The Gringo Trail is an itinerary that includes popular destinations for travelers in Latin America: Mexico, Central America, and South America. While the term “Gringos” typically refers to travelers from the United States and other foreign visitors, it can carry a derogatory tone among those who favor off-the-beaten-path destinations over crowded tourist spots.

Venturing off the beaten path can indeed be thrilling. Great adventures await in remote locales; however, Central America’s well-known attractions offer unique experiences as well. The Latin American hotspots typically associated with The Gringo Trail are popular for valid reasons. Even within these popular areas, unique neighborhoods and attractions often go unnoticed by many travelers, similar to well-visited destinations in the United States.

The Gringo Trail typically encompasses the following destinations:

Mexico

Destinations in Mexico along The Gringo Trail usually include the island of Isla Mujeres, the city and Mayan ruins of Tulum, the famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, and the vibrant town of Playa del Carmen.

Tikal, Guatemala

Tikal is arguably the most impressive Mayan archaeological site in Central America. Situated in Northern Belize’s El Peten region, these ruins can take several days to explore. Many travelers opt to stay in the nearby village of Flores and shuttle to and from the Tikal ruins for convenience.

Antigua Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala is another popular destination in Guatemala, known for its colonial charm and stunning scenery surrounded by volcanoes. This vibrant city is celebrated as a prime location to learn Spanish, making it a favorite among travelers and backpackers alike.

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Nestled in the Guatemala Highlands, Lake Atitlan boasts picturesque scenery with a dozen charming Mayan villages along its shores. The most frequented villages, Panajachel and San Pedro La Laguna, provide travelers with lively experiences, though less touristy villages are also worth exploring.

Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, Belize

Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are idyllic Caribbean islands located near the Belize Barrier Reef. Ambergris Caye’s main settlement, San Pedro Town, offers a vibrant atmosphere with various activities, whereas Caye Caulker is renowned for its laid-back, backpacker-friendly environment. Both islands are popular for diving, snorkeling, and other water sports.

The Bay Islands, Honduras

The Bay Islands of Honduras include Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja. Roatan is the largest and most frequented by travelers, offering easy access with direct flights from the United States. Utila is particularly favored by backpackers seeking affordable accommodation and scuba diving certification, while Guanaja and the Cayos Cochinos are quieter and equally stunning.

The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

The Nicoya Peninsula, located on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, is famous for its beautiful beaches. The main beaches linked to The Gringo Trail are Playa Tamarindo, which is known for its busyness, and Playa Montezuma, which offers a more relaxed surfing atmosphere.

Playa Jaco, Costa Rica

Playa Jaco, located on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, is a hotspot for surfers. Although the beaches here may not rank among the best in Costa Rica, the surf breaks are renowned, and the energetic village of Jaco provides plenty of dining and nightlife options.

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo, on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, showcases a more Caribbean flair while retaining its distinct Costa Rican character. This charming location, while less crowded than the Pacific Coast, offers easy access to even more secluded beaches and villages.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

The Bocas del Toro Archipelago, situated close to the Costa Rican border on the Caribbean side, is becoming increasingly popular among travelers, especially Bocas Town on Isla Colon and Isla Bastimentos. The diving opportunities in Bocas del Toro are world-class, attracting adventure seekers.

South America

Destinations in South America along The Gringo Trail include the ancient archaeological wonders of Machu Picchu in Peru and the stunning Monte Verde in Chile, each offering vibrant cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes.

Tip

One standout approach to sidestep tourist crowds on The Gringo Trail is to travel during the off-season, particularly during the Central American rainy season. While stormy weather is more likely, rainfall is typically light and will not significantly disrupt travel plans. Consequently, you’ll discover much lusher landscapes and vibrant vegetation during this time!