Central america backpacking trip

[zandy111]

Hello i was wondering what would be a good 3 week back packing route in central america. I would like to do a lot and see a lot. Im not one for just lounging on the beach for a week

[zandy111]

i was thinking possibly guatemala city to san jose. Would this be good for 3 weeks or too much ground to cover?

[thugulike]

I'd strongly recommend Costa Rica. It's small with public transport and has fantastic landscape and wildlife. If you're coming from Guatamala make sure you see Arenal, the live volcano; Tabacon hot springs nearby (make sure you have water shoes with you),; Monteverdi which has cloud forest and wildlife; the Peninsula for surfing and beaches. Be careful in San Jose, I normally avoid it if I can. Not much to see there. Local people are very kind and pleasant AND you can drink the tap water. Food is very good too.

[zandy111]

ya i definitely want to go to costa rica. but i would also like to see the other countries too. do you think a trip flying to guatemala city and then backpacking to san jose to fly back would be too ambitious for a 3 week stint or would you say its doable?

[thugulike]

I haven't been to Guatamala so I can't comment on that bit. There isn't much traffic on the back roads in Costa Rica but I'm sure you would get a lift. Tha Pacific side is nicer than the Caribbean as it can be a bit seedy. I wouldn't travel without Lonely Planet Costa Rica. All this talk of Costa Rica makes me want to go again. I once went twice in one year.

[zandy111]

ok cool thanks guys