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Central America

Climb aboard the Central America express and prepare for one heck of a colourful adventure with Absolutely Lucy. By far one of my favourite continents to explore – it’s been a magical blend of jungle, beach and desert along the way. Visit Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. From snorkelling and ocean cruising around national parks, to all the tacos you can eat, music festivals and much more. Climb ancient Mayan ruins, volcanos and jump into crystal clear lakes. Central America, you absolute wonder.

Central America
Travel Itineraries

Planning a trip to Central America is a big task, but I’ve got you! I spent 5-6 months backpacking solo over there – my dream trip! While before I travelled I felt overwhelmed, once I arrived, I found the entire trip just slotted into place. I had some of the most incredible travel experiences of my life while travelling there, so I can’t wait to share my Central America travel itineraries with you. More coming soon!
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Central America Travel Itineraries

Best Things to See &
Do in Central America

Central America is the home of adventure travel. From hidden Mayan temples deep in the jungle, to epic volcanoes at sunrise, to bar crawls, surfing and even discovering how coffee is produced over there. Each country has such a unique culture and heritage, while still sharing incredible landscapes and stunning nature offerings. Check out these experiences you won’t want to miss, and more coming soon!

Best Things to See & Do in Central America

Solo Female Travel
in Central America

Don’t believe anything you are told about solo female travel in Central America. Before I went there, I was told it was dangerous and unsafe for a woman. The truth is that it is a vibrant, beautiful part of the world that welcomed me with open arms and made me feel safer than I have done in the UK at times. I wanted to travel Central and South America on my first ever solo backpacking trip, but I was scared to go alone, so I put it off for years. When I finally went, I couldn’t believe I waited so long. Central America is a part of the world that will test you, it’s not the super easy travelling of Asia and Australia. But it is no more dangerous for a woman than any other part of the world. Travelling solo as a woman in Central America will give you the confidence to travel solo anywhere in the world.
1
Trust your gut – my number 1 rule. If something feels off, leave the situation!
2
Never arrive anywhere late at night, it will instantly feel dodgy.
3
Research hostels & accommodations – always read the reviews.
4
If you feel nervous, check in with friends / family nightly and send them your location.
5
Talk to people! Don’t let yourself feel isolated. Make friends and form a group.
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Solo Female Travel in Central America

How Much Does It Cost to Travel Central America?

Lake Atitlan, girl in turquoise skirt on jetty in front of lake surrounded by volcanoes, Guatemala

Accommodation

Hostels are by far the best option – there’s some really luxury ones available for low prices. Plus, they’re the best way to meet people! Also, cheap Airbnb, homestays and apartments available.
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Food

Street food all the way! Skip the restaurants and head to night markets and local food vendors for the freshest meals.
sunset beach costa rica, girl on blanket on sand

Transportation

Skip the internal flights which can be quite expensive and instead choose slow travel. Bus routes and shuttles are available everywhere and feel very safe. They’re cheap and efficient – you can also find “chicken buses” as an even cheaper option.
Semuc Champey,

Suggested Daily Budget

50-100 GBP / 60-120 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Travel Resources

Ever wondered how I manage to snag SUCH great travel deals and save so much on accommodation, airfare and travel? my Travel Resources will give you access to all my favourite booking websites and all the best places to get travel essentials on a budget. My goal is to help you save money so you can spend more on your adventures once you arrive.
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How Much Does It Cost to Travel Central America?

Money Saving Tips for Central America

1
Street food tacos – messy but delicious

Eat local with street food

Don't try and cook for yourself, it's more expensive! Much better to head for night markets and street food vendors for cheap eats.
2

Choose the "chicken buses"

Save on transport by travelling on the local buses – I've done it solo and it's safe, comfortable and a fraction of the price of shuttles.
3
Tikal Guatemala, jungle Mayan ruins

Work for accommodation

If you decide to stay in one area for a while – perhaps to learn the language – try and get a work for accommodation stay in a hostel. It can help cut back on spending.
4
Three girls watching sunset at Acatenango base camp

Choose your activities

If costs are mounting – pick wisely where you spend your money. Don't try and do every activity, instead choose the top ones and then look for free things to do.

Money Saving Tips for Central America

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