Career Breaks and Grown Up Gap Years in Central America

Quick Travel Guide to Central America

Central America is sometimes see as the "Ultimate Challenge" for backpackers and young people who feel that getting around is an adventure in itself. However, if Central America is on your itinerary, you'll find a continent full of diverse culture and history as well as some beautiful beaches and luxury resorts to holiday in. All in all Central America is a fabulous destination for the older traveller.

If you are thinking of taking a career break, alternative holiday or golden gap year in Canada, we think the following will come in handy:

When to go

Obviously the best time to go varies from country to country but when planning that alternative holiday in Central America it's best to avoid the rainy season between May and November when hurricanes and tropical storms can be prevalent. If you are heading for a beach holiday resort then April to June is highly recommended.

Weather

The temperature in Central America is normally determined by the altitude you are at, the lower you are the hotter it is! Another factor is the ocean - resulting in a tropical climate with lots of rain! However hours of sunshine are typically high throughout the year in Central America - ranging from 7 hours in the wet season to around 10 in the dry months. Again the weather depends on the country you are taking your retirement or extended holiday in: Mexico virtually has no rain at all from November through to April; Cuba's summer lasts from December to May; December and January in Guatemala will usually give you clear blue skies; it's hottest in Honduras from February to June; Costa Rica can be wet but on the Pacific coast in December through to April it is dry and hot; Panama's dry season is December to April; the nicest time to visit the hot country that is Belize is the January to May dry season; and Nicaragua's dry spell lasts from November through to May.

Useful Links:

BBC: Central America Weather Page

Things to do

There are so many great things to do on a career break or alternative grown up gap year in Central America, whether it's enjoying a jungle trek, experiencing Mayan and Aztec history, or soaking up the sights and sounds of some of the major cities you'll find that the countries of Central America can easily fill up your time.

We've picked out some of the best things to do with your time.

Discover the Mayans and the Aztecs

Long before the Europeans arrived, Mexico was home to many indigenous peoples, with the Olmec, Maya and powerful Aztec cultures the most notable. Mayan cities can still be found in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize where Copán and Tikal are two spectacular examples. A trip to Mexico should take in the Aztec ruins.

Visit Mexico City

Mexico City could quite reasonably be described as the most fascinating city in the world. Where else could you see Aztec ruins mixed in with Spanish history and modern architecture. The sights, sounds and colour of this vast metropolis of over 21 million people stand out in the memory of all who visit.

Visit Mexico Tourism Website

Touch down in Honduras

If you ask people where Honduras is, chances are they’ll have heard of it, but aren’t quite sure where it is. (It’s mid Central America between Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala). However it is becoming more popular and rightly so – it houses stunning beaches, great diving sites, ancient Mayan ruins, a great climate, friendly people and fascinating culture.

Visit the Honduras Tourism Website

Don't miss our Focus on Honduras review!

Smoke a Cuban Cigar

Cuba is one of the most fascinating countries to visit and highly recommended for that alternative holiday or part of your golden gap year. A good reason alone would be to witness the past rule of a socialist country. But with colonial architecture, Che Guevera murals everywhere, sugar cane plantations and mojitos by the bucketload combined with powder white beaches, vibrant salsa classes and 1950s cars to admire, Cuba is one of the hottest destinations to visit right now. And don't forget to try a Cuban cigar!

Don't miss our Budget Guide to Cuba review!