Americas - Central America

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Jun 18, 2008 10:30 PM
Irene_Adler

last reply
Jun 18, 2008 10:30 PM
Irene_Adler

0 replies
8,119 views

Welcome to the Central America branch!

1. Welcome to Thorn Tree’s Central America branch!

2. Find out all about Central America here! Things to think about before posting:

3. Has my question already been answered? Check out the FAQ thread and use the Search bar on the right-hand side to find out.

4. Seeking travel companions in Central America? Please post on our Travel Companions branch instead.

5. Please remember this is a forum about travelling in Central America, not a place for political discussions. Please keep all discussions relevant to travelling in Central America or they will be removed.

6. Remember that commercial advertising of any kind is against our website terms and will ... more »

Jun 23, 2005 5:17 AM
juan3

last reply
Feb 5, 2013 7:15 AM
SoloHobo

68 replies
150,529 views

Pages 1 2 3 4 5

Central America Branch FAQ

Here are some tips to help you find the information you want and need about Central America:

1. Have a good look around the Thorn Tree before asking your question - quite often your question (or one very similar to it) will have been asked and answered before. Some of the most frequently asked questions are included in this thread below.

2. Research before asking a question and make your question as specific to your situation as possible. It will help you get better, more detailed and useful answers from the community. Invest some preliminary time and our knowledgeable community will help you fill in the gaps.

3. Explore Lonely Planet's Destinations, an online resource which has a wealth of key info and tips.

4. When you're ready to ask a question, choose the relevant country from the drop down menu to ensure the most rel... more »

Jun 19, 2013 3:44 PM
mrjack

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 4:54 PM
misterbee

2 replies
53 views

Central America overall opinion

HI All,
I have traveled extensively , mostly Asia, Pacific and a bit of Africa.
What is the general opinion on Central America. does it have a buzz like Asia ? how are the people ? are then lots of cool ancient sites to visit, cool places to party and generally just a bloody good holiday. I suppose the only way is to try it and find out but what's the general lowdown ?
Thanks in advance

Jun 19, 2013 3:00 PM
pmiller9

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 4:54 PM
wiremu

1 replies
36 views
location: Costa Rica

Quick 8 days in CR late June

Hi everyone,

I am flying into San Jose in 1 week with my girlfriend. We are planning on going to either Option A: Arenal/Celeste/Manuel Antonio either via rental car or bus. OR option B: we are considering Osa Peninsula for the entire time.

Couple questions:
1) First of all, any strong opinions for either Option A or B?
2) For Option A, would you recommend renting a car? What would be a good alternative to Manuel Antonio?
3) Is corcovado truly amazing as I've read? Honestly, I was recently in SA for the amazon and thought arenal/Celeste/MA would be a better option and diversity. However, if Corcovado is as amazing as I've read I'd highly consider going there for the whole week.
4) is there another quick 7-8 day itinerary we should consider instead? This is our first time to CR

Thanks for your help. Were 25 yr olds and have done many backpacking trips over the years,... more »

Jun 19, 2013 10:29 AM
evanpatey

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 4:50 PM
wiremu

6 replies
111 views
location: Costa Rica

Heading to Costa Rica? Visit the Rainforest

If anyone is visiting Costa Rica, I highly recommend visiting a rainforest. Here is an article loaded with tips on where to go and what to bring with you: http://tipscostarica.com/costa-rica-rainforest/

Jun 19, 2013 10:09 AM
Ranitomeya

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 10:09 AM
Ranitomeya

0 replies
27 views

Questions about Corcovado - looking for group to share guide August 3-6

I know this is a longshot, but I'd like to find a group to travel with from August 3 to the 5th or 6th in Corcovado.

Corcovado is my only must-see destination in Costa Rica but I (22/M/Florida) will be traveling alone. As such, I need to find a group that is willing to split the cost of a guide for a 2-3 night hike into the park.

I read somewhere on this forum that La Sirena now accepts reservations up to a year in advance; can anyone verify this? If so, is it worth paying wire transfer fees to reserve now or should I contact a guide service down there to do it for me?

Also, would it be better to book 4 nights in the park and then try and find a group willing to share a guide with me at one of the hostels in Puerto Jimenez the night before setting out?

I've been in contact with surcostours but they don't have a group scheduled for August. Can anyone recommend a guid... more »

Jun 19, 2013 9:12 AM
joshjacobson

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 4:59 PM
misterbee

3 replies
61 views

Central America Travel Recommendations

I'm visiting Central America for the first time, and I'd love to get some quick advice and background knowledge.

What are each of the countries known for travel-wise? Are the popular ones like Costa Rica real touristy or fine to visit? Which country has the most unique culture? Is it worth visiting each or are some of them real similar to each other?

Thanks!

Jun 19, 2013 7:24 AM
LosGuevara

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 10:25 AM
st486435

4 replies
74 views

Central American Trip July- August

Howdy All,

I want to thank all frequent posters for posting and providing some information on which I gauged the following trip. With that being said, I embark on a trip that starts July 9th- August 14th, the traveler shall only be I. I land in El Salvador and will stay there 10 or so days with family and should be taken care of while I am in the old country, ha. From there I have time to explore so long as I make my flight from Panama City, Panama to Cartagena, Colombia on July 30th. There I will be in Colombia till the 14th when my flight leaves from Bogota back to New York City.

My questions/concerns: I am a 20yr old male student, I have booked this trip on a feeling of getting out of New York and somehow gaining a global perspective. I really would like to see and experience as much nature as possible; I plan to stay in hostels; I have budgeted $2000 for the whole tri... more »

Jun 19, 2013 6:59 AM
katalina77

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 10:35 AM
likeeveryoneelse

2 replies
67 views
location: Nicaragua

Travel from Managua to Granada

Hello! I'm a solo female traveler and I'm arriving in Managua at 130pm. I've read on this forum that it is safest to take a taxi or paxeo at night, but I'd prefer not to spend $40 on travel. Is it safe for me to just take a bus from Managua to Granada in the afternoon? It's just me and my backpack, no big luggage.

Thank you for any help you can offer!

Jun 19, 2013 6:08 AM
Lukeokeefe

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 6:17 AM
MrTim

1 replies
49 views

Crossing Nicaragua/Costa Rica boarder (Carribean coast)

Hi There,

Was just wondering if anyone has crossed the Nicaragua/Costa Rica boarder on the Carribean coast at San Juan Del Norte. I have heard that it is very hard if not impossible.

Many thanks

Happy travelling

Jun 18, 2013 11:07 PM
kimbhussey

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 7:58 AM
wiremu

2 replies
60 views
location: Costa Rica

Beach time from Heredia area

Will be picking up daughter in Heredia after her 5 weeks of studying (and hopefully, learning) Spanish. Want to have some kick back beach time, love to get into water if possible, not just look because riptides, ect . Leaving Heredia Aug 1 and return in the 4th to catch flight on 5th. Have car, is this enough time to get to Cahuita or do I go to Pacific side? Flying out of SJO. Thanks, anyone...

Jun 18, 2013 9:28 PM
newtonphx

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 9:46 AM
hopefulist

9 replies
188 views

travel safety

My wife and I have been planning a long dreamed about trip to Belize. As of now, I plan to stay at Hickatee Cottages near Punta Gorda for a week and at Crystal Paradise Lodge up north for a week. The plan includes a trip to Tikal, staying over for the night. We are planning on going in late January. We are most interested in seeing the jungle, ruins, and experiencing the culture. Neither of us is really interested in the beach activities.
The plan is to get in Belize City and not return until our flight back out. I have read a lot about it not being safe in Belize City. But today, on the State Dept website, I read some very discouraging info about just driving on the highways between places, and especially about traveling into Guatemala. It sounds very unsafe. Is their scary language correct, is this a bad idea?
Also, does my proposed itenerary sound reasonable?
Thank yo... more »

Jun 18, 2013 6:34 PM
cjmackay

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 8:12 AM
wiremu

2 replies
75 views
location: Costa Rica

Any advice on a location to stay north of Santa Teresa?

My buddy and I are flying into San Jose on the 30th of November. We are going to take a shuttle to Santa Teresa and stay at Shaka Beach Resort for 7 days. After that we want to head north where we will eventually end up in San Juan Del Sur Nicaragua. I have researched some shuttles that can take us like Montezuma Expeditions that can take us from Santa Teresa to Liberia. There is only 2 of us but im sure we can find one more person incase he wants atleast three for the shuttle.

Here is the only catch. I am paralyzed from the waiste down and am in a wheelchair. Having said that im very fit and an experienced traveler and just got back from island jumping in Thailand. My wheelchair folds up nicely and can fit in tight places. We are also 23 and like to party. Any advice on a good place to stop for a few days before we go to San Juan Del Sur please reply. Unless you guys think we shou... more »

Jun 18, 2013 6:22 PM
cjmackay

last reply
Jun 18, 2013 9:50 PM
likeeveryoneelse

1 replies
54 views
location: Nicaragua

San Juan Del Sur

My buddy and I are traveling up the west coast of Costa Rica (using shuttle buses) into Nicaragua to San Juan Del Sur start of December. The catch is that I am paralyzed from the waiste down and in a wheelchair, but am very fit and an experienced traveler (just came back from three weeks in thailand). I have a few questions. How far is San Juan Del Sur from the border, and roughly how much would a cab be to get us from the border to there? And then what is the best way to get from San Juan Del Sur to Managua Airport. Our itinerary is Santa Teresa CR from 11/29/13-12/8/13 then plan to either go somewhere and stop before we cross to Nicaragua or just go straight there and spend 12/8/13-12/17/13 there. My wheelchair folds up nicely and fits in my cars truck, so it would not be hard to fit it in a tight place. Im also looking at hostels in San Juan Del Sur that would have rooms on the gro... more »

Jun 18, 2013 4:19 PM
Strange_Little_...

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 6:49 AM
doctorstrange

2 replies
84 views
location: Nicaragua

Horseriding in Nicaragua

Hi, I am looking for a finca in Nicaragua for 2-5 days' horse riding trip. This could either be a trek from A to B, or simply a stay at a finca with a decent amount of riding per day (at least 4hrs but more would be good). Has anyone had a nice experience anywhere in Nicaragua? Something with a cabin or a basic room included -plus meals, as I am expecting it will be somewhere quite far- and of course well-kept, energetic horses! Many thanks!

Jun 18, 2013 3:37 PM
ccarlson

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 5:28 AM
MrTim

1 replies
82 views
location: Honduras

Roatan

We will be on a NCL cruise at Thanksgiving. Looking to get out of the port and we don't want to do ship excursions. We are interested in ruins, culture, animals, snorkeling and diving. My husband only will be doing the diving. He would want to do it only once on Belize or Roatan. Our kids our 14 and 15. We are comfortable and OK with hiring a car or a taxi to do any of the above. What are you suggestions for this destination?

Jun 18, 2013 3:36 PM
ccarlson

last reply
Jun 19, 2013 5:25 PM
South_of_60

6 replies
102 views
location: Belize

Belize City

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Featured Threads on This Branch

• Central America FAQs
• Where to go in Central America in September?
• How touristy is Central America?
• Corcovado National Park practicalities
• Are buses really that terrible?

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