Short Gaps via Central America

Short Gaps via Central America

Central America is a great introduction to Latin and Spanish culture. Central America is made up of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama.

Mexico is the most popular country to visit for a stop gap and you can travel around the county or the area in a matter of weeks.

Central America is scattered with Mayan ruins, fantastic underwater landscapes, almost-untouched rainforests, stunning tropical islands and temperamental volcanoes; Central America has plenty to offer for backpackers and tourists, plus it's a perfect continent to pick up a smattering of Spanish.

Once you're there, it's really easy to travel around amazing countries like Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico. Lush rainforests, incredible diving, delicious food, Latin culture and jaw-dropping Aztec and Mayan ruins are waiting for you... all you need to do is get there…

If you have any time between school, university or a job then a stop gap is for you. You’ll be amazed what you can do in a short amount of time.

Key stops in Central America

To explore Central America you'll generally fly into/out of Cancun or Mexico City in Mexico. They’re the two most popular airports in Central America and are therefore the cheapest to fly in to.

There are good transport links throughout Central America so getting from country to country isn’t a problem. Most travelling is done either by bus or taxi.

Popular routes that include Central America

London >> Mexico City >> Rio de Janeiro >> Buenos Aires >> London

London >> Mexico City >> Belmopan >> Guatemala City >> Tegucigalpa >> Managua >> San Jose >> London

What we recommend...

We recommend a little circle around Mexico, much like this:

Mexico - Belize - Guatemala - Mexico

This is the most popular trip through this region, and perfect for first time travellers. You can land in Mexico to taste a bit of the unique Mexican flavour, pop next door to Belize to sample one of the largest and most beautiful coral reefs in the world and then take a trip through Guatemala to see all the amazing Mayan ruins and history before heading back up to Mexico.

Cheap buses will take you around from start to finish, either the cheap local 'chicken buses', or we recommend the air conditioned coaches that are quicker, more comfortable and very affordable.

Why Central America?

Central America offers you the chance to practise your Spanish - or learn some - in vast, chaotic cities or almost-untouched rainforest. The wonderful Mayan ruins scattered through the region are another attraction, as is the chance to dive in some amazing underwater landscapes. Mexico, Belize and Guatemala are three favourite destinations. These countries are great for backpackers, with loads of cheap accommodation, great food and adventures waiting to be had. Despite this, they're far from overrun with tourists, and it's easy-peasy to get off the beaten track for some authentic experiences.

The food is to die for in Central America and is worth the trip alone. The spicy bean salads, the rice dishes and chillies galore… if you’re a food tourist, then you’re going to love Central America.

What others say…

 Cat Barrow:
 "My favourite destination was Costa Rica for the easy going culture, beautiful weather,                                                      friendly people and gorgeous beaches. It was absolutely amazing to to be able to learn   Spanish in paradise..."

Peter Kehoe:
"I really enjoyed the time that I spent in Costa Rica, the people were so friendly and really grateful for us visiting. Costa Rica is such a lovely country and it hasn’t been spoilt by tourism…"