1

What type of plugs do they have in Central America?.....Worldwide plug/voltage/frequency information

How many Quetzales to the dollar?....International Currency Converter

I want information about the Bay Islands, Honduras....Roatan Info and Utila Info

Where is the surf, and when is it good?....www.wannasurf.com

2

I'm going to live in Antigua Guatemala. How do I find a place to live?

Antigua Guatemala, Real Estate Rentals and Sales:

• www.teamantigua.com (Not the best site but possibly the firm with the best reputation in town. Ask for Alberto who is a nice young Guatemalan who speaks excellent English).
• www.casanovarealestate.net (This org does not have the best reputation in town but shows a lot of apartments on its site).

I'd prefer general information or information about hotels:

• www.aroundantigua.com

Edited by: Zabba

3

How can I get around Central America?

A bus company serving all of Central America except Belize=Tica Bus.

A very good bus company serving Guatemala, Honduras, & El Salvadore=Hedman Alas Bus.

Chicken Bus terminals and Shuttle bus costs from Guatemala City=Chicken Bus.

For bus & water taxi schedules in Belize see john500's blog about Belize buses.

Edited by: Zabba

4

Where can I get the latest news about Central America?


Terrific sites for multiple news sources for each Central American country:

(1)Belize

(2)Costa Rica

(3)El Salvador

(4)Guatemala

(5)Honduras

(6)Nicaragua

(7)Panama

Added by anyone101:
You can also find Latin American media of all kinds (magazines, newspapers, radio, and TV) on Zona Latina.com

Edited by: Zabba

5

Getting Around
Air
TACA(TA), Lacsa(LR), Aviateca(GU), Nica
Taca Regional is a subsidiary of TACA operating domestic flights within each country as Isleña in Honduras, Regional in Guatemala, AeroPerlas in Panama, Sansa in Costa Rica, and La Costeña in Nicaragua.
COPA Air(CM) a separate carrier from Panama.

As the above are a near monopoly status there are NO 'budget travel' options like they do in the US, SE Asia, or Europe and fares are generally expensive for international travel within Central America. See this thread as the OP over there did the math on getting a cheaper fare with Taca.

In addition to the above there are other small carriers offering flights within some of the countries at a more reasonable cost. They also offer international flights to some of the neighboring countries too:

Belize
Maya Island Air (formerly Maya Airways) (Offers flights to neighboring countries & domestically within Belize)
Tropic Air
Phillip S.W. Goldson Airport website. The airport is about 15.7-16km NE of downtown/central Belize City near the Ladyville municipality. Taxi is the only thing available into town for around Bz$40 or US$20. To "take the bus" one would still hire taxi or walk 2.5km from the terminal to the intersection with the Northern Hwy and catch a bus there.

Costa Rica
Sansa Regional a subsidiary of TACA Regional.
Nature Air.
The other two below are more for custom charrters than a scheduled service. Local travel agents might have group charter agreements with them and therefore sell tickets to individuals for them:
Paradise
Aerobell

In San Jose there are two airports. The main one is the Juan Santamaria airport (SJO) near Alajuela located 20km northwest of San Jose for international flights on Taca, Copa and other carriers and Sansa for domestic flights. To get into town the red Tuasa buses (Tel: 2442-6900) and the biege & yellow Station Wagon bus (8388-9263) run between Alajuela and San Jose (to Av 2a between Calle 12 & 14) with a stop at the airport off the main highway. The fare is c/300 (55 cents). Both lines run between 4:30am and 11:30pm at every 5-10 minutes in both directions so be sure to ask before getting on. The bus stop is located along the sidewalk/curb at the other side of the parking lot from the terminal building. Taxi Aeropuerto provides airport taxi services if needed. Their ticket office is next to the money exchange immediately outside of customs and their cars (red) is immediately outside to the left. Their staff will assist you in finding the cars from the ticket office.

The other airport is in the Pavas district located 8km west of San Jose at Tobias Bolano (SYQ) airport which is where the below fly from.

El Salvador
The country is small enough and the highways are sufficient to allow most people get around by private cars or buses in a reasonable amount of time so no internal flights are offered.

Aeropuerto Comalapa is located 40km south of San Salavador and is the hub for Grupo Taca for flights to Central, North and South Americas. (Click here for Airport arrivals page ) and here to see a YouTube video taken from someone getting off a plane at Gate 8 and proceeding to immigration/passport control. Otherwise one proceeds directly from one gate to another if connecting to another flight without going through security or passport control. Click here to see the airline check in area.

The following companies offer taxi and limited colectivo shuttle into San Salvador.
ACOBM de R.L.Carrt a Comalapa Km 43 1/2 Aerop Internac 1a Plt, Tel 503-23399165
Taxis Acacya 3° Calle Poniente y 19° Av. Norte N° 1107 Esquina Opuesta a Puerto Bus, San Salvador. Tel: (503) 2271 4937 - (503) 2222 1202. Offers limited scheduled shuttle/colectivos to their office across from terminal Puerto Bus in central San Salvador. They also offer individual taxis to (anywhere in) San Salvador for around $25. Click here for a YouTube video of the arrivals area. That's where the car rental and taxi ticket desks to buy a taxi ticket or pick up a rental car. The taxi stand is at the parking lot past the building at the east side.

Guatemala
The main domestic route is between Flores(FRS) and Guatemala City(GUA).
Transportes Aeros de Guatematecos (TAG)

The following provide shuttles to Antigua:

Andrenaline Tours

Rainbow Travel Center

Guatemala Travel
ShuttleGuatemala.com

Turansa
If staying in town it's safer to use taxis to get around Guatemala City instead of the red & black city buses.

Honduras
Most domestic flights go between Tegucigalpa (TGU), Las Ceibas, San Pedro Sula (SPS), Moskita, Olancho, and the Bay Islands (Roatan) up north.
CM
EasySky
Lahnsa
Islena a subsidiary of Taca Regional

Nicaragua
Most domestic flights are between Managua and the remote northeastern RAAN (Región Autónoma del Atlántico Norte) and the offshore islands of Islas del Maiz (Corn Islands).
La Costena is a subsidiary of GrupoTaca operating within Nicaragua as the only domestic carrier.
Airport website
Here are some YouTube videos by NicaEco.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzQu0dilczw&feature=related An overall of the airport lobby and where everything's at. The food court and the car rental counters are in between arrivals and departures (at opposite ends).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_SbuZ1YmHQ&feature=related He's showing where the car rental counters are at and which companies are the Augusto Sandino Airport.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AD3cJkJK_E Shows people walking from the plane on the tarmac to the building in the Bluefields and out into the streetside. He goes back around next door the departures check in counter.

Panama
Air Panama
AeroPerlas a subsidiary of Taca Regional.
Mapiex Tel 315-0888. Operates as a charter for groups only.
Domestic flights with Mapiex, Aeroperlas, and Air Panama use the Albrook airport (formerly Albrook AFB of the US Air Force) on the west part of town next to the Albrook bus terminal & mall. International flights on Copa, AeroRepublica, Taca, and other foreign carriers use the Tocumen Airport on the opposite side of Panama City from Albrook. Will require a buses, taxi, or the Panama Airport Shuttle get between Albrook and Tocumen or to the city.

Bus or Sea
See Post#37 for an extended list and links of what's available. Not much online but 100's on the road as they're to busy driving buses to put together and maintain a website. Because flying and car rental (or ownership) are expensive most people (locals and travelers alike) travel around in buses and they're frequent & cheap too.

AintKidding7 posts some good advice on Post#35 for those of you planning on driving your own set of wheels into Central America from the U.S.

For bus & water taxi schedules in Belize see john500's blog about Belize buses.

See ToAndFromTheAirport.com for a listing of available options from the airports.

Getting There & Away
Most foreigners of "western" descent (EU, USA, Canada, etc) and of some Latin American countries can usually enter into Central America without applying for an additional visa for stays up to 90 days. Although there may be some variables and it's always wise to check with embassies or consulates of the countries one wish to travel to.

In June 2006 Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua entered into “Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement". Under the terms of the agreement, citizens of the four countries may travel freely across land borders from one of the countries to any of the others without completing entry and exit formalities at Immigration checkpoints. Foreign nationals, who legally enter any of the four countries, may similarly travel among the four without obtaining additional visas or tourist entry permits for the other three countries. Immigration officials at the first port of entry determine the length of stay, up to a maximum period of 90 days. Foreign tourists who wish to remain in the region beyond the period initially granted for their visit are required to request a one-time extension of stay from local Immigration authorities in the country where the traveler is physically present, or travel outside the CA-4 countries and reapply for admission to the region. Foreigners “expelled” from any of the four countries are excluded from the entire “CA-4” region. In isolated cases, the lack of clarity in the implementing details of the CA-4 Border Control Agreement has caused temporary inconvenience to travelers.

The below are links to some of the immigration authorities regarding visas (if required) and for long term stays. They may include forms for downloading. I also included links to customs. Normally if you're carrying personal items for personal use there should be no problems and in practice most people are waved through without search, but not always the case. If you're driving a car in or carrying multiple items for re-sale you'll want to see what the permit and duty requirements are through the customs authorities.

Belize
Toursim Authority explains the entry entry requirements, taxes, & fees associated with travel to/from Belize.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs official line on visa requirements (if any). The Immigration & Nationality Dept. does not currently have its own website.
Belizean embassy in the USA Including visa and passport applications as well as other forms like tax papers.
Customs & Excise Department

Costa Rica
Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria
Direccion General de Aduanas

El Salvador
Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria
Direccion General de Aduanas

Guatemala
Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria
SAT Aduanas/Customs

Honduras
Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (The immigration site itself is under construction)

Nicaragua
Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria
Direccion General de Servicios Aduaneros

Panama
Servicio Nacional de Migracion
Direccion General de Aduanas (Customs)

Note: The words 'direccion general de migracion y extranjeria' means 'general directorate of immigration & foreigners' which many are called. It is also the same authority charged in issuing passports for its citizens in most of the countries.

United States of America
Most international flights to/from Central America go from/to the USA than anywhere else in the world. Therefore it may be necessary to make flight connections in the USA. Presently there are NO international to international transit the USA. EVERYBODY are required to disembark and proceed through US immigration & customs inspections as if they are staying in the USA and must have at least an American B1 or B2 visa for entry to the USA or using a machine readable passport from a country on the American visa waiver program .

US Customs & Border Protection
or see Post#252 (regarding the US visa waiver as to who can travel there without a visa) in the static FAQ thread above the USA branch or travel.state.gov regarding travel to the USA.

To look up Central American or U.S. embassies/consulates in your home country or see another country's embassy in Central America click to embassiesabraod.com. It lists embassies form any country to any country.

I can't get an American visa in time and it costs to much. Is it still possible to fly into or out of Central America WITHOUT landing in the U.S.?

From Central America the main 'hub' airports with multiple carriers to a wider variety of destinations are San Jose, Panama City, and Cancun. The following airlines offer direct flights between Central America and Canada, Europe, East Asia, or South America WITHOUT transiting the USA:

Taca, Lacsa (Up & down the western hemisphere from S Jose and S Salvador)
Taca Peru (S Jose to/from Lima)
Copa Air (Up & down the western hemisphere from Panama City), Copa Colombia (formerly AeroRepublica)
Avianca, SAM (Cancun or Panama to/from Bogota)
Aires (Panama to/from Colombia)
Air Transat (to/from Toronto or Montreal on a seasonal basis
AeroMexico (Mexico City to/from Europe or E Asia)
Air Canada (S Jose to/from Toronto)
Condor (S Jose or Cancun to/from Frankfurt)
Cubana de Aviacion (S Jose, Cancun, or Guatemala to/from Habana)
Iberia (Guatemala, S Jose, or Panama to/from Madrid) or here for Panamanian site. Or simply select country at top band.
Livingston Energy Flight (S Salvador or Cancun to/from Milan)
KLM (Panama to/from Amsterdam)
Santa Barbara (Panama to/from Caracas)
Venezonala (Panama to/from Caracas)

From South America & Mexico there are additional carriers not listed in the above that offer direct flight to Europe and Asia/Pacific WITHOUT landing into the United States:

Click here for a listing of additional carriers servicing Cancun.

Edited by: Zabba

Edited by: anyone101

6

Money
Many countries in Central America hold a large reserve of US$ to prop the value of their currencies and therefore the local currencies are more or less tied to the dollar. One can exchange US$ for local currencies at most local banks for about 2-5%. At the border crossings there are 'unofficial' money changers standing around with wads of cash & calculator in their hand. They change money between the two countries that the border crossing separates at around 20% and about 10% for US$ to local currencies. These guys they don't take money from elsewhere except the countries where they're at and US$. For example the ones at the Guatemalan/Mexican border only exchange US$, MXN$ (pesos), and Gutaemalan Quetzales but they would not take Bz$ nor Honduras Lempiras (the other bordering countries to Guatemala).

Beyond the border and NOBODY takes currencies of other Latin American countries. Only US dollars. That means it would be cheaper & more convenient to exchange for US$ at a bank in one country, cross the border, and use that to exchange for the next country's currency at the next town. If taking one bus to the border and another onwards exchange enough to get something to eat and pay for the onward ride from the border.

In Panama and El Salvador the currency IS the USD$. In Panama they may refer it as the 'balboa' (B/x.00) but it only exists in B/1 coins and in lesser denominations which are on par with US coins (which are also legal tender too) in terms of face value, size, weight, and metal content. Only different inscriptions. El Salvador does not mint its own coins and use exclusively American coins.

Also keep in mind that not all ATM's or cashpoints are linked to the international banking system or not consistently stocked so they're not always reliable. In remote and out of the way areas, like Gracias, Honduras, they're not always available and the local banks may not accept a foreign credit or debit card for cash withdrawals. Generally in larger cities/towns or in tourist towns, like Antigua, Gautemala, ATM's/cashpoints are more available & reliable.

See:
oanda.com
xe.com
for the latest in foreign exchange rates as they fluctuate daily.

7

How do I get the best airfare to Central America?
Getting good airfares requires some research. No website will always have the best prices and odds are that no one here is familiar with what the prices currently are, because they can change rapidly. Here are some ideas on how to approach an airfare quest.

What is it like during the rainy season?
It does not rain all day in the rainy season. Chances are that it will rain for a couple hours each day. You can see what the weather where you want to go is now at http://www.wunderground.com/. You can also see what the weather was last year and the year before for a whole month at a time, so this is useful.

What should I do to protect my health?
You should not expect to get reliably good medical advice on any message board. It will only be anecdotal evidence. You can get country by country discussions of health issues in the region at Travmed.com by clicking on destinations, selecting Central America and selecting the appropriate country.

I would like to learn Spanish. How do I find a good language school?
If you are looking at attending a Spanish language school, see 123teachme.com for comparisons of many different ones listed by location, quality and price. If you are looking specifically at Guatemalan schools, also look at guatemala365.com. If you already know some Spanish, you will want to be sure that the school has more than just introductory classes. Whatever you do, don't prepay more than a week at a time. If you don't like the school, home stay or even the city or town, this will cut your losses.

Edited by: ethelfleda

8

How is the weather in Costa Rica?

Depending on the which SEASON, "Dry" season is basically from end of November to April. But this will vary depending on the area. The Northwest area tends to be most dry, and hot, and windy as well. The Caribe coast has it own climates, as the country is divided by mountains. These mountains have multiple climate zones, on all slopes, in all directions. The altitude will also dictate the weather. "Dry" season is also "High" season, and the tourist are flocking here, as well as the locals, with the peak bieng Christmas Week, and Easter Week. During Peak High season, the rates for cars, hotels, and flights,will be at there highest. Overall, its not too bad, except beaches, and key sights, like Arenal-Tobocan Hot Springs, Monteverde, Manual Antonio.

The "Rainy" season can scare people off, but its a prime time to visit, and has its merits. Rainy season in the Tropics, consist of many type of rainfall, depending where you are, what elevation, and which month. For the most part, "Rainy" season applies most to the Southern Zone, this area is jungle in the majority of the region, south of Golfito, including the Osa-Corcovado areas. They receive as much as 18 feet of rain, to keep the the rich and lush forest blooming, and prospering. The "Rainy" season is a great time to visit the majority of the country. It tends to rain in the afternoons, and its a cool respite form the intense heat and sun, as your just 8 degrees North of the Equator. Its also in conjunction with the Hurricane season, and the storms can have both Negative effects, and Positive effects on the regional weather patterns, for the most part, is the tropical storms begin down here, they are torrential, multi day rains. This happens a few times each season. The higher elevations tend to get the worst of the rainfall, as the winds collide, and trap systems up in the valleys. On the positive side, hurricanes can draw moisture from the entire region, resulting in splendid weather, even in October, the rainiest month. I frequent CR often in the "Rainy" season, and always return with a tan. I suggest sunblock of at least a SPF of 25.

What's a good guidebook for Costa Rica?
Though this is a LP forum, there a few more detailed books depending on your travel goals. I highly suggest MOON-Chris Baker. If you want to know the Ins/Outs, and plan on going to multiple areas, on multiple modes of transportation, this is the book. Its by region, then budget, with the MUST SEE/DO at front of each section. Chris Baker is the expert on CR, and has been discovering CR for decades, long before the country became a tourist destination it is now. He also is the author of National Geographic Explorer Costa Rica. I also recommend Rough Guide, for the backpacker/budget well seasoned types.

Will I be safe in Costa Rica?
The country is generally very safe, but cautions must be used. Please keep in mind, that the average local makes under $100 USD a week. There are alway opportunist preying on the tourist, regardless of the country.
The Capitol, San Jose, is a crowded busy congested city of 1 million residents, in a lovely valley at 3000 feet, surrounded by mountains. The average temp here 80..perfect. But, please use caution when at bus terminals, keeping a eye on packs, and luggage. Always stay near the action, and people, wondering off to a side street, where someone can get away with taking your goods, is a recipe for a mugging. There is little violent crime here against a tourist, but if your newbie traveller, I suggest always using a taxi, its very cheap here. Try to find like travellers, and hang together in major cities. That being said, Limon is also a rough place, mainly at night. Its a major port, with truckers, sailors, merchant ship deckhands, field workers, and a drug element, that just best to avoid. There is no reason to go here, its a hub for commerce, and thats it.

Can I rent a car in Costa Rica? What are the roads like? Is it safe?
Its really fun here to explore the country via a rental car/ 4wd. Its very scenic, and endless vistas at every turn. It also allows you to have your own schedule, and see the off the beaten path small towns, coastal villages, and mountain drives. The majority of the major rental agencies here are good, but its not like the EU or USA. A deposit of $750 to $1000 is needed to secure a car. Your Amex or CC Platinum type cards, or home/auto policies, may cover the Liability insurance, or the Loss and Damage Insurance. I buy the maximum insurance, as I dont own a car. The reason is, that the roads here are mainly two lane, no shoulder, few guardrails, poory marked and lit, and many animals, drunks drivers, big holes, and general obstacles result in a hazards at any moment.
DO NOT DRIVE at night, on main routes, like the Pan Am 1, and the mountains. Local roads are fine, but use caution, its dark here, and easy to run off road, hit a hole, a OX or a person walking, including children.

NOTE: You can't typically take rental cars across borders in Central America (there may be exceptions).

What are the buses like in Costa Rica?
The buses here are very modern on all major routes. They are Mercedes-Volvo-Saab, and most have AC and bathrooms. The local buses are older, but still great. There are no Chicken Buses here in CR, but you may be on a old school bus in remote areas, but they are well kept and maintained.

What airlines service Costa Rica?
The two airlines here offering inter-country connections are both great, and very safe. They are Nature Air, out of the airport nearer to San Jose "Tobias Bolanos". The Nature Air planes are twin engine Osprey, and hold about 22 passengers. You can also charter planes at this airport, for fishing and surfing remote regions. The other airline is Sansa Air. They are located at SJO, the main international airport, a few hundred yards from main terminal. Sansa uses Sesna commercial single engine planes, that also hold about 22 passengers. Both airlines will have weight limits, and be prepared to pay extra, depending how crowded the flight is, and how much your OVER the limit. I have flown these airlines many times, and its always enjoyable. BUT: if you have not been in a small airplane before, it can be a nerve racking time for some people. The winds here are always a factor, and weather too. I tend to book flights prior to 12 noon, to avoid rain and weather delays. Some areas only receive service in early mornings, due to this reason its generally clear in the mornings. many airstrips are located in fields, along beaches, or tucked into a valley, be prepared for a bumpy, steep turning ride, always fun, but a drag when your hungover.

How do I get into/out of Costa Rica?
When flying into SJO, the immigration process is well organized, and should normally take 20 to 45 minutes. You then go downstairs to claim luggage, and out to car rennatl agencies, or the Taxi stand. A Taxi from SJO to Downtown San Jose, is $12, you pay at the Taxi booth. It takes about a half hour on average to get to downtown. There are no storage locker at present. I suggest storing bags at your Hotel/Inns. The EXIT TAX is $26, and can be paid prior to departure, at the upper check-in terminal. They except USD and CR Colones, and have ATM's as well. This tax is not paid when leaving country via the land borders. Its just a processing fee, around $2. The main land borders are at Sixoala, on Caribe side to Panama. You can cross for the day, without a Passport, to shop. The main Pan Am 1 route borders, with both Nicaragua and Panama, are much more formal in the process, much longer lines, and can take from 30 minutes to 4 hours. You cant cross via ocean water- taxi the borders as well.

Will I be attacked by bugs?
In all my adventures here, and considering all the jungle and forest, you would thinks its a constant problem. Its not, in fact, on the beaches, its great, the breezes keep you and bugs separated. The mountains are very pleasant. The only issues is in the deep canopy, in Rainy Season, it can be a pestering at worst. Its a pleasant surprise to many, to see few, and receive few, bites. Snakes are mainly in the thick under growth, and I have seen few. But, always stay on footpaths, and don't poke around where your not supposed to...Beaches present the biggest problem of bites, the No-See-UMs. They are like chiggers, but itch worse. They are mainly on remote beaches, and sunset and sunrise. They are so small, you don't see them. Tanning oil for me tends to help, but I have only been attacked on caibe side, near the Panama Border, on a remote jungle beach. I surf here often, and the Pacific side is less a problem, at least in my travels. My rule of thumb, if the locals are playing on beach, its okay.

What adventure activities are on offer in Costa Rica?
You can enjoy all the the adventure your body can handle. Trek, Hike, Surf, Snorkel, Scuba, Fish, Windsurf, Kayak, Canoe, River Raft, Zip Line, Canopy Tour, Waterfalls, Mountain Bike, and best of all, lay in a hammock, or take a siesta is the afternoon rains, and relax.

Edited by: ethelfleda

9

Can I take a rental car from Guatemala to El Salvador?

At least in Guatemala I know it is permissible to take a rental car to El Salvador. You just need to tell the office of your plans so they can give you the proper paperwork to cross the border. Of course, the vehicle will have to be returned back in Guatemala.

Edited by: Irene_Adler

10

Costa Rica - Off the beaten track

Though most guide books cover the major tourist sights, please see the following links to more off the beaten path areas, and also diving and snorkeling:

The Caribe (Atlantic) side:

http://www.greencoast.com

Scuba Diving sites, Certification, Snorkeling:

http://www.padi.com

Edited by: ethelfleda

11

How do I get from Panama to Colombia?

There's NO road between Panamá and Colombia. Overland crossing shoudn't be attempted. Travelling by sea is not really encouraged. Flying is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel between these two countries.

Edited by: Irene_Adler

12

Official Bus and Ferry Itinerary for Costa Rica (Tourism Office) Here

Edited by: ethelfleda

13

helpful info on Panama hotels, attractions, tours, etc

Bocas del Toro
Very few hotels in the Bocas archipelago are beachfront. Some in Bocas Town on Isla Colon may be waterfront but without a beach for swimming. Expect simple, basic accommodations at most places on Bastimentos.

Chiriqui: David, Boquete, Volcan, and Cerro Punta

AeroPerlas - domestic/regional flights.
AeroPerlas has a strict 25lb limit on checked luggage. If your luggage is over 25lbs, you'll have to pay an extra fee per pound over. Domestic flights leave from the Albrook Airport, on the opposite side of Panama City from Tocumen International Airport. Travel between the two will take at least 45 minutes, and that will happen only if there is little to no traffic and your cab driver seriously exceeds the speed limit. Allow plenty of time to get from one to the other.

Sendero Los Quetazles - the trail between Guadelupe and Boquete:

You can arrange transportation from Guadelupe to the beginning of the trail. Ask at Hotel los Quetzales - it should cost around US$25, no matter how many people are going. The hotel will also send your bags on to Boquete or David so you don't have to carry them. If you don't arrange transport to the trailhead, it's several (4-6) additional km, all uphill. Walking the trail itself (which is 10km) will take you approximately 5 hours, at a semi-leisurely pace plus stopping for lunch and to look for the quetzales you're sure to hear in the distance. A couple of bridges were washed out when we were there in March 2005 due to recent flooding. You may want to ask around and see if they've been replaced, especially if it's been very rainy before you plan to do the hike. We had no problem crossing the streams but I can't say I'd want to do it if the water had been much higher.

Once you get to the ranger station on the Boquete side, the rest of the walk is downhill on a paved road. You maybe able to call a taxi from here. If you keep walking, when you get to the intersection with the sign with arrows to Boquete pointing in opposite directions, go to the left (not up and over the hill in front of you) if you want to walk the whole way. The intersection is 30 minutes to an hour from the ranger station. Otherwise, you can wait for a bus that will cost 50 cents and takes you through all the coffee plantations on the other side of the hill. If you walk to Boquete from the intersection, expect it to take you an additional hour or two, or a good 6-8 hours altogether.

The trail is well marked and guides aren't necessary. It is easy to moderately strenuous, obviously moreso if you go uphill from Boquete toward Guadelupe. Bring lunch and plenty of water.

Edited by: ethelfleda

14

What Should I Pack?

Some Suggestions:
I can pack everything I need for an extended trip into a carry-on sized bag by choosing clothes that layer. I have a carry-on sized conversion pack (straps tuck away as needed) that has an attached day pack. I pack valuables and some personal items in the day pack and most of the clothes (that I'm not wearing) in the main compartment. Here's what I took to Honduras to accommodate 2-3 weeks inland with high altitude mountain hikes included and 2-3 weeks of beach time:

3-4 wicking-type shirts
1 light weight long sleeved shirt
2 pairs of light weight convertible (zip off to become shorts) long pants
1 sarong (skirt, swim wrap, doubles as towel or sleeping sheet)
1 bandana and one silicon-neck-cooler bandana
1 sunhat with strap
1 light weight sleeveless nightgown
2 swimsuits
1 light weight fleece jacket (liner type that can be worn alone)
1 light weight goretex rain coat
uns and socks (incl. 1 neoprene pair I wear under Keens for hiking and under fins for diving/snorkel’g)
flip flops for beach and showers
Keen water shoes for everything else, including lots of light hiking (they have great support and a rubber toe protector); if you're planning hardcore hiking, take boots

Cash, ATM and VISA cards, passport, etc.
Flight and lodging reservations, emails, receipts, etc.
Small medical kit and sewing kit
Cheap watch with alarm
Toiletries and prescription meds
Sunglasses, spare glasses, disposable contacts for diving/rainforests
Sunblock and bug stuff (Cactus Juice and Sawyer's Time Release Deet Formula, baby oil for sand flies)
Water purification pump (I'm a budget traveller)
Collapsible drinking cup
LCD headlamp
Compass
Earplugs
Camera, etc. (and underwater bag or 1-2 underwater disposables)
Smallish waterproof binoculars
Guidebook and copied map pages
Laminated plant and animal i.d. cards
Journal/writing materials
Reading material and Spanish/English dictionary
Small gifts for kids and hosts
Small dice and yahtzee papers
A small, flexible disc (like a frisbee)
Various ziplocks, cable ties, small bungie cords
3-4’ of duct tape wrapped around a waterproof marker
String and a few clothespins or 3-4 feet of braided surgical tubing - great clothesline
Half a roll of t.p. removed from core and flattened

I buy water and reuse the bottle and usually pick up an inexpensive pocket knife when I get there. I like having my own snorkel and mask, but my husband joined me two weeks into the trip and brought them with him; he has to check luggage anyway because of his fishing poles. :)

Edited by: Irene_Adler