6 Countries in 10 Weeks: Do Again or Skip
Introduction
After traveling for 10 weeks in Central America through 6 countries, here's my "Do Again or Skip" list.
1. Mexico
❌ Skip: Parque Ecológico Kabah, Cancún ✅ Do again: Snorkeling in Bacalar
Parque Ecológico Kabah is a very nice park but the mosquitoes ruined the experience for us. Even with mosquito spray we couldn't even stop for more than 5 seconds.
Bacalar offers calm, warm waters offer excellent visibility over vibrant microbial formations, small fish, and underwater springs, making it ideal for relaxed exploration.
2. Guatemala
❌ Skip: San Marcos La Laguna ✅ Do again: Ixpanpajul National Park, Flores
While San Marcos is often praised for its spiritual vibe, it can feel overpriced and underwhelming if you’re not specifically seeking yoga retreats or wellness circles.
Ixpanpajul is in the shadow of Tikal so much less tourists. It delivers a far more memorable experience with its dense jungle, hanging bridges and wildlife encounters.
3. El Salvador
❌ Skip: Lac de Coatepeque, Santa Ana ✅ Do again: Santa Teresa Hot Springs, Ahuachapan
Beautiful to look at, but the experience is mostly limited to lakeside restaurants and viewpoints. The best view was from the volcano.
Relaxing, affordable, and surrounded by nature, the hot springs offer a much more rewarding and memorable experience (especially having a mud bath after hiking).
4. Nicaragua
❌ Skip: San Juan Del Sur ✅ Do again: Kayaking, Ometepe
Out of season, the town felt quiet and limited, with many tours closed or canceled and not much to do beyond the beach.
Kayaking around Ometepe was peaceful and scenic, offering a unique way to experience the island's nature and wildlife.
5. Costa Rica
❌ Skip: Monteverde Reserve more than once ✅ Do again: Carillo Beach
Monteverde is a must do once, but repeat visits feel similar, with limited variation beyond the cloud forest trails. Wildlife is very rewarding to see, but also very hard.
Quiet, beautiful, and uncrowded, Carrillo Beach is perfect for relaxing, swimming in the waves, snorkeling, and enjoying Costa Rica's coast at its best.
6. Panama
❌ Skip: Feeding Tour, Gatun Lake ✅ Do again: Diving in Bocas del Toro
The tour feels staged and repetitive, with wildlife encounters centered around feeding rather than natural behavior.
Clear water, colorful reefs, and abundant marine life make diving here an exciting and genuinely rewarding experience.