A practical guide to traveling in Central America

Central America is home to undisputed wonders. Its cultural attractions span ancient Maya sites, colourful 16th-century cities and Indigenous markets, while its landscapes cover active volcanoes, Caribbean beaches and tracts of jungle that are home to unique birds and big cats. Yet, for the most part, it’s remained out of the international tourist trail, which means planning a first-time trip here can be somewhat intimidating.  

Do I need a visa to visit?

The short answer is no. Without a visa, you can visit Belize for up to 30 days; Costa Rica for up to 180; and Panama for up to three months (if you arrive by land or air). Under the Central America Border Control Agreement, you can travel to and between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua for up to 90 days without a visa — or having to undergo border checks when crossing between countries by land.

Is Central America safe to visit?

Each country has a different security situation. As long as you heed official FCDO advice when deciding where to visit, the recommended safety precautions apply to many countries outside the region, too. Don’t wear valuables, be mindful while displaying phones and cameras, and only carry the cash you need, ideally in a money belt (try not to alert people to its presence). Withdraw it inside banks and shopping malls. gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Should I travel independently or book a tour?

Independent travel is generally safe and relatively easy. With a phone, it’s straightforward to book tickets and discover timetables for a network of buses, private minibuses, cross-border shuttles and water taxis; a growing number of domestic and interregional flights cover longer distances. Self-drive is an option in the Yucatán Peninsula, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. Here, petrol stations and highway restaurants, cafes and food stalls are found everywhere. Elsewhere, road infrastructure can be lacking; safety is a concern in Honduras and areas of El Salvador and Guatemala.

Is it safe to travel solo as a woman?

The reality is that women are likely to be approached and hassled, but travelling here is just as safe as it is in many other countries — and as a backpacking destination, it’s easy to meet other travellers en route. It’s wise not to engage men in conversation and consider wearing a fake wedding ring to ward off unwanted attention. As in other destinations, women should avoid walking alone at night in larger cities or along beaches; travelling at night should be avoided, regardless of gender.

Am I likely to encounter language barriers?

Belize is an English-speaking country. In the rest of the region, locals working in the tourist industry in major cities and travel hot spots speak English. Away from these areas, you may find it difficult to be understood, so consider downloading translation apps and learning a few basic phrases. Central Americans speak Spanish at a moderate pace and enunciate clearly; if you learnt a Romance language, you’re halfway there in communication know-how.