Guide to backpacking in Central America

When to go backpacking in Central America

In terms of weather, the best time to go backpacking in Central America is between December and April during the dry season. If you choose these months to go backpacking in Central America you can expect dry, warm days. 

Costa Rica in December has an average max temperature of 23°C and you can expect around six hours of sunshine per day and 36mm of rainfall per month. Compare that to July when that rainfall goes up to around 205mm per month. 

Similarly with Guatemala, in December it only has 7mm rainfall per month on average compared with 188mm in July. 

So, if you like the idea of completing a backpacking route across Central America in warm but dry conditions, choosing to travel between December and April would be better than backpacking through the summer and early autumn months (the rainy season). 

But if you don’t mind trekking through the rain and want to avoid the crowds of the peak backpacking period during dry season, you may want to consider travelling in May or November. These two months come directly before the start and end of the dry season. The weather is changeable during this time, but your backpacking route will be quieter and living costs may be cheaper wherever you are in Central America.

Where to go backpacking in Central America

Central America connects North America and South America – starting at the southern  border of Mexico and finishing at the Darien National Park, where Panama gives way to Colombia. From its northern-most points to its southern tip, Central America spans around 1,140 miles and passes through Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. On the west side is the Pacific Ocean, on the east side the Caribbean Sea. But which of those countries should you visit on your backpacking route through Central America? 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has much to offer backpackers. The town of La Fortuna in the shadow of the Arenal volcano is a must for your Central America backpacking itinerary. From there you can follow the Las Coladas trail to explore the Volcan Arenal National Park. Roam through the foothills of this lush green landscape. It’s worth trekking on as far as the waterfall for a true bucket-list view. If sea and sand is more your thing, head to the Pacific coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula and paddle in the surf. 

Honduras 

The Pico Bonito National Park sits close to the Caribbean Sea coastline in the north of the country. It is best accessed via the city of La Ceiba – the birthplace of Honduran dish baleada. And you’ll certainly work up an appetite trekking across Pico Bonito towards the Cascade Zacate waterfalls or up the mountain which shares the same name as the park. Along the way you may spot monkeys idling in the trees or a jaguar stealthing through the vegetation.

El Salvador

El Salvador is home to several volcanoes. Some have erupted more recently, such as San Miguel in 2023 whereas others are dormant, with San Salvador volcano last erupting in 1917. A national park – Parque Nacional Los Volcanes – has developed around this volcanic landscape. Enjoy a stroll through the vibrant forest and look out for emerald toucanets as you climb a dormant volcano.

Where to stay?

If you’re planning a backpacking trip through Central America, you’ll be pleased to know there’s plenty of options for affordable accommodation. Hostels are an affordable and attractive option for backpackers on a budget and can be a great way to meet fellow travellers. There are plenty of hostels aimed at young people, groups, couples and solo travellers alike, with a range of options from bunks in a shared dormitory to private rooms. 

Of course, you may prefer to spend some of your time in more comfortable surroundings than a hostel. Costa Rica has its fair share of hotels – from five-star luxury to more budget-friendly options. You’ll also find eco-lodges in the rainforest if you want to get up close and personal with the local wildlife.

How to get around?

The Pan-American Highway is a system of highways which connect North, Central and South America – starting in Alaska and ending in Argentina. The highway runs right through Central America, meaning getting around via bus or car is relatively straightforward on your backpacking route through Central America. The route passes though El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. 

Travelling long-haul, city-to-city 

If you want to travel from one major city to another, long-distance bus lines like Ticabus are a great option. Here you can relax in comfort with on-board Wi-Fi and aircon as you travel from one city to another. It’s easy to book online too. Shuttle buses are another option for getting from A to B. 

Travelling on a budget on the ‘chicken buses’

If you want an authentic, local experience as you backpack through Central America, hop aboard the old buses. In a former life they drove American kids to high school, but they’ve now been given vibrant paint jobs and dubbed ‘chicken buses,’ and are great fun to ride.  

Minivans and taxis – an alternative to buses 

If you prefer to avoid buses on your Central America travelling expedition you can find other options. Minibuses work the same routes as the ‘chicken buses’ but cost a bit more. And, if you need to get somewhere fast, you can always find taxis in the major cities – though they will be expensive. 

Fly

Of course, if you have limited time on your trip, it’s also possible to fly between major cities and countries, but this is a more expensive and less sustainable option.

Must-see cities and adventures

Panama City

Panama City is an essential stop on any Central America backpacking trip. It follows the curve of Panama Bay towards the Gulf of Panama and is recognised as one of Central America’s ‘most cosmopolitan capital cities’ by Lonely Planet. The Panama Canal is a must-see – a 50-mile waterway which connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The historic district of Casco Viejo is full of wanderlust – all cobbled streets and pine trees. Relax with a coffee at one of the plazas then check out the Golden Altar of the Iglesia de San Jose church. You won’t regret it. 

Tikal National Park 

Tikal National Park in Guatemala is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ruins of the Mayan Civilization. When the Mayans lived here between 6th century BC and 10th century AD, Tikal was on a similar scale to Ancient Rome. Today, you will find a ceremonial centre with what UNESCO calls ‘superb temples and palaces and public squares’ in what is an ‘outstanding example of the art and genius of the Maya’. The sight of the ruined, pyramid-shaped temples with their distinctive but strange stone steps will stay with you long after you’ve finished travelling in Central America.  

Wildlife in Costa Rica 

The small country of Costa Rica is one of the world’s top locations for biodiversity. It’s home to half a million species – around 5% of the planet’s total. Costa Rica has 12 different ecosystems. Among them are tropical rainforests, cloud forests, coral reefs and mountains – it’s a smorgasbord of sensory experience. Naturally, you can expect to see diverse wildlife here – monkeys and sloths, jaguar and wildcats and a dizzying array of colourful birds. The keel-billed toucan, the red-headed barbet and the fantastically named Resplendent Quetzal.

Travel Insurance for your trip

Before you head off travelling around Central America it’s important to arrange travel insurance. This can help to cover you against unforeseen circumstances.  

Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Insurance offers a range of single, multi and extended trip policies – with optional extras for your travel protection. There’s also a 24/7 helpline available in case of medical emergencies and cover available for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions.

Travel money for your adventure 

Travel money in Central America can be complicated. Some nations in the region still have their own native currency, whereas others have dropped that to adopt the US dollar.  

• El Salvador uses the US dollar (USD)
• Panama uses the US dollar (USD)
• Honduras uses the ‘lempira’ (HNL)
• Nicaragua uses the ‘cordoba’ (NIO)
• Costs Rica uses the ‘colones’ (CRC)

If you’re planning a backpacking trip through Central America visiting different countries, you’ll likely be using a combination of currencies. You could convert some GBP to USD with Sainsbury’s Bank in a few clicks. 

Converting pounds to US dollars via our travel money card is another option for your time in Panama and El Salvador. With a travel money card you can avoid transaction fees and make contactless or PIN payments. You can also withdraw from ATMs worldwide without a fee. Some ATMs may charge their own fee, so always check before you withdraw.

But as your journey takes you to places like Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua, it may be easier to manage your travel money using ATMs in those countries, as carrying different currencies around with you that you had exchanged pre-trip could be confusing and risky. Please note, we don’t sell lempira, cordoba or colones.