Hello,

Me and my Fiance are taking a 6 month trip through central and south america. We are currently deciding if we want to bring camping gear or not. Do you think it is worth it to carry around all the gear for 6 months to go camping? We do enjoy camping in the US, but we are not sure if it is safe enough to camp in central and south america? Are there alot of good designated camp sites or do most people just camp somewhere in the wilderness? Are the camp sites secure, or do you constantly have to worry about theft etc..? Please let us know any other thoughts you have on this topic.

Thank you!

6 months travel! Sounds wonderful.

I can only speak about Costa Rica and camping. There are no government camp grounds like you would find in US State or Canadian Provincial parks. I do know of several private places to camp including, last time I was there, in Jaco beach and one up in the mountains above Alajuela. I'm sure that several of the hostels have some sort of camping facility as well.

As to security - I wouldn't feel comfortable, meaning I would not even consider, leaving anything unattended anywhere in Central America. Unless it was with someone I knew to be trustworthy.

I have done a great deal of camping throughout the US and Canada and Europe. I wouldn't do it in CA. I'm sure that others will have different points of view though.

I'd say no to lugging gear. Its rough travelling!!!
The school bus can be grueling, and one trip I was wedged in back, standing between a bucket of raw chicken, a bike, our own backpacks, and 10 too many people.

Plus, that school bus isn't on a well kept schedule, and doesn't go door to door. Often you may opt to walk instead of wait for or board a bus. OR, that bus wont have room for your gear.

The good news is, many places will offer hammocks!!
Hammocks on the beach, hammocks by a crater lake, hammocks with access to bathrooms and kitchens, and fires to cook your fish on.

Central America is the great outdoors. No need to bring your own stuff. Check out Quetzel trekkers! They are in two countries, I think, and they provide tents and gear for their cheap, beautiful tours. Plus, they help street kids!!!

Finally- the locals want to help, and want to make some money. You can probably ask around and give someone a few bucks to borrow one.

I agree with everyone. I'd say forget about you camping gear...

Thanks for the advice! I think we will probably leave the majority of it home now. We are still thinking of taking our sleeping pads and sleeping bags though. Do you think those are worth taking? Another poster I think said his pad was essential, and others have felt sleeping bags are unnecessary and they only take sleep sac shells. Do you agree? Also it seems that camping isn't so realistic in Central America, but is it a different situation in South America?
Have a nice day!

quote:

Originally posted by EE:lso it seems that camping isn't so realistic in Central America, but is it a different situation in South America?

Yes. There are far more opportunities for hiking and camping in South America, but I'd still recommend traveling as light as possible.

what great timing for this thread. i leave for guat tommorow and was unsure about bringing a tent...thanks guys i just got rid of 10 lbs of equipment!

Have a great trip!!
Don't forget your rain gear though. It might prove invaluable!

I brought camping gear for my 3 month trip i just got back from. I camped 11 out of 90 days. if you really enjoy sleeping outside it may be ok, but you may end up on private proprty a lot. most locals dont mind if you ask them first. definatly dont bring cooking gear.

I have camped in both Costa Rica and Belize. I've found that it is possible to camp in many places that are not listed as having "campgrounds" in Lonely Planet books. I would definitely recommend bringing camping gear on a Central America trip. Bringing a tent will allow you greater flexibility in traveling and can save you quite a bit of money. In untrampeled jungle areas, however, it may be impossible to find a clear area to set up a tent.

The hostels are quite inexpensive and provide breakfast as well as shower. The buses are really tight and will charge you gringo tax for your packs and kit. Travel light.