picture of Jeff and Sandra, American expats and senior nomads

Central American Travel Guides

American Expats in Central America;
Our Trip Reports, Travel Tips & Expat Life Insights

Our life as American Expats in Central American began in Panama and Costa Rica, where we spent three months as budget-conscious slow travelers. Our two year plan was to spend months in each destination to really get a feel for what it’s like to live there, beyond just the tourist spots. We’re excited to share our experiences, travel tips, and insights into expat life with you.

From navigating Panama City’s busy streets to escaping to the peaceful mountains of Boquete, and from exploring the lively streets of San José to experiencing the laid-back vibes of Puerto Viejo, on this page you’ll find a collection of our most exciting stories and practical advice for anyone considering a similar path.

While Bocas del Toro wasn’t quite our vibe, every destination has taught us something new. Join us as we continue exploring, reflecting, and sharing the highs, the lows, and everything in between on our adventure through Central America.

We had a lot of feedback from reader’s about why our blog posts from our time in Mexico wasn’t on this page, so we added that!

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Is There a “Best” Central American Country for Expats?

If you’ve spent any time researching expat life in Central America, you’ve probably seen countless articles touting the “best” country or city to move to. While guides and rankings can be helpful starting points, the reality is that the best place for you depends on your unique lifestyle, needs, and preferences.

Like many future expats, we once dreamed of retiring to a tropical beach – until we actually tried it. We quickly realized that what looks like paradise in photos or travel blogs may not feel like home in real life. Sometimes, the only way to know what fits is to experience it firsthand.

Social media and “bucket list” articles can create a sense of FOMO, making it seem like you’re missing out if you don’t follow the crowd. But the truth is, every country – and every town – has its own rhythm, community, and quirks. What’s perfect for one expat might not work for another.

Our advice? Use guides like this one to narrow your options, but if possible, spend time exploring a few places before making a decision. Rent for a few months, talk to locals and expats, and see how each location feels day-to-day. You might be surprised by what you discover about yourself—and about Central America.

Our Experiences as American Expats in Mexico City

Our Experiences as American Expats living in Guanajuato City, Mexico

Our experiences, travel tips, and insights from our time in Costa Rica as Nomadic American Expats

Our Experiences as American Expats in Panama

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