Author	Message
Daria Clericetti Member Switzerland	# Posted: 8 Jan 2006 04:34:52 Hello! I m planning two months in Central America in Macrh-April. I will start from Cancun over Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica down to Panama City and then fly back to Cancun. Is it possible in two months and is it dangerous to travel for a girl by herself? Thank you for your advises.

JaMeZ Moderator Amsterdam	# Posted: 8 Jan 2006 14:44:17 · Edited by: JaMeZ Hi Daria, I'm jealous! Central America is a great destination. I spent last summer there (for two months) and visited Mexico, Belize and Guatemala and it was ABsolutely great. Two months in my opinion wouldn't be enough time to properly visit all the countries you mention. Technically of course, it can be done, but that would mean that you'd have about a week to spend in each country which is NOT a lot. The region is much bigger than you'd think if you look on a map. The Yucatan peninsula (Mexico) can be done in about a week I suppose if you hurry. In general it's a rather touristy place (i.e. big hotels, expensive, popular with Americans), although Isla Mujeres and Playa del Carmen are supposed to be the greatest places there for backpackers. Belize can be done in a week as well, if you limit your visit to Caye Caulker (which is a small island and the place to be in Belize). I'd recommend more time for Guatemala. I ended spending a full month there, because it's just so cheap and beautiful and so many things to see and do. If you're into diving, Honduras is the cheapest place to do that. Isla Utila comes recommended. Of all the other countries you mention visiting, I heard the most enthusiastic stories of other travelers about Costa Rica and Panama. All in all, I think you'd be wise to either spend more time in Central America (to properly see the entire region you'd need at least four months I reckon), or you should consider skipping a few countries. About safety. The area is in general very safe, the locals are very friendly. I met enough girls travelling alone, which proves that it can be done easily. Just use common sense, read the safety advice in your guidebook, and listen to the advice of other travellers regarding certain destinations which are less safe (Guatemala City for example is not so safe as the rest of the country). Also, you can be sure of the fact that you'll meet many people along the way who are heading in your direction so you can travel together for a while. "It is no coincidence that in no known language does the phrase 'As pretty as an Airport' appear." - Douglas Adams