Central America Travel Budget: Real Costs from 6 Months Backpacking All 7 Countries

For long-term travelers, your budget is key to sustaining the adventure. It dictates how far and long you can go. We've shared our overall 6-month and 1-year budgets before, but those included higher-cost areas like the U.S. and Europe. Here, we provide a detailed breakdown of Central America travel costs based on our firsthand experience.

This guide covers expenses across all seven countries—Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama—to give you a realistic estimate for your trip.

Overall Central America Budget Breakdown

We traveled through every Central American country for exactly six months, spending a total of $10,685.65 for two people.

That's about $890.47 per person per month, or $30.36 per person per day during our time there.

Our initial target was under $1,000 per person per month, but vigilant tracking allowed us to spend even less. This is an average; costs varied by country (detailed below).

Central America Travel Budget by Country

Belize: $54 per person per day

Belize topped the list as the priciest, but its adventures—like snorkeling and caving—were highlights we couldn't skip (far cheaper than in Europe or North America). Without activities, expect around $40 per day. To minimize costs, consider bypassing Belize.

Accommodation: $7.50–$12.50 per person (double room). Caye Caulker averaged $25/night; San Ignacio $15/night.
Transport: Belize City to San Ignacio bus $3.50; Caye Caulker boats $10.
Food: $10 per person (incl. beer at $1.50–$2.50).
Activities: Snorkeling tour $40; cave tours $45–$70.

Guatemala: $23.12 per person per day

We indulged in Antigua and Lake Atitlán's international cuisine, yet stayed under $25/day by avoiding tourist shuttles, choosing local drinks, and budget lodging under $10/person (private room).

Accommodation: $9/person avg. Cheapest: $4.90; priciest: $16.
Transport: Local buses $0.50–$3; Flores to Guatemala City night bus $29.
Food: $6–$10/person (incl. beer $1–$2).
Activities: Pacaya volcano $13; Tikal (transport/guide) $30; Antigua ruins $5.

Honduras: $28.68 per person per day

Honduras is budget-friendly, but Christmas holidays led to nicer hotels ($25 max for two) and meals, bumping costs above Guatemala/El Salvador. We skipped pricier Utila/Roatán; mainland stays cheap.

Accommodation: $7.50–$12/person (double).
Transport: Buses $2–$4 (max $7).
Food: $5–$7/person (incl. beer $0.60–$1.50).
Activities: Copán ruins $15.

El Salvador: $24.05 per person per day

Accommodation was highest here, but transport, food, and drinks were bargains. Pupusas (every meal) kept food cheap. Few pricey sites; surfing $10–$20/lesson; museums free some days.

Accommodation: $10/person (shared bath); $12.50 (private/hot shower).
Transport: Buses $1–$2 (max $4).
Food: $4/person (incl. beer $1; pupusas $0.40).
Activities: Alegria hike $7.50.

Nicaragua: $31.81 (incl. Corn Islands)/$20.76 (excl.)

A Corn Islands splurge raised averages, but excluding it made Nicaragua our cheapest. Eating out twice daily still under $21/person.

Accommodation: $7.50/person avg.
Transport: Buses <$1 (max $1.80).
Food: Breakfast $2–$3.50; dinner $4–$7 (beer $0.50–$1.20).
Activities: Movies $1.90 (+$1.80 snacks); bike rental $3.90.

Costa Rica: $26.62 per person per day

Not as expensive as rumored—we matched Honduras/El Salvador costs. Post-Nicaragua sticker shock, but smart spending works. Cheap lodging exists, though quality lags at $20/night.

Accommodation: $10/person (double).
Transport: Short $1.20; medium $2.50; long $8.
Food: $5–$9/meal (beer $2–$3).
Activities: National Parks $10–$20; ziplining $50 (Monteverde cheapest).

Panama: $35.71 per person per day

U.S. dollar + inflation made it highest (excl. Belize), but cheap beer ($0.75) helps. Bocas del Toro pricier; Boquete affordable. Panama City mixes luxury and bargains (25¢ buses, $1 street food).

Accommodation: $10/person avg ($6.50–$12).
Transport: Short $1.50; medium $7; long $12.50 (city $0.25–$0.50).
Food: $3–$8/meal.
Activities: Canal $15; Taboga ferry $20 return; movies $3.

Central America Travel Budget: Practical Tips

• Our Lonely Planet Central America on a Shoestring guide was invaluable for budgets, hostels, maps, and routes.
• Opted for cheap chicken buses over tourist shuttles.
• Mixed local eateries with occasional tourist spots. Dorm stays/local food = even lower costs.
• We partied lightly—budget extra if nightlife's your thing.
• Packing for Central America? See our packing list.

Traveled Central America? Which countries were budget-friendly or splurge-worthy? How did your costs compare?