I am looking into traveling to Central America to backpack. I'm a first timer and need advice!?

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Obama is a socialist

Try Nicaragua. Its less developed, costs less, you would be much more of a novelty there and I think, if you werent a moron and flashed a lot of cash, that you would find the people friendly and willing to share. That the Govt is pretty leftist is of no matter to most Nicaraguans and even though some hate the US they love Americans. Figure that one out. Its the road less traveled. Go somewhere that other people dont often go.

Pinolera

I agree, Nicaragua would be a wonderful to place to visit. Just stay out of Managua. Most other places are relatively safe but you still need to watch your back and your wallet wherever you go. Also beware of cab drivers in Managua especially because they are notorious for hooking up with criminals. Nicaragua has lots of interesting places. It isn't called the "Land of Lakes and Volcanos" for nothing. Every turn you make it will be a surprise. go to www.http://vianica.com to learn more about this wonderful hidden paradise.

lovetotravel

Guatemala is beautiful as well. I loved it there...we went for 10 days with Habitat for Humanity to build houses and at times were in very remote parts of Guatemala and I still felt very safe. There are plenty of hostels you could stay at while you were there too. And of course the capital city Guatemala City is more dangerous than other parts of the country but just like NYC is more dangerous than other cities in the US. You just have to use your common sense and you will be perfectly fine. Costa Rica is also gorgeous and you will have the chance to see beaches, jungle and even volcanoes. I have heard stories from friends that studied there about getting held up by knife or gunpoint so just be sure not to travel down sketchy streets late at night or travel with a lot of money on you at a time. Mexico has a ton of nice places to see as well. You should do that as well depending on how many countries you want to see and how much time you have to do all this. In Guate I stayed in Coban, Antigua and Rabinal and loved every minute of it. I even enjoyed pretty much all the food except for the fact that they sprinkle goat cheese on almost all pasta dishes and I HATE goat cheese lol so if you don't like that either ask them not to put that on before you make an order.
que te diviertas!

tomas

except in costa rica and guatemala hostels are not always the cheapest...and in some places they do not exist.

a mom and pop hotel might have a hostel section to it tho.

only costa rica are there "HI" hostels.

read "lonely planet central america" and take it with you.

keep a low profile (blend in) and watch out at night, but really, don't be too afraid. just make sure that when you are in a big city, you know where NOT to go at night.

i spent one year in central america and had a great time. there is no need to see many of the big capital cities anyway. panama city, san jose.....and if you must stay the night the others are fine.....but not much interesting th ngs there.

i visited every country except for belize. i also spent a year in mexico. chiapas mexico is culturally more like guatemala than mexico. it is also a cool place to visit.

pack light of course. you don't want to be luging around your big pack in and out of buses. besides, it is safer anyway. you can keep your bag with you more often that way.

if you want more info i would be glad to help.

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