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Best places for budget travelers in North America

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Cuba
Tropical rhythms meet historic charm
7.4
Cuba has a network of private homestays called casas particulares that offer clean rooms and home cooked meals. They are usually cheaper than hotels and put visitors in touch with local families. Viazul buses link Havana with the main sights. Travellers should carry cash because foreign bank cards are hard to use.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Varadero Beach
  • 💃 Dance salsa with locals at a lively Havana club
  • 🚗 Ride in a vintage car through Old Havana’s colorful streets
El Salvador
Land of volcanoes and pupusas
6.1
El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America and uses the US dollar. Its size means travellers spend little time and money on transport. Local buses reach most towns at low fares. Hostels and guesthouses in surf towns and mountain villages keep lodging costs down.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Joya de Cerén
  • 🏞️ Relax by the turquoise waters of Lake Coatepeque
  • 🌋 Climb Santa Ana Volcano for panoramic views
Guatemala
Land of diverse climates, volcanoes
5.8
Guatemala has low prices and a well developed backpacker trail. Hostels and guesthouses are common around Lake Atitlan and in the colonial city of Antigua. Colourful local buses and shared shuttles link the main sights at low fares. Spanish schools offer cheap lessons with homestays.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Relax at the stunning shores of Lake Atitlan
  • 🌋 Hike the Acatenango Volcano and see Fuego erupt
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal National Park
Honduras
Tropical diversity with ancient heritage
5.4
Honduras has low prices on the mainland and on the Bay Islands. Diving courses on Utila are known for being affordable. Buses connect the main towns at modest fares. Hostels and guesthouses near the ruins of Copan and along the coast offer simple and cheap places to stay.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike through the misty mountains of La Tigra National Park
  • 🏝️ Relax on the pristine beaches of Roatán Island
  • 🏛️ Explore the UNESCO Copán Ruins, ancient Maya city
Mexico
Land of diverse wonders
7.7
Mexico is a large country with comfortable long distance buses and low local prices. Hostels and guesthouses are easy to find from the beach towns to the colonial cities. Markets and street stalls keep daily food costs low. Inland cities and small towns cost less than the big resorts.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Swim in a cenote amid Yucatán’s limestone caves
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Tulum’s Caribbean beaches
  • 🗿 Explore the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán near Mexico City
Nicaragua
Tropical beauty with volcanic charm
6.7
Nicaragua is one of the cheapest countries in Central America and gets fewer visitors than its neighbours. Hostels in Granada, Leon and beach towns offer beds at low prices. Local buses connect most places at modest fares. Volcanoes, lakes and long beaches give travellers many outdoor adventures that cost little.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Kayak around the tiny islets of Lake Nicaragua
  • 🏘️ Wander through the colorful colonial streets of Granada
  • 🏂 Hike up Cerro Negro volcano and try volcano boarding
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