Backpacking in Central America?

• Central America is one of regions where backpackers can alternate a lot of culture and nature in a short period of time.
• Characteristics: Mayas, tropical rainforest, exotic islands, volcanoes, lots and diverse wildlife.

Travelling in Central America?

• A versatile travel area with lots of culture, white beaches, colorful (capital) cities, hospitable people, traveling by bus and special coffee fields.
• Cities and island spotting: Mexico City, Panama City, Antigua, Granada, Léon, Bay Islands, San Blas archipelago.
• Animal spotting: including sloth, toucan, jaguar, howler monkeys, sea turtles, tapir, quetzal, ocelot.
• Nature spotting: Monteverde Cloud Forest (cloud forest), Tikal National Park, Arenal volcano, Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Lago de Atitlán (volcanic lake), Isla de Ometepe, Bocas del Toro archipelago, Semuc Champey limestone pools and waterfalls.

Studying in Central America?

• Studies: basically all subjects and forms of education can be found. Additional opportunities regarding anthropology, tropical biology, Spanish language & culture, international relations, environmental and sustainability studies, archaeology, marine biology, development studies.
• Study cities: San José & Heredia, Panama City, Antigua, Managua, Tegucigalpa, Léon.
• Characteristics: education varies in quality by country and location, but of reasonably good level. Many study cities offer vibrant cultural scenes. Studying in Central America often also means aanda
• Characteristics: education varies in quality by country and location, but of reasonably good level. Many study cities offer vibrant cultural scene. Studying in Central America often means paying attention to social and political context in the country where you study.

Internship in Central America?

• Internships: internships can be found in all sectors of society. The (eco)tourism, conservation, international relations/development cooperation, health, education, microfinance, archaeology and ICT sectors have the most offerings.
• Destination cities: San José, Panama City, Antigua, Managua, Tegucigalpa, Léon, Guatemala City, Heredia, Granada.
• Characteristics: The work culture in many Central American countries is quite informal, but sometimes hierarchical. Cooperation and team spirit are important. Being an intern in this region often means being physically present and able to adapt.

Doing volunteer work in Central America?

• Volunteer projects: particularly in education, healthcare, community development, childcare, ecotourism, nature management and cultural and heritage conservation.
• Animal and nature projects: protecting monkeys, birds, sea turtles, jaguars, coral reefs and the tropical jungles.
• Characteristics: volunteer work possible from 1 or 2 weeks to several months. Much attention to mutual social relationships.
• Characteristics: volunteering possible from 1 or 2 weeks to several months. Much attention to social relationships. Especially in Central America, flexibility and adaptability is a must, as is paying attention to culture and mutual respect. Do not always expect strong organizational structures, although this varies from project to project.

Working in Central America?

• Jobs: temporary work is mainly found in the sectors: hospitality, education, healthcare, agriculture, development cooperation, ICT and (eco)tourism.
• Characteristics: The work culture can vary considerably from country to country and location to location, but in general the atmosphere is informal, social relations between colleagues are important and sometimes it demands a lot of your adaptability. Basic Spanish is a must, depending on the location and type of company.

Working as a digital nomad in Central America?

• Favorite cities and islands: San Jose, Tamarindo, Panama City, Granada, Antigua, Léon, Bocas del Toro.
• Characteristics: growing number of places where the good and working life are often well combined. Work facilities are good, you work in a rich culture, nature is always nearby and digital nomad community is already large. And of course: top coffee!

Living in Central America?

• Language: without Spanish it is difficult to function. English is not widely spoken.
• Living environment: in general, the lifestyle is considered very positive by expats in many Central American countries. Relatively low cost of living.
• Issues around safety and healthcare: the quality of healthcare can vary greatly and having your own health insurance is necessary everywhere. Be well informed about housing locations; safety is an issue in some neighborhoods/regions.
• Seek advice on insurance policies that provide adequate coverage for proper care and also repatriation in case of emergency.

Stories, tips and experiences from specific countries in Central America

Belize - Costa Rica - El Salvador - Guatemala - Honduras - Mexico - Nicaragua - Panama