Lush tropical greenery overlooking a vibrant blue ocean on a sunny day in Tulum, Mexico.
6 stops · 3 countries · ~1,698 km

The Central America Trail

From the Caribbean coast of Mexico through the Chiapas highlands to Antigua and Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, then down to colonial León and Granada in Nicaragua. The best hostels at every stop, and how to get to the next one.

Photo: Exequiel Labiano on Pexels.

🗺️ stops
6
🌏 countries
3
🛏️ hostels
187
💸 best cheap bed (Tulum)
€0.44

The route

Map © OpenStreetMap contributors, OpenFreeMap. The line joins the stops in order; it is not a road or flight path.

Stop by stop

  1. Getting to San Cristobal de las Casas · ~669 km as the crow flies

    • ADO overnight busabout 16–21 h
    • Fly Cancún → Tuxtla Gutiérrez, then shuttleabout 6 h door to door

    ✈️ Search flights CUN → TGZ

    Times are typical ranges; operators change schedules, so check before you book. Sources: Rome2Rio, Bookaway.

  2. Getting to Antigua · ~317 km as the crow flies

    • Tourist shuttle via La Mesilla borderabout 10–13 hMostly Monday–Friday, with a vehicle change at the border; check your government's advice for the border area.

    Times are typical ranges; operators change schedules, so check before you book. Sources: Living in Guatemala, Gecko Routes.

  3. Getting to San Pedro la Laguna · ~60 km as the crow flies

    • Shuttle to the lakeabout 4–4.5 hMorning and early-afternoon departures daily.

    Times are typical ranges; operators change schedules, so check before you book. Sources: Living in Guatemala.

  4. Getting to Leon · ~537 km as the crow flies

    • Shuttles via El Salvador and HondurasNo direct shuttle. Shuttles between León and the El Salvador coast take about 11–12 h, so the trip is usually broken there.
    • Fly Guatemala City → Managua, then 1.5 h to León

    ✈️ Search flights GUA → MGA

    Times are typical ranges; operators change schedules, so check before you book. Sources: Magpie.

  5. Getting to Granada · ~115 km as the crow flies

    • Tourist shuttleabout 2.5 hUsually one a day in the morning.
    • Local buses via Managuaabout 4–6 h

    Times are typical ranges; operators change schedules, so check before you book. Sources: A Social Nomad, Don't Stop Living.

FAQ

What is the Central America Trail?

From the Caribbean coast of Mexico through the Chiapas highlands to Antigua and Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, then down to colonial León and Granada in Nicaragua.

How long is the Central America Trail?

About 1,698 km in straight lines between our 6 stops (Tulum, San Cristobal de las Casas, Antigua, San Pedro la Laguna, Leon, Granada); real road and rail distances are longer.

Which countries does the Central America Trail go through?

Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua.

Where is the cheapest good hostel bed on the Central America Trail?

Tulum: Oryx Hostel Tulum, rated 8.4 on Hostelworld, from €0.44 a night (the lowest dorm price among hostels rated 8+ from 50+ reviews, 11 October 2026).

Hostel prices and ratings from Hostelworld's public listings (11 October 2026). Distances are straight-line between city centres. AirConnect may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.