Updated: 2/2/20 | February 2nd, 2020
Central America is one of my preferred regions for backpacking. While it can be difficult to get around, it likewise provides amazing beauty, plentiful nature, picturesque beaches, as well as cost effective prices.
Political upheaval as well as civil unrest kept tourists at bay for a long time, however. however these days the area has established into something of a hotspot for travelers, surfers, as well as retirees.
Why?
Because central America has something for everyone!
But is it safe?
Yes — however that doesn’t imply you don’t requirement to take precautions.
In this post, I’ll review whatever you requirement to understand to stay risk-free as well as have an outstanding trip in this extremely diverse region!
Table of Contents
What countries are in central America?
8 essential security suggestions for central America
What is the northern Triangle? Is it Safe?
What is the Safest country in central America?
Is central America risk-free for Solo Travelers?
Is central America risk-free for Solo female Travelers?
Are Taxis risk-free in central America?
Can You eat the street Food in central America?
Can You drink the Water in central America?
What countries are in central America?
There are seven countries in central America:
Belize
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Nicaragua
Panama
Click on the map for country guides:
[show-map id=’64’]
8 essential security suggestions for central America
While central America is thought about typically risk-free for traveling as well as backpacking, there’s no rejecting that some precautions ought to be taken.
Be conscious of your surroundings – It can be simple to stop paying interest as well as let your guard down. however that’s when catastrophe strikes. always be conscious of your surroundings.
Avoid isolated areas – If you’re somewhere isolated, you’ll be at a higher danger for getting robbed, particularly at night as well as in huge cities. try to stay where the crowds are. That’s the very best method to prevent being singled out by prospective muggers.
Don’t wear fancy products – Petty theft is the most typical risk here, so eliminate any type of fashion jewelry or watches, as well as don’t wave your phone around. Do your finest to blend in, so you don’t ended up being a target for pickpockets.
Separate your money – keep only the money that you requirement for the day on you. keep the rest locked away safely at your accommodation.
Take taxis at night – If you requirement to get somewhere at night, take a taxi. It will be safer than any type of public transportation. have your lodging phone call the taxi for you, so you can be sure you’re getting a credible driver.
Be cautious on public transit – If you have to take public transit, keep your valuables on you as well as keep them well secured, particularly on poultry buses (colorful, modified, as well as embellished buses that deliver products as well as people). Petty theft is typical on night buses, so prevent them if you can.
Don’t do medications – The cartels right here have truly made life challenging for the regional population. Don’t support them by purchasing their products. medication penalties are likewise severe in the region, as well as you don’t want to end up in jail here!
Buy travel insurance coverage – travel insurance coverage will keep you secured if you get injured or ill, are a sufferer of theft, or have to offer with delayed or canceled flights. It’s a worthwhile investment as well as can save you countless dollars. Don’t danger traveling without it!
We suggest world Nomads for travelers under 70, while Insure My trip is the very best option for travelers over 70.
For much more info on tarvel insurance, inspect out these posts:
What Does travel insurance coverage really Cover?
The 7 finest travel business in 2019
How to purchase the very best travel Insurance
At the end of the day, you’ll just requirement to always count on your gut instinct. If a taxi chauffeur seems shady, stop the cab as well as get out. If your hotel is seedier than you believed as well as seems unsafe, get out of there as well as discover a new location to stay. You have every best to eliminate yourself from such situations, so do what you requirement to do to feel safe.
What is the northern Triangle? Is it Safe?
The northern triangle comprises Guatemala, El Salvador, as well as Honduras. It’s the region of central America that typically (and currently) has the most criminal offense as well as violence. This is typically concentrated in the larger cities, as well as especially in particular neighborhoods. If you’re going to be in the funding cities of any type of of these three countries, you’ll want to speak with your hostel or hotel personnel for the most updated security advice.
That being said, if you’re going to traveler areas or going on nature excursions, then you won’t have any type of problems right here as long as you comply with the security guidance above.
What is the Safest country in central America?
Costa Rica, which offers security as well as stability together with amazing natural beauty. Of course, costs are likewise much higher as well as show the country’s condition as “the Switzerland of central America.”
If you’re new to backpacking as well as want to begin off somewhere that provides a great mix of experience as well as safety, opt for Costa Rica. It was the very first country I ever backpacked in, as well as I absolutely liked it!
In terms of safety, the next finest location is Panama. It’s house to a growing neighborhood of expats as well as retirees, which is providing the country an economic increase as well as making it a bit much more gringo friendly. That implies you’ll be able to get great deals of excellent suggestions as well as tips (including specific, regional security tips) from the expat neighborhood while still having yourself an adventure.
Coming in strong behind Panama is Belize. It does a excellent task of balancing security with lots of things to see as well as do!
Is central America risk-free for Solo Travelers?
Central America is rather risk-free for solo travelers. As long as you prevent isolated areas as well as don’t travel alone at night, you’ll be able to prevent the most typical problems tourists face, such as petty crime.
If you’re concerned that you won’t feel safe, try to join a group of other travelers or invite people from your hostel to join you when you go out. That way, you’ll be able to feel risk-free while likewise getting to link with other people.
As a solo traveler, be sure to scan your passport as well as other essential files as well as email them to yourself in situation you do occur to run into trouble.
Additionally, be sure to download offline maps as well as offline language apps so you can look up directions if you get lost or interact with the locals in an emergency. If you can, try to discover some Spanish before you go too. even a few essential phrases can go a long way!
Is central America risk-free for Solo female Travelers in Particular?
Solo female travelers will requirement to be much more on guard during their time in central America. Costa Rica, Panama, as well as Belize are the safest countries in the region. If you’re new solo female travel, stay with these countries.
Outside of those three countries, I’d suggest new solo female travelers stay with group travel or tours, just to be safe. However, experienced solo female travelers ought to be able to navigate the region without as well much extra concern.
Women ought to be additional cautious in big cities, though, particularly at night. beyond that, as long as you comply with the typical precautions, you’ll be able to have an outstanding time!
Are Taxis risk-free in central America?
The taxis in central America are risk-free as well as reliable, though you’ll always want to make sure you’re getting in marked taxi. never get in an unmarked car.
During the day, you can hail a taxi from the street safely, however you’ll want to be conscious of the regional custom, as some countries’ taxis utilize meters as well as others need you to work out a cost in advance.
If taking a taxi at night, have your lodging phone call it for you. never hail a random taxi at night.
Can You eat the street Food in central America?
You bet you can! You’ll discover all kind of outstanding street food stands as well as regional restaurants in central America, as well as you’d be missing out if you didn’t try them! just make sure to stay with locations where there are a great deal of locals gathered. That’s exactly how you understand the food is not only risk-free however tasty too!
For the most part, you’ll encounter locations that offer different type of chicken. As long as it is completely cooked (not pink on the inside) as well as hasn’t been in the sun all day, dive in as well as provide it a try! A great deal of food right here will likewise be deep-fried, which will practically always be risk-free (just not healthy).
Don’t hesitate to ask your hotel or hostel personnel for street food or restaurant suggestions. They’ll no question have some tasty — as well as completely risk-free — ones for you.
Can You drink the Water in central America?
As a general ruled you’ll want to prevent the tap water in central America, although it’s likely fine in Costa Rica as well as Panama.
The finest method to make sure your drinking water is risk-free is to bring a Steripen or Lifestraw for your recyclable water bottle. This method you’ll be able to purify the tap water so you don’t get ill — as well as avoiding single-use plastic bottles in the process.
***
With so numerous cost effective lodging as well as transportation options, spectacular landscapes, plentiful outside adventures, as well as lovely beaches, it ought to come as no surprise that central America is oneof the most backpacked regions of the world.
Sure, it may get a poor rap because of its fierce history as well as economic struggles, however that doesn’t imply it’s categorically unsafe. By complying with the suggestions above, you’ll be able to stay risk-free as well as healthy during your next visit!
P.S. – Did you understand I composed a new book? It’s called “Ten Years a Nomad” as well as it’s all about the lessons I’ve discovered from a life of travel. It features tons of stories as well as misadventures I’ve never told on this blog as well! It comes out July 16th! Click right here to discover much more as well as get your copy today! (I’ll be going on a book trip too!)
Book Your trip to central America: Logistical suggestions as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to discover a affordable flight. They are my two preferred browse engines since they browse sites as well as airlines around the globe so you always understand no stone is left unturned. begin with Skyscanner very first though since they have the most significant reach!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most significant stock as well as finest deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the most affordable rates for guesthouses as well as affordable hotels. My preferred locations to stay are:
Dirty McNasty (Caye Caulker, Belize)
Rocking J’s (Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica)
The Naken Tiger (San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua)
Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will safeguard you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s extensive security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it numerous times in the past. My preferred business that offer the very best service as well as value are:
Safety Wing (for everybody below 70)
Insure My trip (for those over 70)
Medjet (for extra repatriation coverage)
Looking for the very best business to save money With?
Check out my resource page for the very best business to utilize when you travel. I listing all the ones I utilize to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want much more info on central America?
Be sure to see our robust destination guide on central America for even much more planning tips!