Bonjour , moi et un ami souhaitons partir en voyage en amérique centrale de la mi-decembre à la mi-janvier.
On pensait au Costa Rica, mais j'ai lu que c'était le pays le plus cher d'amérique centrale. J'ai donc penser au Guatemala , ou même au Nicaragua, comme alternative possible, compte tenu que nous sommes étudiant , donc pauvre!
Ma question étant : Y a t-il une différence majeur entre le prix d'un voyage d'un mois au CR versus 1 mois au Guatemala. Ce sera un voyage sac à dos !
merci de bien vouloir me répondre.
“If you died right now, how would you feel about your life?”
Je pars dans 3 jours pour le Costa Rica pendant 1 mois exactement. Je ferai également le voyage en bacpakers en hébergeant dans les auberges de jeunesse.
Pour l, instant, je crois que le Costa Rica est le pays de l'amérique centrale le plus dispendieux selon votre mode de vie. C'est sûr que si vous souhaiter être dans les endroits touristiques, le coût de la vie risque va être dispendieux. Pour ma part, je vais passer 1 mois en auberges de jeunesses (1- à 13 $ par nuit) en circulant en autobus public (1 à 5 $) par transport et manger dans les sodas. Je prévois faire beaucoup d'activités très abordable: surf (10 $ par jour), Kayak (10 $ par jour), snorkeling, randonnées pédestres, plages etc... J'ai un budget de 1500 $ que je souhaite respecté et je crois pouvoir profiter pleinement de mon voyage.
C'est sûr parcontre que je dormirai pas dans des 4 étoiles ou encore je ne mangerai pas des repas gastronomiques. Mes soirées vont surement s'agrémenter avec la bière du dépanneur avant d'entrer dans le bar au lieu de siroter des pina coladas à 9 $ le verre au tobagon resort!
Bref je serai plus en mesure à mon retour de te donner l'heure juste, mais je crois qu'il est vraiment possible de respecter un budget limité tout en profitant de la Pura Vida!!!
Parfait sa, j'ai exactement le même budget, soit 1500$ canadien.( sans le billet d'avion) Donne moi des nouvelle à ton retour, qu'est-ce qui est le plus important de voir, et si tu a réussis a respecter ton budget. Nous on y va en janvier donc ce sera plus cher mais tes informations pourrons me donner une petite idée.
merci!
“If you died right now, how would you feel about your life?”
1500$ + le vol , tu appelles ça PAUVRE ? !!
j'espère que tu ironisais, pask'il ya des étudiants ki peuvent meme pas se payer une semaine de camping à coté de chez eux !
et puis dans les pays que tu cites effectivement il ya des gens pauvres qui, eux ne partiront jamais de leur village !
alors stp, un peu de respect pour eux, ou alors voyages ailleurs !
bonjournée
suis cOOl ! j'ai le respect que chacun a son budget ;
cété juste pr recadrer ce que veut dire : PAUVRE ! à l'heure où de + en + de gens ont des difficultés partout sur la planète ;
voili -voilou
Eill, jai 2000 de prévu pour sa, en ce moment jai 1,04$ dans mon compte, c toute l'argent de lété que je met la dedans( argent que jai pas encore ) , donc oui mon compte en banque est pauvre. à moin que pour toi 1$ c'est beaucoup, tsé ya des enfant en afrique qui peuve pas avoir 1$ ..ben jle sais sa, pi jsuis pas en train de leur manquer de respect!
“If you died right now, how would you feel about your life?”
et oui, quand jai dit " étuddiant donc pauvre" cétait évidemment une blague..jpensais cétait évident, on chiale toujours quon est pauvre quand on est étudiant..maudite bière qui coute cher!
“If you died right now, how would you feel about your life?”
Autour de moi aussi il y a plein de gens qui ont des difficultés et qui me regardent partir en vacances, et ils se demandent comment je fait. Moi je n'ai pas de téléphone portable...40euros par moi c'est le prix du billet d'avion, l'approvisionnement ailleurs que dans ces temples de la consommation( carrefour et consort) , c'est encore un billet de 500 par an, on peut continuer encore un moment comme ça. En fait tout n'est qu'une histoire de priorité dans la vie. Et je respecte les choix de tout le monde.
See you.
tout le monde veut sauver la planète , mais personne veut sortir les poubelles . Jean yanne.
Hola,
Nous sommes 4 ( les parents et 2 ados) à partir bientôt pour le Costa-rica.
Donc 4 sur un budget.
Comme on ne peut pas camper à cause de la saison des pluies, nous allons devoir trouver des hébergements modestes.
- J'ai consulté le site des A.J. ( hi-hostel.com) mais je n'en ai trouvé que 2 en dehors de San-José. Avez-vous d'autres adresses?
- Et pour les activités à 10 dollars, le surf et le kayak, des activités que nous aimerions vraiment faire , vous avez des tuyaux? (car ce que j'ai comme adresse c'est bien plus cher.)
je vous remercie beaucoup de vos réponses, meilleures salutations Mary-France
Fais de ta vie un rêve et de ce rêve la réalité ( St. Exupéry)
Hola tout le monde, je fais une réponse groupée,
Oui Felix, le Costa Rica est surement plus cher que le Guatemala et j'ai toujours entendu dire que ce pays (le Guaté) est beaucoup plus riche en vestiges précolombiens.
Nous vivons au Costa Rica depuis 13 ans et tu peux trouver des auberges de jeunesse (Backpackers Inn) pour $8 à $20 la nuit par personne.
Dans les sodas, il y en a partout, un petit déjeuner copieux (Café, gallo pinto) coute env. $ 3 à 4, un almuerzo, cazado tipico (déjeuner ou diner, tout dépend de quel coté de la mare on se trouve) $4 à 6$, et le diner/souper pareille.
Les transports en bus dans le pays de $3 à $6 et à San José env. $ 1,5.
Pour les activités, c'est un peu plus cher, rafting sur le rio Pacuare (classé par le National Geographic comme une des 5 plus belles rivières du monde, je ne connais pas les 4 autres mais le Pacuare est vraiment superbe) de $90 à $100 et cela vaut la peine de les économiser car c'est une journée vraiment inoubliable et la rivière est magnifique, tour à cheval (à Orosi) $10 par heure, location de bicyclette $10 la journée, ...
Si tu viens par chez nous, à Orosi province de Cartago, je te recommande de passer au moins une nuit chez Alfonso, notre ami et voisin, au coeur de la forêt primaire en montagne à coté du Parc National Tapanti, l'endroit s'appelle Alto los Leones, c'est un projet que nous avons monté avec nos voisins, le thème étant de faire une réserve privée et avec pleins d'idées, tu peux consulter notre site www.altolosleones.com et si tu attends quelque jours je vais y inclure de nouvelles photos (la semaine prochaine).
Pour répondre à Murielle:
Je ne comprends pas bien ta 1ère réponse sur le forum, je pense que si Felix a choisi de s'offrir un voyage au CR et qu'il ait pu travailler et économiser ce budget de $1500, super et félicitations pour se donner les moyens de réaliser son rêve.
J'ai toujours vécu comme cela, je me donne les moyens de réaliser mes rêves et mes passions, j'essaye d'éviter l'amertume et si cela m'arrive il existe le Maalox.
Pour reparler un peu des couts de la vie, nous vivons à 4 avec, par mois, à peu près le budget de Felix, Àlfonso notre ami et voisin de Alto los Leones vit avec son travail de vendeur dans une pulperia (épicerie) avec $300 par mois, il souhaite se marier mais avec ce budget c'est un peu difficile de créer et de faire vivre une famille mais il est HEUREUX, certe PAUVRE mais avec des projets de vie plein la tete !-, c'est le plus important, aussi nous l'avons aidé à monter son projet de refuge de montagne a Alto los Leones, il a déja reçu quelques clients, notamment un jeune Quebequois passionné d'entomologie pour 15 jrs, son budget a été de $ 650 (+ l'avion bien sur) et il est reparti très content et avait choisi de travailler 1 année pour se payer ce voyage avant de reprendre ses études. MERVEILLEUX
Pour Alfonso nous nous occupons de monter le site internet, de lui apprendre à cuisiner, à recevoir des hôtes, à organiser des activités, à améliorer son refuge, etc... Pour nous c'est cela le tourisme solidaire et équitable dont on parle tant en ce moment, j'aide Alfonso à trouver des clients, je m'occupe de son site internet, etc ... en contre partie il m'aide dans ma ''finca'' avec les moutons, les clôtures, le chemin, etc ... car j'ai quelques problèmes de mobilité.
Nous avons effacé la notion du webmaster à $2000 et de l'employé agricole à $ 1,5 de l'heure, nous nous entraidons et chacun selon ses compétences et tout le monde est heureux.
Alfonso est PAUVRE mais il a la volonté de vivre une belle vie, il n'est pas PAUVRE de cœur...
De plus dans un pays pauvre, le tourisme intelligent (pas les grandes chaines hôtelières mais le tourisme de proximité) apporte des revenus à de nombreuses familles.
Ouille, je lance un grand débat, mais comme le dit si bien Eliot, tout est une question de choix dans la vie, continuons à consommer a tout va et il ne reste plus grand chose à la fin du mois.
Ici nous faisons nos courses chez l'épicier, le quincailler, le marchand de légumes et tout cela dans le village de Orosi, on ne trouve surement pas de tout mais c'est largement suffisant et l'on se rend compte qu'en fait le reste est très superflu.
Certe Alfonso n'a pas prévu de s'offrir un écran plasma de 50 pouces pour voir le mondial (je ne crois que l'on en trouve à Orosi !), par contre avec ses petits revenus du tourisme il à pu mettre à jour son vieux Toyota Pick Up de 1985 et passe la révision technique ce soir ( je vous tiens au courant!) et la semaine prochaine il va acheter 2 bons matelas supplémentaires pour recevoir dignement ses clients et aussi un jeux de belles casseroles pour vous faire de bons petits plats, par contre le Ipod G4, TV HD, Blue ray ou tooth, machine à pain électronique, etc ne sont pas prévus et il se sent bien RICHE de ne pas être tombé dans le piège.
Ayons des projet de vie et quel qu'en soit le cout, donnons nous les moyens de les réaliser en respectant les autres.
Félicitations à Felix, Mike, Jean Benoit et tout ceux qui se reconnaitront sur ce forum pour vivre leurs rêves.
Bon voila, j'avais un peu tout cela sur le cœur et il fallait que je l'écrive.
Après plusieurs années dans ""l'industrie"" du tourisme (essentiellement au Maghreb) nous profitons d'une escale Française pour "méditer" sur la sur-consommation...
Nous avons avec mon épouse et notre fille la volonté de nous investir dans du VRAI tourisme "solidaie, équitable et durable..."
très intéressant, je vois que vous etes probablement riche de coeur contrairement à plusieurs de mes connaissances qui eux pour rendre un service ont la main tendu :(
Et pour ma part j'aimerais vraiment vivre (cotoyer) un jours avec des gens comme vous ;-)
Le voyage est une espèce de porte par où l'on sort de la réalité comme pour pénétrer dans une réalité inexplorée qui semble un rêve
Je viens d'arriver sur le forum, nouvellement inscrite ce soir. Et je viens de passer quelques heures à lire des articles concernant la vie au Costa Rica. Et j'ai juste envie de vous dire "merci!" J'ai failli perdre espoir sur la possibilité de s'installer dans ce pays pour y trouver une qualité de vie sans avoir un budget phénoménal! Merci pour ce beau témoignage, et la remise en place des vraies valeurs!
Je vais venir au Costa en septembre ou octobre, avec l'intention de glaner le maximum d'informations sur les possibilités de m'y installer avec mon mari, prendre des contacts, visiter, rencontrer, échanger bref me faire une idée autrement que par internet qui me permet de trouver une multitudes d'informations pratiques, mais quelquefois contradictoires. Je suis preneuse de toutes les infos pouvant m'aider à réaliser ce projet et serait très heureuse de faire votre connaissance.
Merci encore🙂
Moi et ma mère souhaitons partir au costa rica pour une durée d'environ 2-3 semaines en février 2012. Etant un surfeur confirmé et ma mère adorant l'océan on…
message sans doute récurent) je souhaite barouder au c.r. et j'aimerai savoir si il est possible de voyager pendant 1 mois sans dépenser trop. Si vous avez des…
Qui pourrait me renseigner sur le coût de la vie au costa rica. les avis divergent et je ne sais pas trop à quoi m'en tenir. si on vit sans excès, loyer…
Hello,
We're planning 15 days in Chiapas. We already spent 3 weeks in the Yucatán 4 years ago.
What would you recommend in Chiapas? Our idea is to rent a car so we can move around freely—there’ll be two of us.
Thanks for your tips on great places to stay, restaurants, and sights to visit!
In 2024, I spent two months solo in El Salvador. While I’m still putting together my travel journal on Myatlas, here’s a quick recap.
It’s a country where it’s really easy to travel without a guide or agency.
SAFETY:
For a long time, the country was considered one of the most dangerous in the world because of the "maras," ultra-violent gangs. But today, I think it’s the safest country in Latin America.
BUDGET:
For French tourists, the country is very affordable, especially in the less touristy regions.
TRANSPORT:
I got around everywhere by local bus.
Local buses go everywhere and run all the time. For me, it’s the best way to travel in El Salvador—you’re fully immersed, moving at the pace of the locals, and interacting with Salvadorans who are eager to connect with travelers.
I saw all sorts of things on those buses—I’ve got dozens of stories!
PEOPLE:
I’m used to traveling all over Latin America, and for me, Salvadorans are the warmest and most welcoming. Everywhere you go, people say, "Welcome to El Salvador!"
The connections and long conversations with locals were my favorite part of the trip.
TOURIST CROWDS:
The country isn’t well-known among European tourists, but Americans and Quebecers visit. Overall, it’s still pretty low-key, especially compared to other Central American countries. That said, tourism has been growing since security improved significantly.
WHAT I LOVED ❤️
-Suchitoto, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Central America.
-The volcanoes—there are so many! Santa Ana is the most touristy.
-The lakes—also plentiful. Coatepeque is the most famous, but there are lots of lagoons too.
-The mountainous regions, where the cooler weather is a nice break: La Palma, Perquín, Cerro El Pital, etc.
-The charming villages along the Ruta de las Flores, especially Nahuizalco with its nighttime atmosphere and food stalls. Juayúa and others are great too.
-The conversations with people who lived through the horrors of the civil war in Perquín and Cinquera. I met one of them by chance while waiting for a bus.
For surfers, El Salvador is a paradise, with world-famous beaches.
WHAT I LIKED LESS:
I loved almost everything, but I found the archaeological sites a bit underwhelming. Joyabaj de Cerén is billed as the "Pompeii of El Salvador," which is a stretch (though it *is* a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical value).
I’ve been reading some really conflicting info about the best ways and advantages of exchanging euros for Mexican pesos. For those with recent experience, could you shed some light? Is exchanging at the airport currency exchange offices more worthwhile? Other advice suggests that withdrawing with an international bank card is the best option. Thanks for sharing your experiences on this!
Philippe
I’m heading to Guatemala for 18 days in August with my 11-year-old and I’m wondering if renting a car makes sense—not so much because of the road conditions, but because I’d like to spend about 3 days in Livingston. Since it’s only accessible by boat, I’d have to leave the car in Río Dulce. Maybe possible at a hotel, but that means paying for a rental for 3 days without using it...
Same issue for Semuc Champey—it’s only reachable by 4x4, and I won’t be renting that type of vehicle.
Also, has anyone traveled from Panajachel (Lake Atitlán) to Cobán (to explore the caves and waterfalls in the area)?
According to Google Maps, it’s a 6-hour, 44-minute drive... so whether by car or minibus, it’s *really* long (same for Cobán-Flores later).
Are there any interesting stops along the way where I could spend a night? And if I’m not renting a car, is it possible to take two private shuttles for this route?
Hi,
We’re planning a trip to Mexico this summer (loop through Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Campeche). We’re thinking of using public transport or possibly renting a car. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website has a lot of recommendations. Are these states safe for solo travelers? Are there any precautions we should take or areas to avoid?
Thanks,
Hi everyone, I’m planning to go to Panama in December and I’d like to know which city is closest to the Panama-Costa Rica border—and just across the border in Costa Rica—to buy the cheapest bus ticket? Just so I have proof of onward travel when I take my flight, thanks.
When planning a trip to Panama, you often hear about Panama City, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, or even San Blas. Yet, there’s a region that remains relatively under the radar in travel guides: the Arco Seco.
Located on the Pacific coast, between the provinces of Panamá Oeste, Coclé, Herrera, and Los Santos, the Arco Seco enjoys a generally drier climate than the rest of the country. Even during the rainy season, you’ll often find more sunshine here than in other parts of Panama.
For travelers who love alternating between beaches, nature, hikes, and local discoveries, this region is definitely worth a detour.
A few ideas for visits:
• The beaches of La Ensenada, El Palmar, Punta Barco, and Coronado
• Surfing at El Palmar, one of the most well-known spots on the Pacific coast
• Kitesurfing at Punta Chame, which is highly reputed!
• El Valle de Antón, nestled in an ancient volcanic crater, with its hikes, waterfalls, artisan market, and hot springs
• Various hikes offering stunning panoramas
• The waterfalls in the San Carlos and El Valle areas
• Golf at Vista Mar or Coronado
• Fishing villages where you can still buy freshly caught fish directly from local fishermen
What I particularly love about this region is that it lets you discover a more authentic and peaceful side of Panama while remaining easily accessible from Panama City.
I’ve been living in San Carlos for several years now, and I’m still discovering new places, trails, beaches, and hidden gems.
If anyone is planning a trip to this region and has questions, I’d be happy to share my favorite spots and personal recommendations.
Hi,
For those who’ve tried it, are Uber or similar services (if available—could you also let me know the names of local equivalents?) reliable and safe?
Thanks in advance.
Philippe
I’m reaching out to tap into your knowledge and experiences, as my partner and I are heading to Guatemala and Belize for the entire month of February 2020, and we could really use some tips.
I was thinking of spending 20 days in Guatemala and 10 days in Belize, especially since our flight arrives in Guatemala City and departs from Belize.
We were considering hiring a driver-guide for part of our time in Guatemala. Which part do you think would be best? We’re choosing this country for all the culture and traditions it has to offer, so skipping a guide entirely would be a shame—but I can imagine it’d be tough to keep one for all 20 days.
So maybe a week or ten days. What kind of budget should we plan for? And most importantly, do you have any contacts for reliable driver-guides?
Thanks in advance for your valuable advice.
Marilyne
Hi there! We’ve decided to head to Panama this summer and would love to do a road trip with a rental car—there are four of us, and our kids are 20 and 23. Do you have any recommendations on must-see spots and things to avoid? Any great tips for accommodation, restaurants, or activities? Thanks so much for your help
Hello,
We’re heading to Playa del Carmen for two weeks in August with our 4-year-old child.
We’ve seen that you can visit places like Tulum or Cozumel on your own using colectivos. For Coba, we’re hesitant to go alone because we’d like to see the cenotes and the Mayan village.
But we’d prefer to find a French-speaking agency that guarantees small-group tours, especially for Sian Ka’an.
We’d rather avoid the "mimi tours" even though they’re recommended by a lot of people and the *Guide du Routard*, based on the reviews we’ve read.
I’m interested in the agency Muuch Ximbal, which seems to offer slightly different outings. There’s also H and L Tours or Delphine Fautré’s agency (though the last two don’t list excursion prices). We also found Promomaya, but apparently, they don’t have an on-site agency.
Do you have any tips or other agencies to recommend?
We’d also like to swim with dolphins but outside of the Xcaret and Xel-Há parks. Do you know of other ways to swim with them, maybe even in the open sea???
I’ve also seen that it’s possible to swim with whale sharks—is this doable with a 4-year-old who doesn’t like putting her head underwater yet? Have any of you done it? This excursion is quite expensive, and I’d be okay with swimming with them, but just sailing on a boat without being able to see them would be disappointing.
PS: Our Spanish isn’t very good.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
we’re traveling as a couple to Guatemala from Feb 8 to 22.
We’ve realized that given the distances, it feels a bit short.
So, we’ve decided to limit ourselves to:
- Antigua: 3 nights (from Feb 8 to 11), including the arrival day
- Lake Atitlán: from Feb 11 to 14 – 3 nights in San Juan La Laguna, including the morning trip from Antigua to Lake Atitlán
- Chichicastenango: from Feb 14 to 15 – 1 night to attend the Sunday market and visit the cemetery
We have 7 days left that we’re not sure how to organize to cover:
Flores – Tikal – El Remate, then head back to Guatemala City for our flight on Feb 22.
Actually, I have a few questions:
Do you think the time in Antigua and at the lake is enough?
We might do the Pacaya Volcano, which is accessible for beginners, and that’s it.
Should we spend a bit more time at these two spots: Antigua and the lake? If so, we’d have to skip the Chichicastenango market.
We’re also thinking of leaving Chichicastenango to head to Flores, then staying overnight in El Remate. Does that seem doable in one day?
We’ve noted that the trips are long, and since we don’t want to rush, we’ve reduced the number of accommodations. Even though we know we won’t see everything, we don’t want to miss the must-sees.
We’re also wondering if we’ve planned the route in the right direction, or if we should head straight to Tikal when we arrive.
Anyway, I know this is long, but we’re a bit lost.
Thanks so much for your help!
Annick
My partner and I would like to travel to Mexico during the Christmas holidays. We’re well aware that this is a peak tourist season, but it’s the only time of year when we can take a long trip (over two weeks) due to work commitments.
We’re looking to avoid overly touristy areas and travel independently (renting a car). We want to explore Mexico’s history, take our time, and enjoy nature and the sea.
I’ve never been to Mexico before, and I’m considering the following regions (not all of them, of course): Yucatán (outside Quintana Roo), Baja California, Oaxaca, or Chiapas.
I’ve more or less ruled out Chiapas for safety reasons (even though the nature there looks amazing), and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the other regions. From experience, I know that even in highly touristy areas, you can often find quieter spots with good planning and by avoiding the main hotspots. For example, we were in Thailand last year during the same period, and aside from 2-3 places, we had a very peaceful trip—sometimes even being the only Westerners around. Would the same be true for Yucatán or Baja California?
Do you have any recommendations for nice, less touristy spots? What are your thoughts on the regions I mentioned?
Thanks so much for your help, and I hope you have a great weekend!
Hi there,
We’ve had to change our plans, so we’re heading to Guatemala from October 16 to 25, 2025 (in just 6 days 😱 😊😕), with two kids aged 8 and 10. No time difference for us.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Morning: Arrival in Guatemala City at 9 AM. Drive to Antigua (1-hour shuttle) / Afternoon: Stroll around Antigua / Night: Antigua
Day 2: Explore Antigua / Night: Antigua
Day 3: Visit the area around Antigua OR hike a volcano (Acatenango?) / Night: Antigua
Day 4: Drive to Chichicastenango for the big market (how many hours?) / Afternoon: Iximche ruins? Or the hanging bridges at Atitlán Reserve? Or spend the day in Chichicastenango / Night: Panajachel
Day 5: A day by boat visiting villages around the lake and checking out local crafts (which villages to pick?), Night: Panajachel
Day 6: Drive to Flores with 1 stop? Should we go to Semuc Champey? (how many hours?), Night: ??
Day 7: Drive to Flores (how many hours?), Night: Flores
Day 8: Yaxha (1.5-hour drive each way with a driver), Night: Flores
Day 9: Day trip to Tikal, Night: Flores
Day 10:: Flight from Flores to Guatemala City, then departure at 4:30 PM
About hiking a volcano, I’ve read mixed reviews. Some say it’s easy, others say it’s tough.
Is there a kid-friendly hike where we could see lava from a volcano? Is it only visible at night? Do we *have* to sleep at the top and come down the next day?
I’ve heard of people doing it with 2-year-olds by carrying them, and others using horses—but I guess the horses don’t go all the way up? Seeing a real volcano would be amazing! I think it’d be a memorable experience for the kids. It’d be so cool to say, "We did that as a family!" But maybe it’s way too hard and a bad idea...
I’m struggling to find reliable info on travel times:
- How long is the drive from Antigua to Chichicastenango, please?
I’ve read shuttles leave at 7 AM and arrive at the market by 8:30 AM, but I’ve also seen people say it’s a 4-hour trip 😕.
Are the times on Google Maps reliable?
A blog mentioned visiting Chichicastenango’s market in the morning and Iximché in the afternoon. That seems like a lot of driving, especially after leaving Antigua in the morning. What should we do in the afternoon instead?
Days 6 and 7: The trip from Panajachel to Flores. Any advice on taking an overnight bus?
Should we go during the day with a stop at Semuc Champey? Or fly and spend the extra day somewhere else?
Day 8: Is a full day at Yaxha too much?
Thanks so much for your help—it’s *so* valuable with such short notice! 😅 😅 😅 THANK YOU
PS: If you have recommendations for private drivers, shuttle services, or any firsthand experience, I’d love to hear it!
Hi, a friend will be in Panama at an all-inclusive resort and was wondering if it's worth visiting the Canal in a single day, and also which attractions shouldn't be missed.
Is it better to choose a package deal? What's the recommended mode of transport for this trip?
Thanks
We’re a retired couple in our 70s looking to spend six weeks in Costa Rica between mid-January and mid-March 2026. We’d like to stay in comfortable bungalows (2x3 weeks) and rent a car for the entire period. We enjoy light hiking and some beach time, but we also love relaxing on a shaded veranda, reading, and unwinding. Which places would suit these preferences? We have a lot of experience with this kind of stay in the French West Indies or Indian Ocean islands but have never been to Central America. Does anyone have good tips?
Hi there, after my trip to Nicaragua in January, I’m planning to visit Honduras and El Salvador during the same journey. Can anyone tell me where to cross the border from Nicaragua to Honduras by bus? Is it doable? Safe? And most importantly, what’s a good route to take and what’s worth seeing in Honduras in a safe way?
Is it better to travel with a group (through an agency) or is solo travel no problem?
P.S.: And for El Salvador, same question—what’s a good route and what’s generally worth seeing? Is it better to start in the south (El Salvador) and then head north to Honduras before continuing to Guatemala, or...?
I spent two months alone in Guatemala this summer, without a guide or agency, and I’d love to share a quick recap of my impressions.
● First off, it’s really easy to travel without a guide or agency.
If you want a guide for excursions, you can easily find one through the many agencies in Antigua or Panajachel. In Flores, there are also plenty of agencies offering multi-day jungle treks.
● I got around by shuttle for part of the "classic" and more touristy route. To step off that path, I took "camionetas" (chicken buses) or minibuses.
For me, "camionetas" are the best way to get around Guatemala. They let you travel everywhere, fully immersed, at the local pace. They run all the time and are even an adventure in themselves.
Shuttles are direct, but local buses aren’t.
No matter how you travel, trips take a while because roads are often in bad shape, and in the mountains, you can’t overtake.
● As for safety, there’s nothing unusual compared to other Latin American countries. Just keep in mind it’s not Europe. As a solo woman, I try not to draw too much attention—though traveling alone already does that. Like in other countries, I was often asked where my kids and husband were, and I just gave whatever answer I felt like.
● Budget-wise, Guatemala isn’t too expensive for French tourists, but Antigua and Panajachel—two very touristy spots—are pricier.
● Guatemala is a small country but incredibly rich in culture and nature (volcanoes, mountains, beaches, etc.). You can easily spend several days (or even weeks) in each region.
● My top picks ❤️:
- The Mayan markets, especially the one in San Francisco El Alto
- The Ixil Triangle: Nebaj, Chajul, Acul
- The stunning landscapes around Todos Santos Cuchumatán
- Antigua, very touristy but beautiful
- Lake Atitlán, also touristy but gorgeous
I planned to climb Pacaya Volcano, but early in my trip, there was an earthquake in Antigua, and by the end, I wasn’t in the mood. Climbing Acatenango is more spectacular but also more challenging.
● Biggest highlights ❤️ ❤️:
- Tikal—it’s THE must-see site, an incredible mix of archaeology and nature!
- The Joyabaj Fair, which I hadn’t planned to visit but ended up spending a week at: Mayan ceremonies, equestrian parades, diverse dances, processions with Mayan priests, and especially the "palo volador"—the highlight of the festival!
● Small letdown 👎:
- Ranchitos del Quetzal, where I went hoping to spot the quetzal. I knew it wasn’t the right season, but I was still disappointed—I didn’t see any other birds either, and the hiking options were limited. It also took me a slight detour from Cobán.
If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them.
● If you’re interested, I kept a more detailed travel journal, and I’m working on another one just about the Joyabaj Fair:
We’re planning a 15-day family trip in February 2026 (with 3 teens). We’ll be visiting friends who live in Puebla. Initially, I was thinking of the Yucatán, but after reading up on it, I don’t think it’s the right fit for us (too crowded, too touristy).
So, we’re leaning toward something like this:
- Mexico City: 2 days (Teotihuacán + city)
- Puebla: 3 days
- Tehuacán: 2 days (to break up the trip—is this a good choice? Is there enough to do for 2 days?)
- Oaxaca: 3 days (Hierve el Agua, Monte Albán, city/tours)
- Pacific Coast: 4 days (snorkeling, excursions)
Does this seem balanced? We’d like to end on the coast for some relaxation, ocean time, and fun for the kids. I’ve seen lots of excursions offered along the coast but can’t decide where to stay. Puerto Escondido? Huatulco? The beaches seem better for snorkeling in Huatulco, but I’ve read mixed things, and it’s farther away. What do you think?
For transportation, is this doable by bus? I’m struggling to find a decent bus between Tehuacán and Oaxaca (overnight schedules), and I’m not sure how to get around the coast. Also, how do we handle luggage between cities? We usually rent a car.
Finally, I’d love feedback on the Pacific Coast excursions—I get the feeling some are worth it and others aren’t. Is bioluminescence really magical? Are dolphin-watching tours ethical and not too "factory-like"? (We skipped them in Quebec and just watched whales from shore.) Can you see sea turtles up close?
Hi everyone,
There’s not much info out there on Nicaragua in general, which is why I posted my questions here on the forum... but didn’t get many answers since it’s tough to find any anyway.
It’s a stunning country, but my experience was mixed.
There are areas with very few tourists (which is exactly what we were looking for), but as a result, there’s almost no way to get around (unless you walk, and even that’s not easy or always possible) and no real tourist infrastructure.
Finding info is nearly impossible—there’s practically nothing, so it’s hard to know what you’ll find in a given place, whether it’s worth taking a 12-hour bus ride across the country, only to turn around 48 hours later.
The easy and pleasant spots: Granada, Ometepe, San Juan del Sur and the Pacific beaches, León, and the Corn Islands. These are the places mentioned in guidebooks (the rest is jungle to the east, not many roads south of the lake, and no boats on the lake either—except for the Rivas-Ometepe connection). Venturing off the beaten path is really tough.
The Caribbean coast: aside from the Corn Islands (which are very touristy but not easy to reach by ferry from Bluefields), or if you want to take a flight with La Costeña, book in advance—there are often very few seats! The rest isn’t particularly satisfying, especially Pearl Lagoon, where swimming isn’t possible due to unsafe water. Don’t expect a postcard-perfect setting. But everything’s worth it if you have the time...
Buses: there are plenty, and they’re super cheap—but be warned, they stop everywhere, take forever, and are loud (though kind of charming in a vintage way). Too many buses can ruin a trip.
Lodges: affordable on a small budget, except in Managua and along the entire Caribbean coast! For example, beaches like El Tránsito (which is gorgeous) charge at least $50 or $60 per night for a basic room. Good to know.
In Matagalpa, we tried to rent a motorcycle to get around—impossible. I asked everywhere, but there was no way. So we cut our stay short because once you’ve explored Selva Negra, there’s not much else to do (an 8-hour bus ride to see a waterfall? No thanks). These might seem like small details, but they really matter when you want to enjoy where you are and discover nice spots—you end up stuck.
Bring plenty of mosquito spray + oral antihistamines: mosquitoes and bites are a *serious* nuisance. (I got over 200 bites in one go during a trip to a humid tropical forest, even though I was covered and protected.)
All in all, it’s an adventurous, exploratory trip. The people are great, and we never felt unsafe (even though some travelers have had *really* bad experiences). I thought there’d be a carnival since it was the right time of year—nothing. No dancing, not festive at all (compared to Brazil, for example, it’s the complete opposite).
We saw animals, but no toucans, for example!
For a beautiful, pristine, and well-organized trip, everyone agrees—go to Costa Rica, but be prepared to pay a lot more. Nicaragua is something else entirely. For surfers, though, it’s amazing! Personally, I love watching fish in clear, calm waters, hiking in nature, and swimming—I think I picked the wrong destination, but I’m glad I got to experience this totally wild side of Central America! :-)
Here’s our itinerary for 15 days in Guatemala.
Does it seem logical in terms of distances to avoid overly long trips? If not, which stop should we cut?
- Antigua
- Atitlán
- Lanquín
- Río Dulce
- El Remate – Flores
- Guatemala City
Could you help me estimate the approximate travel time for these routes by tourist bus or shuttle?
- Atitlán – Lanquín
- Lanquín – Río Dulce
- Río Dulce – El Remate
- Flores – Guatemala City
Hi everyone,
I’m so happy 🙂 to be traveling again after 5 years without a trip. I’m heading back to Costa Rica for 18 days from December 12th to 30th with a friend. We’re doing San José-Sarapiquí (2 nights), then Sarapiquí-Tortuguero (3 nights), then from Tortuguero heading to the Cahuita and Puerto Viejo area. We’ll spend about ten days in that region, then make a 2-day stop somewhere before flying back out of San José.
From what I’ve read on this blog, Puerto Viejo seems like the "rasta," party-friendly spot, which is honestly the kind of place I tend to avoid—too touristy. I’m looking for places surrounded by beautiful nature. I’ve already spent several weeks in Drake Bay (in 2019 and 10 years before that) and loved it. My friend also wants to visit the Bri Bri.
Could you recommend some authentic spots in this southern Caribbean area? Your favorite places—whether it’s sights to see, accommodations, or even your favorite little restaurants 😛?
What’s the most authentic way to visit the Bri Bri? What’s your take on that?
And finally, what beautiful stop would you recommend before heading back to San José?
A huge thank you to everyone!
Have a great day,
Zineb
We’d like to do a tour to Yaxchilan and Bonampak from Palenque, but it seems there are tons of travel agencies offering this tour. We’ve also read about a lot of disappointments... any recommendations?
Hi,
I’m heading to Cancun next January and I’m looking for a rental car.
I’m overwhelmed by all these cheap offers from sites like Booking, Carigami, and others...
Some reviews mention extra insurance fees that had to be paid on the spot.
I’d love to hear about your experiences—what company did you use? Were you charged any additional costs?
A lot of ads redirect to Touracancun, but they don’t seem trustworthy to me.
Thanks for your feedback!
My son is finishing up a year of working holiday in Canada soon. His plan is to take a bus from Montreal to Florida on 10/26, stay there for a few days, then fly to Cancun, Mexico. From there, he doesn’t have a precise plan yet, except to head down to Panama if the security situation in the countries he’ll cross allows it. Then, in March 2026, he’ll take a flight to Martinique, where he’d like to either find a sailboat (as crew) for the return transatlantic crossing (option 1) or do a sailing internship that includes the crossing (option 2).
So my questions are:
- Will he be able to re-enter Mexico without an exit date or proof of a flight back to Belgium? Would being able to prove his return by sailboat with a specific date (option 2, the sailing internship) make things easier?
- Are there any countries to avoid between Mexico and Panama? He’s traveling backpacker-style on a small budget.
Hi everyone, absolute travel lovers after our 20 trips to the USA, we’ve decided to head to Mexico in February (flight already booked: Nice to Cancun on February 20th, returning on the evening of March 1st).
I’m mainly hesitating about trying to do too much, as usual when discovering a new country. Here’s my itinerary—I’m unsure about a few things:
- **Day 1**: Should we stay relaxed at the resort we booked, or should we do Isla Mujeres instead? If we stay, when’s the best time to visit the island?
- **Day 3**: If we visit Chichén Itzá right at opening, will the Ik-Kil cenote be quieter in terms of tourists? If not, which cenote nearby would you recommend?
- **Big decision**: Should we go all the way down to Bacalar or not? After that, it feels a bit rushed. **Day 6** is mandatory, or are there other options? Honestly, I’m counting on your advice!
For context, we’re a family of four (with very grown-up kids who are used to traveling), and we’ve already rented an SUV for this period. Thanks in advance for your help—it’ll be invaluable!
**Departure – February 20th**: Arrival in Cancún
Arrival at 8:20 PM, pick up rental car.
Overnight in Cancún.
**Day 1 – February 21st**: Isla Mujeres
Ferry from Cancún to Isla Mujeres.
Playa Norte, snorkeling, golf cart tour.
Return to Cancún. Overnight in Cancún.
Drive (~3.5h). Settle in Tulum.
Visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum (stunning ocean view).
Swim in Gran Cenote or Cenote Calavera.
End the day at Playa Paraíso.
Overnight in Tulum.
**Day 6 – February 26th**: Sian Ka’an Reserve
Guided excursion:
Option Muyil (half-day): boat tour + swim in the Mayan canal.
Option Punta Allen (full-day): dolphins, turtles, snorkeling on the reef.
Overnight in Tulum.
**Day 7 – February 27th**: Tulum → Akumal → Playa del Carmen
Morning: snorkeling with turtles in Akumal.
Lunch, then drive to Playa del Carmen.
Evening on 5th Avenue.
Overnight in Playa del Carmen.
**Day 8 – February 28th**: Playa del Carmen → Puerto Morelos
Free morning in Playa del Carmen (beach or Cenotes Azul & Cristalino).
Afternoon: drive to Puerto Morelos (~30 min).
Overnight in Puerto Morelos.
**Day 9 – March 1st**: Puerto Morelos → Cancún → Return flight
Relaxing morning in Puerto Morelos.
Drive (~30 min) to Cancún Airport.
Return rental car. Return flight.
Back in 2002, we spent two weeks in Playa del Carmen. We did day trips to Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Xcaret.
We’re heading back at Christmas with our two daughters, aged 15 and 19. I’m sure it’s changed a lot with the booming tourism.
Flights are booked: Paris-Cancún on 19/12 (arriving at 8:20 PM) and Cancún-Paris on 01/01 at 1:30 PM. We’re still finalizing the itinerary because we want to explore but don’t want to switch hotels too often. We’ll be there for 13 nights and 12 days, so we’re choosing among:
- Playa del Carmen
- Cozumel
- Holbox
- Valladolid
- Tulum
- Mahahual
We won’t do everything, so any tips would be great! I’m also unsure if renting a car is the best option.
Hi, can you tell me if there’s a bus or shuttle from Alajuela to the Nicaragua border via Los Chiles? I’d like to avoid going through San José.
Thanks for your help!
