These are the greatest locations to go to in Central America ALONE in response to skilled solo vacationers, digital nomads, and expats. Browse away and let me know which one you intend to go to!
📬 Reader Mail: Hola, Trisha! I really like your solo journey life! I’ve been following your journey since 2012 however I by no means actually had the braveness to journey on my own.
I suppose with all the pieces that’s occurring in my nation, I wish to depart for a bit of bit and breathe one other air. I largely wish to study Spanish and I believed that Central America is only a flight away from my residence in San Francisco.
What are your greatest locations to go to in Central America and what are your greatest ideas for solo touring there? I’m actually excited for this journey and I stay up for talking with you concerning planning my travels.
Thanks for all that you just do! Your weblog is a gem!
-Annie H., San Francico, CA
Hola Annie!
I’m glad you determined to journey to Central America! That is my favourite area on the earth and I contemplate this space as my weblog’s experience and powerful go well with.
I did journey to Central America extensively however on this put up, I requested fellow professional solo vacationers to pitch in and provides their ideas on one of the best locations for Central America solo journey.
Nevertheless, I didn’t embody Mexico right here because it’s a part of North America. I do, nevertheless, have a weblog devoted to Mexico content material solely which is known as Mexico Insider. Please be happy to browse that if you wish to embody Mexico in your journey (effectively, it is best to!)
Anyway, right here’s the checklist – I hope you let me know which locations you choose. Good luck in your journey and when you want assist in planning, you already know the place to seek out me!
Xx,
Trisha
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⛔ Is Central America secure?
Not all Central America locations are secure however it’s potential to journey Central America solo. The locations to go to in Central America alone on this checklist have transient descriptions about security so be sure that to learn them rigorously!
As at all times, I ensure that no matter you learn on this weblog is genuine and real looking so relaxation assured that I’ll at all times inform you if I really feel secure in a vacation spot or not.
However at all times keep in mind that security is goal and private. What’s secure for you doesn’t imply it’s secure for me and vice-versa. We’re all distinctive solo vacationers in our personal manner so you’re the just one who can deem a spot secure.
✨ Which is one of the best nation for Central America solo journey?
It is a powerful query however my favourite locations in Central America solo journey are Cuba, Panama, and Nicaragua. I’ve had many nice solo journey experiences in these 3 international locations and I contemplate myself educated in these international locations relating to touring solo.
For positive, all the pieces is determined by what you wish to do while you journey solo so browse away and discover the fitting vacation spot on your solo journey to Central America!
You may additionally like:
📍 Greatest locations to go to in Central America
#1: El Valle de Anton, Panama
🖊️ by Sanne Wesselman of Spend Life Touring
I’d say all of Panama is a good solo journey vacation spot, however I particularly loved the laid-back, pleasant environment in El Valle de Anton.
El Valle de Anton is a small city with a really distinctive setting: contained in the second largest volcano crater on the earth!
I took a bus from Panama Metropolis to El Valle de Anton, which takes about 2 hours. The buses are fairly comfy, secure, and it’s straightforward to strike up a dialog with fellow passengers.
Individuals appear even friendlier in El Valle than in different components of Panama. On the market I had nice conversations with native artisans and in one of many cafes I made pals with a few locals who had lived on this city their entire lives.
And since El Valle de Anton, or Anton’s Valley in English, has change into a preferred journey vacation spot, it’s additionally straightforward to fulfill different vacationers right here.
I organized a cooking class with a neighborhood household which was such a pleasant manner not solely to prepare dinner a couple of Panamanian dishes, but additionally to get to know extra locals, which I worth much more when touring alone.
All in all El Valle de Anton is a good escape from extra hectic Panama Metropolis and an important vacation spot to go to for Central America solo journey.
Plan your journey to El Valle de Anton:
#2: San Ignacio, Belize
🖊️ by Melissa Smuzynski from Parenthood and Passports
San Ignacio, Belize is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Central America solo. Situated in far western Belize, the city is good for solo vacationers searching for funds lodging and journey actions. The city has a number of hostels and varied eco-lodges which are nice for assembly different vacationers.
I stayed in a jungle lodge simply exterior the city that had a whole lot of on-site actions and communal areas the place everybody congregated within the mornings and evenings.
There’s additionally a big weekend market within the city that may be a vigorous place to fulfill folks. The pleasant distributors provided me samples of their fruits and different merchandise and I danced on the street with crowds of locals who welcomed me into their circle.
The most effective issues in regards to the city is that it makes for an important base location for the various issues to do in San Ignacio. The jungle and forest reserve close to the city boasts waterfalls, caves, and Mayan ruins which are enjoyable and academic to discover.
Total, I felt secure in San Ignacio and met a whole lot of backpackers touring alone. Nevertheless, most of the sights within the surrounding space are fairly distant and the roads resulting in them aren’t in nice situation.
The most secure approach to discover these remoted sights as a solo traveler is on a guided tour. You not solely get to fulfill others on excursions to locations like ATM Cave or the Caracol and Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, however you don’t have to fret about getting stranded alone in a distant location.
#3: Viñales, Cuba
🖊️ by Babs from Mums on FlipFlops
Should you’re searching for one of the best solo journey locations in Central America, I can positively suggest Viñales in Cuba.
Viñales is a small village in western Cuba. Whereas it is without doubt one of the touristic hotspots, it seems like stepping again in time and into on a regular basis Cuban life. Vacationers don’t intervene with the way in which issues go, they simply mix in.
Cuba normally is a good vacation spot for solo vacationers as a result of it is rather secure. Viñales isn’t any totally different. The village consists of 1 most important street with the eating places and a store (the one place in Cuba the place I’ve discovered an precise store!) after which a few filth street aspect streets. I’ve walked round always of the day and night time and I’ve by no means felt uncomfortable.
The Cubans are extraordinarily pleasant and really welcoming to foreigners. They’ll go above and past to assist. One of the simplest ways to journey in Cuba is by staying in a casa explicit.
You’re more likely to meet different vacationers as most casas supply 2 rooms. And also you’ll change into a member of the family of the host very quickly. I nonetheless refer to at least one explicit casa as ‘My Cuban Household’ and we nonetheless be in contact, even 2 years later!
#4: San Juan, Nicaragua
🖊️ by Bradley from Dream Large Journey Far
Nicaragua could sound intimidating however is definitely a reasonably secure nation for solo vacationers. I’d personally suggest San Juan del Sur, a budget-friendly seaside city with a quiet and gradual environment.
It’s by no means been a goal for violence, and general I felt a very peaceable vibe whereas the locals are typically welcoming of vacationers. I additionally walked round the principle a part of San Juan del Sur after sunset and it felt fairly secure, particularly as a result of there have been many eating places and bars within the neighborhood, though I’d counsel avoiding the outskirts of city.
Plus, you may discover indicators warning you to not go to the seaside at night time, fairly actually saying that “YOU WILL GET ROBBED”. That is golden recommendation that you just completely ought to heed! All in all, I used to be at all times conscious of my belongings and caught to vacationer trails whereas exploring the city, and skilled no questions of safety.
There are many enjoyable issues to do in San Juan however I personally loved staying at Rapture Surf Camp for a few nights and studying to surf. It’s such a stunning place with room choices together with dorms, tents, or common AC-ed rooms. Extra importantly, it has nice meals and a incredible neighborhood, making it very easy to fulfill new folks!
#5: Utila, Honduras
🖊️ by Jill from Jill On Journey
Earlier than I bought to Honduras, I had heard each safety warnings by vacationers who had been there way back, in addition to backpackers raving about this genuine place. After leaving apart my insecurity, I made a decision that I must expertise it on my own and headed to the small island of Utila.
And I used to be immediately caught by the relaxed appeal of this gem. As I walked alongside the principle street after getting off the ferry, I bought a flashback of an notorious Thai island.
The street was full of diving faculties, bars, and backpackers. I knew shortly that I’d love this place. And the following few days solely strengthened my preliminary feeling.
Every single day I went diving and frolicked with fellow vacationers, divers, and locals. On such a tiny island with one most important street and no automobiles allowed you get to know the place and the folks quick.
And after a peaceful day, within the evenings the handful of eating places and bars stuffed shortly. So it was tremendous straightforward to fulfill different vacationers and make new pals.
I didn’t really feel unsafe as soon as. Even after I slept in a dorm room the place we couldn’t lock the room, everybody was actually calm. “No worries, this place is completely secure”, everybody instructed us. So I left all my belongings in a keyless room within the nation I used to be so unsure about.
I nonetheless love considering again on my time in Utila and I’m nonetheless in touch with a number of the pals I met there. And I extremely suggest any traveler in Central America to not skip Honduras. Particularly in Utila, you’ll fall in love with this nation.
#6: San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala
🖊️ by Erika from Erika’s Travelventures
My favourite location for solo journey in Central America is San Pedro La Laguna, or simply San Pedro, situated alongside the coast of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala.
Out of all of the totally different stops on my backpacking Guatemala itinerary, San Pedro stan
ds out to me as the placement the place I felt very at residence as a solo traveler.
The city presents a little bit of all the pieces I really like about solo journey, together with nature and mountain climbing alternatives, quite a lot of social hostels and cafes, and cultural experiences like native markets and Spanish faculties.
San Pedro is a well-liked city for backpackers and expats, a lot of who keep for prolonged intervals of time, and the locals are very form in direction of foreigners so I felt significantly secure there as a solo traveler.
The spotlight of my time in San Pedro was mountain climbing to the highest of Volcan San Pedro, a dormant volcano that overlooks the city, Lake Atitlan, and neighboring volcanoes that Guatemala is known for.
I’d like to return to San Pedro to spend time at one of many local-run Spanish language faculties, which concentrate on customized studying experiences. It makes San Pedro an ideal pit cease earlier than persevering with solo journey to different Spanish-speaking international locations in Central America.
#7: Corn Islands, Nicaragua
🖊️ by Carley from Dwelling to Havana
Lengthy a favourite Central American vacation spot with backpackers and surfers, the phrase is beginning to get out in regards to the islands referred to as the Islas de Maiz – the Corn Islands – off the coast of Nicaragua.
Among the greatest Caribbean islands off the overwhelmed path, Large Corn and Little Corn are effectively value visiting for solo vacationers in Central America.
You’ll really feel the laidback vibe of the islands as quickly as you step off the airplane, although when you’re seeking to relax and drop off the grid, I like to recommend skipping Large Corn and heading on to Little Corn.
As a solo traveler, I instantly fell in love with the pleasant environment of each locals and different vacationers on Little Corn. No main resorts or resort chains right here; Little Corn is simply laidback hostels and cabanas on the seaside with hammocks, excellent on your Central America solo journey.
Little Corn is tiny, and there are not any automobiles on the island, so all the pieces is compact and straightforward to get to, making it simpler to fulfill different vacationers.
The Corn Islands are simply accessible by each day flights from Managua, Nicaragua to the airport on Large Corn. To succeed in Little Corn, take a half-hour boat experience, out there usually from the municipal dock.
#8: Antigua, Guatemala
🖊️ by Taylor Deer from Brown Eyed Flower Youngster
There’s something particular about doing a solo journey. I really like with the ability to expertise and soak up a vacation spot all to myself. As a lot as I get pleasure from sharing my adventures with one other individual, solo journeys have allowed me to do all the pieces and something I ever needed throughout my travels.
From my private experiences, it has additionally opened me as much as assembly new those who I in all probability wouldn’t have met if I had been with pals or household.
Certainly one of my favourite solo journeys was to Guatemala! I cherished spending time within the stunning metropolis of Antigua the place I bought to absorb all the gorgeous structure and surroundings, get pleasure from a hike with a bunch of superior strangers and savor genuine meals that was really useful by locals! There are limitless actions for everybody to get pleasure from when you’re pondering on what to do in Antigua, Guatemala.
Antigua boasts a significant expat neighborhood, making it a secure and nice solo journey vacation spot. Regardless that there’s crime in every single place on the earth when you keep throughout the metropolis partitions, don’t exit by your self at night time or exhibit your valuables, you’ll be utterly fantastic by your self in Antigua.
The folks of Antigua are pleasant and prepared that will help you get round. As well as, most inns, hostels, and lodging are situated inside a protected wall with safety.
I additionally wakened early one morning and introduced my tripod out to take pictures of myself in Antigua. All of my belongings remained secure!
Total, I cherished how walkable Antigua was and that there have been loads of methods to fulfill folks; from having enjoyable at rooftop bars to taking part within the Volcan Acatenango hike.
The second I arrived in Antigua, I instantly fell in love with town and couldn’t wait to get on the market and discover all that it needed to supply.
Certainly one of my favourite issues to do after I journey is to discover the meals scene, I at all times get pleasure from getting restaurant suggestions from locals and that’s simply what I did.
Individuals had been excited to present me their favourite spots that I wouldn’t have been capable of expertise if I didn’t ask. I additionally ended up assembly a brand new good friend from the Netherlands throughout breakfast at Café Sky, which is a good rooftop bar and restaurant.
We came upon that we had been going to be doing the Volcan Acatenango hike collectively on the identical day, with the identical firm. The 2 of us made a whole lot of nice reminiscences on that hike and met a whole lot of different great folks from around the globe.
It doesn’t matter what you select to do throughout your time in Antigua, Guatemala, you’ll not have a tough time having enjoyable throughout your solo journey. I can’t wait to get again sooner or later!
#9: Havana, Cuba
🖊️ by John from Your Vacation spot is In all places
I traveled solo to Cuba in the summertime of 2020, after graduating from highschool. Though a lot of my pals thought I used to be loopy for going to Cuba alone because it’s not a well known vacationer vacation spot, it turned out to be one of the fascinating locations I’ve visited.
I spent 11 days exploring Cuba’s capital metropolis, Havana. It’s vibrant and bustling. The locals right here had been so pleasant to me and virtually everybody appeared so comfortable to have a conservation with me.
I made it a purpose of mine to get out of my consolation zone and speak to folks on this journey, and I ended up making some native pals that I nonetheless be in contact with to at the present time.
I by no means as soon as felt unsafe, though there have been moments of awkwardness and confusion. Though I by no means skilled this myself, the hostel employees warned us that harassment is fairly frequent right here.
I stayed in a hostel for the primary 2 nights earlier than switching to “casa” for the remainder of the journey. Casa is basically a neighborhood visitor home. Not solely that they’re inexpensive, however staying there means that you can meet the locals and expertise their methods of life.
Everybody was so affected person with my restricted Spanish and considered one of them even gave me a free strolling tour of town! Total, I believe Havana is an incredible solo journey vacation spot with its stunning structure, scrumptious meals, and pleasant locals.
#10:Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
🖊️ by Katie of Katie Caf Journey
Lake Atitlan in Guatemala is called the deepest lake in Central America. Lake Atitlan was shaped by volcanic exercise 84,000 years in the past – Looking from the shore, you’ll be able to see limitless mountains rimming the horizon of the lake which are literally all lively volcanoes!
I had the dignity of solo touring to this attractive location in winter 2022 and I’ve been dreaming about it ever since. Along with the magical panorama, Lake Atitlan is the right place for a solo traveler due to Guatemala’s incredible hostel tradition.
In all the principle cities on Lake Atitlan you will discover luxurious hostels at each funds. Should you’re a Digital Nomad, like I’m, I stayed on the Selina within the city of Panajachel in order that I might have constant wifi. Should you’re there to occasion, I like to recommend Free Cerveza, which has an ideal view of the lake within the city of Santa Cruz.
All the inns/hostels within the city of San Marcos are identified for catering to a religious crowd, and there’s at all times a yoga retreat happening someplace.
Out of all of my travels, Guatemala was essentially the most welcoming nation for solo vacationers. There are limitless social alternatives, and most vacationers journey by shared shuttles and take group excursions. It could be tough to depart Guatemala with out making no less than one good friend!
#11: Lake Yojoa, Honduras
🖊️ by Wes Ellery from Stroll About Wes
Lake Yojoa, located within the northwest of the nation, is the most important lake in Honduras. Honduras is without doubt one of the least visited international locations in Central America and is usually cited as essentially the most harmful.
I needed to expertise the nation for myself and make my very own opinion. My favourite vacation spot within the nation was Lake Yojoa, a playground for its center lessons.
Throughout my 3 night time keep, I by no means met a foreigner exterior of my hostel. It is a place actually off the overwhelmed path, and I really feel privileged that I used to be capable of go to it. It’s splendid for a solo traveler because the locals are comfortable to have interaction with you and discover out why you selected to go to their nation.
One afternoon I used to be sitting subsequent to the lake and a bunch of three guys arrived on filth bikes. Right away they approached me, and of their damaged English stated they noticed me strolling right here and needed to speak to me.
That they had lived within the space their entire lives and the principle man speaking needed to enhance his English (his English was much better than my Spanish!).
They insisted I drink a beer with them, they usually had been fascinated to find out about my expertise of their nation and Lake Yojoa. They hoped I used to be having fun with myself and provided me to affix them for dinner on the town. This was typical of the welcome I acquired in Lake Yojoa.
In conclusion, Lake Yojoa was a secure place to go to and broke my preconceptions of security within the nation.
#12: Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
🖊️ by Lori Sorrentino from Travlin Mad
One of many very first occasions that I traveled on my own was to the distant rainforest of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. I had needed to do a solo journey and the pristine rainforest of the Osa appeared to fill the invoice.
Upon arriving on the airport in Puerto Jimenez on the Osa, I felt only a bit confused, as by which manner from right here?
I requested instructions to my pick-up level for my lodge, and was met with smiles, a bit of English, and heat greetings. One gentleman truly walked with me about half a block whereas pointing to the place I wanted to go.
So it was true. The Costa Ricans are a really pleasant folks and exit of their manner to assist and make you’re feeling welcome. As I moved round between cities and lodges, I met vacationers from different international locations, normally over dinner or on a hike, a few of whom I’m in touch with to at the present time.
However I by no means felt that I wanted to be with others. With my rudimentary Spanish it was straightforward to have conversations with Costa Ricans.
Whether or not with locals or different vacationers, I by no means felt unsafe or alone on this journey, and made some lifetime pals on that first journey, and have gone again time and again.
#13: Panama Metropolis, Panama
🖊️ by Becky Schaefer of Becksplore Journey
Panama Metropolis was the primary vacation spot that I had traveled to in Latin America, so I didn’t actually know what to anticipate and the way secure I’d really feel touring round Panama solo.
However inside in all probability my first half an hour of strolling across the metropolis, a neighborhood had began speaking to me on the road to want me an important keep in Panama, which already made me really feel actually welcome in Panama. Typically, all of the locals I talked to had been tremendous pleasant!
Whereas I felt fairly secure in Panama Metropolis, I observed fairly the distinction between strolling exterior with folks I had met within the hostel with a man current vs. strolling exterior with one other woman. I did really feel uncomfortable a couple of times as I skilled some catcalling.
Aside from that I’ve not had any dangerous experiences touring solo in Panama Metropolis. It was additionally very easy to journey across the metropolis by Uber. I used to be suggested by the hostel to take Ubers relatively than taxis due to security, however I had additionally taken taxis alone a couple of times, as I had no web on my cellphone to name an Uber, which felt utterly fantastic.
What I cherished about touring solo in Panama Metropolis, is that I met a whole lot of different solo vacationers, which made it very easy to fulfill new folks. The hostels I stayed in had been nice and really social as effectively.
There’s a lot to do within the metropolis and I believe it’s a nice vacation spot for solo vacationers. Particularly if it’s your first time in Central America!
#14: San Blas, Panama
🖊️ by Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler
The most effective locations to go to in Central America is San Blas Islands in Panama. This hidden gem is normally ignored by vacationers due to its distant location, making this a really perfect trip spot.
There are literally 365 islands in San Blas, with a couple of being inhabited, and none of them being crowded.
The San Blas Islands are situated within the Kuna area of Panama. Since this area is autonomous, you’ll want your passport to enter. I booked transportation by way of automobile after which a ship to get to the islands.
I used to be pleasantly shocked by the friendliness of the Kuna folks. Whether or not I used to be sharing a drink with them on the seaside or studying about their historical past or tradition.
I used to be additionally capable of go to plenty of different islands which provided totally different experiences. Snorkeling is out there on most islands and options a whole lot of kinds of fish, lobsters, and turtles.
Visiting San Blas Islands was an important place to unwind, disconnect from society and reconnect with breathtaking nature.
#15: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
🖊️ by Jessica Schmit from Uprooted Traveler
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, with its secure environment and limitless actions, is the right vacation spot for a solo traveler. Situated on the Pacific shoreline and providing each attractive white sand seashores and plush rainforests, it’s no shock that there are tons of superior issues to do in Manuel Antonio, no matter whether or not you’re flying solo or not.
As a result of it’s a well-trodden backpacking vacation spot, there are many inexpensive lodging which have a social environment to fulfill different vacationers, like Millenium Hostels, or areas which are digital-nomad pleasant, like Selina Manuel Antonio.
Whereas the city itself is pretty small, there are many seaside bars inside strolling distance when you’re staying alongside its most important drag.
That being stated, there are typically no sidewalks and the windy and hilly roads made me nervous to stroll alone late at night- so simply be aware of automobiles!
Of all of the locations I visited in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio had essentially the most aggressive buskers, though they normally get the trace with a agency no.
Aside from that, although, I discovered the locals to be extremely pleasant in direction of visitors- locals that I met out and about had been consistently offering me with seaside suggestions, one of the best sundown spots, and different insider ideas and methods.
#16: Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
by Indranil from Paradise Catchers
Fifteen minutes to the Santa Teresa seaside city, it was getting darkish. This final stretch of the street was unpaved and bumpy. I used to be questioning if I’ll discover many individuals there, because the city lies at a distant nook of the Nicoya peninsula in Costa Rica.
As I took the final flip, the abandoned method street became a bustling avenue. It ran between a line of eating places on one aspect and the Pacific on the opposite.
The guests had been a various lot with the teams of browsing fanatics or the solo vacationers discovering their little area for some distant work or a espresso on the co-working areas or cafes.
Life throughout the day revolved across the seashores and I by no means felt alone within the solo buzzing avenue because the night time falls.
The locals I met throughout the keep, had been essentially the most cosmopolitan in all of Costa Rica. My Argentinian boutique resort proprietor spoke about how the city had modified over her thirty years of residing there.
I shared my journey pictures with the Cuban prepare dinner at a fusion restaurant as he spoke about his ancestors in Havana.
Whereas yoga and browsing are two major actions that Santa Teresa is thought for, I selected the previous. As a solo traveler, I’d simply fear about what I needed on this little city, torn between calmness and adrenaline rush.
✈️ Prepared on your journey to Central America? This weblog thrives on reader questions so be happy to ask questions on one of the best locations to go to in Central America by utilizing the remark field beneath. You can too join 1-on-1 teaching with me when you want extra assist!
Trisha is a kind of individuals who left their comfy life to journey the world and find out about life. Her fashion is to remain in a single place she likes for 3 months (or extra) to know what it feels prefer to eat, prepare dinner, communicate, and sleep in one other tradition that isn’t hers. She’d prefer to imagine she’s not historically touring however she simply chooses to be someplace else on a regular basis. In no explicit order, her favourite cities on the earth are Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Mexico Metropolis, and Tel Aviv.
