Central America is a wonderful part of the world. This small group of countries has everything we travel lovers are looking for. From hot tropical beaches to lush green jungles, feisty active volcanos, and colorful, lively towns and cities.
Having spent around 5 months backpacking through Central America we completely fell in love with some of the places we visited. This part of the world truly is an amazing place to explore.
Although we were on this trip together, we have both traveled solo so we understand what makes a destination perfect for solo travelers.
So if you are looking for your next solo travel destination and you’re thinking of Central America, here are some of the places we visited that would be ideal!
Best Destinations For Solo Travelers In Central America
Caye Caulker, Belize
This sleepy little Island off the coast of Belize is the perfect place to start our list of destinations in Central America for Solo Travellers. If you are looking for sun, sea, chilled vibes, no worries, good food and stress-free travel then Caye Caulker is the Island for you.
Yes, it is the perfect Island destination and it is backpacker heaven. Plenty of hostels and beach bars create the perfect scene for new friendships to be born.
If this is your first solo trip then Caye Caulker is ideal. English is the main language spoken in Belize and the Island is a safe haven.
How to get there
The closest Airport is in Belize City From there you will be able to take a taxi to the ferry port and then a ferry to the Island.
Where to stay
The island was actually split into 2 parts by a hurricane. Now the main town is on the south Island and this is where you will find the best hotels and hostels.
Booking.comBest things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize
- Spend a day relaxing at the Lazy Lizard bar.
- Take a snorkeling tour out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve to swim with Sharks.
- Take a tour out to the famous Blue Hole.
You have two alternative Blue Hole tours. One stops first at the San Ignacio Crystal Cave followed by Blue Hole National Park, while the other goes first to the Xunantunich Mayan ruins in the Cayo District and then onto the Blue Hole cenote.
Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua in Guatemala is a fantastic destination for solo travelers. It has a large community of expats as well as many travelers who stay for longer periods to study in one of the many Spanish schools.
Some of the main attractions of Antigua are the endless museums, churches, ruins, viewpoints, shops, markets, parks and more. You won’t feel bored for a second.
There are plenty of social hostels and cute cafes to make new friends. But most importantly it is safe and welcoming in Antigua.
How to get there
To get to Antigua the nearest airport is in Guatemala City around an hour’s drive away. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus or a taxi.
It is also possible to take a shuttle to Antigua from El Salvador, Honduras and even from Nicaragua.
Where to stay
It is best to stay as close to the Central Park as possible as this is where all the restaurants and shops are. There are no particular areas of the city that you should avoid.
Booking.comBest things to do in Antigua, Guatemala
- Do the overnight hike up Acatenango Volcano. This is a great way to meet a group of awesome people. At least that was the case when we did the hike. It is challenging but one of the best hikes we have ever done. Once you reach the base camp at the top, you will get to watch the neighboring volcano erupting all night long.
- Join a tour of a local coffee plantation.
- Take some Spanish classes.
- Cooking Class with a Local Family
- Walk Antigua like a local on a guided tour
Leon, Nicaragua
Nicaragua is an amazing country and a perfect destination for solo travelers. It is cheap to travel, full of adventurous activities, and perfect for meeting other travelers.
If you plan to visit Nicaragua then Leon is a great place to start. 3 weeks in the country should give you plenty of time to see its highlights.
Leon is perfect for solo travelers who love to party and a good dose of adrenaline. The city is ideally located close to several volcanos and the beach!
It is a relatively small city that is still very authentic and not yet overrun by tourists, so this is the ideal time to visit.
How to get there
The closest airport to fly to is Managua Airport which is around a 2 hour drive away. You can either take a shuttle bus directly from the airport or a taxi.
Where to stay
One of the most popular places to stay in Leon is Bigfoot Hostel. This is an incredible social hostel and great for making some new travel buddies.
Booking.comBest things to do in Leon, Nicaragua
- Give volcano boarding a try. This is the number one thing to do in Leon.
- Join a walking tour of the city to learn about its history and powerful street art.
- Head up onto the roof of the Cathedral to see the iconic white roof and wonderful views over the city.
- See the Telica Volcano (one of Nicaragua’s most active volcanoes) at twilight with an 8-hour excursion from León.
Granada, Nicaragua
Another great city in Nicaragua is Granada. It is a very different experience to Leon and perhaps even better for solo travelers.
Granada is a lot more touristy and with that, you get more hostels, cafes, bars and tour shops.
There is a very social scene in Granada with activities and market stalls in the main square and lots of great group tours to join.
For those solo travelers who like to party, Granada is home to the infamous Treehouse Hostel which is known as the best party in all of Central America.
How to get there
The closest airport is Managua Airport, just a 45 minute drive away.
Where to stay
2 great hostels in Granada are the Oasis Hostel and the Selina Hostel located right on the main square.
Best things to do in Granada, Nicaragua
- Join a sunset tour up to the crater of Masaya Volcano to see the bubbling lava inside.
- Explore the islets of the immense Lake Nicaragua on a kayaking tour.
- Travel from Granada to Ometepe Island and enjoy a day of sightseeing and relaxation.Â
- Hike up to the cloud forest on Mombacho Volcano.
Puerto Viejo De Talamanca, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is by far the most well-traveled country in all of Central America and this means it is now a perfect destination for solo travelers.
We spent 3 weeks in Costa Rica and of all of the places we visited, it was the small beach town of Puerto Viejo that stood out as being the best for solo travellers.
It is a small town, easy to get around, super safe, an awesome chilled vibe, multiple great beaches nearby, and lots of great places to socialize or relax and enjoy the sun.
How to get there
The best Airport to fly to would be San Jose. From there you can take a public bus to Puerto Viejo which takes around 4 hours.
Where to stay
We stayed in an amazing hostel called Kalunai Hostel where everyone spent the evening cooking together and playing games.
Best things to do in Puerto Viejo De Talamanca, Costa Rica
- Go snorkeling around the rocky beaches by the town.
- Go on an excursion to Cahuita National Park.
- Relax in a beach bar and enjoy the beautiful views.
- Get to know and live the experience of sharing with the native people of Costa Rica, the Bribri Indians, their way of life and their culture and history.
- Fly through the jungle and take your adrenaline to the fullest with this Zipline tour.
Utila, Honduras
Utila Island, off the coast of Honduras, might not seem like an obvious choice for solo travelers in Central America, but allow me to explain why it is.
Utila is a pretty hidden gem that you might only have heard of if you are into diving. That is because it is one of the best diving destinations in the world. The corals and wildlife are incredible. Not only that but it is crazy cheap to dive there!
If you live diving or are interested in giving it a try then Utila is the place to go.
In fact, there is not much else to do on the Island other than dive. This means that from the moment you step foot on the Island, you will find yourself wrapped in the bubble that is the Utila dive scene. It feels like one big, happy, salty-haired family.
How to get there
The best way to get to Utila is to take a ferry from La Ceiba on mainland Honduras or from neighboring Roatan Island. It is possible to fly but flights are incredibly limited.
Where to stay
Most dive centers will provide free accommodation if you do a diving certification with them.
Best things to do in Utila, Honduras
- Go diving! We loved the Utila Dive Centre. The location, equipment, and instructors were all great.
- Relax on the free local beach, Chepes Beach.
- Rent a kayak and go for a paddle around the bay.
Bocas Del Toro, Panama
Bocas Del Toro has to be one of the best destinations in all of Central America for solo travelers and one of the best places to visit in Panama. These Islands pretty much have it all.
There are countless beaches to explore, amazing diving and snorkeling around the islands, lively nightlife, and jungles.
It is easy to meet fellow travelers in one of the bars, dive centers, or on the weekly organized bar/island crawl.
Or if you are the kind of solo traveler who likes to escape the crowds and enjoy some alone time then the islands are safe and easy to explore solo by scooter.
How to get there
Many people take a shuttle from Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica then the taxi boats, which takes around 4 hours in total. It is also possible to fly to Panama and take a night bus or fly to the Islands.
Where to stay
The Selina Hostel is right on the water in Bocas Del Toro and is a great place for solo travelers to unwind and be around other travelers.
Booking.comTop Things to Do in Bocas del Toro, Panama
- Go Snokerling to Dolphin Bay and Coral Cay with Drinks on a Private Tour
- Go diving or snorkeling with Bocas Pirates Dive Centre.
- Spend a day playing snooker, swimming in the pool, or sunbathing at Skullys Beach Bar.
- Hire a scooter for the day and head to Starfish Beach. On the far side of the island, this beautiful beach is home to hundreds of large starfish. It is a very unique beach and ideal for nature lovers.
Best Destinations For Solo Travelers In Central America FAQs
What do I need to pack for Central America?
What you need to pack for Central America, will largely depend on which country you are going to and during what season.
For example, we were in swimsuits and shorts on the beach one week and in trousers and coats in the highlands the next.
Some essentials to remember are;
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- A lightweight first-aid kit
- A solar charger
- Sturdy hiking boots for all the incredible hikes
- A reusable water bottle
- A lightweight raincoatÂ
When is the best time to visit Central America?
Most countries in Central America have similar seasons that consist of the wet season and the dry season. The best time to visit the region is in the dry season from December to April.
What is the safest Central American country for solo travel?
The Safest country in Central America for solo travelers is Costa Rica. Although we felt safe in all the countries we visited, Costa Rica indeed felt the most safe.
Is it safe for solo female travelers to visit Central America?
The general answer is yes it is safe, however, some places will just require solo female travelers to be a bit more alert than others. Every location I have mentioned in this list is perfectly safe for solo female travelers.
Remember to be aware of your surroundings, don’t flash valuables and avoid being outside alone at night if you can help it.
To Sum Up – Best Destinations For Solo Travelers In Central America
Travelling through Central America, for many is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you don’t need to wait for someone to go with you. There are plenty of great places that are perfect for solo travelers and it is easy to meet other like-minded people to share your experiences with.
Hopefully, this list has given you some ideas of where to choose as your next Central America destination. We loved our time in this part of the world and if I could go back tomorrow (even as a solo traveler) I would, in a heartbeat.
Guest post contributed by Callie from Counting Our Footsteps travel blog. Callie and her partner are full-time travelers with a love of adventure, sharing their travels through their blog.
