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Mexico City, Mexico
STAY
Area: Roma Norte / Condesa
Hostel: Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel
Price: £20–25/night
Social: Good events/common areas.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive, Roma Norte, food market, hostel drinks
Day 2: Teotihuacán tour, Historic Centre, Lucha Libre
Day 3: Frida Kahlo, Coyoacán, Chapultepec, Anthropology Museum
MUST DO
Teotihuacán tour — £40 — half day
Frida Kahlo Museum — £15 — 2 hrs
Lucha Libre — £25 — evening
Anthropology Museum — £5 — 2 hrs
Social/nightlife
Hostel events + tours. Budget £20–40/night drinks/social.
SAFETY
Stay in tourist areas, Uber at night, avoid wandering alone after dark.
NEXT JOURNEY
Mexico City → Oaxaca
ADO bus: 6–7 hrs, £25
Uber hostel → station + arrival: £10–15
Total: £35–40
**flight is 1hour £45**
COST
Hostel: £75
Food: £100
Transport/Ubers: £40
Activities: £85
Drinks/nightlife: £60
Hostel socials: £20
Snacks: £25
Journey to Oaxaca: £35
Total: £440
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Oaxaca, Mexico
ADVICE
One of the best Mexico stops. Great food, culture and social scene. Medium cost. Safe for solo females with normal precautions.
STAY
Area: Centro Histórico
Hostel: Selina Oaxaca
Price: £18–25/night
Social: Good events, tours and common areas.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive, explore centre, markets, hostel dinner/drinks
Day 2: Monte Albán, Santo Domingo, city walk
Day 3: Hierve el Agua + mezcal tour
Day 4: Food tour/cooking class, cafés, final hostel night
MUST DO
Monte Albán — £30 — half day
Hierve el Agua + mezcal tour — £45 — full day
Mezcal tasting — £15 — evening
Cooking class (optional) — £50–70 — half day
Social/nightlife
Best for: mezcal bars, hostel dinners, group tours.
Budget: £20–40/night drinks + socials.
SAFETY
One of the easier Mexico stops. Avoid walking alone late after drinking. Use taxis/Uber at night.
NEXT JOURNEY
Oaxaca → Puerto Escondido
Transport: Shuttle/bus
Time: 3–4 hrs
Cost: £25
Door to door:
Hostel → pickup: £5
Shuttle: £25
Arrival taxi: £5
Total: £35
COST
Hostel: £90
Food: £130
Transport/Ubers: £25
Activities: £110
Drinks/nightlife: £80
Hostel socials: £30
Snacks/coffees: £30
Journey to Puerto Escondido: £35
Total: £530
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Puerto Escondido, Mexico
ADVICE
Best beach/social stop. Great for meeting people and surfing. Slightly more expensive due to beach lifestyle. Generally safe, but avoid isolated beaches at night.
STAY
Area: La Punta
Hostel: Selina Puerto Escondido
Price: £20–30/night
Social: Very good for solo travellers.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive, La Punta sunset, hostel social
Day 2: Carrizalillo Beach, explore town
Day 3: Surf lesson, beach evening
Day 4: Bioluminescence tour
Day 5: Chacahua trip or relax
MUST DO
Surf lesson — £35 — 3 hrs
Carrizalillo Beach — Free — half day
Bioluminescence tour — £35 — evening
Chacahua day trip — £45 — full day
Turtle release — £10 — evening
Social/nightlife
Best place in Mexico for hostel life. Expect beach bars, sunset drinks, hostel parties.
Budget: £30–50/night when going out.
SAFETY
Use taxis at night. Avoid swimming alone on unfamiliar beaches due to currents. Keep valuables secure at beach.
NEXT JOURNEY
Puerto Escondido → Valladolid
Transport:
Flight Puerto Escondido → Cancún: £70–120
ADO Cancún Airport → Valladolid: £10–15
Time: 6–8 hrs total
Cost: £90–140
COST
Hostel: £125
Food: £150
Transport/Ubers: £30
Activities: £165
Drinks/nightlife: £150
Hostel socials: £40
Snacks/coffees: £35
Journey to Valladolid: £120
Total: £815
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Flores, Guatemala
ADVICE
Worth it for Tikal. Small but very social backpacker stop. Cheap compared with Mexico.
STAY
Area: Flores Island
Hostel: Los Amigos Hostel
Price: £10–15/night
Social: One of the best backpacker hostels in Guatemala.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrive, explore Flores, sunset, hostel drinks
Day 2:
Tikal sunrise tour
MUST DO
Tikal ruins tour — £35–50 — half/full day
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
Hostel bar, group tours, sunset drinks.
Drinks/night: £15–30
Hostel socials: £5–15
SAFETY
Safe on Flores Island.
Avoid wandering around Guatemala City (mainly a transport hub).
Keep valuables secure on tours.
NEXT JOURNEY
FLORES → SEMUC CHAMPEY
Transport: Tourist shuttle
Time: 8–10 hrs
Cost: £25–35
Door to door:
Hostel → pickup: £5
Shuttle: £25–35
Arrival transfer: included/short taxi
Total: £30–40
COST
Hostel: £25
Food: £50
Transport/Ubers: £10
Activities: £45
Drinks/nightlife: £40
Hostel socials: £10
Snacks: £15
Journey to Semuc: £35
TOTAL: £230
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Semuy, Guatemala
ADVICE
Semuc Champey: Long journey but one of Guatemala’s best experiences. Jungle, caves and natural pools.
STAY
Area: Lanquín
Hostel: Greengos Hotel
Price: £15–20/night
Social: Excellent backpacker atmosphere.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrive, relax, hostel social
Day 2:
Semuc Champey pools + caves tour
MUST DO
Semuc Champey tour — £30–40 — full day
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
Mostly hostel-based:
Group dinners
Drinks
Games/social nights
Drinks/night: £15–30
Hostel socials: £5–10
SAFETY
Stay with your hostel group.
Avoid exploring alone after dark.
Keep valuables locked during tours.
NEXT JOURNEY
SEMUC CHAMPEY → LAKE ATITLÁN
Transport: Tourist shuttle
Time: 10–12 hrs
Cost: £35–45
Door to door:
Hostel → shuttle: included/short taxi
Shuttle: £35–45
Arrival transfer: £3–5
Total: £40–50
COST
Hostel: £40
Food: £50
Transport/Ubers: £10
Activities: £35
Drinks/nightlife: £40
Hostel socials: £15
Snacks: £15
Journey to Lake Atitlán: £45
TOTAL: £250
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Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
ADVICE
One of the highlights of Guatemala. Beautiful scenery, relaxed pace and very social.
STAY
Area: San Pedro La Laguna
Hostel: Mr Mullet’s Hostel
Price: £10–15/night
Social: Great for solo travellers.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrive, explore San Pedro, lake views
Day 2:
Boat villages:
San Marcos
San Juan
Panajachel
Day 3:
Indian Nose sunrise hike, relax, hostel night
MUST DO
Indian Nose sunrise hike — £20 — morning
Lake villages boat trip — £10–20 — half day
Kayaking/swimming — £10–15 — optional
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
Best social activities:
Hostel dinners
Sunset bars
Group hikes
Boat trips
Drinks/night: £15–30
Hostel socials: £5–15
SAFETY
Generally safe in tourist villages.
Use boats/tuk-tuks instead of walking long distances at night.
Avoid isolated areas alone.
NEXT JOURNEY
LAKE ATITLÁN → ANTIGUA
Transport: Tourist shuttle
Time: 3 hrs
Cost: £15
Door to door:
Hostel → shuttle: £3–5
Shuttle: £15
Arrival transfer: £3–5
Total: £20–25
COST
Hostel: £40
Food: £70
Transport/Ubers: £20
Activities: £40
Drinks/nightlife: £50
Hostel socials: £15
Snacks: £15
Journey to Antigua: £20
TOTAL: £270
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Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
ADVICE
Best final Guatemala stop. Beautiful colonial city, great cafés and very easy to meet people.
STAY
Area: Antigua centre
Hostel: Tropicana Hostel
Price: £10–15/night
Social: Excellent for solo travellers.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrive, explore Antigua, markets, hostel drinks
Day 2:
Acatenango Volcano overnight hike
Day 3:
Recover, cafés, markets
Day 4:
Coffee farm tour, final hostel night
MUST DO
Acatenango Volcano hike — £70–90 — overnight
Coffee farm tour — £20–30 — half day
Antigua old town — Free
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
Very social backpacker town:
Hostel bars
Volcano groups
Rooftop bars
Group dinners
Drinks/night: £20–40
Hostel socials: £5–15
SAFETY
One of the easiest Guatemala stops for solo females.
Use Uber/taxis at night.
Avoid walking alone after drinking.
NEXT JOURNEY
🇬🇹 ANTIGUA → 🇭🇳 COPÁN RUINAS
Transport:
Tourist shuttle (recommended)
Time:
6–8 hrs total
Cost:
£35–50
Door to door:
Hostel → pickup:
£5
Shuttle:
£35–45
Border crossing:
Included (allow extra time)
Arrival taxi:
£2–5
Total:
£40–50
COST
Hostel: £50
Food: £100
Transport/Ubers: £20
Activities: £110
Drinks/nightlife: £80
Hostel socials: £20
Snacks: £20
Journey to Honduras : £40
TOTAL: £440
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Santa Ana, El Salvador
ADVICE
Best place for volcano hiking and exploring. Cheap and less touristy than Guatemala. Good first stop after crossing the border.
Cost level: Cheap
STAY
Area: Santa Ana centre
Hostel: Hostal Casa Verde
Price: £10–15/night
Social: Good, popular with backpackers.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Antigua → Santa Ana
Explore town, food market, hostel social
Day 2:
Santa Ana Volcano hike + Lake Coatepeque
Day 3:
Ruta de las Flores day trip
MUST DO
Santa Ana Volcano hike — £25–40 — full day
Lake Coatepeque — £5–15 — half day
Ruta de las Flores — £25–40 — full day
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
More relaxed than Guatemala.
Best:
Hostel dinners
Volcano groups
Local bars
Drinks/night: £10–25
Hostel socials: £5–10
SAFETY
Santa Ana is generally fine for travellers.
Avoid:
Walking alone late at night
Flashing valuables
Local buses with luggage if unfamiliar
Use tourist shuttles where possible.
NEXT JOURNEY
SANTA ANA → EL TUNCO
Transport: Shuttle/bus
Time: 2–3 hrs
Cost: £15–25
Door to door:
Hostel → pickup: £5
Transport: £15–20
Arrival taxi: £5
Total: £25–30
COST
Hostel: £40
Food: £60
Transport/Ubers: £20
Activities: £70
Drinks/nightlife: £40
Hostel socials: £15
Snacks: £15
Journey to El Tunco: £25
TOTAL: £285
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El Tunco, El Salvador
ADVICE
Best beach stop in El Salvador. Famous for surfing, sunsets and meeting travellers.
Cheaper and less crowded than Mexico beach towns.
STAY
Area: El Tunco village
Hostel: Tunco Life Hostel
Price: £10–20/night
Social: Very good — lots of backpackers and surfers.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrive, beach, sunset, hostel drinks
Day 2:
Surf lesson + explore beaches
Day 3:
Relax, waterfalls or beach day
MUST DO
Surf lesson — £25–40 — 2 hrs
El Tunco beach/sunset — Free
Waterfall trip — £20–30 — half day
Pupusa dinner — £5–10
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
Very social for its size:
Surf hostels
Beach bars
Sunset drinks
Drinks/night: £15–30
Hostel socials: £5–15
SAFETY
One of the easier beach towns for solo travellers.
Be careful:
Don’t walk alone on empty beaches at night
Use taxis after drinking
Keep phone secure
NEXT JOURNEY
EL TUNCO → LEÓN, NICARAGUA
Recommended:
Shuttle
Time:
10–12 hrs
Cost:
£45–60
Route:
El Tunco → border → León
Door to door:
Hostel pickup: £5
Shuttle: £45–55
Arrival taxi: £5
Total: £55–65
COST
Hostel: £45
Food: £70
Transport/Ubers: £20
Activities: £70
Drinks/nightlife: £70
Hostel socials: £15
Snacks: £15
Journey to Nicaragua: £60
TOTAL: £365
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León, Nicaragua
ADVICE
Best for volcano adventures, history and meeting travellers. One of the most popular backpacker stops.
STAY
Area: Centro
Hostel: Big Foot Hostel
Price: £10–15/night
Social: Excellent — famous backpacker hostel.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrive from El Salvador, explore León, rooftop sunset
Day 2:
Volcano boarding
Day 3:
Cathedral, markets, museums, beach afternoon
MUST DO
Volcano boarding Cerro Negro — £25–35 — half day
León Cathedral rooftop — £2–3 — 1 hr
Las Peñitas beach — £5–10 transport — half day
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
One of the best hostel scenes:
Hostel parties
Group volcano tours
Rooftop bars
Drinks/night: £15–30
Hostel socials: £5–15
SAFETY
Generally safe.
Be careful:
Volcano tours (heat/sun)
Walking alone late at night
Keep phone secure in busy areas
NEXT JOURNEY
LEÓN → GRANADA
Transport:
Shuttle/bus
Time:
3–4 hrs
Cost:
£15–25
Door to door:
Hostel → pickup: £5
Transport: £15–20
Arrival taxi: £5
Total: £25–30
COST
Hostel: £40
Food: £70
Transport/Ubers: £20
Activities: £40
Drinks/nightlife: £60
Hostel socials: £20
Snacks: £15
Journey to Granada: £30
TOTAL: £295
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Granada, Nicaragua
ADVICE
Beautiful colonial city. Good food, architecture and day trips. Slightly more touristy.
STAY
Area: Centro
Hostel: Selina Granada
Price: £15–20/night
Social: Good events and travellers.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Explore Granada:
Cathedral
Markets
Streets
Sunset viewpoint
Day 2:
Laguna Apoyo + Masaya Volcano
MUST DO
Laguna Apoyo — £10–20 — half day/full day
Masaya Volcano — £25–40 — evening
Granada streets — Free
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
More bars/restaurants than party hostels.
Drinks/night: £15–30
Hostel socials: £5–15
SAFETY
Tourist areas are safe.
Avoid:
Empty streets late at night
Carrying valuables openly
NEXT JOURNEY
GRANADA → OMETEPE
Transport:
Bus + ferry
Time:
3–4 hrs
Cost:
£10–15
Door to door:
Hostel → bus: £5
Bus/ferry: £10
Arrival taxi: £3–5
Total: £15–20
COST
Hostel: £35
Food: £50
Transport/Ubers: £15
Activities: £40
Drinks/nightlife: £40
Hostel socials: £10
Snacks: £10
Journey to Ometepe: £15
TOTAL: £215
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Ometepe, Nicaragua
ADVICE
One of Nicaragua’s highlights. Volcanic island in Lake Nicaragua. Perfect place to slow down.
STAY
Area: Moyogalpa/Santa Cruz
Hostel: El Pital Chocolate Paradise
Price: £10–15/night
Social: Great backpacker vibe.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrive, explore island, sunset
Day 2:
Waterfalls + beaches + scooter around island
Day 3:
Kayaking, relaxing, nature
MUST DO
Scooter rental — £15–25/day
Ojo de Agua — £3–5
San Ramón waterfall — £3–5
Kayaking — £10–20
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
More chilled:
Hostel dinners
Bonfires
Travellers hanging out
Drinks/night: £10–25
Hostel socials: £5–10
SAFETY
Very safe compared with many stops.
Be careful:
Roads can be rough on scooters
Don’t hike volcanoes alone
NEXT JOURNEY
OMETEPE → SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Transport:
Ferry + shuttle/bus
Time:
4–5 hrs
Cost:
£15–25
Total door to door:
£20–30
COST
Hostel: £40
Food: £60
Transport/Ubers: £15
Activities: £50
Drinks/nightlife: £40
Hostel socials: £15
Snacks: £15
Journey to San Juan: £25
TOTAL: £260
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San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
ADVICE
Best beach/social stop in Nicaragua. Surf, sunsets and nightlife.
STAY
Area: Town centre
Hostel: The Space / Pachamama
Price: £10–20/night
Social: Very good.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrive, beach, sunset viewpoint, hostel night
Day 2:
Surf lesson, beach, Sunday Funday party (if timing fits)
MUST DO
Surf lesson — £25–40
Christ statue viewpoint — Free/£2
Sunday Funday pool party — £20–30
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
One of Central America’s best backpacker party spots.
Drinks/night: £20–40
Hostel events: £10–20
SAFETY
Generally safe.
Be careful:
Walking alone late after partying
Keep belongings on beaches
NEXT JOURNEY
SAN JUAN DEL SUR → COSTA RICA
Transport:
Shuttle
Time:
5–7 hrs
Cost:
£35–50
COST
Hostel: £30
Food: £50
Transport/Ubers: £15
Activities: £50
Drinks/nightlife: £70
Hostel socials: £20
Snacks: £10
Journey to Costa Rica: £45
TOTAL: £290
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La Fortuna, Costa Rica
ADVICE
Must-do Costa Rica stop. Volcano, hot springs, waterfalls and adventure activities.
STAY
Area: Town centre
Hostel: Selina La Fortuna
Price: £20–30/night
Social: Good for solo travellers, events and tours.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrive, explore town, hostel social
Day 2:
Arenal Volcano + waterfall + hot springs
Day 3:
Adventure day:
rafting OR canyoning OR hanging bridges
MUST DO
La Fortuna Waterfall — £15 — half day
Hot springs — £30–60 — evening
Arenal volcano viewpoints — Free
Canyoning — £60–90 — half day
Hanging bridges — £25–35 — 2 hrs
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
More activity-based than party-based:
Hostel events
Group tours
Bars/restaurants
Drinks/night: £20–40
Hostel socials: £5–15
SAFETY
Very safe compared with neighbours.
Be careful:
Don’t leave valuables on beaches
Use official taxis/Uber where available
Watch belongings on tours
NEXT JOURNEY
LA FORTUNA → MONTEVERDE
Transport:
Jeep-boat-jeep transfer
Time:
3–4 hrs
Cost:
£25–35
Door to door:
Hostel pickup: included
Boat + transfer: £25–35
Arrival taxi: £5
Total: £30–40
COST
Hostel: £75
Food: £100
Transport/Ubers: £25
Activities: £150
Drinks/nightlife: £70
Hostel socials: £20
Snacks: £20
Journey to Monteverde: £35
TOTAL: £495
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Monteverde, Costa Rica
ADVICE
Cloud forest, wildlife and adventure. Short stay is enough.
STAY
Area: Santa Elena
Hostel: Selina Monteverde
Price: £20–30/night
Social: Good traveller atmosphere.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrive, explore Santa Elena, night walk
Day 2:
Cloud forest + adventure activities
MUST DO
Cloud Forest Reserve — £20–30 — half day
Night wildlife walk — £25–35 — evening
Ziplining — £40–70 — half day
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
Quiet compared with Nicaragua.
Drinks/night: £15–30
Hostel socials: £5–10
SAFETY
Very safe.
Be careful:
Bring layers/rain jacket
Roads are rough, use shuttles
NEXT JOURNEY
MONTEVERDE → MANUEL ANTONIO
Transport:
Shuttle
Time:
4–5 hrs
Cost:
£30–40
COST
Hostel: £50
Food: £70
Transport/Ubers: £15
Activities: £70
Drinks/nightlife: £40
Hostel socials: £10
Snacks: £15
Journey to Manuel Antonio: £35
TOTAL: £305
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Manuel Antonio Beach, Costa Rica
ADVICE
Best beach + wildlife combination. More expensive but worth it.
STAY
Area: Quepos / Manuel Antonio
Hostel: Selina Manuel Antonio
Price: £25–35/night
Social: Good but more expensive.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrive, beach, sunset
Day 2:
Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 3:
Beach day, optional surf, hostel/social night
MUST DO
Manuel Antonio National Park — £15–20 — half day
Surf lesson — £40–60 — 2 hrs
Beach day — Free
Wildlife tour — £30–50 — optional
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
More relaxed:
Beach bars
Hostel drinks
Sunset spots
Drinks/night: £25–50
Hostel socials: £5–15
SAFETY
Safe tourist area.
Be careful:
Monkeys steal bags/food
Don’t leave belongings on beaches
Use taxis after dark
NEXT JOURNEY
MANUEL ANTONIO → PANAMA
Recommended:
Bus/shuttle via Sixaola border
Time:
8–10 hrs
Cost:
£45–70
(If flying home from Panama City, easier to continue south.)
COST
Hostel: £90
Food: £120
Transport/Ubers: £25
Activities: £100
Drinks/nightlife: £100
Hostel socials: £20
Snacks: £20
Journey to Panama: £60
TOTAL: £535
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Bocas del Toro, Panama
ADVICE
Best Panama stop for backpackers. Caribbean islands, beaches, snorkelling and nightlife. Very social.
STAY
Area: Isla Colón
Hostel: Selina Bocas del Toro
Price: £20–30/night
Social: Excellent — lots of backpackers, events and parties.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrive, explore Bocas Town, sunset drinks
Day 2:
Island hopping + snorkelling
Day 3:
Beach day:
Starfish Beach / Red Frog Beach
Day 4:
Relax, optional boat trip, hostel night
MUST DO
Island hopping boat tour — £35–50 — full day
Starfish Beach — £5–10 transport — half day
Red Frog Beach — £5–10 — half day
Snorkelling — usually included in tours
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
One of the best party/social stops.
Best:
Hostel events
Beach bars
Boat trips
Filthy Friday (if timing works)
Drinks/night: £20–40
Hostel socials: £10–20
SAFETY
Generally safe in tourist areas.
Be careful:
Don’t leave valuables unattended on beaches
Watch belongings on party nights
Use water taxis at night
NEXT JOURNEY
BOCAS DEL TORO → PANAMA CITY
Transport:
Boat + bus/flight
Cheapest:
Boat + bus
Time:
10–12 hrs
Cost:
£35–50
Faster:
Flight:
1 hr
£80–120
Door to door:
Hostel → dock: £5
Boat: £5–10
Bus: £30–40
Total: £40–55
COST
Hostel: £100
Food: £120
Transport/Ubers: £20
Activities: £70
Drinks/nightlife: £120
Hostel socials: £40
Snacks: £20
Journey to Panama City: £50
TOTAL: £540
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Panama City, Panama
ADVICE
Good final city stop before flying home. Not worth spending too long unless you love cities.
STAY
Area: Casco Viejo
Hostel: Selina Casco Viejo
Price: £20–30/night
Social: Good rooftop/bar atmosphere.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Explore:
Casco Viejo
Rooftop drinks
Waterfront
Day 2:
Panama Canal + city
MUST DO
Panama Canal — £15–25 — 2 hrs
Casco Viejo — Free
Biomuseo — £10 — optional
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
More city-based:
Rooftop bars
Hostel events
Restaurants
Drinks/night: £25–50
Hostel socials: £5–15
SAFETY
Safe tourist areas:
Casco Viejo
Obarrio
Punta Paitilla
Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night. Use Uber.
NEXT JOURNEY
PANAMA CITY → HOME
Airport:
Uber to Tocumen Airport
Time:
20–40 mins
Cost:
£10–20
COST
Hostel: £50
Food: £70
Transport/Ubers: £25
Activities: £30
Drinks/nightlife: £70
Hostel socials: £15
Snacks: £15
Airport transfer: £15
TOTAL: £290
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San Blas Islands, Panama
ADVICE
One of the most unique experiences in Central America. Remote Caribbean islands run by the Guna people. Expensive but a proper bucket-list stop.
Not a hostel experience — this is a simple island stay.
STAY
Accommodation:
Guna island cabins
Price:
£100–150/night including:
Transport
Food
Island accommodation
Boat trips
Social:
Usually small groups of travellers, couples and backpackers.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Panama City → San Blas
Arrive island
Beach, swimming, sunset
Day 2:
Island hopping:
Snorkelling
Starfish islands
Local villages
Day 3:
More islands + relax
Return to Panama City
MUST DO
Island hopping boat tour — included
Snorkelling — included
Local Guna village visit — included
SOCIAL/NIGHTLIFE
Not a party stop.
Evenings:
Beach fires
Drinks with travellers
Stargazing
Alcohol:
Bring your own (expensive on islands)
Budget:
£10–30/night
SAFETY
Very safe.
Main things:
Keep valuables dry
Bring cash (no ATMs)
Bring a power bank
NEXT JOURNEY
SAN BLAS → COLOMBIA (Cartagena)
Recommended:
Option 1: Flight (best)
Route:
Panama City → Cartagena
Transport:
Flight
Time:
1.5 hrs
Cost:
£80–150
Door to door:
San Blas → Panama City:
4–6 hrs
£45–70
Panama City → airport:
Uber
25–45 mins
£10–20
Flight:
£80–150
Total:
£140–220
Option 2: Sailing trip (more backpacker experience)
Route:
San Blas → Colombia
Time:
4–5 days
Cost:
£450–600
Includes:
Sailing
Islands
Food
Accommodation
I would only choose this if you want a big adventure and have extra budget.
COST
Accommodation/package: £200–350
(Fixed packages usually include cabin, meals, transport and boat trips)
Food: Included
Transport/Ubers: £45–70
Activities: Included
Drinks/nightlife: £20–50
Snacks/water: £10–20
Journey to Colombia: £140–220
TOTAL: £415–710
Realistic budget:
~£550