Central America travel advice
Cultural tips
Jessica Schugel from our Nicaraguan specialist, Buen Viaje Tours:
“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.”
“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.”
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Simon Forster, Director of our supplier The Beyond Tourism Company:
“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.”
“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
Vicky Rodford from our supplier Intrepid Travel:
“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.”
“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.”
Nancy Ableser from our supplier, Tucan Travel, also recommends the Day of the Dead:
"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!"
"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
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Tips from our travelers in Central America
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
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.
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.
When you can, eat where the locals eat.![]()
- Lynne Clayton
“Practise walking uphill before embarking on the volcano hike! Take a Spanish phrasebook for Guatemala if your Spanish is as bad as ours. Lots of bug repellent. Many memory cards for photos, I think my son took 950 photos. Take a waterproof, the rains when they come are phenomenal. Wifi is around but don't rely on it -use the phone as a camera, leave your email behind.“ - Alex Holmes
“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)
“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)
Seeing a Blue Whale in Loreto - something I never thought I would ever see!![]()
- Sammie Hainesin (Mexico)
More about Central America
The best time to visit Central America is in the dry season from January to March, or November to April if you're planning to visit Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras.
Central America means different things to different people, and while Costa Rica is one of its most established destinations, the whole region is home to beautiful coastlines, wildlife rich rainforest and Mayan marvels.
Welcome to the idyllic isthmus, the bit in the middle packed with ancient Mayan heritage, rainforest adventure, coastal spectacles and Creole culture that covers the gamut from hot to cool to oh so chilled.
Central America is crammed with adventure, wildlife and the legacies of ancient civilizations, so there's never a dull day on vacation here.
La Ruta Maya in Guatemala encompasses some of this ancient civilisation’s most impressive sites – with glyph-covered stelae, giant pyramids and vast temples scattered over many kilometres through the tropical rainforests.
Traveling overland in Central America is definitely for adventurers, ready to travel through numerous countries on an epic odyssey through volcanic landscapes, coastal contrasts and ancient cultures.
Cycling in Central America takes you from Mayan ruins to Pacific beaches, from rainforest to cloud forest, across borders, away from the crowds and into remote villages.
For every Mayan site to explore there’s a rainforest waterfall to jump under, and for every long journey there seems to be beach awaiting, making traveling in Central America with kids a joy.
Many vacationmakers are concerned about whether it is safe to travel to Central America.
We talk about wildlife conservation, preservation of ancient Mayan cities and the polluting effects of giant cruise ships, but this responsible tourism in Central America guide looks first at the people.
