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Re: Looking for Central America Hiking Advice and Suggestion

Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2012 10:14 pm
by Upstate Hiker
The real question.... Why haven't I been invited, yet?

Re: Looking for Central America Hiking Advice and Suggestion

Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2012 7:40 am
by Scott P
But why bother getting off the plane when in another couple hours you could be in Ecuador, Bolivia or Peru? I've been to C.A. and S.A., and S.A. is much more interesting, culturally and geographically.
They are indeed nice, and highly recommended, but Peru and Bolivia in late November/December are only reasonable if you head to the desert areas, which typically take more time to get to and travel through. The popular climbing areas are all out of season then, and very dangerous, but the remote desert areas are still reasonable. Ecuador climbing season is also a crap shoot then and the weather doesn't usually stabilize until mid or late December.

I've been to South America five times (sometimes on extended trips) and Central America six times (also sometimes on extended trips).

Both have their charms are nice for different reasons. Both have diverse wildlife, but I’d say the easiest areas to see a lot of it are actually in Central America. Places like the Amazon are full of animals, but they aren’t as easy to see as they are in say Punta de Sal in Honduras or Rincon de la Vieja in Costa Rica.

South America definitely has the impressive glaciers and the most alpine peaks. On the other hand, the mountains in places like the Pico Bonito area in Central America are some of the most spectacular I’ve seen and are at least equal (in a different way) to anything I’ve seen in South America. I’d definitely rate it in the top 10 most spectacular places that I’ve been (which includes extensive travel through six of the seven continents and includes places like the Himalayas, Amazon, New Zealand, Alaska, etc.).

Photos just don’t do it justice:

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Culturally, Peru is probably the most interesting country in Latin America, especially in the towns and villages that have no roads to them. Bolivia may be second with Guatemala and Ecuador following very close behind.

Central America is more compact and easier to see in shorter excusions. South America is more spread out and huge; you could spend a lifetime in any of those countries and not see it all.

Re: Looking for Central America Hiking Advice and Suggestion

Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2012 8:07 am
by wildlobo71
cheeseburglar wrote:Some great advice about hiking/mountain walking in Central America.
But why bother getting off the plane when in another couple hours you could be in Ecuador, Bolivia or Peru? I've been to C.A. and S.A., and S.A. is much more interesting, culturally and geographically.
Baby steps sir... and economic scale factor. Hard to fly to SA for $450 RT.

Re: Looking for Central America Hiking Advice and Suggestion

Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2012 9:03 am
by ptyrg
Went to Costa Rica a couple of years ago, and climbed Cerro Chirripo, and Cerro Terbi. Chirripo, is costa Rica's highest peak 12529'. it was a fantastic climb. hiking through many Eco zones including the cloud forest reserve, and bird sancuary. The Town below Chirripo (San Gerardo) Is a great little town with several hostels, restraurant's and even a nice hot springs. I have posted a few pics on summitpost.com Of the Cerro chirripo's nearby spires.

Re: Looking for Central America Hiking Advice and Suggestion

Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2012 9:58 am
by zoriloco
Obviously me being from Guatemala I will suggest it as your destination.

Like you had already mentioned we have the highest volcanos in Central America. There is route called the Trilogy where you climb The Water, Fire & Acatenango Volcanos in 3 days. Although there are several guides I would suggest K'ashem. My family has used them in the past. Their guides are very experienced having climbed the most of the highest peaks in America. Also, when it is needed they even bring security guards to the expeditions. Something that brings peace of mind to any traveler.

Check out their website. If there is anything you might need out there feel free to contact me. Ohh also, in Guatemala you should not have a problem communicating in english with people. Almost all of us speak it since elementray school.

Alan


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Re: Looking for Central America Hiking Advice and Suggestion

Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2012 3:32 pm
by Fisching
Scott P wrote:Guatemala is nice with big volcanoes, Lake Atitlan, great hikes, very cultural (the most in Central America), and with fantastic ruins. Wildlife isn’t as visible and in your face as it is in places like Costa Rica. Crime rates are high, but I’ve never had a problem and most other people don’t either. It’s a hiking paradise.
Kim lived around Lake Atitlan and climbed the volcano named after it back in 2009. If that's something of interest, she can provide details.

Re: Looking for Central America Hiking Advice and Suggestion

Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2012 3:40 pm
by Fisching
Also...

If El Salvador becomes one of your choices for a future trip, let me know. Maryknoll is working in El Salvador and two of the candidates in this year's class are going there. I'd bet travel accommodations could be arranged with someone I know in or around San Salvador.

Re: Looking for Central America Hiking Advice and Suggestion

Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2012 4:01 pm
by idrunk
ptyrg wrote:Went to Costa Rica a couple of years ago, and climbed Cerro Chirripo, and Cerro Terbi. Chirripo, is costa Rica's highest peak 12529'. it was a fantastic climb. hiking through many Eco zones including the cloud forest reserve, and bird sancuary. The Town below Chirripo (San Gerardo) Is a great little town with several hostels, restraurant's and even a nice hot springs. I have posted a few pics on summitpost.com Of the Cerro chirripo's nearby spires.
I climbed Chirripo a few years back and it was a great experience. Stay at Casa Mariposa (http://www.hotelcasamariposa.net/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) at the trailhead for a good nights sleep and a great atmosphere. If you're lucky, the owners Jon and Jill will have a cold Imperial waiting for your return. Wondering around the Cloud Forest Reserve makes for a nice recovery day.

The hike itself isn't too strenuous if you're in decent shape. It gets really steep in a few spots and can become miserable if you hit rain (turning the loamy soil into peanut butter mud.) There's a hut 3/4 of the way up, and many people take a day to make it there and summit/descend the next day.

Happy travels!

Re: Looking for Central America Hiking Advice and Suggestion

Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2012 7:51 pm
by zoriloco
I forgot to mention I'll be down in Guate at the end of Feb beginning of march if you want to meetup for a climb and Take the CO flag up a volcano or 3 let me know.. Lol