Is Central America still a budget destination? The answer is yes—with caveats. Here's the honest breakdown of costs across the region and how to make $50 a day work.
Country Cost Comparison
Guatemala: Easiest on Budget
- Daily budget: $30-45 possible
- Accommodation: $8-15 for hostels, $20-35 hotels
- Local food incredibly cheap ($2-5 meals)
- Antigua is pricier; Lake Atitlan offers value
Nicaragua: Budget-Friendly
- Daily budget: $35-50
- Less touristed, lower prices
- Granada and Leon offer colonial charm cheaply
- Corn Islands more expensive but worthwhile
Honduras: Mixed Value
- Daily budget: $40-55
- Roatan (Bay Islands) is expensive—beach tourism prices
- Copan Ruins area is reasonable
- Mainland offers good value
El Salvador: Underrated Value
- Daily budget: $40-55
- Dollarized economy (uses USD)
- Fewer tourists, authentic experience
- Surf beaches less developed than Costa Rica
Costa Rica: The Expensive One
- Daily budget: $60-90 (tough to go lower)
- Developed tourism infrastructure = higher prices
- Still possible on $50/day but requires effort
- Worth splurging for certain experiences (Monteverde, Manuel Antonio)
Panama: Varies Wildly
- Daily budget: $50-80
- Panama City is expensive (modern city prices)
- Bocas del Toro and Boquete moderate
- San Blas Islands require larger budget
Sample $50/Day Budget
- Hostel dorm: $12
- Breakfast (street food or hostel): $3
- Lunch (local comedor): $5
- Dinner (restaurant): $10
- Transport: $5
- One activity/attraction: $10
- Snacks/drinks: $5
- Total: $50
This works in Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador. Add $15-25/day for Costa Rica and tourist areas elsewhere.
Money-Saving Strategies
- Chicken buses: Local buses cost fraction of tourist shuttles
- Comedores: Local lunch spots with set meals ($2-4)
- Haggle transport: Negotiate tuk-tuks and taxis
- Skip tourist shuttles: Learn public bus routes
- Cook when possible: Hostels with kitchens save meals
Safety Considerations
Central America has safety concerns that shouldn't be ignored:
- Research current conditions—situations change
- Stick to well-traveled routes and tourist areas
- Don't travel after dark on roads
- Use ATMs inside banks or malls
- Keep valuables minimal and hidden
- Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, leave
Most travelers have safe trips, but awareness is essential. Budget travel sometimes means less safe transport options—consider when it's worth paying more for a tourist shuttle vs. chicken bus.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry season (November-April): Best weather, higher prices in peak months
- Green season (May-October): Some rain, lower prices, greener landscapes
- Sweet spot: May-June or November—shoulder season value