These are the greatest locations to go to in Central America ALONE based on skilled solo vacationers, digital nomads, and expats. Browse away and let me know which one you propose 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 assume with all the things that’s occurring in my nation, I wish to go away for slightly bit and breathe one other air. I largely wish to study Spanish and I assumed that Central America is only a flight away from my house 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 look ahead to talking with you relating to 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 think about this space as my weblog’s experience and robust go well with.
I did journey to Central America extensively however on this submit, I requested fellow professional solo vacationers to pitch in and provides their strategies on one of the best locations for Central America solo journey.
Nonetheless, 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 known as Mexico Insider. Please be happy to browse that if you wish to embody Mexico in your journey (properly, it is best to!)
Anyway, right here’s the record – I hope you let me know which locations you decide. Good luck in your journey and should you want assist in planning, you already know the place to search 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 record have transient descriptions about security so be certain to learn them rigorously!
As all the time, I ensure that no matter you learn on this weblog is genuine and reasonable so relaxation assured that I’ll all the time let you know if I really feel secure in a vacation spot or not.
However all the time 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 robust 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 nations and I think about myself educated in these nations on the subject of touring solo.
For positive, all the things is determined by what you wish to do while you journey solo so browse away and discover the fitting vacation spot in your solo journey to Central America!
You may additionally like:
📍 Finest locations to go to in Central America
#1: El Valle de Anton, Panama
🖊️ by Sanne Wesselman of Spend Life Touring
I might say all of Panama is a superb solo journey vacation spot, however I particularly loved the laid-back, pleasant ambiance 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 snug, secure, and it’s simple to strike up a dialog with fellow passengers.
Folks appear even friendlier in El Valle than in different elements of Panama. On the market I had nice conversations with native artisans and in one of many cafes I made mates 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 turn out to be a preferred journey vacation spot, it’s additionally simple to satisfy different vacationers right here.
I organized a cooking class with an area household which was such a pleasant manner not solely to cook dinner a number 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 superb escape from extra hectic Panama Metropolis and an ideal 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 likely 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 price range lodging and journey actions. The city has a number of hostels and numerous eco-lodges which might be nice for assembly different vacationers.
I stayed in a jungle lodge simply outdoors the city that had numerous 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 energetic place to satisfy folks. The pleasant distributors supplied me samples of their fruits and different merchandise and I danced on the street with crowds of locals who welcomed me into their circle.
Top-of-the-line issues in regards to the city is that it makes for an ideal base location for the numerous issues to do in San Ignacio. The jungle and forest reserve close to the city boasts waterfalls, caves, and Mayan ruins which might be enjoyable and academic to discover.
General, I felt secure in San Ignacio and met numerous backpackers touring alone. Nonetheless, 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 solution to discover these remoted sights as a solo traveler is on a guided tour. You not solely get to satisfy 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
In case you’re searching for one of the best solo journey locations in Central America, I can positively advocate Viñales in Cuba.
Viñales is a small village in western Cuba. Whereas it is likely one of the touristic hotspots, it seems like stepping again in time and into on a regular basis Cuban life. Vacationers don’t intrude with the best way issues go, they simply mix in.
Cuba usually is a superb vacation spot for solo vacationers as a result of it is extremely secure. Viñales isn’t any completely different. The village consists of 1 foremost highway with the eating places and a store (the one place in Cuba the place I’ve discovered an precise store!) after which a few grime highway 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 are going to go above and past to assist. The easiest way 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 turn out to be a member of the family of the host very quickly. I nonetheless refer to 1 explicit casa as ‘My Cuban Household’ and we nonetheless communicate, even 2 years later!
#4: San Juan, Nicaragua
🖊️ by Bradley from Dream Large Journey Far
Nicaragua could sound intimidating however is definitely a fairly secure nation for solo vacationers. I’d personally advocate San Juan del Sur, a budget-friendly seaside city with a quiet and sluggish ambiance.
It’s by no means been a goal for violence, and general I felt a very peaceable vibe whereas the locals are usually 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 might counsel avoiding the outskirts of city.
Plus, you would possibly 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 all the time 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 beautiful place with room choices together with dorms, tents, or common AC-ed rooms. Extra importantly, it has nice meals and a implausible neighborhood, making it very easy to satisfy new folks!
#5: Utila, Honduras
🖊️ by Jill from Jill On Journey
Earlier than I received 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 have to 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 highway after getting off the ferry, I received a flashback of an notorious Thai island.
The highway was stuffed with diving colleges, bars, and backpackers. I knew rapidly that I’d love this place. And the subsequent 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 foremost highway and no vehicles allowed you get to know the place and the folks quick.
And after a relaxed day, within the evenings the handful of eating places and bars stuffed rapidly. So it was tremendous simple to satisfy different vacationers and make new mates.
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 pondering again on my time in Utila and I’m nonetheless in touch with a few of the mates I met there. And I extremely advocate 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, positioned alongside the coast of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala.
Out of all of the completely different stops on my backpacking Guatemala itinerary, San Pedro stan
ds out to me as the placement the place I felt very at house as a solo traveler.
The city affords a little bit of all the things I really like about solo journey, together with nature and climbing alternatives, quite a lot of social hostels and cafes, and cultural experiences like native markets and Spanish colleges.
San Pedro is a well-liked city for backpackers and expats, a lot of who keep for prolonged durations of time, and the locals are very variety in the direction of foreigners so I felt notably secure there as a solo traveler.
The spotlight of my time in San Pedro was climbing to the highest of Volcan San Pedro, a dormant volcano that overlooks the city, Lake Atitlan, and neighboring volcanoes that Guatemala is legendary for.
I might like to return to San Pedro to spend time at one of many local-run Spanish language colleges, which concentrate on customized studying experiences. It makes San Pedro an ideal pit cease earlier than persevering with solo journey to different Spanish-speaking nations in Central America.
#7: Corn Islands, Nicaragua
🖊️ by Carley from House 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 generally known as the Islas de Maiz – the Corn Islands – off the coast of Nicaragua.
A few of the greatest Caribbean islands off the overwhelmed path, Large Corn and Little Corn are properly 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 should you’re seeking to sit back 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 ambiance of each locals and different vacationers on Little Corn. No main resorts or lodge chains right here; Little Corn is simply laidback hostels and cabanas on the seaside with hammocks, good in your Central America solo journey.
Little Corn is tiny, and there are not any vehicles on the island, so all the things is compact and straightforward to get to, making it simpler to satisfy different vacationers.
The Corn Islands are simply accessible by day by day flights from Managua, Nicaragua to the airport on Large Corn. To succeed in Little Corn, take a half-hour boat experience, accessible recurrently from the municipal dock.
#8: Antigua, Guatemala
🖊️ by Taylor Deer from Brown Eyed Flower Little one
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 take pleasure in sharing my adventures with one other individual, solo journeys have allowed me to do all the things and something I ever wished throughout my travels.
From my private experiences, it has additionally opened me as much as assembly new people who I most likely wouldn’t have met if I had been with mates or household.
One in all my favourite solo journeys was to Guatemala! I cherished spending time within the stunning metropolis of Antigua the place I received to soak up all the gorgeous structure and surroundings, take pleasure in a hike with a bunch of superior strangers and savor genuine meals that was really helpful by locals! There are limitless actions for everybody to take pleasure in should 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. Despite the fact that there may be crime all over the place on the earth should you keep inside the metropolis partitions, don’t exit by your self at night time or showcase your valuables, you can be utterly effective by your self in Antigua.
The folks of Antigua are pleasant and prepared that will help you get round. As well as, most accommodations, hostels, and lodging are positioned 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!
General, I cherished how walkable Antigua was and that there have been loads of methods to satisfy folks; from having enjoyable at rooftop bars to collaborating 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.
One in all my favourite issues to do after I journey is to discover the meals scene, I all the time take pleasure in getting restaurant suggestions from locals and that’s simply what I did.
Folks had been excited to offer me their favourite spots that I wouldn’t have been in a position to expertise if I didn’t ask. I additionally ended up assembly a brand new buddy from the Netherlands throughout breakfast at Café Sky, which is a superb rooftop bar and restaurant.
We discovered 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 numerous nice reminiscences on that hike and met numerous different fantastic folks from all over the world.
It doesn’t matter what you select to do throughout your time in Antigua, Guatemala, you’ll not have a troublesome 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 mates 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 vital 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 nearly everybody appeared so joyful 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 mates that I nonetheless communicate 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 workers warned us that harassment is fairly widespread 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 an area 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 one among them even gave me a free strolling tour of town! General, 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 energetic volcanoes!
I had the dignity of solo touring to this beautiful location in winter 2022 and I’ve been dreaming about it ever since. Along with the magical panorama, Lake Atitlan is the proper place for a solo traveler due to Guatemala’s implausible hostel tradition.
In all the principle cities on Lake Atitlan yow will discover luxurious hostels at each price range. In case 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. In case 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.
The entire accommodations/hostels within the city of San Marcos are identified for catering to a religious crowd, and there may be all the time 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 troublesome to depart Guatemala with out making at the least one buddy!
#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 likely one of the least visited nations in Central America and is usually cited as essentially the most harmful.
I wished 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 courses.
Throughout my 3 night time keep, I by no means met a foreigner outdoors of my hostel. It is a place actually off the overwhelmed path, and I really feel privileged that I used to be in a position to go to it. It’s best for a solo traveler because the locals are joyful 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 gaggle of three guys arrived on grime bikes. Right away they approached me, and of their damaged English mentioned they noticed me strolling right here and wished to speak to me.
They’d lived within the space their entire lives and the principle man speaking wished to enhance his English (his English was much better than my Spanish!).
They insisted I drink a beer with them, and so they had been fascinated to learn about my expertise of their nation and Lake Yojoa. They hoped I used to be having fun with myself and supplied me to affix them for dinner on the town. This was typical of the welcome I obtained 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 wished 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, slightly 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 nations, often 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 simple 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 mates on that first journey, and have gone again many times.
#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 might really feel touring round Panama solo.
However inside most likely my first half an hour of strolling across the metropolis, an area had began speaking to me on the road to want me an ideal keep in Panama, which already made me really feel actually welcome in Panama. Basically, 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 outdoors with folks I had met within the hostel with a man current vs. strolling outdoors with one other lady. I did really feel uncomfortable a couple of times as I skilled some catcalling.
Aside from that I’ve not had any unhealthy 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 moderately 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 effective.
What I cherished about touring solo in Panama Metropolis, is that I met numerous different solo vacationers, which made it very easy to satisfy new folks. The hostels I stayed in had been nice and really social as properly.
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
Top-of-the-line locations to go to in Central America is San Blas Islands in Panama. This hidden gem is often neglected by vacationers due to its distant location, making this a great trip spot.
There are literally 365 islands in San Blas, with a number of being inhabited, and none of them being crowded.
The San Blas Islands are positioned within the Kuna area of Panama. Since this area is autonomous, you’ll want your passport to enter. I booked transportation through 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 in a position to go to quite a lot of different islands which supplied completely different experiences. Snorkeling is obtainable on most islands and options a whole bunch of kinds of fish, lobsters, and turtles.
Visiting San Blas Islands was an ideal 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 ambiance and limitless actions, is the proper vacation spot for a solo traveler. Situated on the Pacific shoreline and providing each beautiful white sand seashores and luxurious 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 ambiance to satisfy different vacationers, like Millenium Hostels, or areas which might be digital-nomad pleasant, like Selina Manuel Antonio.
Whereas the city itself is pretty small, there are many seaside bars inside strolling distance should you’re staying alongside its foremost drag.
That being mentioned, there are usually no sidewalks and the windy and hilly roads made me nervous to stroll alone late at night- so simply be conscious of vehicles!
Of all of the locations I visited in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio had essentially the most aggressive buskers, though they often get the trace with a agency no.
Aside from that, although, I discovered the locals to be extremely pleasant in the direction of visitors- locals that I met out and about had been always offering me with seaside suggestions, one of the best sundown spots, and different insider ideas and tips.
#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 highway 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 highway changed into a bustling road. 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 house for some distant work or a espresso on the co-working areas or cafes.
Life in the course of the day revolved across the seashores and I by no means felt alone within the solo buzzing road because the night time falls.
The locals I met in the course of the keep, had been essentially the most cosmopolitan in all of Costa Rica. My Argentinian boutique lodge proprietor spoke about how the city had modified over her thirty years of dwelling there.
I shared my journey pictures with the Cuban cook 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 understood for, I selected the previous. As a solo traveler, I might simply fear about what I wished on this little city, torn between calmness and adrenaline rush.
✈️ Prepared in 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 may also join 1-on-1 teaching with me should you want extra assist!
Trisha is a kind of individuals who left their snug life to journey the world and find out about life. Her model is to remain in a single place she likes for 3 months (or extra) to know what it feels wish to eat, cook dinner, communicate, and sleep in one other tradition that isn’t hers. She’d wish to imagine she’s not historically touring however she simply chooses to be some other place 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.
