Okay, actually I am American, but don't hold it against
me. I am an experienced traveler after living in Asia and
Europe. Mexico, Central America are next on my list...but
good luck finding info on them from anyone who has
firsthand experience. Not too many people have done that
trail that I know.
Is is SAFE for a single girl, world savy
as I am? (Last advice I got was to bring a knife, do I
really have to?) Banditos, a real fear or hype? Whats the
cheapest and best place to start out? Any place not to be
missed? Any feedback at all? Anyone? Anyone?
PS: Where's the party/dive/trekkers haven anyway?
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all things considered ca is not such a dangerous place at
all. needless to say always be careful. i'd love to give
you tons of tips but i'm leaving for mexico tomorrow
myself. one thing i keep posting here though; don't skip
nicaragua because it has a bad reputation. it's cheap,
friendly and maybe even safer than other latinamerican
countries. i lived there for half a year a couple of years
ago. if you want more info on nica or ca in general mail me
in july when i'm back.
ciao
I've traveled by myself in Mexico and Costa Rica (actually
I'm leaving next Tuesday on another trip to Costa Rica) and
have never encountered any problem whatsoever as a single
female traveler. As always, just use your common sense.
I'm a canadian who's heading down this fall with my
girlfriend and hopefully a few new friends in a van. If your
interested email me or see my post about ten above your for
more info.
I have been 5-6 times, you will be fine. learn some spanish
I would start in Guatamala- it san pedro, livingston to
party, southern Bel. or Utila hond. to dive. Pacific
Highlands to hike. e-mail me if you wqnt more info-
Have fun! kirk
Cosata rica was great 10 years ago, I would not worrie about
not seeing it. better places north- Ohh yeah Bocas del toro
in Panama for di
The idea of bringing a knife is a bad one unless you are highly trained in its use. Any attacker is sure to be armed, more experienced, and more willing to use a weapon. Better to carry a fake wallet with lots of small currency bills to give up in case of robbery. I'm 19, female, and travelled for six months from Mexico to Panama solo with no problems at all. Hit Utila and Roatan for diving...cheap and beautiful.....
My two cents worth for places not to miss would be:
Start in Antigua, Guatemala. It's a bit touristy, but is a
good introduction to Central America. Learn your Spanish
greetings here, if you don't already know them, and get in
the habit of speaking to the locals first. Speak first -
"Buenos Dias" - and they'll respond warmly. Climb Mount
Pacaya here.
I'm not a "tour" type, but I would sign up in Antigua for a
tour to Tikal. They'll pick you up at your hotel, van you
to the Guatemala City Airport and fly you to Tikal.
Spend the night at Tikal, making sure you're on top of
Mundo Perdido at sunset and on top of Temple 4 at sunrise.
In Costa Rica, but sure and see Volcan Arenal. Hire a
guide to take you up the side of the volcano at night and
see the lava coming down - spectacular! If you're really
into nature, the Monteverde cloud forest is not to be
missed.
In Panama, go to Bocas del Toro on Isla Colon for a very
laid back, semi-undiscovered island. Good scuba/snorkeling
here.
If you're into the Mayan ruins, the ones at Copan Ruinas,
Honduras are different than those at Tikal, but just as
interesting in their own right.
Us dollars are welcome everywhere and your ATM card will
work all over Central America.
I agree with "S" above, I would not arm yourself, carry
your main cash under your clothes, give them the outside
wallet with $20 in it. We've been in every Central American
country in the last two years and never had any trouble.
Have a great trip.