Central America travel advice
Cultural tips
“Nicaragua is caliente – not just in temperature, but also in the culture and the people. There is something very special about it. It’s a hot climate so everyone is out on the street, enjoying the breeze. There is a lot of talk and gossip. It’s a bit like the Latin American telenovelas, or soap operas, but a living one. They also just put their sexuality out there. It’s natural, it’s not taboo, and they are very open generally. El Salvador seems a little more reserved, a little more Westernised almost. Guatemala is more indigenous and traditional, and they have the mountains, so everything is more indoors. However, dress respectfully, because even though Nicaraguans are comfortable revealing their bodies, that tends to be on top. The women always wear longer dresses or jeans. They show off their tops, but legs are covered. So those skimpy skirts or shorts that tourists wear makes them stick out like sore thumbs, and they are looked down upon.”
Our Central America Vacations
Costa Rica wildlife vacation
An amazing variety of Costa Rican wildlife
Tailor made vacation in Belize
Explore the rainforests, rivers & coral reefs of Belize
Self drive vacation in Costa Rica, Pacific Coast
Self-drive Costa Rica's Pacific coast, away from the crowds
Costa Rica tour
Explore the Caribbean coast to the Pacific
Mexico bespoke vacation, Cultural Heartlands and Caribbean Coast
Explore one of Latin America' most vibrant destinations
Central America cycling vacation
Colonial cities, cloud forests and tropical island paradise
Marine conservation in Belize
Help us protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems!
Costa Rica highlights vacation & beach
Short highlight itinerary covering city, forests and beach.
Central America vacation
Explore some of the very best Aztec & Mayan sites
Coast to coast cycling vacation in Costa Rica
Take in the variety of Costa Rica by bike
Costa Rica tailor made vacation, highlights
Discover Costa Rica's natural and cultural wonders
Costa Rica family vacation
Discover Costa Rica's famous national parks
Costa Rica turtle conservation experience
Help protect turtles by volunteering in Costa Rica!
Central America small group tour
Epic Central American journey from Mexico to Costa Rica.
Guatemala and Belize tailor made vacation
Explore the culture and wildlife of Guatemala & Belize
Costa Rica tailor made vacation, vistas and volcanoes
Discover Costa Rica's hidden gems
Mexico, Belize & Guatemala tour, Mayan encounter
Travel through paradise between the Yucatan & Guatemalan.
Baja sea kayak adventure in Mexico
Explore the Worlds Aquarium on Baja's Sea of Cortez
Mexico vacation, Mexico City and the Yucatán
12 day exploration of Mexico City and Yucatán
Costa Rica wildlife vacation, Coastal Secrets
Wildlife rich waterways of Tortuguero to the dense jungle
Belize marine conservation internship
Hands-on conservation experience on idyllic Caribbean island
Belize and Guatemala adventure vacation
Explore the highlights of Central America
Nicaragua vacations, tailor made tour
An insight into Nicaragua's fascinating and tumultuous history
Costa Rica and Nicaragua self drive vacation
Self drive vacation through the best of Nicaragua and Costa Rica
Guatemala & Mexico overland vacation
Discover Mayan ruins and pristine beaches of the Caribbean
Mexico small group vacation, culture & beach
2 week discovery Mexico's Aztec, Zapotec & Mayan cultures .
Guatemala rafting & archaeology vacation
Stunning rafting & archaeology adventure in Guatemala
Nicaragua cultural and wildlife tour
Enjoy a culture and wildlife focused tour of Nicaragua
Highlights of Mexico and Cuba vacation
Explore Mexico City, the Yucatan coast & Cuba
Mexico food vacation
Discover the best street food that Mexico has to offer
“Whilst many people travel to Costa Rica for its amazing wildlife and beaches, its real beauty lies in the warmth of its inhabitants, the ticos. Hidden among the jungle and mountains are some of the best community-run lodges in the world, offering experiences that will transform your vacation into the trip of a lifetime as well as benefitting local people.”
Packing tips
Scott Marquardt, tour leader with our supplier Tucan Travel gives great Central America travel advice: “You’ll need layers for some higher elevation spots where it can get down to 5°C in the winter, but nothing like the extreme cold you’d see in South America. Otherwise you’ll mostly be wearing shorts and t-shirts. Definitely also pack sunscreen, bug spray with DEET, a bathing suit and some good shoes for walking and hiking. Also you might want to learn a little bit of Spanish before arriving. In some parts you won’t hear hardly any English at all; a few words can go a long way!”Nancy Ableser from our supplier, Tucan Travel:
“It isn't necessary to carry a big terry cloth towel. I highly recommend having a sarong instead. And bring a money belt. I only wear it on travel days, but it's peace of mind. And also bring water sandals, like Tevas. I recommend the ones that have good traction, and can be worn for hiking, caving, river rafting, walking, anything.”
Itinerary tips
“Personally, I wouldn’t worry about Chichen Itza. It’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, but I wonder how much of that can be put down to its proximity to the Mayan Riviera so it’s firmly on the 5* all-inclusive day trip route. For stunning Mayan temples head to Uxmal, Palenque, Yaxchillan or down to Tikal in Guatemala. Tikal and Palenque are still jungle shrouded and you can see mounds which could be temples yet to be earthed, monkeys playing in the trees, and there are faaaar less visitors. Arriving over Easter (Semana Santa) has pros and cons. The cons are that everywhere is really busy as many Central Americans have this as a vacation period, the pros are without a doubt the festivities over the Easter weekend, particularly in Antigua. The Day of the Dead Festival over Halloween is also a great time to be in Mexico City.”
"Check out the kite festival in Santiago Sacatepequez, not far from Antigua Guatemala, on Day of the Dead, November 1st. It's a huge party in a cemetery!"
Shopping tips
Vicky Rodford from our supplier Intrepid Travel:"In Guatemala, head to Chichicastengo market and haggle hard! There are some great local handicrafts on offer and it’s a perfect chance to immerse yourself in local life for a few hours."
Local food tips
Nancy Ableser from our supplier, Tucan Travel:“Don’t miss the tapado in Livingston, Guatemala! It's the traditional Garifuna coconut seafood soup. There is a lot of rice, beans, meat and plantains, and not many vegetables, or seasonings. Mexico is the only country where there is a variety of sauces and flavors. It's tasty, but it's pretty heavy, like the other countries, with lots of meat and carbs, and not many vegetables. The ceviche and other things at the Mercado de Mariscos in Panama City are great! And it's a fun and lively local experience.”
Health & safety in Central America
HEALTH
SAFETY
Our top Central America Vacation
Costa Rica wildlife vacation
An amazing variety of Costa Rican wildlife
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Tips from our travelers in Central America
We have selected some of the most useful Central America travel advice travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation - and the space inside your suitcase.


“There are legal money changers on street corners in Leon and Granada. These give a much better exchange rate than banks or the Cambio at the airport.“ - Stephen Osgerby (Nicaragua) “Travel as light as you can; but be sure to pack wet weather gear and light, fast-drying clothes. Be prepared for long, shared minibus rides, often on slow bumpy roads. Be patient when things don't quite run to time (but they weren't too bad). Make sure you use guides if you want to enjoy the wildlife - they spot things even experienced nature lovers just don't. The cost of living in Costa Rica is quite high - expect UK prices for dining out and even in supermarkets.“ - Ian Gavin (Costa Rica activity & nature trip)
“Don't hesitate to take plenty of USD cash with you from home as opposed to having to run to the local banks all the time.“ - Petra Ribbens
“Don't miss the whitewater rafting at La Fortuna and the Monteverde ice cream.“ - Jill Clayton-Smith (Costa Rica)

