Top 5 Backpacker Destinations in Central America

Backpacking in Central America is a unique experience.

Beneath the layers of mosquito nets, each year thousands of budget travelers in Central America discover a lifestyle that goes beyond dreadlocks and chicken coops.

Traveling cheaply may mean sacrificing luxuries, but it also means instant camaraderie with open-minded backpackers from around the world and unparalleled cultural immersion.

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1. Utila - Bahia Islands, Honduras

While neighboring Roatán is larger, Utila, Honduras is internationally recognized as one of the cheapest places in the world to dive.

The island's waters are teeming with an endless variety of marine life, including the haunting whale shark.

Numerous dive shops line the streets of this quiet island and attract eager students, many of them Central American backpackers, from around the world.

You can book classes at the Utila Dive Center, free of charge at The Mango Inn, and visit the magical Jade Sea Horse.

2. Antigua - Guatemala

Experts consider Antigua, Guatemala, the best-preserved colonial city in the Spanish Americas.

Backpackers call Antigua a mecca for the budget traveler, an equatorial Europe filled with cafes, pubs, international restaurants, Spanish schools, and hostels, but within walking distance of Guatemala's unrivaled outdoor attractions.

While Antigua does not offer a true Mayan immersion like other Guatemalan towns, it does offer a unique mix of cultures with a stunning backdrop of three volcanoes (one of them active) and many mountains.

3. Santa Elena - Costa Rica

While it is possible to find a room within the perimeter of the Monteverde cloud forest in Costa Rica, most Central American backpackers prefer to stay in nearby Santa Elena, a small town with offerings beyond howler monkeys and mighty trees.

The city's winding cobbled streets, surrounded by verdant forests, are undeniably charming and accommodations are inexpensive.

Los Amigos Cantina is the perfect place to hone your salsa skills amongst the locals.

From the city, it's easy to book an adrenaline-pumping canopy tour and zip line tour for a good price.

4. Bocas City - Bocas Del Toro, Panama

Bocas del Toro has become Panama's most popular tourist destination, but in a country that remains largely untouched by cruise ships and package tourists, that doesn't say much.

The provincial capital of Bocas Town boasts the laid-back, beachy vibe that Central American backpackers adore and is an ideal gateway to exploring the fantastically diverse islands of the Bocas del Toro archipelago.

Hotel Las Brisas is a winning budget option, offering basic oceanfront rooms and complimentary drinks.

5. Caye Caulker - Belize

While nearby Ambergris Caye is the most luxurious island, Belize's Caye Caulker is an inexpensive celebration of life, especially during the annual Lobsterfest in July.

Diving, snorkeling, sightseeing, sunbathing, and drinking Belikin beer are part of the island's daily itinerary.

When it comes to lodging, Tina and Bella's backpackers are the cheapest and easiest options, but for a few dollars more a night you'll have an airtight cabin with a private hot shower at the Tropical Paradise Hotel or Trends Beachfront.

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