Where to rest your head in Central America
119 days on the road through Central America has given us an extremely varied mix of places to rest our wary heads. Some were heart pounding nightmares with bed bugs and mattresses that swallow you. Others were dreamy.
These 8 places captured our heart and souls, if you ever find yourself on a backpacker budget in Central America, we recommend putting these places on your list.
Camping at 3,450m opposite an erupting volcano
Acatenango Volcano, Guatemala
Climbing 3,962m Acatenango Volcano to watch Fuego Volcano erupt all night was not only a trip highlight but one of the most incredible things in nature we have ever seen. Pitching a tent for a front row view of this eruption, watching the sunrise over the world and being so high above the clouds is simply breathtaking and an absolute bargain at US$89.
Book it: OX Tours
Field notes are here
Hobbit Holes
Hobbitenango, Antigua, Guatemala
Having been told about this mystical hillside retreat we had to check it out. Sherpa it turns out is a Lord of the Rings uber-geek, and I loved the idea of finally having to duck to pass through a door! Perched high in the hills above Antigua this small collection of boutique hobbit holes are run with from a socio-economic and environmentally sustainable stance enhancing the whole experience.
Book it: Hobbitenango
Field notes are here
Beachside glamping
Isla Basimentos, Bocas del Toro, Panama
There’s something special about taking three speed boats to reach a tiny Caribbean Island to rest your head. Isla Basimentos is a National Marine Park lined with palm trees, surf beaches, reefs and cacao farms but you can camp out at eco-friendly Palmer Lodge. Drift off to sleep in your private safari tent while listening to the tropical rain pelt down and the croaks of the red frogs. Magic!
Book it: Palmer Lodge
Field notes are here
Nudist Beach
Zipolite, Mexico
Full disclosure, we didn’t know this was a nudist beach when we booked it. Butt Hotel el Alquimista turned out to be a wonderful place to stay. Tucked away in a secluded bay at the end of Zipolite Beach on pacific side of the Mexican coast. Tit was a great place to rest your head. Get your ‘om' on at the seaview yoga pavilion eat the freshest seafood and chill out on the beach lounges.
Perched on the river, deep in the jungle
Rio Dulce, Guatemala
A 45min boat ride up Guatemala’s largest lake lands you in the middle of nowhere - aka Finca Tatin - a rustic jungle oasis. Sitting on the edge of the warm river, you’ll feel like Robinson Cruso as you spend days canoeing, swimming and being in the midst of dense green jungle. The creepy crawlies and wild birds roam free, power is limited so you’ll have no choice but to disconnect, delicious communal meals ensure you make new friends and you’ll be invigorated thanks to the energy of the tropical jungle.
Book it: Finca Tatin
Field notes are here
Tucked away in a treehouse
Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
If you want to get high on nature, take a chance and climb a tiny wooden staircase to your treehouse abode and rest your head. Ometepe Island is a naturalists paradise; queue organic farms, yoga barns, roads to bike on, two volcanos to explore and beaches to play in. Coming home to the reggae beats blaring out of The Lazy Crab is a perfect way to end a day.
Book it: Hostel Lazy Crab
Field notes are here
Rollin' around in a campervan
Driving all over Costa Rica
Getting off the beaten track is a breeze when you have your own wheels. Hello campervan, farewell tourist buses. Sure, it gets a little confined at times (all the f*cking time) but the ultimate freedom you experience with your fully kitted out campervan makes it worth every neck-cramping, personal-space-invading minute. Wake up on secluded beaches, under trees full of sloths and dine under the stars.
Overwater playground
Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Want to stay at an overwater bungalow but can’t afford the Maldives? Introducing Aqua Lounge, a backpackers playground perched over the crystal clear waters of the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Featuring rope swings, seated swings and slack lines hovering over the water - and $1 beers all day. They are known for their epic parties every Wednesday and Saturday - they crank until 4am.
Book it: Aqua Lounge
Field notes are here
**************** Special mentions ****************
Shower over toilet
Caye Caulker, Belize
We’ve all been exposed to showers over baths. No biggie right? A dingy little shack on the island of Caye Caulker took showering to a whole other level with their intriguing shower over toilet combo.
Book it: Juan in a Million
Restored to Cuba’s former glory
Santa Clara, Cuba
Staying at Casa’s throughout Cuba is the ultimate way to experience the country. La Pergola Hostel is a spectacular traditional casa that has been meticulously restored to its 1906 glory, featuring original ceilings and floors, an inner garden and a rooftop terrace restaurant. Many people skip Santa Clara due to time restrictions but if you can, visit this town that is home to Che Guevara’s Mausoleum and a key event in the Cuban revolution.
Book it: La Pergola Hostel
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