Solo Travel Central America: The Best 4 Spots to Explore
As someone who loves to explore the world on my own, my latest solo travel to Central America was nothing short of incredible. This journey took me across 12 borders, through 4 different countries, in just 9 days—a truly whirlwind adventure.
Looking back, I always remind myself, “I’m so glad you took this trip!” It was an adventure that was both special and well-organized, a true testament to how travel can open doors to new experiences and friendships.
Table of Contents
- Booking the Journey
- 9 days Solo Travel Central America Itinerary
Booking the Journey
I chose to book this journey with Intrepid Travel, a budget-friendly company based in Australia, organizes tours to over 100 countries.
With options for both budget and luxury travel, they cater to a wide range of travelers. I paid around $1100 for the entire trip, which included a hotel room for myself. For the quality and experience offered, it was a great deal!
Intrepid’s customer service was outstanding, and I especially appreciated their online chat feature, which connected me with a real person to answer all my questions quickly as I planned my trip.
9 days Solo Travel Central America Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Guatemala
Flight & Transportation
I flew with Delta Airlines from Atlanta to Guatemala City, a quick and smooth flight that took just over three hours.
Upon landing, I arranged a taxi through Intrepid Travel to take me to Antigua, Guatemala. The drive to this picturesque city, nestled among mountains and volcanoes, took about an hour.
Accommodation for Solo Travel in Central America
I checked into Posada Los Bucaros Hotel, a charming hotel arranged by Intrepid. The hotel had a quaint, cozy vibe with no air conditioning—perfect for the cool climate of Antigua.
While the staff didn’t speak English, I managed to get by and appreciated the free coffee and water available in the lobby. However, there was no laundry service, so I had to air-dry my clothes overnight in my room.
Despite these minor inconveniences, the hotel provided a comfortable base to begin my adventure.
Exploring Antigua
Antigua is a must-see city in southern Guatemala, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.
After settling into my hotel, I took a walk around the area, stopping by a small grocery store and enjoying lunch at a nearby restaurant.
The cobblestone streets and vibrant atmosphere of Antigua made it an exciting start to my trip.
Orientation & Dinner
In the evening, I attended a group orientation with our tour leader and 12 fellow travelers. This was a wonderful opportunity to meet the group and get a sense of the journey ahead.
For dinner, our guide, Ben, took us to a local restaurant that served delicious chicken soup—just like Grandma would make. The warm, hearty meal set the tone for the rest of the adventure.
Day 2: Crossing the Border from Guatemala to Honduras
Early Departure & Border Crossing
The day began early, with a 5 a.m. departure from Antigua, Guatemala, as we made our way to Copan, Honduras. By 8 a.m., we arrived at the border, joining a line of about 50 people—many crossing for work and other purposes. The crossing process was surprisingly smooth, taking just 30 minutes.
Accommodation in Copan
That evening, we checked into a modest hotel in Copan, conveniently located in the city center. While the accommodations were basic, the location was ideal, with easy access to nearby restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions.
Exploring Copan
One of the highlights of Copan was riding the Tuk Tuks, a fun and affordable way to navigate the city. These rides cost just $2–5, adding a unique and authentic touch to the experience.
Copan is renowned for its archaeological sites, which are among the most significant in the region. Staying in the heart of the city allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in its cultural and historical charm, with many key attractions within walking distance.
Day 3- 6: Exploring Copan and Crossing Borders to El Salvador
Morning Highlight: Copan Ruins
he day began with a visit to the Copan Ruins, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Central America. These ancient Mayan ruins, with their intricate carvings and stunning architecture, offered a fascinating glimpse into history.
Crossing Borders: Honduras to Guatemala to El Salvador
After the morning exploration, we embarked on a journey crossing multiple borders—first from Honduras back into Guatemala and then onward to El Salvador. The drive was scenic, offering views of lush landscapes, rural villages, and bustling border towns.
Accommodation
We spent 4 nights in El Salvador, two nights in Suchitoto & two nights in LaTortuga Resort. La Tortuga Resort, a beachfront property that felt like a tropical paradise. Owned by a brilliant New Yorker who now calls El Salvador home, the resort offered a perfect relaxation.
With a dedicated area for Intrepid Travel guests, we enjoyed exceptional hospitality, including delicious local cuisine and serene views of the ocean. The time spent here was a delightful balance of exploration and downtime.
Cultural Highlight: Pupusa-Making Experience
During my solo travel in Central America, El Salvador stood out as my favorite country of the four we travelled as it carried much culture. One of the most memorable activities was learning to make pupusas, El Salvador’s beloved traditional dish. This hands-on experience not only introduced us to the country’s culinary traditions but also offered a deeper connection to its culture.
Day 7: Crossing Borders from El Salvador to Nicaragua
Crossing Borders
This day started with a border-crossing adventure, as we traveled from El Salvador to Honduras and then into Nicaragua.
One particularly memorable moment was dragging our bags across the border from Honduras to Nicaragua, where our driver waited on the other side. The border crossing was surprisingly quick and seamless, allowing us to continue our journey promptly.
Arrival in Leon, Nicaragua
By afternoon, we reached Leon, Nicaragua, a charming colonial city steeped in history. After settling in, we ventured out to explore and indulge in some delicious local street food. The vibrant flavors of Nicaraguan cuisine were a delightful introduction to the city.
Walking Historic Tour
We took a walking tour of historic Leon, where we discovered its rich cultural heritage and fascinating landmarks. For those seeking more adventure, there was a volcano tour that included sandboarding down a live volcano—a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Although I had to pass on this activity due to not feeling well, my travel companions couldn’t stop raving about it. The tours were very affordable
Day 8: From Managua to Granada, Nicaragua
We made our way from Managua to Granada, Nicaragua, a city known for its stunning colonial architecture and vibrant culture.
For our last night, we stayed at Hotel La Estacion, a charming and quaint hotel that perfectly encapsulated the warmth of Nicaragua.
Day 9- Departure
On the final day, we said our goodbyes to this extraordinary trip. It had been a monumental experience, traveling with a group of adventurous souls who had quickly become friends.
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