How Long to Cross Central America?

[Jordan]

We're 3 months into our year long Calgary to Argentina trip, currently relaxing in an ocean-front restaurant in southern Mexico and loving it. In fact we've been loving our trip so much that we are currently about 1 month behind schedule. Our plan was to cross into Guatemala, spend 2 weeks in Spanish language classes and then spend the next 4 - 6 weeks exploring the rest of Central America. Plans change, it's now Sept 14th and we have a boat to catch in Panama on Oct 24th. We still want to spend 2 weeks learning Spanish in Guatemala, beginning on on September 26th.

This leaves us with just 16 days to cross the rest of Central America, does this sound reasonable? I know we'll be missing a lot of great sites, but that's the price you have to pay. Any advice?

[markharf]

Sure, no problem. You could do it in a week if you wanted. You'll miss lots, but then again you always miss lots no matter how much time you've got.

Do you have a map? A guidebook? Either of these ought to make the above very clear without too much trouble.

Hope that helps.

Mark

[John Downs]

As Mark says, it is doable in a week if you must. It is roughly 1350 kilometers from Guatemala City to Panama City. About the same as riding from Calgary to Winnipeg, to give you a rough comparison from home. You have to cross 4 or 5 borders depending on how you go, so that takes some time. Stick to the small border crossings and it is a bit less of a pain.

Sounds like you are taking your time and enjoying yourselves. That's the main thing. You could always save Spanish lessons for South America and spend more time enjoying the great sights and backroads in Guatemala. Great mountain riding. And so much natural beauty in rural Costa Rica off the beaten track. I really enjoyed Honduras. No real tourism out in the countryside, and no sights of note, but I really enjoyed riding the backroads of that country.

No matter how much time you have, you will only scratch the surface.

Have fun!
John Downs

[Jordan]

Thanks guys! We thought about taking classes in South America, but it seemed quite a bit more expensive, so we'll stick with our new plan for the moment. Cheers,
Jordan and Sandra

[BruceP]

Originally Posted by Jordan

We're 3 months into our year long Calgary to Argentina trip, currently relaxing in an ocean-front restaurant in southern Mexico and loving it. In fact we've been loving our trip so much that we are currently about 1 month behind schedule. Our plan was to cross into Guatemala, spend 2 weeks in Spanish language classes and then spend the next 4 - 6 weeks exploring the rest of Central America. Plans change, it's now Sept 14th and we have a boat to catch in Panama on Oct 24th. We still want to spend 2 weeks learning Spanish in Guatemala, beginning on on September 26th.

This leaves us with just 16 days to cross the rest of Central America, does this sound reasonable? I know we'll be missing a lot of great sites, but that's the price you have to pay. Any advice?

Go for it.

We ended up going from Guatemala City to Panama in 14 days. It all depends on what you need to see/do. You will always miss something somewhere.

I wish we had been able to do a full 12 months and not the 9 :-(

[BlackBeast]

If you are enjoying your time doing it slowly, stick to that as once you start to rush, you will obviously miss tons and will regret it at a later date. You can always catch another sail boat if that's the main reason you are rushing. We also spent way too much time in Mexico on our trip down last year, but found taking the 2 weeks of Spanish school was well worth the time.
Daryll

[Guillaume]

I would be interested in knowing some about your experience with Spanish courses in Guatemala as I plan to do the same on my upcoming trip down to TDF. Where in Guatemala will you do this ?

Tnx

[dstehouwer]

you can easily spend a year in C-A, but a lot of people do it in a few days... whatever you like.

Some things to consider: (tips I got fro ma guy who lives in Guatemala for 30+ years)
- Costa Rica and Panama are more expensive
- Honduras and Nicaragua are not as interesting as Guatemala, less to see.
(all depends on what you want!)

Spanish class in Quetzaltenango is really affordable, and we thought it was of superb quality. Really professional, very safe bike parking and lots of fun with the host family. (Spanish School Guatemala, Spanish Course Quetzaltenango Xela Guatemala) we really liked it!

See you later! ;-)