings between Guatemala and El Salvador, including La Hachadura, San Cristobal, and Las Chinamas, are generally well-organized and efficient. Many travelers pass through these borders as part of longer bus routes between countries. While the border staff are usually efficient, you should still expect standard documentation checks and potential baggage searches.

🌎 Read more about this border crossing in this article about bussing from Guatemala to Nicaragua!

Guatemala-Honduras Border

Honduras shares several border crossings with Guatemala, including Agua Caliente, El Florido, and Corinto. Honduras is particularly strict about what can be brought into the country. They enforce strict limits on electronic devices and prohibit professional photography/videography equipment and drones. Expect thorough baggage searches at all crossings, regardless of which entry point you choose.

El Salvador-Honduras Border

The main crossings between El Salvador and Honduras are at El Amatillo, El Poy, and La Apertura. These crossings typically operate efficiently but can become quite busy during peak travel times. You should expect thorough documentation checks and possible vehicle inspections. Many travellers cross these borders as part of organised bus routes, which can simplify the process considerably.

🌎 Read more about this border crossing in this article about bussing from Guatemala to Nicaragua!

Honduras-Nicaragua Border

The border crossings between Honduras and Nicaragua at Las Manos, El Guasaule, and El Espino require patience and careful attention to documentation requirements. While these crossings historically had some security concerns, recent policy changes have improved both safety and efficiency. The process remains thorough, but it has become more streamlined in recent years.

🌎 Read more about this border crossing in this article about bussing from Guatemala to Nicaragua!

Nicaragua-Costa Rica Border

The most popular crossing points between Nicaragua and Costa Rica are at Peñas Blancas on the Pacific side and Los Chiles in the northern region. Peñas Blancas sees the majority of tourist traffic and involves multiple checkpoints. You’ll need to show proof of onward travel and accommodation details. The process can be lengthy, so patience is essential. Arrive early in the day if possible to avoid the longest queues.

🌎 Read more about this border crossing in this article about the bus from Nicaragua to Costa Rica!

Costa Rica-Panama Border

Costa Rica and Panama share two main border crossings: Paso Canoas on the Pacific side and Sixaola on the Caribbean coast. Both are well-organized but can get quite busy. When crossing, you’ll need to present proof of onward travel, accommodation details, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining. The Sixaola crossing, which connects Puerto Viejo with Bocas del Toro, is particularly popular with tourists. While the process might seem chaotic at times, the actual border procedures are straightforward.

🌎 Read more about this border crossing in this article about getting from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro!

An arial shot of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, the most dangerous city in Central America
San Pedro Sula, Honduras, the most dangerous city in Central America (p.s. don’t go here)


💰 Money & Currencies in Central America

🇧🇿 Belize

Belize uses the Belize Dollar (BZD), which maintains a fixed exchange rate of 2 BZD to 1 USD. US dollars are so widely accepted throughout Belize that many travellers find they don’t need to exchange money at all. This makes Belize one of the easiest Central American countries to navigate financially for US travellers.

🇬🇹 Guatemala

The official currency of Guatemala is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ), with an exchange rate of approximately 8 GTQ to 1 USD (though you should always check current rates before travelling). US dollars have limited acceptance in Guatemala, primarily in tourist areas and some hotels. When it comes to ATMs, most charge significant fees. The yellow 5B ATMs charge around 45 GTQ (approximately $6) per withdrawal, while the blue Bi ATMs charge a more reasonable 20-25 GTQ (about $3.20). Card acceptance is limited in local shops and markets, and whilst tourist areas often accept cards, they typically charge a 5-10% fee. For this reason, it’s usually more economical to withdraw larger amounts of cash at once to minimise ATM fees.

Read more about the Guatemalan Quetzal here

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), with roughly 500 CRC equalling 1 USD. Unlike some other Central American countries, Costa Rica widely accepts US dollars alongside its national currency. ATM fees can be quite high, reaching up to $8-9 per transaction, but Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) offers fee-free withdrawals, making their ATMs the best choice for travellers. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas and major cities, though you’ll still need local currency for rural areas and local markets. Many establishments accept both USD and CRC, offering flexibility for travellers, though local markets and smaller vendors typically require colones.

Read more about Costa Rican Colones here

🇸🇻 El Salvador

El Salvador has two official currencies: the US Dollar (USD) and bitcoin(!). This makes things really easy for travellers, however when paying in cash (which you will need to do quite a lot), you will need small denominations. Things are generally quite cheap and breaking large bills can be difficult. Local businesses often struggle with anything larger than a $20 bill.

🇭🇳 Honduras

The Honduran Lempira (HNL) is the official currency of Honduras. Whilst US dollars are accepted in major tourist areas, local currency is preferred for most transactions. You’ll find that having lempiras is essential for local markets, transportation, and areas outside major tourist zones.

🇳🇮 Nicaragua

Nicaragua uses the Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO) as its official currency. Whilst US dollars are commonly accepted in tourist areas, you’ll need córdobas for most local transactions, especially in markets and for public transportation. Exchange rates can vary significantly between different locations, so it’s worth shopping around for the best rates.

🇵🇦 Panama

Panama officially uses the US Dollar (USD), though they also have the Panamanian Balboa (PAB) which is permanently fixed at a 1:1 ratio with the USD. This makes Panama particularly convenient for travellers, as there’s no need to exchange money if you’re carrying US dollars.

Exchanging Money on the Border

When you cross each border, you will come across unofficial exchanges (i.e. a guy on the side of the road with a wad of cash). These can be really useful when you’re just entering a country and you need some of the local currency, but of course they will give you a terrible exchange rate (and beware of scams in these situations, as they are common). Remember that they’re giving you a bad exchange rate because this is how they make a living and they don’t exchange the huge amounts that official businesses do, therefore they need to cut more off the top. Of course, don’t exchange large amounts of cash here – just change enough to get you by until you reach a city.

Using ATMs in Central America

When preparing for travelling in Central America, bring some US dollars as a backup (and remember to notify your bank of your travel plans if they ask you to). Most ATMs will charge you to withdraw cash, and that’s not something you can avoid. I’ve tried to include some information about the costs of ATMs in the country sections above! But the only places we found free ATMs were in Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

Take out as much cash as possible at one time to pay the fewest fees (but don’t carry it all on your person). I also always keep emergency US dollars wherever I’m travelling in case you cannot get to a working ATM.

A Central America travel blogger sat at a viewpoint in Central America taking a picture for their blog


🙋🏻‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions About Central America Travel

Which Central American country is safest for tourists?

Costa Rica is generally the safest of all Central American Countries, followed by Panama and Belize. That being said, all countries have established tourist trails where it’s generally safe to travel. I’d recommend starting in Costa Rica if you’re new to the region, as it has the most developed tourism infrastructure and English is more widely spoken.

How long should I spend in Central America?

I recommend a minimum of 2 weeks if you want to explore just one or two countries properly. For example, you could combine Costa Rica and Panama, or Guatemala and Belize. If you want to see most of the region, you’ll need at least 2 months. Three months would be ideal, giving you about 2-3 weeks per country. That being said, I met plenty of people traveling for 6 months or more who still felt they hadn’t seen everything!

What’s the best route through Central America?

Most people either travel north to south or south to north, following the tourist trail. If you’re coming from Mexico, you’ll likely start in Guatemala and work your way down. If you’re heading to South America, start in Panama and work your way up. The most popular route includes: Panama City → Puerto Viejo → San José → León → Antigua → Lake Atitlán. Of course, you can add or skip destinations depending on your interests and time.

Do I need to speak Spanish to travel in Central America?

While you can get by in tourist areas with English, knowing some basic Spanish will significantly enhance your experience. In most countries, people working in hostels and tour agencies speak English, but you’ll need basic Spanish for public transport, local markets, and restaurants. That being said, you don’t need to be fluent – even basic phrases will help a lot.

What’s the best way to get around?

Tourist shuttles are the most common way for backpackers to get around, and they’re generally safe and reliable. They’re more expensive than public buses but usually pick up and drop off at your accommodation. Public buses (chicken buses) are much cheaper and can be safe on certain routes – just ask your accommodation which routes are okay for tourists. In Costa Rica, the public buses are generally safe and much cheaper than tourist shuttles.

Is Central America expensive to travel in?

The cost varies significantly by country. Costa Rica and Panama tend to be the most expensive, with prices similar to Europe or the US for many things. Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras are generally cheaper. For budget planning:

  • Budget travel: $30-40 per day
  • Mid-range: $50-80 per day
  • Comfortable travel: $100+ per day That being said, costs can spike during peak season (December-April), especially for accommodation.

When is the best time to visit Central America?

The dry season (December to April) is the most popular time to visit, with the best weather for outdoor activities. January and February tend to be ideal, especially if you’re planning to do activities like the Acatenango Volcano hike or visiting ruins. The rainy season isn’t as bad as you might think – it usually rains for a few hours in the afternoon rather than all day. If you’re trying to save money, shoulder season (November or May) can be a good compromise.

Is it safe to eat street food?

Street food can be safe if you’re careful about where you eat. I usually follow these rules:

  • Choose busy stalls with high turnover
  • Avoid uncooked items like salads
  • Make sure food is served hot
  • Don’t have ice in drinks unless you’re sure it’s made with filtered water
  • Look for places where locals eat That being said, even with precautions, you might still get an upset stomach at some point – it’s just part of traveling in the region.

What vaccinations do I need?

The required vaccinations can change depending on which countries you’re visiting and where you’re coming from. When I visited, I needed:

  • Routine vaccinations up to date
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Typhoid
  • Yellow fever (required if coming from certain countries) Always consult a travel doctor before your trip, as they can give you the most up-to-date advice for your specific itinerary. That being said, you usually need to start vaccinations several months before travel, so plan ahead!