Travel Stack Exchange
Travel Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [central-america]

The narrow isthmus connecting the continents of North America and South America; seven countries in total.

The region between in and in which covers , , , , , , and .

47 questions
37
votes
4 answers

Is cheek kissing appropriate when being introduced to a woman in Latin America?

In Southern Europe it is common to give two kisses (one in each cheek) when being introduced to a woman. So when woman A meets person B (no matter if B is a he or a she), they will kiss in almost all circumstances: professional, social. I know this…
fedorqui
  • 3,425
  • 3
  • 29
  • 50
33
votes
4 answers

Suitable ways to get around the Darién Gap?

I'm planning a backpacking trip from Central America down to South America. Does anyone have a recommended way of getting around the Darién Gap? I read that you can fly, or you can take a boat but the information seems extremely limited. How much…
justinl
  • 2,149
  • 16
  • 24
27
votes
7 answers

What to do with your valuables on a low-cost holiday while swimming/diving in Central America?

I am planning to go to central America (Costa Rica + Panama) for a rather budget holiday, and I am wondering what people usually do with their documents, money, cameras, etc. when staying in a budget hotel (without a safe in the room) and wish to go…
Grzenio
  • 16,594
  • 8
  • 54
  • 93
21
votes
5 answers

Can I participate in the farming/harvesting of chocolate/cacao as a tourist anywhere in the world?

Even us chocolate lovers don't know much about where chocolate comes from. It comes from a plant. Can tourists help out where it is grown anywhere? Apparently most cacao/cocoa comes from Ivory Coast and Ghana in Africa, and there are stories of…
hippietrail
  • 80,147
  • 56
  • 281
  • 643
18
votes
2 answers

Website resources for 'out there' jobs related to travel

I've come across a few travel + working websites - which can get you a 'non-standard' job in a remote place - like EscapeTheCity which has had roles from post office master in Antarctica to landmine defuser to chocolate taster. I'm looking for…
Mark Mayo
  • 160,001
  • 106
  • 687
  • 1,492
17
votes
4 answers

Comparative safety of countries in Central America

When considering general safety for travelers visiting a foreign country, how do the Central American countries compare (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama)? Are some significantly more safe or dangerous than…
jrdioko
  • 7,975
  • 19
  • 53
  • 87
15
votes
3 answers

Is it possible to travel from North America to South America via train, excluding the Darién gap?

Excluding the Darién Gap (which you'd have to take a ferry across), is it possible to travel from, say, New York, NY to Buenos Aires, Argentina via train?
Mitch
  • 313
  • 1
  • 3
  • 9
15
votes
3 answers

Is it more expensive to buy airline tickets together than separate?

I'm looking for tickets in despegar.com (a travel website for the American continent) and found out that a flight for just one person was about USD $350 incluiding all taxes, and I did the exact same search but instead of 1 person I chose 2 and the…
carlos
  • 509
  • 1
  • 3
  • 11
13
votes
2 answers

Driving from San Antonio to Copan Ruinas, Honduras

I and some friends are taking our vehicles from the US to Honduras. Once we get to Honduras, we're golden. However, navigating the space between San Antonio and Copan Ruinas is tricky. I need some guidance on a route. Which borders should I cross.…
Byron Sommardahl
  • 231
  • 2
  • 4
12
votes
3 answers

What is considered impolite in Central/South American area

In every culture some actions are considered polite, others rude. For example one should not use left hand when interacting with others in India and Arab countries. Can you please provide some reference what is considered polite/impolite in Ecuador,…
Mariusz Jamro
  • 902
  • 2
  • 13
  • 23
11
votes
1 answer

What happens if you don't pay the Panamá exit tax?

Yesterday we landed after a trip from Panama to Spain departing from PTY airport. Today a friend that travelled to Panama 3 years ago has told me that he had to pay a 40 dollars tax when he leaved the airport. Also he said that he has an exit stamp…
Ivan
  • 15,488
  • 15
  • 84
  • 162
10
votes
3 answers

Money when traveling to South America

I, a European, plan on visiting North and South America (Mexico, Peru) for a few weeks, and I wonder what's the best way to use my money over there. I want to lose the least of it to fees or conversion. My money is in a bank account and I have a…
Manuel
  • 211
  • 2
  • 4
10
votes
3 answers

Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua

I want to go to Costa Rica and I am considering going to Panama and Nicaragua as well. I wonder though, what will I be able to find in Panama and Nicaragua that I will not be able to find in Costa Rica? It get the impression that the landscape, the…
Vincent Warmerdam
  • 593
  • 3
  • 10
9
votes
2 answers

Turtle-watching in Costa Rica and Panama in April

Where can I watch the turtles lay their eggs in Costa Rica and Panama in the second half of April? I am mainly interested in places that are accessible by car (4x4 is fine).
Grzenio
  • 16,594
  • 8
  • 54
  • 93
9
votes
2 answers

Visa for US citizen visiting Nicaragua

When a US citizen travels to Nicaragua, what does it cost to enter the country? How long can the stay be without having a visa or paying a fine? Is there a resource online where up-to-date answers to these questions can be found?
jrdioko
  • 7,975
  • 19
  • 53
  • 87
1
2 3 4