{"id":34965,"date":"2019-05-20T20:30:57","date_gmt":"2019-05-20T10:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=34965"},"modified":"2024-09-18T16:46:31","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T06:46:31","slug":"solo-travel-central-america","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/solo-travel-central-america\/","title":{"rendered":"3 great countries in Central America for solo travel"},"content":{"rendered":"

Central America<\/a> is so much more than \u201cthat skinny bit\u201d connecting two great continents \u2013 this isthmus (yes, there\u2019s a word for that) packs a mighty punch on its own. <\/strong><\/p>\n

With seven countries under its narrow belt, it\u2019s a stunning kaleidoscope of jungles, volcanoes, temples, beaches, delicious food and more spider monkeys than you can shake a stick at \u2013 and with a steady stream of fellow backpackers heading north to south or vice versa, it\u2019s an amazing place to travel solo.<\/p>\n

While I normally backpack on my own, after a health scare, I opted to jump on a 47-day Intrepid trip called Central American Explorer<\/a> \u2013 and made loads of friends I\u2019m still in touch with! But whether you\u2019re going it alone or flying solo on a group trip, here are my top picks in Central America for solo travellers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Belize<\/a><\/h3>\n
\"The<\/a>

Photo captured by Nathan Landers<\/p><\/div>\n

You better Belize it. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, and with the friendly locals, relaxed vibe and ease of communication, it\u2019s a breeze for solo travel. First up: off the coast is a tiny island paradise, Caye Caulker. The motto here is \u201cGo slow\u201d \u2013 it\u2019s a car-free place where the roads are sandy, palm trees sway, rum punch flows and life moves at a chilled-out pace.<\/p>\n

VISIT CAYE CAULKER ON THIS 8-DAY EXPLORATION OF BELIZE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, so a great way to spend a day is to get out on the water. Head out on a catamaran trip to meet new friends, soak up the sun and reggae tunes, and stop at snorkel spots teeming with colourful fish and docile nurse sharks. If you\u2019re lucky, you may even spot a manatee \u2013 I had one gentle giant whoosh by right below me in the open ocean.<\/p>\n

\"Vanessa<\/a>

Photo captured by Vanessa Stofer<\/p><\/div>\n

From afternoon onwards, the Split is the social place to be. Back in 1961, Hurricane Hattie ripped Caye Caulker in two \u2013 and now, the Split is where locals and visitors hang out, go for a dip and grab a drink from the beach bars. For dinner, gobble up shrimp off the grill or treat yourself to lobster for much cheaper than at home. And wash it all down with rum punch, of course.<\/p>\n

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR THE LATEST NEWS, OFFERS AND GIVEAWAYS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Back on the mainland, San Ignacio is a base for outdoor adventures. Spelunking, anyone? For a challenging Indiana Jones experience, join a guided tour to the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal). You\u2019ll hike, swim, explore endless chambers and marvel at archaeological wonders like ancient Mayan pottery and sparkling calcified skeletons. Or, for something lazier, opt for a cave tubing expedition \u2013 just don a fashion-forward headlamp, float and enjoy.<\/p>\n

Guatemala<\/a><\/h3>\n
\"Admiring<\/a>

Photo captured by Nathan Landers<\/p><\/div>\n

Guatemala is one of the most popular countries in the region for backpackers, so it\u2019s great to visit solo. There\u2019s good travel infrastructure and plenty of fellow travellers, so if you\u2019re looking to make friends, you won\u2019t be alone for long!<\/p>\n

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF GUATEMALA ON THIS 9-DAY ADVENTURE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

In northern Guatemala, don\u2019t miss Tikal, a heavy-hitter on any traveller\u2019s list. This ancient, mysterious Mayan kingdom, famous for its photogenic pyramid, begs to be explored on foot. Wander through the ruined complex with spider and howler monkeys swinging overhead. Not far away is Flores, a pretty island town with colourful buildings, red corrugated roofs and flowers spilling down the slopes.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

Photo captured by Damien Raggatt<\/p><\/div>\n

Antigua, full of pastel colonial buildings and watched over by looming, cloud-ringed volcanic peaks, is a solid base for your explorations. From the city, you can trek a nearby volcano, visit local coffee plantations or stay in town to browse the markets, try traditional Mayan drinking chocolate at ChocoMuseo and dance the night away at a salsa bar.<\/p>\n

RELATED: 5 REASONS ANTIGUA IS A HIGHLIGHT OF ANY TRIP TO GUATEMALA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Chichicastenango is one of Central America\u2019s largest open-air markets, exploding into a riot of activity Thursday and Sunday. Bring your best haggling skills or just enjoy the atmosphere! Not far south is crystal-blue Lake Atitlan, a crater lake in the highlands ringed by volcanoes. More than a dozen villages surround it, each with their own distinct flavour. San Pedro is a hub for backpackers, while San Marcos is known as a hippie hangout.<\/p>\n

El Salvador<\/a><\/h3>\n
\"A<\/a>

Photo captured by Vanessa Stofer<\/p><\/div>\n

Tiny El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, but it has a big heart \u2013 and it might just steal yours. While it sometimes gets a bad rap in the media,\u00a0El Salvador is largely safe for travellers and well worth a visit<\/a>. Of course, you should always follow normal travel safety ground rules, but the locals here are incredibly\u00a0welcoming, prices are cheap and the water\u2019s warm \u2013 surf\u2019s up!<\/p>\n

DISCOVER THE REAL EL SALVADOR ON THIS 8-DAY EXPLORATION<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Quite literally \u2013 surfers (and backpackers) from all over the world flock to El Salvador\u2019s Pacific coast for some of the best waves anywhere. For a beach break, don\u2019t miss El Cuco or El Tunco. Grab a cheap morning surf lesson to catch your very first wave with other newbies, or you can lounge in a hammock, read a book or lounge on the beach to watch the pros.<\/p>\n

\"Iglesia<\/a>

Photo captured by Vanessa Stofer<\/p><\/div>\n

The quaint colonial town of Suchitoto, the cultural capital of El Salvador, is a beauty. From here, you can visit Cerron Grande Reservoir to see tons of migrating birds, take a guided walk through Cinquera Forest (where guerrilla fighters hid during the civil war) or catch a ride to Los Tercios waterfall, a cool rock formation of hexagonal columns like a mini Giant\u2019s Causeway.<\/p>\n

RELATED: HOW TO SPEND THE PERFECT DAY IN SUCHITOTO<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

And don\u2019t leave the country without feasting on papusas \u2013 cornmeal flatbreads stuffed with cheese, refried beans or fried pork. One for a snack, two if you\u2019re hungry and, well, three or four if you\u2019re me. Yum!<\/p>\n

There\u2019s so much to see in Central America, we couldn\u2019t possibly cover it all! But hopefully, this gives you a taster of this diverse continent \u2013 and lights the embers of inspiration for your next solo trip.<\/p>\n

Ready to take on Central America solo? Intrepid Travel has 75 sustainable small group adventures<\/a> for you to choose from.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Central America is so much more than \u201cthat skinny bit\u201d connecting two great continents \u2013 this isthmus (yes, there\u2019s a word for that) packs a mighty punch on its 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