Hi! I've got six weeks off this summer and have been looking into going through Central America. Would this be possible to do by bus?What is the bus service like (price, condition, safety, etc)?

Getting around Central America by bus is quite easy and inexpensive. For safety, I would suggest sticking to daytime busses. Bus routes are very extensive, and long distance busses are pretty comfortable. On many routes, the first bus leaves very early int he day, and things tend to peter out in late afternoon, evening.

I'd say get either a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to Central America and see what interestes you. Both have good coverage of well known and less well known places. In six weeks you can see a fair amount.

Check out the Tica Bus site. It goes through central America and is very comfortable.

Another book recommendation:

Simon Calder's "The Panamericana" Although this book only covers the regions you get to with the Pan-American highway.

You might also want to read or post on the travel BB called Thorn Tree at www.lonelyplanet.com

The people there are quite savvy about true budget travel and might have more experience and tips for the type of trip you're thinking of.

I have almost been all over Central America and Mexico and you can go EVERYWHERE by bus. There are all kinds, classes, prices . . . and all are inexpensive.

I agree with Howard, don't travel at night unless you absolutely have to.

It's just my opinion but I've used all kinds of guides and I still think the Lonely Planet are the best. I unfortunately bought the Rough Guide for my impending trip to Nicaragua and it's not nearly as good as the LP. The maps are not as good and the "Getting There/Away" sections are really poor.

There's so much to see/do, I don't think you'll do it justice by trying to see it all in 6 weeks, I'd stick to 3 countries this trip, maybe Guatemala, Belize, Honduras . . . or Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama.

No matter what you decide, you should have an absolutely fantastic time. CA is one of my favorite destinations.

Just remember to pack light, there's not much space for luggage inside most buses and you really don't want your bag out of sight.

Buen viaje,
Sandy ([email protected])