It’s hard to summarize a 4-month trip through 8 countries to give an overall perspective of Central America and the Yucatan peninsula. For example, we stayed only 2 days in Honduras... and we did see Central America at it’s hottest time. However, some places do stick out in our minds for better or for worse. Here is an insight into our favourites.

Costa Rica always had a little more than just chicken, rice and beans on the menu... and their salads varied greatly. It was also one of those countries that seemed to have a restaurant whenever we were hungry.

Nicaragua, although the 2^nd poorest country in the western hemisphere, always managed to serve tasty food and generous portions for cyclists appetites.

Guatemala wins this award hands down. The beef was as tough as doornails, which is a pity as chicken, beans and rice (with or without egg) tend to be quite bland and repetitive, to say the least.

 

Favourite Towns



















 

Antigua, Guatemala:
Colourful colonial houses, churches and plazas in a unique setting, with views of volcanoes on all sides, make this cobblestone town a real treasure.

 

Granada, Nicaragua:
On the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Granada has its fair share of colonial buildings, nicely restored and painted, making it a real trap for ex-pats.

 

Dirtiest Town


 

We were very disappointed with the level of rubbish in northern Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and the Caribbean coast of Mexico. The town that sticks out in our minds as the worst by far is Jocoro, El Salvador.

San Blas Islands, Panama:
Who hasn’t dreamt of a little island of white-sand beaches and a couple of coconut palms for shade? San Blas on the Caribbean is your dream come true.


 

Pacific Coast, Panama:
For a change from the white sand, Panama's Pacific coast offers a variety of black and golden-sand beaches with the most amazing sunsets and great camping opportunities.
 

Favorite Markets














 

Every town in Guatemala seems to have a colourful, happening market... but we do have 2 favorites.
Chichicastenango:
On Thursdays and Sundays this town fills with locals from the surrounding hills selling handicrafts and basically anything you can think of! What makes it are the colourful costumes and the friendly smiles of the various indigenous Mayas.

Tikal, Guatemala:
Huge Mayan pyramids towering over the jungle canopy with howler monkeys and a concert of birds make Tikal one of those places you’ll never forget.

 

Chichen Itza, Mexico:
The astronomical knowledge that went into the construction of these buildings, coupled with its artistic stone carvings justify Chichen Itza’s claim to one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Ometepe, Nicaragua:
This dumbbell shaped island on Lake Nicaragua composing of 2 volcanoes is a perfect place to ‘climb a mountain or jump in a lake!’

 

Semuc Champey, Guatemala:
A series of terraced pools, Semuc Champey is natural water works at its best.



 

Coban - Chisec, Guatemala: 70km
Cardamom, coffee, corn and pine plantations form the backdrop for traditional Mayan houses on this mostly downhill stretch, with panoramic views on every corner.

 

Sian Ka’an Reserve, Mexico: 120km
From Felipe Carillo Puerto to Punta Allen we enjoyed a very quiet trail through the jungle with butterflies and birds adding to the authenticity of this Reserve. Then with spectacular views of the Caribbean, the leg to Tulum rounded off the experience nicely.